between us are general, while the points of difference are only few and particular.
What, we would ask, is our state with respect to knowledge and practice f
[From education we have obtained some general notions of Christianity. But what views have we of the extreme depravity of our nature, and the total alienation of our hearts from God ? What insight have we into the way of salvation, as honouring all the perfections of the Deity, and as rendering Christ the hope, the joy, the glory of the universe ? Is the beauty of holiness, or the nature and excellence of the spiritual life clearly discerned amongst us ? Are the devices of Satan known ? and are we so exercised in the use of the Christian armour, as to be able to " fight a good fight," and " war a good warfare ? "
Is not our practice too as defective as our knowledge ? Satan is " the God of this world," " the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." And by what do we discover his agency ? is it not by the wickedness to which he instigates the world ? See then, whether he do not exercise his power over us. Do not envy, wrath, malice, revenge, too often dwell in our hearts? Are not pride, ambition, covetousness, and earthly-mindedness, the principles which actuate us in almost all our pursuits ? Do we not harbour in our bosom sensuality, uncleanness, lasciviousness, and a whole host of evil passions ! What greater proof can we have, that we are yet " in the snare of the devil, and led captive by him at his will?"]
To rectify the state of our hearers with respect to these things, is the immediate object of our labours —
[We wish " to open the eyes of men, and to turn them from darkness unto light." It is with this view that we set forth the " unparalleled deceitfulness, and desperate wicked- ness of the heart :" it is with this view that we exhibit Christ in all his fulness, suitableness, and sufficiency : in short, it is with this view that we study, and labour, and pray : and it is the hope of being useful in enlightening your minds, that makes our crosses easy, and our burthens light.
We know, that if light once come into your minds, we may hope to see you cast off the yoke of Satan, and become " the freemen of the Lord." While you continue in darkness, we arc aware that you must of necessity remain under the power of the evil one : but when you have learned what pro- vision is made for you in the Gospel, and how effectual the operations of the Holy Spirit shall be for your restoration to
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God, we anticipate the result, and rejoice in the prospect of your perfect emancipation. This is the end we desire to accomplish ; even that you may be brought to surrender up yourselves unreservedly to God, and live as entirely under his influence, as you have hitherto lived under the influence of Satan.]
But these objects, important as they are, are only means to a further end, which we call,
II. The ultimate object of our labours —
It were a small matter to rectify your sentiments, or to change your conduct, if we did not succeed also in our ulterior objects ; namely,
1. The bringing you into a state of acceptance with God—
[What would any change avail you, if you were under the guilt of unpardoned sin ? That you all need forgiveness, you yourselves will not deny. And that the attainment of it is the most desirable of all objects, is a truth, which, in sea- sons of reflection, you cannot but feel. In a dying hour especially, if your minds are at all suitably impressed, you would account it of more value than the whole world. This then, beloved brethren, is what we desire to bring you to. It is painful, inexpressibly painful to us, to see you perishing in the midst of mercy. We long for your salvation : we would account the salvation of a soul as the richest recompence we can possibly receive : and on this account we endeavour to take }-ou by the hand, and to lead you to Christ. We assure you in God's name, that " the blood of Christ will cleanse you from all sin;" and that " all who believe shall be justified from all things." And then do we feel most truly happy, when we see you enjoying peace with God, and walking with him as your reconciled God and Father.]