I am aware that this is a truth but little considered ; a truth, the very mention of which is, by the gene- rality of Christians, accounted visionary at least, if not impious and profane. But if this truth be not admitted, yea, and admitted too as a matter of primary importance, all that we shall have to advance, in our remaining discourses, will only create disgust. I beg, therefore, that this be duly weighed ; that the text, in conjunction xvith the context, be diligently studied ; and that prayer be offered by us all to Almighty God, who has promised to "give wisdom to those who ask it at his handsb;" that so our minds may be led to receive the word with candour, and our hearts be opened to embrace it. If we enter not into a candid investigation of this subject, the word will only prove a stumbling-block to our feet, and " become a savour of death unto death," instead of being, as I would wish it, " a savour of life unto lifec." Verily there is a great fault, both amongst Christian ministers and Christian hearers, in relation to it. Ministers in general enter not, by any means, with sufficient clear- ness and fulness into this part of divine truth. Many, who, at the time of their ordination, have professed that they were " moved by the Holy Ghost" to take upon them the ministerial office, and have joined in that heavenly anthem —
" Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, And lighten with celestial fire ; Thou the anointing Spirit art, Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart ; Thy blessed unction from above Is comfort, life, and fire of love ; " —
I say, many who have thus, in the presence of the whole Church, professed their faith as in perfect accordance with our subject, in their ministrations altogether overlook it, except at the time appointed by the Church for the special consideration of it ; and even then they touch it but superficially, and bring it forward only lest the expectation of the people, who look for some instruction respecting it,
b Jam. i. 5. c 2 Cor. ii. 16.