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THE

WORKS
REV.

P.

T)ODDRIDGE,

VOLUME

D. D,

V.

CONTAINING,

A COURSE OF LECTURES ON PNEUMA

TOLOGY, ETHICS AND DIVIXITY, (coNTINUED.)
II. Lectures on preaching and the
SEVERAL branches OF THE MINISTEEIAL OFFICE.

I.

III.

Letters on various subjects.

IV.

table of such SCRIPTUaES AS

are illustrated in these works.

V. Gener.\l index to the first five

volumes.

LEEDS:
PRINTED BY EDWARD BAINES^
rOR THE editors; CONDER, BUCKLERSBURYJ button, PAl ernoster-row;
WILLIAMS, stationers'-court; baynes, paternoster-rov.'; ogle,

great-turn-stile; nunn, queen-street; and jones, paternoster-row, LONDON; and for baines, and binns,
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YORK; OGLE AND AIKMAN, EDINBURGH; M.
OGLE,

GLASGOW ; CROOKES, KOTHERHAM)

AND ABEL, NORTHAMPTON.
ISOi.

PHINOJaTOK

>v.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME

V.

.....

?ACE.

I.

Lectures on

II.

divinity, (Continued)

LECTURES ON PREACHING AND THE SEVERAL BRANCHES

OF THE MINISTERIAL OFFICE, INCLUDING THE CHARACTERS
OF THE MOST CELEBRATED MINISTERS AMONG DISSENTERS
AND IN THE ESTABLISHMENT
.
;
.
.421
.

III.

IV.

LETTERS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS

506

A TABLE OF SUCH SCRIPTURES AS ARE ILLUSTRATED IN

THESE WORKS

583

V.

GENERAL INDEX TO THE FIRST FIVE VOLUMES

.591

COURSE OF LECTURES
ON

THE PRINCIPAL SUBJECTS

IN

PNEUMATOLOGY, ETHICS,
AND

DIVINITY

WITH

REFERENCES TO THE MOST CONSIDERABLE AUTHORS

ON EACH SUBJECT.

TO WHICH ARE NOW ADDED,

MANY ORIGINAL NOTES.

VOL.

V.

T VI;
LECTURES ON DIVINITY,
'^

IN

WHICH THE GENUINENESS AND CREDIBILITY OF THE OLD AND

NEW TESTAMENT ARE ASSERTi.D AND VINDICATED.

LECT. CXI.
Testimonies

to

the Antiquity of Christianity.

1. Prop *. 'L/HRISTIANITY is not a modern religion, but

was maintained and professed by great multitudes quickly after
the time in which Christ, its supposed founder,
appeared, i. e. in the days of Tiberius C^sar.

is

said to

have

2. Deni. 1. There is a series of books written by Christian authors, who are said to have lived, some in the frst, some
in the second century, besides a multitude in those that follow ;

concerning the genuineness of which

we have

as

much

satisfac-

whether
Jewish or Pagan.; particularly Clemens Romanus, Ignatius,
and PoLYCARP, in less than an hundred years after the time
mentioned ; Justin Martyr, Iren^eus, Tatian, AthenagoRAs, and Theophilus Antiochenus, in less than 200 years ;
tion as concerning that of

any other ancient

writers,

whom see

any historical dictionary not to menwhose books are now lost, but whose
writings are mentioned by Eusebius and other ancients, by
whom also some considerable fragments of them are preserved ;
for accounts of
tion a great

of

many

whom see Z.ect.

3. 2.

Some

others,

14.

of the most ancient y^a^wA books, said to have

been written about these 1700 years, expressly mention the

Christians^ and bitterly inveigh against

them *.

4. 3. It plainly appears that Celsus,

Porphyry, Hiero-

CLEs, Julian, and many other heathen writers, assaulted Chrisand several fragments of their
tianity with great bitterness
;

writings are preserved in those of the christian apologists,

a Lardseb's Jewish and Heathen

Test. vol.

i.

c. vii.

i\.

Lard.ner's Works,

by

vol. vii. p. 1S7.

* See a good view of the argument contained in this and the followingproposition in Dr. Leland's reflections on Lord Bolincbroke's letters on the
study of history, p. 105122. C.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

vi.

"wliom they were answered, and whose pieces are allowed to be

genuine, though many of the heathen originals are unhappily

Their antagonists were Origen, Methodius, Eusebius,
Gregory Nazianzen, and Cyril.

lost.

5. 4.

Tacitus

assures us, that in

Nero's days there was

a multitude of christians, not only in Judea, where he tells lis

that religion began, but in Home ; against whom Nero raised
a persecution, attended with such circumstances of ignominy

and cruelty, as moved the compassion of their enemies intimating also that this was not the first attempt to crush that sect^
;

Suetonius also expressly mentions the punishment

upon the christians by Nero

6. 5.

''.

inflicted

^ 7. 6. Y*Li-NY junior informs Trajan at large of his proceedings against the christians in Bithynia, and after having borne
a very honourable testimony to the morality and virtue of their

"

character, says,

that multitudes of both sexes of persons of

which was got

he begun to put the
laws in execution against them, the temples of the heathen deities were almost deserted, and few could be found to buy victims
every rank were infected with

this superstition,

into villages as well as cities

so that,

till

for them'^."

S. To which we may add the answer of the emperor to

him, forbidding the christians to be sought out, but commanding
them to be punished if they presented themselves {ibid. Ep.
98.) and also the epistle of Tiberianus governor of Palcestina
Prima to Trajan on the same subjec't, and nearly parallel to
this of Pliny, which is preserved by John Malala in the second book of his chronicles, and pubhslied by Archbishop Usher
in his Appendix Tiberiana, to the genuineness of which nothing
:

can be reasonably objected

who

collect

omitted

testimonies of

so that
this

strange, that so

it is

kind

many

should have entirely

it.

Nearly akin

to this also

is

Serrenius Grania-

the letter of

Nus, proconsul of Asia, to Adrian, with the rescript of Adrian

himself in favour of the christians, mentioned by Justin Martyr, and also by Melito as quoted by Eusebius
''.

9. T.

LuciAN expressly mentions the

a Tacit. Annal. 1. xv. c.

t,AiiDNi;R vol. ii. c. V. {

Works,
t)

d BisPOE

'\\.
'i.

vol. vii.

(i.

253255

LardnEK,
O PliN.

Works, vol. vil.

Lz. Ep. 97.

c. viii, ix,

p. 99, 100.
ibid. c. IX. i 3. c. ii

'Works,

vol.

vii.

and xxvi.
1 2,

p.

3.

291294,

3.5K .164.

ibid. c. viii. J i.

tpist.

at Boyle's Lect. p. 449, 430.

tusKB. Hist. 1. iv.

Just. Mart. Op.

L ARnNER,

Sl'Eion. Nero, c. Jtvi.

PlTlsC. Annol. in Loc,

christians, as per-

p. 266.
.

JOJiTL^'d licuui:l^oa Cccto' Hist. vol.

ii.

p.

Lect.

CXI. Testimonies to the Antiquities of Christianity.

forming some extraordinary w^orks, as resolutely bearing extreme sufferings, as expressing a great contempt of heathen
deities, and as remarkable for their mutual charity, as well as
for the prophets and the missionaries of their churches
and
though the author of the P hilopatris be not certainly known, it
is undoubtedly a ver}' ancient piece, in which christians and
their affairs are expressly mentioned in a great variety of circumstances^.
:

10. 8. Marcus Antoninus expressly mentions the christians as examples of an obstinate contempt of death ; and in

community of Asia, (quoted from Melito,

emperor's time, by Euseb. Eccles, Hist. 1.
iv. c. 1.3.) speaks of the christians as having for a considerable
time be^n persecuted even to death. Slc also Justin Martyr's
apology to M. Anton, ap. Op. p. 101, 102. To which we may
add, that Epictetus is generally supposed to have referred to
them, when he speaks of the fortitude with which the Galileans
endured the severest torments and Galen, the celebrated physician, in the second century, uses the obstinacy of the chrishis Constitutions to the

who wrote

in this

tians in

defending their tenets, as a proverbial expression''.

Justin Martyr, in his dialogue with Trypho,

mentioning the practice of the Jews, to curse the christians in
their synagogues, charges it upon them as a known fact, " that
after the death of Christ, and while Jerusalem was yet standing,
they sent out chosen men from them into all the world, to inform
them that the new sect of the christians was an atheistical sect
expressly to contradict the doctrine of Christ's resurrection and
ascension, and to warn them in the moit solemn manner against
II. 9.

receiving

it

'^.

12. 10. The same Justin Martyr, not much above 100
years after the death of Christ, declares it as a notorious fact,
*' that there was no nation of men, whether Greek or Barbariaiiy

not excepting even those wild stragglers the Amaxobii, and

Nojnadcs, who had no fixed habitation, who had not learned to
invoke the one father and former of all things, in the name of

who was

Jesus

and though one may allow some-

crucified :"

a MOYLE's Works, p. 261263.

Posih. Works, vol. i. p. 285, &c.

HUET. Dem. Evang.

ad

p. 41, 42. Prop.

b
5

20.

ii.

p.

iii.

fia.

LueiAN de Morte
^5ti5

Pereg. ap. Op. vol.

S()7.

Pseudomant, ib. vol. ii. p. 419

BiscfiE at Boyle's Lect. p. 45U,4il,
I

Laed>'EK, ibid. c. xix. passim.

Works, vol. viii. p. 6981.

423.

Marc. Anton.

1.

xi. c.

iii.

CLEinci Hist. Eccles. p. 543.

Akr. Epict. 1. V. c. vii. p. 4flO.
Lardner'6 Heath. Test. vol. ii. c.
i

c. xiv.

ii.

c.

XV.

xxi. c. x, ? 6.

i 2.

Works, vol. viii. p. 90. vol. vii. p.

3o4, ^c.
c Just. Mart. Trypho, p. 169 171, and 368.
Ed. Tliirlb.

Lardner's Cred.

Works,

vol.
vol.

i.

i.

1. i

c. viii. H.

p. 171,

&c.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

10

PaRT

Vl.

thing hyperbolical in the expression, it must undoubtedly conmost important testimony to the fact asserted in the proposition, parallel to which is a celebrated passage in Tertultain a

LiAN referred

to

below

^.

13. Schol. 1. It is observable, that most of these \vriters,

at the same time that they mention the christians as a body of

men

then in being, do also mention the persecutions thej^ enan important fact, which is also further confirmed by
the apologies of Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Minutius

dured

Felix, Athenagoras and Origen which are undoubtedly to

be reckoned among the most valuable remains of antiquity ^.
;

^14. 2. It seems exceeding probable, that when Seneca,

{apud August. Civ. Dei, vi. 11.) Tacitus, Dio, Numatian,
and other pagan writers speak of the vast increase of the Jewish
sect about their age, and of the severe punishments inflicted

upon them

for their religion, they

do

at least include, if not

whom

they looked upon as

a branch of the Jews ; because the founders and first teachers of
principally refer to the Christians,
Christianity

were by birth of that nation

'^

*.

LECT. CXII.
Testimonies

to

the CruciJixio7i of Christ.

HERE

was such a person as Jesus of Nazareth^

1. Prop. JL
the founder of the christian religion ; and he was crucified at
Jerusalem, about seventeen hundred years ago,
reign of Tiberius Casar.

i.

e.

during the

2. Dem. 1. There were a multitude of men, who called

themselves by the name of Christ, and professed the religion
which he was said to have founded, a little after tiie time in
which we assert that he lived. Lect. 111. 1
r. Mart. Trypho, p. 388. Thirlb. Ed.
'lERTL'i.. Apol. c. xxxvii. ap. Op. p. 30.
A|). Reeves'!! A|k)I. vol. i. p.3'ZJ 3?6.

a Jis

ilACKNiCHi'sTruthoftlie Gospel
lii-c. iv. 5

Hist.

Book

l.p.4S9.

b Dodd. x. Serm. No.

Ch.and. of Pcisecur.
c

viii. p.

p.

'226230.

17 ;J0.

M.\cknr;ht, ibid, i 2. p. it's.

Huet. Dem. i'c.S.i -'1. p. 42.

* Several of the foregoin;:: testimonies represent the Christians as extremely

numerous indeed, even in the first and second centuries, particularly those quoted
So tliat it should seem that in many places they vastly
gr. 4, 6, 1, and 10.
exceeded the heathens in number which, nevertheless, from other considerations
:

appears to be very improbable. We must, tliercl'ore, consider these repiesentatious

ralli<-r as strains of rhetoric, than as strict truth, and 1)'^'" matters of fact."

Burnet's

104 11 U,

Letters, p.

168170.

Moyle's

14'2 16'2, 292297, 3iiO327.

M.

PoiVh.

Work*,

vol.

ii.

p. 82,

83,

Lect.

Testimonies

cxii.

to the

Crucijixion of Christ.

Wc

can never imagine they would have done this,

3. 2.
especially at so great a hazard of their possessions and their
they had not been well assured tliat he was a
and not merely a fictitious name.
^ 4. 3. Tacitus expressly says, that he was the author of
the christian name, and " that he was put to death by Ponlius
Tacit.
Pilate, the Roman procurator for Tiberius C^sar.^'
And Pliny, in the passage quoted before,
Ann. 1. XV. c. 44
(Lect III. 7.) asserts, " that the christians sung a hymn to
Christ as to a God."
Jives, {Schol. 1.) if

real person,

5. 4. The primitive christians appeal to the acts of Pilate^

as giving an account of the innocence and death of Christ
and
:

though we readily allow those now extant to be spurious, yet

we can never think such writers would have made such appeals,
especially to the very person in whose keeping these monuments
were, (if tliey were at all) had they not been satisfied of their
existence and contents ^ *.
6. 5. It is very probable, that Suetonius refers to Christy
when he says, " that Claudius Cresar expelled all the Jc'ws
from Pome, on account of the tumults which they raised, impulsore Chresto" i. e. probably, on accoimt of Christ, whom it
Comp. Acts xviii. 2.
is certain thev often called Chrestus^.
7. 6. ^Lius Lampridius, assures us, that the emperor
Alexander Severus entertained such high thoughts of Christ,
that he would have admitted him among the number of his deities, and built a temple to him, had not his pagan subjects vigorously opposed it
8. 7. Porphyry also, though an inveterate enemy to Christianity, not only allowed that there was such a person as Christ,
but honoured him as a most wise and pious man, translated
into heaven, as being approved by the Gods
and accordingly
quotes some oracles, referring both to his sufferings and virtues,
with their subsequent rewards
'^.

"*.

Mart. ApoI. p. 76.

Tertull. A))or. c. xxi.

a Just.

DiTTON on

the Res. p.

Lardner's Cred.

c. 84. e.

Works,

416420. Ed. 1712.

p.

467470.

455

p. 60S 624.
vol. ii. p. 298;301. vol.

UODD. on
iii.

p.

]).

I.

i.e.

ii.

3.

246. vol. vii.p. 266.

i 7.

i.

No.

ii. iii.

Si'Aiil".

de

Arts, xviii. 2.
Vit.

Serv.

Laroser's Heath.

i^"'.

Addison

i.

i.

Vit. Paul,

L'sHER's Annals, Jul. Per. 4767.

Vanda! e de Orac.
Fabric. Cod.

vol.

vol.

Wits. Meltflem. de

of Christianity, c. i. {7.
JORTis'sRem. vol. i. p. 2 4SUETON. Claud, c. XXV. No. xii.
PiTlsc. Not in Loc. vol. i. p. 6H9.
Vandai-E de Orac. p. 60
607.

iii

c.

XXXV.

Works,

c.

xxix,

Te.^t. vol.

and
ii.

xliii.

c.

ii.

4. vol.

vol. vii. p. 364

367.
Et'SF.B. Dem. Evang. I. iii- p- 134.
Lardner's Heath. Test. vol. ii. c. xxxvii. J 10.
Works, vol. viii. p. 176 248.

* The question concerning the acts of Pilate, and his letter to Tiberius, is parby Dr. LARD^fF.R, who in his general sentiments upon the subject coincides with Dr. Doddridge.
Lardner's Works, vol. vii. p. 231 244. K.
ticularly considered

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

12

Part

vi.

Celsus likewise mentions numberless circumstances

(indeed so many, that an abstract of
the christian history might almost be taken from the very fragments of his book preserved by Origen ;) and never pretends
to dispute his real existence, or the truth of the facts \

9. 8.

in the history of Christ

10. 9. HiERocLEs also, under the fictitious name of Philahthes, in a book which Eusebius has expressly quoted and
largely answered, speaks of Jesus as extolled by the Christians
as a God, for giving sight to the bhnd, and doing some other
wonders of that kind and also speaks of Peter and Paul as crying him up in so extraordinary a manner; though he foolishly
endeavours to shew that Apollonius was equal and even superior to him, of which we shall afterwards treat ^.
;

11. 10. It is a most notorious fact, that (so far as we can

learn) the enemies of Christianity' never disputed the existence of

such a person as Christ, nor his dying as his followers assert ;

but on the contrary, upbraided them with it as their greatest
reproach ; the Jews calling him in derision >i^r), i. e. the cruciand many of the heafied person, and his followers n^D H^y
thens, particularly Lucian, deriding him as a crucified impostor;
and Julian himself, who was one of the most learned as well as
the most inveterate enemies against Christianity, though he had
himself been educated among the christians, and therefore probably knew this religion thoroughly, never goes about to dispute
this fact
but owns, not only the being, but, as we shall after;

wards observe, the miracles of Christ

^.

Valet propositio.

We do

not here argue from that celebrated

passage, in which Josephus bears such a remarkable testimony
12. Schol. 1.

to Christ''.

most certain that

It is

it is

to

be found

in all the

manuscript

copies of Josephus, and that it was very early quoted by the

christian fathers, particularly Eusebius and Jerome.
The two
chief objections are,
13. (I.) That neither Justin Martyr, Tertullian,
Cyprian, nor even Photius, in his extracts from Josephus,
have cited it but this negative argument against fact is not
:

much to

be regarded

especially considering, that Justin argues

a Ancient Univ. Hist. \'ol. xv. p. 247.

LARDNf.n's Heath. Test. vol. iii. c.
S 12, 13.

I.rciAN Ae Morte Pereg. ubi supra.

xviii. i 4,

LAaD.ST.R,

i.

\^'orks, vol. viii. p. 5

69.
Ei;sF.B. nem. Evang. p. 512. cont. Hier.
ibid. vol.

iii.

VViJiUs, vol.

c Bl'XT. Lexi*. lil.

ill

sub
c. xxxix. 2,4.
viii. p. 254
2(.>*},

M^n.

DriTON on the Res. part iii.

Chapm. against Morg. vol.

LicHiF. Hor. Heb. on Matt.

Apud Opera,

init.

JostPin Antiq.
d Jos. Ant.

1.

xviii,

Hulls, kd.

3, s.

p.

364,365.

24.
vol.ii.p. 1S9.

lib. xviii.

civ.

c.

xii.

iii.

J3.

33. c. iii. J3.p.798-.

Lect.

Testimonies of the Crucifixion of Christ.

cxir.

that

Ter-

deals chiefly Avith

Geiu

only out o^ scripture t and never mentions Josephus

TULLiAN
tiles;

in his controversial writings

Cyprian does not

that

Christianity

13

professedly write in defence of

and that Photius's extracts from Josephus are

It is with more weight objected,

verj' imperfect.

14. (2.)

That the encomium upon the character and miraJosephus must have been a chris-

cles of Christ is so great, that

tian, or

he could not have written as he did.

To

this

Lambe-

sius answers, that his words are to be understood ironically

and really contain a severe sarcasm and Mr. Whiston, that

Josephus was a Nazarene, Ebionite, or Jenish christian, afterwards bishop of Jerusalem : but Mr. Martin maintains, that
Josephus, being a pensioner of the Roman court, and seeing
Domitian something alarmed with the prophecy of the Jewisk
Messiah, for his own security and that of his people, chose rather to represent the matter, as if that INIessiah had already appeared, but through the mistake of their priests been rejected.
But none of these things seem upon the whole a sufficient account of it so that if he really wrote it, he must have been inwardly convinced of the truth of Christianity
and wanting
courage openly to profess it, left this testimony, perhaps in the
last copies of his antiquities, in some measure to quiet his conscience, for not having more generously and faithfully pursued.
:

its

dictates.

15. As for the other passage in Josephus, relating to the

death oi James the brother of Christ, Ant. 1. xx. c. viii. it is of
much less importance in the present question. But what OriGEN quotes as from him, concerning the death of that righteous
man being the cause of the destruction of the Jews, it is no
where to be found in Josephus, and seems to have been a slip
of Origen's memory ^
Vid.WvDs. Notes in Loc. p. S96.
a

ITIGII. Prol. ad Jos. Ed. Col. jiras. p. 25, &c.

DiTTON on the Resurr. part iii. i 4 7.^
HuET. Dem. Evang. Prop. iii. i 1113. p.

ORiG. com. Cels. 1. i. p 35.

EfSEB. Eccles. Hist. 1. ii. c. 23

313P.

Martin's

Whist. Joseph. Diss, i, and vi,

Cu.APMAN against Morg. vol. i.

p.

336389.

*.

Diss. pass.

* Since these references were made, two English tracts have appeared in defence of the famous passage in Josfphvs. The first is entitled, " A Dissertation
upon the account supposed to have been given of Jesus Christ by Josephus being
an attempt to shew that this celebrated passage, some slight corruptions only excepted, may reasonably be esteemed genuine." This performance was published,
without a name, at Oxford, in the year 1749 ; but is known to have been written by
Dr. N.A.TH.-^.'^iEL FoRSTER.
The other tract is Mr. Jacob Bryant's " Vindicise
:

Flavi.inas: or a Vindication of the Testimony given by Josephus concerning our

Saviour Jesus Christ." Both these gentlemca have displayed much ingenuity and

VOL. V.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

14

Vli

16. Schol, 2. It may be asked, why facts of so great importance are not more frequently mentioned by ancient historians, whether Je-ws or heathens ? To this it is answered,

That many books written in that age are lost, in

very possible some mention of these facts might be

17. (1.)

which
made.

it is

^ IS. (2.) That of the few remaining historians, who

^vrote about that age, most of them were by their subject other-

wise ensracred.

That several of those facts relating to Christ and

coming from the Jews, would be slighted by the

19. (3,)
his miracles,

Gentile writers as fabulous, especially considering on the one

common prodigious and magical stories were, and on

hand, how
the

otljer,

how

superstitious and credulous

the Jews were

thought to be.
20. (4.) That the first appearance of the christian sclveme
would shock them, as seeming so improbable, and so contrary
to their received maxims, that it is no wonder if many of them
cared but little to inquire into evidences and facts relating to it.
21. (5.) Many of those who did inquire no doubt became
christians; and therefore their testimony is not here reckoned.
22. (6.) The facts mentioned above as recorded by some,
are such as on the whole it was most reasonable to expect that
the}-,

continuing enemies, should know, observe and mention

'.

LECT. CXIIL
Of

the Genuineness of the Books of the

New

Testament.

HE

first publishers of Christianity wrote books

1 Prop. JL
containing an account of the life and doctrine of their master
.

a ADDISON onChrislianity, c. i. ? 26. c. ii. {

Jacks. Crcd. vol. i. c. xi, xii. ap. Op. vol.
3844.

1,2.

p.

i.

Laudner's Jew. and Heath.

xxii.

Test. vol.

ii.

cs

}3.

Works,

learning.

The accurate and penetrating Laudn'er

question.

He

p.

9497.

is on the opposite side of the

account of Joseth us, and in his
fartiicr observations, occasioned by Dr. Fouster's Dissertation.
Sec T-.\un?iER's
" Jewish and Heathen Testimonies, vol. i. c. iv. '2. aud the Preface to the second
volume. Woi-ks,vol. vii. p. 120 129. ibid. p. 273 286." Some curious observations concerning Josf.phvs's testimony to Christ will be found in the Rev. Mr. Henley's Letter to Dr. Kippis, published in the appendix to L.\rdner's Life^ No. 10.
K.
p. clix.clxviii,

has fully considered the subject

in his

Lect.

Oj

cxiii.

the Genuineness oj the

several of which bore the

New

the

New

l^estament.

15

names of tliose books, which now make

Testament.

2. Dem.

The great importance,

of which the primitive

and doctrines of their
religion to be, (as appears by the extremities ih^y endured for
their profession of it, ( Vid. Lect. 111. 13.) would engage them
to take tlie most effectual care they could to transmit the me1.

christians at least

mory of it

apprehended the

facts

to future ages.

The age in which they lived was one of the most

learned ages of antiquity ; nor was there any, in which books

were more common in the countries where they flourished.
3.

2.

4. 3. It is exceeding probable in the nature of things,

that there were some such ancient books as the proposition
asserts^.

5. 4. Writers of great antiquity do expressly mention

four books, written by the disciples of Christ, which they call
evangelists : and some of them do particularly name Matthew^
Markj Luke and John as the four''.
^ 6. 5. EusEBius, the most accurate historian among the
ancient christian writers, mentions it as a fact well known, and

Origen, a still older writer, that the

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the epistles of
St. Paul, one of Peter and one of John, were universally receivand he calls them iw.yyiXicc avavlippvilx and
ed by the church
o/*oXoyy/xEvo, as HOt being able to find they had ever been disputed and though the Acts are not expressly mentioned in this
catalogue by Origen, EysEBiushimsqlf, in the passage referred
asserted particularly b\'

Jour gospels

of

to in the next step, declares that he hath no scruple concerning

it
and it is certain from many passages in Origen's works still
;

same regard to the Acts as to any other

Testament: nay in the close of the passage
below, he also mentions them incidentally as written

extant, that he paid the

book of the
referred to

New

by Luke ".
7. 6. Though the other seven books of the New Testament, i. e. the epistle to the Hebrews, the epistle to James, the
2d of Peter, the 2d and 3d of John^ Jude and the llevelations
were disputed, (and therefore called by Eusebius avTiAryofxEvot)
yet he tells us they were at lengtii mtroduced into the canoji, i. e.
into the number of those books, which christians regarded as the
a

West on

b Jones on

the Resurr. p.
ihe Can. (lart

BlscOEat Boyle's Lect.

^VStB.

Lbckii, liki.

308318.

L.\RD>.'. Creil. par.

vol. viii. p.

iv. Inlrori.
ji.

1. ill.

.iOT 509.
c.

xxiv.

1.

v'u c.

xx\.

ii.

vol.

iii.

p.

234

237,

iiO.

Wurlis, vol.

ii

p. 465. vol.iv, p.22ij &.Gi^

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

16

PaRT

VI.

rule of their faith and manners, and which they distinguish from

other books, written

by persons, whom they thought

less

emi-

nently under the divine direction, whatever their sanctity might

be^

8.7.

We shall endeavour

to

shew

at large in the follow-

ing proposition, that at least all the most important of those

books, were either expressly quoted by name or plainly alluded to by a series of primitive writers, several of them much
more ancient than Eusebius; and indeed, that there is hardly
any writer of christian antiquity, who has not either some express reference or allusion to some of them.
Valet propositio.

Whereas Mr. Toland

9. Schol.

in his

Amyntor^ and

se-

veral other writers, have taken great pains to shew, that there

were many ancient books; some of which are pretended to be

extant, but are evidently spurious, which yet are quoted by
several writers of the primitive church with great regard; from
whence no doubt he would lead his reader to infer, that little
regard is to be had to their opinion on this head; we shall not
still

enter into the particulars here, but leave the reader to judge,

by

those passages referred to by Toland, compared Avith those

enumerated below, as to the different manner in which they
mention confessedly fictitious writers, and those of the New
'I'estament
but the fullest and best account of this matter that
I know of, is to be found in Lardn. Cred. of Gosp. Hist, part ii.
:

vol.

i,

&

Can. vol.

Works,

ii. ]i;iss.
i,

&

vol.

ii,

p. 11,

&c. Jones's Hist, of the

pass.

ii.

LECT. CXIV.
Testimoniesfrom Antiquity

to

the Books of the

New

Testament.

take a more particular survey of what the most

I Prop. JL
considerable ancient ecclesiastical writers have delivered concerning the several books of the New Testament at the same
.

time giving a catalogue of those of the three frst centuries, in

the order in which they wrote,
Sol. 1. Barnabas, contemporary with the Apostles,
mentioned Acts iv. 36, 37. Acts xi. 22 24. xiii. I
4.
Cor. xi. 6. is said to have written a general epistle in Greek;

who
1

2.

a El'SEB.

Eccles. Hist. I. iii. c. XTV.

the C.in. vol. i. p. 'JJ 127.

Jones on

JE.NK. of Chriilian. vol.

is

ii.

p.

116118.

Lardn. Cred.

vol. viii. 97.

Works, voL
|

iv.

p. 228.

Lect. cxiv.

Testimonies

to the

New

Testament.

a Latin translation of which is by many maintained to be extant

though I think the arguments against its authority are so strong,
as to leave little weight to any thing argued from thence; any
farther than that so far as we can judge by the manner of the
writing, it is indeed very ancient''.

words of Christ are quoted, which

v. g. Matt. xx. 16. ix. 13.
xxii. 43. Lukev'i. 30. and many of those scriptures quoted from
the Old Testament in the New are likewise cited here.
Many
of the phrases and arguments used by Paul in his epistle to the
Hebrews and else-where, are also inserted; v. g. 2 Tim. iv. 1.
i. 10. but not in the form of quotations, so that hardly any an 3. In this epistle several

by the

are recorded

cient

work gives

evangelists;

less assistance in this inquiry''.

4. 2. Clemens Romanus, mentioned Phil. iv. 3. who is

said to have been one of the first bishops of Homey wrote an
epistle to the CoiHnthians,

He

quotes by

probably about the

name no book

3'ear

9(i'^.

New

of the

Testament,
excepting the^r.s^ epistle to the Corinthians ; which by the way
is one of the most important in the whole volume for proving
the truth of Christianity, as will afterwards appear; and it is
worth our notice, that it is here quoted by those who were the
best judges of its being genuine, and quoted as of an authority
acknowledged even by all the different parties among them it
is therefore not improbable, that the original might then be in
5.

their hands'".

6. He evidently refers to some of Christ's words, which

are also recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke: but we can-

not lay

much

stress

upon those passages,

thority of these books, because

to establish the au-

Clement

living so near tht;

might have learned them by oral tradition, and

the evangelists are not named.
Yet on the other hand it may
be remarked, that he does not introduce those things as new,
but refers to them as well known to the Corinthians ; which he
could hardly have been so sure they were, unless they had some
books among them, (commonly also received among other christians) in Avhich those passages were inserted
nor will Acts
XX. 35. invalidate this observation, since it does not appear that
Clement had lived among the Corinthians, as Paul had done
apostle's time

a Jones on the Can. part iii. c. 37IC.

Lardn. Cred. part li. vol. i. p. 2330.

Works,

ii.

31

Mosheim's Eccks.

Hist. Cent.

?'il.

15.
p. 10
Wake's Prelim. Disc. p. 69~'L
h Lakdn. ibid. p.
4b. pris. p. 45,
Works, vol. ii. p. \5'i'i.

vol.

JoRTiN's Rem. vol.

c

ibid. p.

ibid. p. 64.

Works,
(J

Lardn.

&c.

51

p. 329.
Gl.

i.

vol.

Works, vol.

ii.

p. 23.

ii.

p. 29.

i.

par.

ii.

c,

ii.

with

The

7.
variation,

Phil.
TJeb.

i.

seems
xiv.

own month\

followin<^ passages are transcribed with very little

Rom.

i.

Col.

10.

i.

and probably taught them those

ciders of Ephesus,

thfi

traditions with his

Part vi.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY,

IS

29. xii. 5.
10.

i.

35, 113.

iv.

Cor. x. 24.

Thess.Y. 18.

xiii. 4,

Tim.

12. xi. 37. xii. 6.

&c. Eph.

v. 4.

Pet.

Tit.
iv.

Tim.

Cor.

13.

iii.

12.

xii.

Heb.

xv. 20.

vjj 18.

2 Cor.

James

iii.

IS. viii.

iii.

13. 2 Pet.

S. 3. Hkrmas (mentioned Rom.

been the author of several books under

ii.

6.

1.

He

8.

also evidently to allude to the following passages.

1.

iv. 4.
iii

Pom,

xi.

5. iii.

24.

4^

said to have
one is called
his Pastor, in three parts, the firstof x^mon^, the second of fo;/zviamls, the third of similitudes : we have only a Latin translaIt is probably
tion of it, and a few fragments of the original.
an ancient book, but strong objections are brought against its
xvi. 14.)
his

name

is
:

beins: crenuine'^.

There are no express quotations of any book either of

New Testament by name to be found in him but
there are many allusions to the latter, of which the most consi 9.

the Old or

derable are the following passages, Matt. v. 28. x. 32. xiii. 5,

*?, 31.xviii. 3. xxviii. 13. Lukexvi.lH. Johnx'iv.6. ^cts v. 41.
1 Cor. iii. IG, 17. Eph. iv. 4, 30. Heb. xii. 17. Jajues i. 5. iv.
There are
7, 12. 1 Pet. i. 6. v. 7. 1 John'ii. 27. Jude, ver. 21.
also

many

mention

is

visions resembling those of the Revelations, but

made

of that book

no

''.

10. 4. Ignatius bishop of Antioch, who was martyred

about the year 116, wrote several epistles, mentioned by EuseEius, Iren.eus, Jerom, and many others they are still said to
:

but there are two different copies of them. Mr.

Whiston has contended earnestly that the larger are genuine;
but from comparing both, it appears much more probable, that
the larger arc a paraphrase upon the smaller, than the smaller

be extant

(as

some suppose) an abridgment of the

larger''.

11. Nor is it at all probable, that the epistles to Tarsus,

and Iliero are genuine; since tiiey are not mentioned
by EusEKius, who was so likely to have discovered them, and
would no cioubt have been glad to quote them. AVe shall therefore only tuke notice of those quotations and allusions, which are
yintioch,

.1

I.ARDV.

ibid. p. t'>~>CM.
Works, vol. ii. p.

Works,
c

.IORris'.s

09'31.

d Lards,

Wake's rrclim.

Uisc. c.

viii.

p.

My.MiEiM'.s litdos.liisl. Cent.

i.

79

vol.

i.

pris. p.

p. 337.

144 146-

87.

par. ii.c.

Rem.

c. iv.

Works, vol. ii. p. .iO.

e WllisT. Prim Christian, vol. i.

pr.TS. p. 102105.
vol. ii. p. .51
i7.

il>id. c. ii.

JOK Tl^'s
ii.

21.

Uejn. vol.

i.

p.

6261, 3C3,

Lect. cxiv

Testimonies

to be found

He

in

to

Testament,

lioin. XV. 7.
3.

Thess.

19

the smaller epistles, and which are as follow.

plainly quotes or alludes to Malt.

XV. 13. xviii. 19. xix. 12. John

ii.

New

the

Cor.

iii.

7Yw.

ii.

4.

xii. 33.

15. x. 16.

Acts x. 41.

8. viii. 29. x. 9.

10. v. 7. vi. m. xv. 8.

i.

v. 17.

iii.

Eph.

25. Phil.
v. 5 '.

v. 2,

Philem. ver. 20.

Pet.

To which we may add, that he speaks of the gospel in such

a connection with the law and the prophets, as seems to imply
that he meant a book^,
y

])e

12. PoLYCARP, bishop of Smj/r}ia, thought by some to

the angel of the church there mentioned in the Revelations,

was martyred about the year 169. Eusebius mentions a letter

Avritten by him to the Philippians, which probably was that excellent epistle bearing his name, which is now extant in a Latin
In this epistle
translation, :md most of it in the Greek original.
he quotes by name 1 Cor. vi. 2. as the words of Paul, and also
Eph. iv. 26. as a saying of scripture, and also mention's Paul's
epistle to the Philippians with the highest respect, as written

by

a wisdom which nothing could equal: he likewise most evidently transcribes the following passages.
V. 44. xxvi, 41.

2 Cor.

Acts

ii.

iv. 5. vi, 7. viii.

24.

Pom.

21. Gal.

Matt

v. 3, &.c. vii. 1, 2.

xii. 9. xiv.

iv.

26. vi. 7.

Cor.

vi. y.

ii.

8, 9.

Phil.

10.

Eph.

iii.

2 Thess. iii. 15. 1 Ttjn. ii. 1, 2.

7. 2 7Vm. ii. 11. iv. 10. 1 Pet. i. 8, 21. ii. 11, 12, 17,22, 24.
Considering how short this let9. iv. 7. v. 5. I JohnW. 3.

ter

is,

the

New Testament,

10, 16.

ii.

vi.

lliess. v. 17, 22.

number of passages in it from

an evident proof of the regard he paid to

the transcribing so great a

is

that book'".

13. 6. That epistle from the church of Smyrna, giving

an account of the mart^-rdom of Polycarp, evidently refers to
1 Cor. ii, 9. and gives the title o( gospel to the history of Christ

written by the Evangelists'^.

14. It may be observed, that the writings which have
been enumerated under these six first steps, are tiiose which are
commonly called the works of the Apostolic Eathers, being published under that title by Cotelerius, in a very celebrated
edition of them, and translated mto English by Archbishop
Wake, whose account of them all it may be convenient to

peruse.
a Lahdm.

c. v. prxs. p. 188190.
Works, vol. ii. p. 65.
JOBTiN's Rem. vol. i. p. 54..

b Lardx.

-1-.

ibid. p.

180 1S4.

WorkSj

vol.

ii.

p. 64,

Seed's Serra. vol.

c

Lards,

Works,
d

ii.

C94599,

p.

iljid.c. vi. pra^s.

]>. 20!.!, '..I!?

vol.

ii.

p. 80.

vol.

ii.

p. 100.

c. vii.

Works,

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

20

PaRT

VI.

LECT. CXV.
from

Testimonies

Antiquity

cojitimied.

1. SoL 7. JL APIAS, who is said to have been the companion

oi John, and who died about the 3'ear 1 J 5, wrote five books now
lost, called an explication of the oracles of our Lord; in which
EusEBius says he often quoted our four Evangelists, and mentions some remarkable particulars both relating to the gospel of
Matthew and Mark Eusebius also says, he brings testimonies
:

out of the

first

of John and the

first

of Feicr^.

2. 8. Justin Martyr wrote his two apologies, and his

dialogue with Tri/pho the Jew, He died at the latest about
The epistle to Diognetus, and questions to the orthodox,
163.
though they do not seem to belong to Justin Martyr, (among
^vhose works they are published) are however undoubtedly writings of great antiquit3\
3. There are in his genuine works the following quotaand allusions, Matt. i. 20, 21. v. 28 32. xi. 27. xxv. 41.
Markv'in. 31. Luke i. 31, 35, 38. x. 19. John i. 20. iii. 3.
xiv. 24.
He quotes also the memoirs of the apostles, Avhich he
adds are called gospels, as containing the institution of the
eucharist, and Ltike xx. 44. Matt. xxvi. 39.
He introduces
Trypho the Jew, speaking of the precepts delivered in the
gospel, as what he had read ; and expressly declares that the
written commentaries, or memoirs of the apostles, as well as of
the prophets, were read publicly in all christian assemblies for

tions

divine worship, Avhich

He

is

a circumstance of vast importance''.

either quotes or refers to

V. 7. xi. 18, 19. xii. 8

2 Thess. ii. 3, 4. Heb.

Luke XX. 35, 36

10.

Gal.

v, 9, 10.

Adsvn.

iv. 12.

2 Pet.

22.

Eph.
iii.

xiii.

ii.

8.

20.

27.
Col.

Cor.

1
i.

1,5.

Rev. xx. 4, &c.

'".

4. 9. The epistle to Diognetus, M'hich Mr. Whiston

wildly thinks to have been written by the evangelist Timothy, is

and
it was not written by Justin
there are evident quotations or allusions to the following passages, Matt. vi. 25, &c. John i. 1. ^vii. 14. Horn. v. 19. I Cor,
certainly ancic:nt, though

2 Cor. x. 3. iv. 8, &c. Phil. iii. 20. 1 Pet. ii. 21-.

John'w. 19: and he also speaks of the ^'oi/^e/.s and //-

iv. 12. viii. 1.

iii.

18.

Lardn.

b JDiT.

ibid. c. ix.

Works,

Mark

vol. ii. p. 10().

.Apul. { 57.

|
[

Rf.evi'.s's

c l.Ap.tN.

Apol. vol.

i.

Works,

p. 121.

c. x. pra.'s. p. '286

vol. ii.p.

'2S8.

Uj.

Testimonies from Antiquitij ; continued.

Lect. cxv.

ditions of the apostles,

21

such a connection with the law and

in

the prophets, as seems plainly to intimate, that he referred to

books of that name^.

10.

5.

DioNYsius of Corinth was a man of an excellent

who Nourished about the year 170. He wrote seven

which are now lost
but in a fragment of one of them,

character,
epistles,

preserved by Eusebius, he mentions the conversion of Dionysius

the Areopagite by Paul, agreeable to the account given in the
Acts of the apostles j but it does not appear, that he speaks of
that book''.

6. 11. Tati AN, who flourished about the year 172, wrote
elegant
oration against the Greeks, which is still extant; and
an
Eusebius (Eccles. Hist. I. iv. c. 29. J tells us, he wrote the harmony of the four gospels. In his oration he quotes Luke vi. 25.
John

i.

3, 5.

Cor. xv. 22. besides

some other passages, which

Clement and

Iren^eus say he quoted from the epistles to the

Corinthians and Galatians, in a work now lost j and Jerom says
he allowed PauVs epistle to Titus'^.
7. 12. Hegesippus, a converted Jew, wrote the history
of the christian church about the year 170, of which only some
fragments are remaining
in which the following scriptures
:

seem
xiii.

to

be referred

to,

Matt. xxvi. 64. Luke

xxiii. 34.

Matt.

16^.

8. 13. Melito, bishop o^ Sardis, m they ezx 170, wrote

an apology to Marcus Antoninus, and many other books, particularly a commentary on the Revelations : and as he expressly
speaks of the Old Testament, he seems by that phrase to imply,
that there was in his time a collection of books called the New^.
9. 14. There is an epistle of the churches of Vienne and
Lyons, preserved in Eus. Eccles. Hist. vol. iv. and written about
the year 177; in which there are very express quotations from
Luke i. 6. John xvi. 2. Acts vn. 60. Rom. viii. 18. Eph. vi. 5.
Phil. ii. 6. 1 Tim.m. 15. l Pet. v. 6. 1 John iii. 16. Rev. xiv. 4^.

10. 15. Iren.eus, bishop of Lyons, wrote, about the year

178, besides many other books, five of Heresy, which are yet
preserved in the Latin translation, and some fragments in the
original Greek.
a Lardn.

In one of these fragments preserved

p. 295.

Works, vol. ii. p. 129.

JORTiN's Remarks, vol. i. p. 342.

b Lardn.
C

ibid. c. xii. p. 300.

Works, vol. ii. p. 133.
ibid. c. xiii.

Works,

VOL.

V.

vol.

ii.

p. 136.

Lardn

ibid. c. xiv.

Works, Tol.

e
f

ii.

p, liO.

ibid. c.

xv.

Works,

vol.

ii.

p. 146.

vol.

ii.

p. 14?.

c. xvi.

Works,

by EusE-

22

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

VI,

Bius, as well as in the translation, there is express mention of the

i'our gospels, under the. names of their respective authors, and

they are likewise mentioned together. In two other passages

of his works, he professedly vindicates the genuineness of each,
and sets himself to give an account of the occasion on which
they were written, lie often expressly quotes the book of the
ylcis, and in many places the epistles of J^aul by name, and
mentions all which our New Testament ascribes to him, excepting that to Philemon. He has many passages in sense parallel

Hebrews, but he does not expressly quote that

and Photius says he did not allow it to be St. Paul's.
He has also passages in sense parallel to several of James, but
no express quotations; tiie^r^^ epistle of liefer is quoted by
him, and the Jirst of Jo/m, and also the second, tliough by a
mistake he calls it the same with the former. Jude is not quoted, though it would have been peculiarly proper to the occasion
of his writing, but the book of the Revelations he very frequently and largel}^ quotes^.
to several in the

epistle,

1. 16. Athenagoras, who before his conversion was a

philosopher, between 166 and 178, Mrote an apology for Christianity, and quickly after a discourse on the resurrectioji, in
which he expresslj'' quotes, or evidently alludes to the following
passages. Matt. v. 28, 41, 45. Luke x\\. 18. John x. 30, 38.
1

yJcts xvii. 25. Povi.

Gal.

iv. 0.

Tim.

Jaines in. 13.

24, 27.

i.

v.

1,2.

2 2^et.

v. 7.

vi.
i.

Cor. xv. 32,

16.

He

51-.

2 Cor, v. 10.

seems also to refer to

21. liev. xx.

13^

LECT. CXVI.
Testimonies

from

Antiquitij

continued.

I. Sol. 17. JMLlLTIADES is supposed to have writ about

the year 170 an elegant apology, which is now lost. He is celebrated by EusEBius, (Eccles. Hist. v. 17.^ for his acquaintance

with scripture

but no fragments remain

'^.

2. 18. Theophilus, bishop of ^/?/?ocA, wrote three books

to Autolijcus yet extant, published about the year 181.
His

book against Jlermogenes,

the Revelations,
a

LARDN.
a<i

lost,

which Eusebius says he quoted

MarcioUf and the

in

as also that against

ibid. c. xvii.pras. p. 381, 3S2.

IREN.

Works,
h

is

&

Iiiil.

ibid. c. xviii.

ii.

p. 15J.

Lardn. Works,

I
I

vol.

j
i

vol.

ii.

p. 180.

ibid. e. xix.

Works,

vol. ii.p. 186.

Testimonies from Antiquity

Lect. cxvi.

2S

continued.

harmony of the Evangelists , mentioned by Jerom^ Ep. 1 5 1 but

commentary upon them, which goes under liis name, is spu.

the

In those of his genuine \A^orks which remain, he quotes

rious.

Luke xviii. 27. John i,

3.
911. 2 Cor. xi. 19. Eph.
ii. 2. iii. 10. Phil. i. 10. iii. 20. iv. 8. Col. i. 17. 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2.
Some of these pasPet. i. 1$. ii. 13.
7"iV. iii. 5. /^(e^. xii. 9.
sages he mentions as spoken by a divine word, and he seems to
Matt.

Rom.

28, 32, 44, 46.

V.

ii.

&c.

6,

xiii.

7, 8.

vi. 3.

Cor.

] ,

vi.

allude to 2 Pet.

To

i.

20. Rev. xii. 19

work

added, particularly in the Cologn edi^

tion, a little tract of IIermias, called Irrisio gentium, which is
written with great elegance and spirit ; which begins with an
express quotation of
Cor. iii. 19. as the mords of the blessed
3.

this

is

Paul

apostle

in his epistle to the Corinthians

^.

4. 19. Pant.5;nus, once a philosopher of the Stoic sect,

catechetical school of Alexandria, about

was president of the

year 130, as Eusebius [Hist. v. 9, 10.) assures us: he

wrote commentaries on scripture, which are now entirely lost;
so that he is capable of doing no service in the present question, any further than as Jerom testifies, he brought back the
gospel of Matthew written in Hebrew from India, whither he
was sent by Demetrius his bishop, to preach the gospel ",
the

5. 20. Clemens Alexandrinus succeeded Pant.enus,

and wrote about the end of the second and beginning of the
third centur}'.
His remaining works are his P^edagogue and

Stromata, his admonition

to

the Gentiles, and a

honiil}'^

of the

salvation of the rich.

He is mentioned with great honour by
the most valuable ancient writers that succeeded him. Euse-

bius tells us, that he speaks of Mark^s gospel, as written from

the account of things he had received from Peter, and in effect
at least authorised by that apostle. (Eccles. Hist. ii. 15.)
He
also speaks of the epistle to the Hebrews, as written in He-

brew by Paul, but translated by Luke^.

lists,

Ibid.

vi.

14.

6. He expressly mentions the four gospels of our evangethe Acts, the epistles to the Romans, Galatians, Ephe-

and second to the Thesand Corinthians, first and second to Timothy,

Titus, Hebrews, the first of Peter, and the first of Johji
by the name of his larger epistle, and Jude and the Revela-

sians,, Philippians, Colossians, first

salonians

a Lakdn.

ibid. c.

Works,

ibid. c.

Works,

XX. pris. p.
vol.

li.

XXV. p.
vul.

ii.

p.

4.4.7

ii9.

Lardn.

ibid. c. xxi.

Works,

I'.i0.

j.Sjl.

p. 'ii^.

vol.

c. xxii. p.

Work*,

ii.

p. 202.

46S473.

vol.ii. p. 'ilOl

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

24

VI.

iions : but docs not expressly mention James ^ or the second

of Peter,
refer not to particular passages, there being
great numbers of them from the several books above mentioned. It is Irne that he also quotes "several apocryphal pieces,
such as the gospel according to th-? Hebrews and the Egyp-

We

tians, the

not with

seem

preaching of Peter, the shepherd of Hermes ; but

of equal regard, nor in such a manner as to

titles

to lay

any

stress

upon

them''.

7. 21. PoLYCRATEs, bisliop of Ephesiis, about the close

of this century, in an epistle of his, of which Jerom has preserved some fragments, refers to Matt. xix. 12. Johi xxi, 20.
Acts V. 29. and speaks of the scripture as the rule offaith^.

^ 8. 22. Tertullian, presbyter of Carthage, was contemporary with Clemens Alexandrinus, and survived him
his works are known and numerous.
In them he expressly
quotes all the books of the new testament, but James, the second of Peter, and third of John : Hebrews he supposed to
have been written by Barnabas. It is remarkable there are
more quotations from the new testament in him, than from
all the writings of Tully in all the ancient books in the
world the same may be said of those of Iren^-eus and Clemens Alexandrinus ".
:

9. 23.

Dr.

Lardner

other christian writers,

has also mentioned a great many

of whose works only fragments are

preserved, which serve to illustrate the present question, of

which we shall not give so particular account. The chief of

them are Serapion, who speaks with great reverence of our

gospels, rejecting that of Peter ; {ibid. c. xxvi.) Quadratus,
Aristides, Claudius Apollinaris, and Symachus. {Ibid. c.
xxviii. pass.) Besides these, he also mentions several suppositious writings, forged in the second century, such as the Acts of
Paul and Thccla-, the Sibylline verses, the testament of the 12
patriarchs, the Iiecognitions, Homily and Epitome of Clement
but they bring little light to the present question ; which is not
to be wondered at, considering that most of them pretend to be
But it is
written before the books of the New Testament.
observed, that in the thi'ee last of these there are several references to facts recorded in the evangelists, and that phrases used
:

PauPs writings are introduced in these pieces.

24. The third century produced many famous chris-

especially in
10.
a Lardn. p.

494.')U'. and

Works,

c. xxiii.

vol.

li.

J).

Inrlcx to
'JOtJ.

Clem.

Alex.

!
1

ardn. Works,
ibid, c

Works,

vol.

ii.

p. 243.

27.
vol.

ii.

p. 2J0.

Lect. cxvi.

Testimonies from Antiquity

continued*

25

Minutius F.elix, Origen, Cyprian and

most of whose works abound with a vast many
quotations from all the iincontroverted books of the new testament, especially Novatian on the trinitv and it would be almost an endless task to enumerate them all much less is it necessary to enter into the particulars of those quotations, brought
from Lactantius, Athanasius, Eusebius, Optatus, Basil,
Ephraim Syrus, Gregory Nyss, and Nazianzen, Ambrose,
Cykil of J ertisalem, Chrysostom, Hilary, Jerom, Augustin,
and other authors of less note, who flourished in theyawr/A century, of whom see Spanh. Eccles. Hist. Saeu. iii. 10. Saec. iv.

tian writers, v. g.

Arnobius

Lardn. part
12.
p. 247, &c*.

ii.

vol.

iii.

Lardn. Works,

pass.

vol.

ii,

11. Cor. I. From hence we may easily collect and compare the evidence, which there is of each particular book of the
new testament, to prove it genuine.

12.

2.

From hence we may

what is asserted, Lect. 113.

which are called o/xoXo7y//.?vo*.

I.

see great reason to believe

at least

concerning the books

Fid. ibid. 8.

13. 3. From hence it appears, that the evidence of those

books which are called avItXEyo/jtsvot is comparatively very small,
so far as it depends upon the fathers of the two first centuries,
especially with regard to James, the second q{ Peter, and Jiide.
14. 4.

Mr. Dodvvell was grossly mistaken

that the books of the

new

in asserting,

testament lay concealed

till the year

130, and that there was nothing settled concerning the canon
till the fourth century^.

DoDW.

Diss,

on Ires. p. 6373.
ii. civ. p. 118
vol. xii. p. 'il, &c.

Jf.nk. of Christian, vol.

128.

Lard;.. Cred.

|
j

vol. v. p. 352, &c

AlACK.sir.HT's Trutli of Gosp. Hist. Book

Lardn. Works,
iii. c.

i.

* T.hough Dr. Doddridge has judged

it sufficient for the purpose of his Lecbe improper to reoiiad the tlieological student that he
vill hereafter find his full account in reading and studying the whole of Dr. Lardner's Credibility of the Gospel History, which carries on the subject down to the
fourteenth century, and contains a great variety of important critical information.
Should a student from number and rapidity of his academical employments, not
have leisure to read the whole of the preceding references (some of which are long) it
is earnestly requested that he will not fail in an immediate perusal of the admirable
recapitulation of the evidence given in the twelfth volume of the Credibility, and

tures to stop here,

in the Doctor's

it

may uot

Works,

vol. v. p.

341, to the end.

K.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY,

26

vi.

LECT. CXVII.

New Testament quoted hy Heathen Writers

no more Quotations in Ancient Writers Evidencefor
the disputed Books Estimate of the Evidence.

Passages in the

Why

1. Schol. 1 JLt may not be improper here to add, that AmeLius, the Platonic philosopher, in the third century, mentions
.

the writings of John^ and Dionysius Longinus, A. D. 250,

those of Paulf with considerable applause^.
2. And it is yet of greater importance to observe, that
Celsus, who seems to have hved in the second century, and
perhaps not later than the middle of it, (Grig, against Celsus
1. 1. p. 3, and 8.) not only brings a great
many citations from
the new testament, but founds the main stress of his argument
against Christianity upon the supposed absurdity of that book ;
which is an illustrious testimony, not only to its antiquity, but
to its high esteem among christians in that early age.
3. 2. It may be added
X. 1. is expressly quoted

Luke

observable, that

if it

be

so,

authority with Deut. xxv.

4.

some have thought

Tim. v. 18. and it is
then it is put upon a foot of equal
quoted in the same passage''.
here, that

by Paul,

4. 3. Some may perhaps wonder, that (considering how

much Christianity prevailed, and in how great esteem the writers
of the new testament are supposed to have been in those early

there should have been

ages)

within the

50 years.

That

5. (1.)

low

first

as

station in life,

It

most of the

(1

Cor.

i.

no more quotations from them

may be answered,
26

first

christians

28.

James

were persons of a

ii.

5.) the

number

of early christian writers was small, and of those who did write
many of their works are lost, as evidently appears from Euse-

and many more, who have given us some of

names and some account of them, and in part from several

Eius, Photius,
their

steps in the preceding proposition.

G. (2.)

7. (3.)

give

ment

That

several of the remaining pieces are but short.

That the subject of many of

these was such, as to

opportunity of quoting the writings of the new testavery lew of them relating to any controversy of christi-

little
;

a HUET. Dem. Ev. Prop.i. ?6. p.^l.b.

EusEB. PrKp. Kvaii. 1. xi. c. xix.
Smith's Life of Lonijinus, p. yj, 24Lard.n. Test. vul. iii. ^.3^, i-^.

Lahdn. Works,
b Seed's Serm.

vol.iii. p. 160.

vol.

ii.

Macknight's Truth

p. 292.

of Cosp. Hist. p. 391.

Passages in the

Lect. cxvii.

New

Testament^

27

5Cc.

ans with each other, and in their controversies with the heathens, it is observed they are employed more in demonstrating the falshood of paganism, than the truth of Christianity, as
that was the point most necessary to be laboured, considering
the sociability of the heathen superstitions.

whom we have mentioned

exceeding probable, they had not an
opportunity of seeing some of the epistles, which could not
circulate in the world so soon as papers now do by the assistance of printing.

Several of the writers

8. (4.)

were so early, that

y. (5.)
as

and verses
easy

not to

Those books not being then divided into chapters

now, quotations from them were not altogether so
say, that considering to what extraordinary divine

many

assistances

it is

of the primitive christians pretended, they

might not seem to have so much need of a written rule so that

on the whole, it is wonderful, that we can trace so great evidence in such circumstances
;

"".

10. Prop. To inquire more particularly into the evidence

there is, that the ancient christians had books among them,

which went by the name of those which Eusebius

Fid. Led. 113. 7.
11. Sol.

With regard

1.

calls avIiXiyo^^im.

to the epistle to the

Hebrews,

and phrases are to be found in Clemens

PojuanuSy Justin Martyr, and Iren^us. Clemens Alexari'
drinus quotes it as the words of the divine apostle, and elsewhere of Paul. Origln frequently speaks of it as PauVs and
Eusebius mentions it as received with great pleasure by the
Hebrews J Avho were the most capable of judging whether it
were genuine or not ^.

many

parallel thoughts

^ 12.

2.

As for Jaynes, passages

at least parallel to

it

are to

Clemens Pomanus and Ignatius and it is

knowledged by Origen, Eusebius, and Jerom, though
be found

in

last tells us it

3. 3.

Warb. Div.
Ed. 2. p.

was long doubted in the Latin church

The second of Peter seems

Leg. vol.

i. 1. ii.

I C.

p.

2662S<i.

vol. i. p. 8795,
li. p. 470472, 501, 502. vol.
248261.
234238,
p.
Works, vol. ii. p. 39, &c.
Whitby's Comment, on Heb. Pref.

368373.VOI.

Transl. of

New Test. p. 838 S40.

TwELl.s'sExain. part

be quoted by Justin

vol. ii. c. xii.

vol. vi. p. 391.

Works,
p. 408.

iii.

ii.

c.

ii.

i I.

".

Lardn. Supplem.

27H295.

Macknight's Gosp. Hist.

b Lardn. Cred. part ii.

New

to

HAiLETontiie Heb. Introd.

Sykes on Heb. Introd.
Whitby's Comment, on Jam. Pref.
Laedn. ib. in nom. Clem. Ignat. &ic.

New

ac-

the

Transl. p.

873875.

TwELi,S,ibid.

I 2.

Lardn. Suppl.

vol.

WorKS,

iii.

vol. vi. p. 502.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

28

Martyr, and
Alexandrinus ^.

is

ascribed to Peter

pART

VT.

by Origen and Clemens

14. 4. The second epistle o? Jo/m is quoted by Iren.eus,

and by the council of Carthage in the year 256. Clemens
Alexandrinus speaks hy way of distinction of the ^tf?'^er epistle.
Origen likewise mentions the second and third epistle, though
something dubiously and Epiphanius has some reference to
them, speaking in the plural number of John's epistles^.
;

15. 5. /wf/c

is

expressly quoted by

and Cyprian, but by no

Origen, Tertullian

earlier writers*'.

16. 6. Justin Martyr, Iren.eus, Tertullian, and

Clemens Alexandrinus allow the Revelations to have been an
ancient book, and ascribe it to John the apostle
and if we may
believe the testimonies of Eusebius and Jerom, who had in
their hands the writings of many of the ancients which are now
lost, Papias, Melito,Theophilus of rV/z/wcAand Apollonius,
:

the second century, received and quoted it and it appears to have been allowed by Origen, Cyprian, Victorius,

all in

Methodius and Pamphilus,

besides Hypolitus, earlier than

any of them in the third though it is certain some rejected it,
as the work of an unknown and heretical writer
:

'^.

17. Cor. 1. It

evidently appears, from comparing this demonstration with that of Prop. 101. that the evidence of the
genuineness of the six former of these books is not equal to that
of the rest, nor are they all equal to each other in this respect.
18. 2. Nevertheless it seems more reasonable to admit,
than to reject them, if we consider,
(1.)

That

several of these epistles, not being written as

most of PauVs were, either to particular churches, or even particular persons, whose names and al>odes are recorded in them,
it could not be so easy to find out the originals.
19. (2.) That some of them are so short, and the contents
of them so general, that there was {ca't. par.) less reason. to expect quotations from them.

20. (3.) As they were more inquired into, they came to

be generally received ; and at last all opposition against them
ceased.
To which we may add,
a

Whitby
N'ew

on 2

New

Pet. Pief.

Traiisl. p. i?0J,904.
ibid. { 2.

Benson on

'.'

Pet. p.

19,

Laiiun. Works, vol. vi. p. 5(53.

b
H n in Loc.
Benson on Epist. of John, p. 177.

Larun. Works,
c WuiT. onJude,

vol. vi. p. jjyj.

vcr.

1.

Traiisl. p. 943,

TwELLs.ibicl. H.
BuN.soN on Jude, p.

TwELi s,

14,

Lardn. Works,
ci

vol. vi. p. 607.

\0\\)~WI'>.
l-lfN's I'roleg. New Test. p. 24
23.
WELt.s's Ex. vol. iii. pass. pris. pai't

^owlran4l.

M
'1

)).

nv.>.
Lakd.n. Works, vol. vi.
i'i. c.

ii.

p.

p.

6V.

c. i,

Passages in the

I^ECT. cxvii.

New

Testament^

29

SCc.

21. (4.) 7^hat the accomplishment of many remarkable

in the Revelations, especially those relating to the

prophecies

Jiovian and
it

Papal empire,

in

proportion to the degree in which

it, be one of the strongest

appears, must, to those that see

demonstrations that can be imagined, not only that the book itself was genuine, but that it was written by some extraordinary
assistance and illumination from God and when this is granted,
:

and the external evidence considered, and compared with that

of the rest of these seven pieces, it will further prove, that
a book, not more frequently quoted by the earliest writers
than this, may yet be both genuine and divine ^
22. Schol. 1. Whatever be thought of the preceding arguments, it is to be remembered, that the agreement between
these books and others of the new testament is so great, that
we need not be very solicitous about them nor if the others
should hereafter be proved to be of divine authority, need we
be apprehensive of any dangerous consequences attending our
This is especially ob'
referring to them in public discourses.
:

whose external evidence is the

which number the second and third oi John and
be reckoned ^.

servable with regard to those

Aveakest

in

Jude are

to

With relation to the books mentioned by Toland

Amynfor, (compare Prop. 100. Schol.) such as the acts of
Paul; thei Revelation of Peter the gospel of Peter, Andrew,
and Matthias ; the acts of Peter and John, Kc. it is evident,
23. 2.

in his

-y

that EusEBius, in the place before quoted,

{Eccles. Hist.

1.

iii.

which (though Dr.

TwELLs maintains the contrary) is plainly different from the
and it will appear, as
v7XEyojUvo, as well as the o/^oXoyy/*E>o
was hinted above, that even when they are quoted, which they
seldom are, by ancient writers, it is in such a language, as
plainly to shew, that the regard to them was far inferior to that
w^hich they had for the sacred books.
And it is further remarkable, that though Celsus has one where or another given
us a kind of abridgment of the history of the evangelists, (see
Prop. 101. Schol. 1.) yet he has hardly ever, if at all, mentioned a single fact recorded in any of tiiose pieces, though many
of them would have afforded matter for much more plausible
objections, than those which he endeavours to ground upon the
facts recorded by the evangelists
(Compare Evang. Infant.*

25.

p.

119.)

mentions these as

voGot

a Blackw.
jNK.of

Lect.Serm- iii. p. 912,

voU ii. p. i'J(> Uti.

at Boyle's

Christian.

VOL. V.

I
j

b FosT. against Tind. p. 143147.

SHERLOCSttftPrgyh. Diss. i. p. iSJ.&CT

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

3d

VI.

ii. p. 163
185.) which makes
165, 182
probable he w^as not acquainted with those pieces ; for his
candour M'as not so great, as to have waved any opportunity
of aspersing Christianity and it is highly probable several of
those forgeries were later than his time.
may also add,
that Tertullian tells us {de Baptis. c. xvii.) that /o/m the
apostle discovered the acts of Paul and Thecla to have been
forged by a presbyter, and degraded the author on that
account j which if true, is a very remarkable circumstance''.

ap. Fabric. Cod. vol.

it

We

LECT. CXVIII.
The New Testament proved

HE

1 Prop. JL
ginal is genuine
.

new testament
i.

as

to

be Genuine.

we now have

the main such as

e. it is in

it

it

in the ori-

came out of

the hands of those, by whom the several pieces contained in

are said to have been written.

it

2. Dem. 1. The primitive christians had books among"

them, said to have been written by those authors whose names
are prefixed to those of our new testament.
3. 2. The primitive christians had as good opportunities
of satisfying themselves as to the genuineness of them, as other
ancients had with regard to the genuineness of their books

especially considering that several of those epistles were written

numerous

men, or to persons of a very public and

and those of PauVs, if not written by his
own hand were signed by him, to prevent as far as could be the
very possibility of imposture. (1 Cor. xvi. 21. 2 Thess. iii. 17.
to

societies of

sacred character

Comp. Rom.

xvi. 22. Gal. vi. 11.)

4. 3. The great concern which christians had in these

books, and the high value which they set upon them, (as appears
in part already, and will hereafter more fully appear,) would

no doubt engage them

to be very careful

and accurate

in this

inquiry''.

5.4. We find there were many books going under the

name of the apostles, which Avere rejected by the primitive
christians
and that a vast difference was made between those
;

a Seed's Serm. vol. ii. p. 009 31 1.

b Lardn. lb. vol. i. ]). :iH4, 385.
Iib228y. vol. viii. p. 197a03.

vol.

iii.

p.

|
|

Lardn. Works,
\\.u.'M'i.

vol.

ii.

p. 172, 436, 492. Tol.

New

Lect. cxviii.

Testament proved

to

be Genuine.

31

of the new testament, and other books allowed to have been

Vid,
written by persons of great eminence in the church *.
Lect.

1 1

3.

9. Lect.

17. 23.

We do not

Jews or the Heaengaged, diswere

whom
puted the genuineness of these records nay Julian the apostate, who was so well acquainted with them, and afterwards
proved so inveterate an enemy to Christianity, does in some of
as we before observed
his writings allow them to be genuine
evangelists^.
especially
the
Vid^
earlier,
that Celsus doth
6. 5.
thens, with

find that either the

the christian apologists

:

Lect. 117.

1.

7. 6. There is great reason to believe that the books of

the same title with those of our new testament, which were in
the hands of the primitive christians, i. e. those of the two first
centuries,

were genuine.

8.7. Considering the zeal which the primitive christians

expressed for the new testament, and the sufferings which they
were ready to undergo rather than they would deliver it up, as
the lYaditores under the Dioclesian persecution did, we can
hardly imagine, that if it had been in their power, they would
willingly have corrupted it in any important instances ; which
would indeed have been introducing another religion, different
from that for which they suffered such dreadful extremities ".
9. 8. If they had been
testament, neither they
-Jiave effected such a design ;
were preserved, how soon

new

ever so desirous of corrupting the

nor any in succeeding ages could

considering how long the originals

they were transcribed and translated into various languages, how publicly they were read in
their religious assemblies, so that wherever there was a christian
church, there must have been a copy, by which any that attended might examine and correct their own; {Vid. Lect,
115. 2.) considering also how wide they were dispersed in
a very few years after they were written and what a variety
of sects arose very early among christians, who Avere all a
;

guard upon each other, to prevent any material alteration in

the books which they professed to make the rule of their faith,
and from which each pretended to defend his own opinions'*.
a Lardn.

ib. vol. viii.p.

Wuiks,

105124.
d

vol. iv. p. 231.

Blackw. at Boyle's Lect. Serin, iii. p. 12,

b Mackn. Gosp. Hist. B. ii. c. iv. p. 3J2.

West

opResur.

13

Boyle's Lect. p. 4914^)3.

p. 319.

Leland's View, vol.

C Suic. Thesaur. vo!.

p. 335,
p. 800.
ibid. vol. vii. 1. i. c. 6Q. p.

Lard.n.

ii.

i.

lARPN.

WorVs, vol. iv. p. 88.

KING of the Prim. Church, partli. c. i. 5 2.
Tep.tull. de Prascript. c. 36.
Advers. Marcion, ap. BISCOE at

210217.

ibid. vol. iii.p.

Wufks,

vol.

289293, 300, 30*.

u.p.491.

LECTtTRES ON DIVINITY.

52

Part

vi.

10. 9. There are numerous quotations from the new

testament in christian writers of all the latter ages, and even
from the beginning of the third century ; insomuch that if the
books were to be lost, by far the greater part of them might
be recovered from such quotations, and from the homilies
and coumicntaries written upon several parts of it and all
these do in the main agree with our present copies, in sense
at least, if not in words.
Comp. Led. 1 16. 8.
:

11. 10. The nevv testament, as we

ginal, is in the main agreeable to what it

now have
was

it

the

in

in the ori-

first

ages of

ciiristianit}'.
1

(genuine

The new
*.

Cor.

12.

testament as

we have

it

in the original

is

E. D.

2,.

1.

From hence

it

appears, that the evidence

we have

of the genuineness of the writings of the new testament, is abundantly greater than for that of any other book
of equal antiquity ; as may be seen by comparing the preceding argument with what could be said in proof of those writ-

which go under the names of Virgil, Tully, Cesar,

Suetonius, &c''.
ings,

13. 2. From comparing the several steps of the preceding demonstration, particularly gr. 3, 7, 8. ( 4, 8, 9.) it will
appear, that where the possibility of corrupting the books of
the new testament, fif it had been desired) was greatest, i. e.
in the time immediately following their being written, we have
the strongest evidence of an aversion to do it ; considering the

known

and piety of the first professors and confessors of

and that as the character of christians grew worse,
the impossibility of changing these books increased.
And it
may not be unworthy of further remark, that with respect to
those epistles, which being written to particular persons might
have been most easily altered, we have peculiar evidence
that they were not
partly from the distinguisliing nietv of
those persons, i. e. Timothy and Titus ; and partly from the
tenor of those epistles as they now appear, which is the very
contrary to what dishonest, ambitious, and interested men,
who alone would have been likely to have attempted a corruption, would have desired it should have been.
zeal

Christianity,

4 Limb.
'

Coll. p.
Script,

Wets. NewTe. Pref.

4(i.
iii.

Judaei. Quacst.

No.

iv.

144^148.
Baxt. Works, vol. ii. p. 1 19. b. 120.
Dittos on the Resur. i)artiii. { 10
Bknnxt on .Srrii)t. p. 302306.

*03T.

a^diost Tind. p.

95105,

>6|.

viii.

p.

77Si

Ben.son's Reas. of Chrisiiani'y

GoKp. Uist.li. iii e r
JoRTiN'sRem voUi. p. 4.1.

Mackn.

p.

17.

LEL.^Nn, ubi

b BLACK.W.

Suiira.

at Boyie'

.eci.

Seiv

Whether the Scripture was corrupted,

Lect. cxix.

fiCc.

33

LECT. CXIX.
Whether

was corrupted by the Heretics Of the

various Readings in the New Testament Apostolic Conthe Scripture

stitutions.

1. Schol. 1. AF it be objected to gr. 7, 8, that the fathers accused the Heretics of corrupting the scripture, and that it is pos-

now
we answer,

sible that aJl the copies or versions

corrupted by them

was

2. {
either

.)

by

The

to this

extant might be thus

corruption of scripture, to Avhich they refer,

false interpretations,

or at most by the alteratioii

of a ie.w particular passages.

3. (2.) The agreement between the doctrines of the fathers in some of those points, and the scriptures as now extant,

shews that we have not corrupt copies of those passages.

4.

that

if

(3.)

We may conclude from

the Heretics

been unsuccessful ;
shews it.

the reasons urged above,

made any such attempts, they must have

and the protest of the fathers against them

5. (4.) The copies now extant came from such different

parts, and many of the translations, especially the Syriac, Ethio-

and Vulgate, were so ancient, that the hypothesis proposed

To which we add, that
in the objeotion is utterly incredible.
the fathers, who have several of them quoted the same passages

pic,

of scri]ilure, lived in very distant countries, at or near the same

time v. g. Justin Martyr and many others in Asia, Iren^u*
;

Clemems

at Alexandria, Cyprian at Carthage^

correspondents at Rome, he. at all which places
christian churches were founded, long befoi'e the time in which
these authors respectively lived ; yet these authors never in the

in France,

some of

his

any disapprobation of those anciently received

dra^n from this
view of them. And whoever considers the alarm taken at the
attempt of Pope Celestine I. about the year 425, to impose a,
forged canon, as established by the council oi Nice, upon the
African bishops, whereas it was only a canon of the council of
Sardica, will be yet more sensible of the force of this argument*.
least intimate

copies, which greatly confirms the evidence

6. Schol. 2. Nearly akin to this,

from the passages

Bower's Hist, of the Popes,

Wetst.

Piol. ia

NewTesu

in
vol.
SiJ.

is

that objection taken

Victor's Chronicon,
i.

p. 370,

&c.

I
|

in

which

it is

FosT. againstTind. p. 149165.

said^

"

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

34

when Messala was

VJ.

command

of the emby Idioiis Evangelistis^ were corrected and amended :" which seems only to
refer to the correcting a few copies at Constantinople, which
were falsified hy Macedonius, and were now restored to what
the plain evangelists Avrote.
It is certain no thought could be
that

peror Anastasius,

consul, at the

t!)e I10I37

gospels, as written

than an universal corruption of all the copies of the New

at such an age, (A. D. 500.) and among so many diversities of opinions, as well as in the vast tract of land where
Avilder,

Testament

Anastasius had not the

least

power ^.

7. 3. Many have objected the various readings, which

Dr. Mills reckons to be more than 30,000
but it may be
:

replied,
(I.) That considering the bidk of the book, the vast
ber of copies which have been compared, the ignorance of

nummany

and the nicety with which the least variations have

been observed; and especially considering how many versions
and quotations Dr. Mills brings into the account, we are rather
to wonder there are no more; since in the few copies of
Terence which have been compared, almost as many various
readings have been found.
transcribers,

8. (2.) There are hut very few of these various numerous

readings, which at all atFect the sense, at least in any important
article; as

those of

appears by examining not only those of Mills, but

Wetstein, which

are

by

far the

most significant of

them.
9. (3.) That when copies come to be compared, there is
often so great a number on one side against those of the other,
that it is easy to settle the true reading, and to see what it was
that led the transcriber into a mistake; and this is generally the

where the variation from the received reading

case,

is

the

greatest''*.

10. Schol 4. It

New

whole

is

objected, that

it

is

improbable the

Testament should have been written

in

Greek

we

answer,
(1.)

That many great

a Collins on Freethink.
Ben'i
Sir

1.

EY"s

Kcm.

Newiok's 2d

p. S!),90.
yj. |). 77^4.
Let. to Locke, p. 116.

critics alledge, chiefly

on the autho-

b Canones Crilici ap. V/cts.

Cor. I. IKS ibid. p. H7 tO.

Bfnt. Rem.

UirroN on

p.

0068, 7484.

Ihe Rcsurr. part

iii. I

18, 19.

* For much curious learning on this subject, recourse may be had to

MiCHAELis's <' Introduction to the New Testament," lately translated hy Hkkbert
M.\HSH, B. D. vol. i. p. 246 341. See also Mr. Marsh's Notes, ibid. p. 489.

bn.

K.

Whether

Lect. cxix.

the Scripture

was corrupted^ Kc.

35

PapiaSjUS quoted by Eusebius (Eccles. Hist. I. iii. cap,

ot" Matthew and the epistle to the Hebrews
were originally written in Hebrew: but if that should be allowed dubious, we may further add,
rity of

ult.J that the gospel

^11. (2.) That great numbers of the christian converts

were Grecians born, and others Hellenists^ who used the Greek
translation of the Old Testament.
12. (3.) That the Greek language had spread so much
beyond any other in those days, that on tiie whole it was most
convenient for books that were intended for universal use
which also in part appears from the writings of several of the
ancients, who though they lived in Asia and Egypt, used this
language as Jusephus also did, though he wrote at Rome, and
seems to have designed

his

books principally for the use of the

Bomans ^
13. Schul. 5. Mr. Whiston has endeavoured to prove
the evidence of the genuineness of the Apostolic Constitutions to

be equal to that of the New Testament. We own there are

many curious and valuable articles, among many weak and ridiculous things, in that very miscellaneous collection. Nevertheless, when Whiston's arguments for them come to be compared
with those in the proposition, it will immediately appear, that
they fall vastly short of them. And indeed these Constitutions
contain many very evident marks of forgery
especially as they
expressly determine the two grand controversies, relating to the
time of Easter^ and the re-admission of those who had fallen
away after baptism : yet their authority is never pleaded for
the decision of these controversies, even when those persons
were engaged in them, in whose hands he supposes the originals
of these Constitutions to have been lodged not now to insist
upon the great improbability of keeping those things secret at
first, which were intended to be a rule to christians in all succeeding ages ; which very ill agrees with the plain and simple
genius of Christianity, or that courage in defence of the truth
for which its earliest professors were above all mankind so emi;

nent.

There are likewise

so

many

things in these Constitutions,

from and even contrary to the genius and design of

the writers of the New Testament, that no wise man would beheve, without the most convincing and irresistible proof, that
both could come from the same hand ^
different

a BEREWOOD'sInq.

c.

i,&

vi.

Limb. Coll. p. 144, 145, 1S3, I84.

Jones against whist. c.xvii,&c.

Hal LET

on Heb. Pref.
L.ARDN. Works, vol. vi. p. 60, .318.

b Whist. Prim.

Cliristian. vol.

ii, iii.

SAtmiN's Serm. vol.

Coci Censura Patr.
Grabf.'s

.^ns.

to

ii.

p.

p.

1S5187.

37.

Whist, pass.

Barratieri Opera.
Lakd.s". Cred. part

Works,

ii.

Vol. viii. c. ult.

vol. iv. p. SUO,

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

SK

pART

VI.

LECT. CXX.

Heathen Teatimomes,

Of the

Antiquity of the Jewish Religion

Prop. JL HE Jewish religion has been of considerable anand accorJing to the common chronology, was found-

1.

tiquity

ed by Moses Uiiiix 1600 years before Christ's time.

2. Dem. I. That there was such a people as the Jewi
about the time of the christian ara, and that they were a Httle
while after subdued by the Romans under Vespasian and Tiiiis,
is so apparent from tiie history of Tacitus and Suetonius, as
well as many other ancient writers and monuments, that it has
never been called in question, and therefore needs no more par*
ticular proof.

3. 2. Phtlo and Joseph us, the two most considerable

writers who lived in that age, as well as a great many others of
the same religion before and since, do expressly assert it as a

notorious fact, that Moses was the author of their religion and

and that he lived about the time mentioned

polity,

in the

pro*

position.

There is reason to believe, that as the Hehre'v&

of acknowledged antiquity, and does indeed bear
many of the peculiar marks of an original, they had among them
some written and credible account of the beginning of their
4. 3.

language

is

constitution and nation

laws

differ

especially considering

how much

their

from those of any other people on the face of the

earth.

5. 4. Several of the Pagan writers, of whom we shall

give a more particular account in the scholium, do mention

Moses

as undoubtedly the

Law-giver of the Jews.

We cannot find

that there was any contest between

the Jews and the neighbouring nations, concerning the antiquity of MoseSy and the origin of the Jewish religion, though several of them pretended their religious institutions to be much
6.

older

5.

as appears especially

JosEPHUs has

by those two

v.ritten against

excellent books which

Jpion, expressly on

this subject*

7. 6. There is reason to believe that the Jewish religion

has been of considerable antiquity, and was founded by Moses
about the time mentioned above\ Q. E. D.

8. Schol. 1.

Shot, dc

Verit.

1. i. i

16. p.

It

may

63-6>

not be improper here to illustrate

Jd

JgNK. of

Christian, vol.

i.

p.

95100.

^n

Of the Antiquity of the Jewish Religion^

Lect. cxx.

by giving an account of several ancient authors

the PaganSy by whose testimony it is confirmed.
4. ( 5.)

9. (1.)

MACHUs,

among

Manetho, Cheremon, Apollonius and

iaesides

37

&,V.

Lysi-

some other ancient Egyptians and Greeks^

now lost, are expressly quoted by JosePHus, as extant in his days, and passages are collected from
them, in which they agree, that Moses was the leader of the
Jews when they departed from Egijpt, and the founder of t!ieir
laws; though some of these writers intermix with their story
many ridiculous and infamous circumstances, which the Jews
whose histories are

have always denied, but from the quotation of which we may

assure ourselves, that the authors quoting the passages in question took them honestly and exactly as they found them^.
10. And EusEBius brings passages to the like purpose
from EupoLEMUs and Artapanus but as for those long quotations, he afterwards brings from the tragedies of Ezekiel and
Demetrius upon the same subject; as the authors seem to have
been Jews, if not ChristianSy they are placed with less propriety
among the testimonies now under examination''.
;

11. (2.) Strabo, (Geo^. I. xvi.) giA-es an account of the

law of Moses as forbidding images, and limiting divine worship
to one invisible or rather universal being
and in consequence
of this, bears an honourable testimony to the Jews, as a pious
and righreous nation".
;

12. Celsus also refers to this passage of Strabo, and

frequently mentions Moses and other persons recorded in the

Jewish

histor}'^,

in

such a manner as plainly to shew he was

familiarly acquainted with

13.

(3.)

it.

Justin from Trogus Pompeius

tells us,

that

Moses, whom by mistake he calls the son of Joseph, being driven

from Egypt, and leading other exiles, encamped at mount
Sinai, and there consecrated the seventh day as a sacred solemnit}^, or as he ignorantly expresses it, a perpetuaiy^^/''.
14. (4.) Pliny the elder speaks of Moses, as eminent
the magicians, probably referring to his power of work-

among

ing miracles

''.

15. (5.)

Tacitus mentions Moses

a JOS. against Ap.

1. i. ? 26, p. 13521354. Ed.

UUDs. p. 1055. Cologn.
Ibid. J 32. p. 1357, 135a. ibid, i 3i. p. 1359,
13G0.
Eus. Pra?p. Ev. 1. ix. cap. 2620.

Clayton's Vind. of U)c OWltst,

VOL.

y.

i>.

12S.

as

one of the exiles

Warb. Div. Leg. vol. p. 417,413.

Lkland against Morg. p. '^1'2, 213.
i.

d Just.

Uisi.

1.

C PLl.NY'sNlU.

xxxvi.
ilisl.

1.

t.

li.

XXX.

L.-iRD,StR".S SVullCi, vgl.

c.

'.ii.

i.

p. 250.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

38

Part

vi.

from Egypt, who persuaded the rest of them to commit themselves to him as a celestial guide, and takes further notice of
their being conducted by him through the wilderness, relieved
in their thirst, and receiving a set of laws from him, of which he
gives a large though a very faulty account^.
16. (6.) Juvenal mentions Moses as the author of a
volume, which was preserved with great care among the Jews,
by which the worship of images and eating swine's flesh were
forbidden, circumcision and the observation of the sabbath
strictly enjoined''.

17. N. B. Before him, Horace has mentioned Judreus

Apella, or a circumcised Jew as a sort of proverb of creduliti/,

probably in reference to their believing so many miraculous

events recorded in their sacred books: (Hor. Sat. I. i. 5. sub
fin. comp. Sat. ix.ver. 69,10.) yet as he does not expressly
mention Moses, (however some have thought he referred to him
Od. ii. ver. 19. which we lay no stress upon, Vid. Delph. Nat.
ibid.) we chuse not to add him to the catalogue of these
writers.
18. (7.) LonginUs cites Moses as the law-giver of the
Jews, and a person of no inconsiderable character, and adds,
that he has given a noble specimen of the true sublime, in his
account of the creation of the world
'^.

19. (8.) NuMENius, as quoted by Eusebius and Origen,

mentions Musaus, probably Moses, as a leader of the Jews, who
by his prayers brought dreadful calamities on Egypt; which
Jamjies and Jambres, those celebrated magicians, were not able
to resist; and Eusebius reports it as his saying, that " Plato
was only Moses speaking Gree/c^.^^

20. (9.) Chalcidius speaks of Moses a.s a person of eminent wisdom, more than human eloquence, and as one who pretended to divine revelation but it is much to be doubted whether he were a Pagan, or as both Eusebius and Fabricius
maintain, a Christian Platonist".
:

Hermippus, an ancient writer of the

21. (10.)

Pythagoras, says

tiiat

the philosophers did in

imitate the laws of the Jews;

but

many

life

of

of their rules

find not that he expressly

mentions Moses as the author of them ^.

a Tacit. Hist.

I.

v.c. iii v.

4S2.

GORD. Tac. vol. iv. p. 47')"

'Clayton's Viiid. ]>. 1J2.
I)

Juv.

Sat. xiv. vcr. Vti

Long, de Sub. 8 ;'.

Lard. Works, vol.

lOti.

p. 50.
viii. j).

d Eus. Pra?p. Ev. ix. 8. xi. 10.

Orig. against Gels. I. iv. p. I9S, 199.
Lai;iin. Works, vol. viii. p. 16S.
e 15uu,'E[ Phil. Hist.

I-ARDN. Works,

Peaiice's Fd. 1732166.

c. iv. i

vol. viii.

Jos. against Apioii,

1.

i. I

22. not. p. 160, 161.

)).

j46.

22. p. 1345. l^l'DS.

Of the

Lect. cxx.
22.

(11.)

Antiquity of the Jewish Religion, Kc,

The Orphic

verses,

39

which though spurious arc

generally reckoned of great antiquity, inculcate the worship of

one God as recommended by that law, " which was given by

him who was drawn out of the water, and received two
stone from the hand of God^."
23.

(12.)

DioDORus SicuLUs,

who pretended

in his

tables of

catalogue of those

have received the plan of their laws

from some deity, mentions Moses, as ascribing his to that God
whom he calls Jaoh, which is probably a corruption of Jehovah^.

]aw-givers

to

24. And in an extract out of his fortieth book, which is

preserved by Photius, he gives a large though in some respects
erroneous account of the Jews; in which he speaks of Moses as

man

who settled the Jews

and instituted their religion and laws, forbidding
them images as he pretends on pantheistic principles, divided

of illustrious prudence and courage,

in their land,

into twelve tribes, established the priesthood among them

with a judicial power, and adds several other particulars, which
though mingled with mistakes are of great importance *=.

them

25. (13.) Dion Cassius, 1. xxxiii. speaks of the Jews as

worshipping a being of unutterable majesty and an invisible nature but I find not that he mentions Moses as giving them those
;

ideas of him.

26. (14.) Varro mentions the Romans as havingagreed

with the Jewish nation, in that first worship of theirs without
images, of which be declares his approbation''.

27. (15.) Philemon, in the days of Alexander the Great,

has some verses which seem to be a kind of translation from part
of the decalogue ; so that there can be no reasonable doubt of
his being acquainted with

See the verses

in

it,

though he says nothing of Moses,

Spirit, Serm. vii. p. 266.

Ridley of the

28. And if Phocylides were indeed as is generally

thought a heathen poet, before Christ's time, he may justly be
joined to Philemon, as he has plainly translated many of the
Mosaic laws, though he does not expressly mention their author.
29. (16.) Justin Martyr expressly says, that most of
the historians, poets, law-givers and philosophers of the Greeks
mention Moses as the leader and prince of the Jewish nation

and particularly enumerates

a Eds. Prap.Ev. 1. xiii. c.
b OiOD. Sic. 1. i. sub init.
Cals's Court of Gent.

xii.

Polemon, Appion

p. 666.

c DiOD. Sic. ap. Phot. Bib. No. 244. p. 2051,

'J052.

of Fossidon,

d Var.

p.

Aug. de Civ.Dei, iv.31.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

40

Part

vi.

Ptolemy Mendesius, Hell anicus,Philocorus, Castor,

Thallus and Alexander Polyhistor, besides those taken
notice of above; and adds, what

it is

very important to observe,

that they took their account of

Moses not from the Jews^ but

from whence it is m'cII known they col-

the Egyptian priests,

lected most of their learning^.

30. Schol.

.Tosephus

2.

It

may

insinuated,

lias

Manetho mentions

not be improper liere to add, that

that the Shepherd kings, Avhom

making so great a figure in Egypt, and

were Israelites; and Dr. Morgan has
grafted a great many false and absurd things relating to the
Jewish history upon that supposition
but a late ingenious writer has entirely overthrown the foundation of that notion, as
well as justly exposed Morgan's wild superstructure; and has
advanced some reasons worthy of consideration, to prove that
the shepherd kings were Arabians j and descendants of Ish^
as

at length expelled,

rnael^*.

LECT. CXXI.
Antiquity of the Old Testament
Books.

The

Genuineness of the

^ 1 Prop. JL HE ancient Jews before the time of Christ had

books among them, bearing the titles of those which make up
what we protestants call tlie books of the Old Testament, and a
catalogue of which may be seen at the beginning of any of our
.

bibles.

2. Dem. 1. The books of the Old Testament are still extant in the Hebrew and Chaldee languages, with such marks of

purity as prove them to be very ancient.

3. 2.

There was

Greek

translation of them, in the

days

of Ptolemy Philadelphus, which was laid up in the Alexandrian

by Inm ^

library collected

a JrST. Cohort, ad Gent. p. 9 11.

JlUET. Dem. I'r. iv. c. ii. p. 4;') &c.

Cai
I)

v..

Diet. vol.

MOKG. Mor.
'ilHioi'H.
jjijEs.

I'hil

Cani.

p.
vol.

ii.

23S 'JjS.

Rtin. x.w. p.

b'i

* Much has been

Cont. Ap.

1. i.
ii.

14

p.

16.

iJT 47.

prJcs. p.

2735,

4417.

p. 73.
Vind. of anc. lleb. Hist. pisi.
iii.

Jo,s.

c I'RiD. Con. vol.

Jos. Ant. I. xii. c.

tus. Etclcs. Hist.

ii,
1.

V. c. viii. Vales. Not.

(j'i.

said

by chronologers concerning

the shepherd kings, and dif-

The matter is not of great

Mr. Jackson refers the slieplierd dynasty to the settlement of the
Israelites in Es^ypt.
Sir Isaac Newton suppobcs the shepherds to have been tlie
expelled Canaanites. K.
ferent conjectures have been foriiicd concerning theiu.

importance.

Lect. cxxr.
4. 3. It

Antiquity of the Old Testament,

is

los publislied his

41

S^c.

by learned men, that Onke^

the Chaldee paraphrase on the

sjenenilly thought

Targum,

i.

e.

law, and Jonathan his on the prophets, either before or very

near the time of Christ, which plainly shews the original Hebrew
to have been older

".

5.4. JosEPHUS gives us an obscure kind of catalogue of

the sacred books among the Jews, in which he expressly mentions the five books of Moses, 1 3 of the Prophets, 4 of Hymns and
Moral precepts. Now if we wuth many critics allow, that Rutk
was added to Judges, and Lamentations to Jeremy, then this
number Avill agree with those which make up our old testament'',
6, 5. Both Jews and Christians from the time of Christ,
have generally agreed to receive those books Avhich make up
our old testament as genuine. As to the attempt that has been
made to introduce others called the Apocrypha, which will hereafter be examined, it does not affect the present question, any
further than as the Jews rejecting these books may be considered as an argument of their care in examining those they ad-

mitted.
7. 6. The quotations made from the old testament in the
new, which we have already proved to be genuine, do evidently
infer the existence of those books from whence they were taken;
and also shew by the way, that the Jews did not only receive
them as authentic but divine, as Josephus also in the preceding
and it
reference assures us that they did in the strongest terms
is observable, that all the books of the old testament are cited in
the new, except /wf/^e>?, Ruth, Ecclcsiastes, Canticles, Ezra,
Nehemiah, and perhaps Chronicles ; insomuch that on the
whole, the express quotations from or references to the old testament in the whole volume of the new, are computed at about
Vid. Index to Matt. Ed. of the new testament.
eoo.
:

Melito, Gregory Nazianzen, Origen, AthanaHilary, Epiphanius, Jerom, and several later writers,

8. 7.
sius,

have given us catalogues of the books of the old testament ; in

which none of ours are omitted, except Ruth, which is left out
in some, because perhaps included in Judges.
9. 8. The Samaritans, who separated from the JewSy
many hundred years before the birth of Chtist, have in their lana CALMETDict. inOnb and Jonath.
Prid. Cun. vol.ii. p. 531 5jS, 542545.
Jos. ag.iinst .\pion, L i. p. 103t>. Col. EJ. p.'

1>

i'iii,

Hudg.

Pn

ID.

Con. vol. i. p. 331, 332.

Jewish Antiq. voL iU p. 37$.

JE^i.SK-iCS's

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

42

guagc a Pentateuch,

Hebrew \

Part

vi.

the main exactly agreeing with the

in

J'alet propositio.

10. Cor. Sir \\'illiam Temple's insinuation, that there

are no Hebrew records now extant older than the Augustan age,

most wild and arbitrary ; and so contrary to strong and diand inileed common sense, that one M'ould believe
he intended to except the old testament, though he expresses
himself in so unguarded a manner

is

rect evidence

''.

1.

Schol. Noti)ing

called Seder

some have

is

Olam Rabbah,

said

above of that Jewish chronicle,

e.

the larger chro7iicle, on which

i.

laid so great a stress, as the authority of

it is

disputed

but the regard Avhich some very learned men have paid to it,
makes one wish that the evidence of its authenticitv, and the
importance of its contents, may be set in a clearer and easier
light than that in which it has hitherto appeared
for if it be indeed true, that its author was master to the compilers of the
Mishna, it must be worthy an attentive inquiry ".
;

12. Prop.

The books of the

Jews had among them

genuine *.

cient

13.

Dem.

From eriemal

I.

old testament, which the an-

in Christ's time,

were

in the

main

evidence.

14. 1. Considering what evidence there is, that there was

such a person as Moses, and that he was law-giver of the Jews ;
there is reason to believe tluit he would write his institutions;
since there was such proper and important occasion for doing it.
15. 2. Several of the authors enumerated above speak of
as a writer, as well as a law-giver.

Moses

16. 3. In the nature of things it is very probable, that in

a polity so founded as that of Moses appears to have been, occasions of writing histories and laws should have occurred ; and
that religious teachers, rising in different ages, should

by

their

writings, as those of other religions have done, endeavour to in-

force an institution, which they at least supposed to be divine.

n.

4.

The

persons to

succeeding writers were

first

3 Prid. Con. vol. i. p. 4l(i41S.

DUPIS on Uie Can. voL i. c. i. i " 5.
Cai wet's DicL vol. ii. p. 5V*>, dOO.
Kensicott's Dissert, on Heb. Test, vol

whom

the books of Moses and the

proposed, were capable of judgKennicott's Account of his CollaL p.
Leisd. Diss Phil. p. 54 &-.
Jenk. of Christian, vol. ii. p. 84 9*.

b Temp. Misc. vol ii. p. 36. Ed.

c PBID. Con. vol. li. Pret p. VO.

i.

p. 337.

* As a

treneral reference on this subject, see Lel.^md's

Letter on the study of History, p. 44
"0.
C.
of Deisticai Writers, toL ii. p. 286
K.
305. 4th Ed.

BttoKr's

View

Answer

145.

2.

to

Bolimc-

See also Lrland's

Antiquity of the Old Testament^

Lect. cxxi.

i^c.

43

ing whether they were genuine or no ; and there is no reason

to believe, they would have received them with such extraordinary regard, as it is well known the Jews paid to them, if they
had not been well satisfied on that head and considering how
highly those books were regarded by all the pious Jews^ and
how much even their civil affairs depended upon them, we can:

not suppose that an entire change of them could have been attempted, without being discovered and rejected with the utmost
indignation.
old tes 18. 6. There is reason to believe the books of the
tament, which the ancient Jews had among them, were genuine.
2. E. D.

19.

Dem.

II.

Taken from

internal arguments.

are
20. 1. Many of the facts recorded in the old testament
account
giving
an
books
if
the
of so extraordinary a nature, that
of them had been forged, the very circumstance of their being
before unknown, would have been a sufficient argument against
receiving any books that contained an account of them.

21.

2.

Many

of the institutions contained in their laws

were so burdensome, and some of them humanly speaking so

hazardous, or rather so certainly ruinous to any nation not secured by an extraordinary providence correspondent to them,
(especially those relating to the sabbatical year, the resort of all
the males to Jerusalevh and the prohibition of cavalry) that
forged books containing such precepts would probably have
been rejected with the greatest abhorrence \
22. 3. The great variety observable in the stile of these
books, makes it improbable they should have been the work of
07ie, and the unity of design^ that they should have been the in-

vention of many : for if these supposed inventors lived in different ages, they could not have consulted with each other ; and
if they lived in the same age, the largeness of their plan would

new difficulties, without being

and he who could be weak
end
valuable
any
answer
likely to
enough to embarrass a scheme with so many unnecessary articles, must probably have wanted a genius capable of managing
only have subjected them to

them

all

so well.

N. B. The same remark may also be applied to the new

though the external arguments for the genuineness

teslameyit,

BeSNET on Script, p. 7274.

SHERLOCK on Proph. Diss, it

!
|

Warb. Div. Leg. vol. ii. p. 4fi2, V.

PaschalN Prootsof the Books of Moses.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

44
of

are so strong, that

it

this

it

Pa2.T

Vt,

upon

did not seem necessary to insist

hint^

23. 4. The provision that was made for reading the law
publicly every seventh year, at the feast of tabernacles, (when
it is probable the copies kept in private hands might be com-

pared with that laid up before the Lord) Deut. xxxi. 9

13,
24 26, and the iniunction on the king to transcribe it with his
own hand, Deut. xvii. IS 20. would be a probable means of
preventing corruption ; and adds an evidence'to the genuineness
of these writings, much greater than can be found with regard
to others of the most ancient authors.

2}-. The charge also given to priv^ate persons to make

themselves familiarly acquainted with the contents of the law,

and to teach

it

their children, deserves to

be mentioned under

head, as an institution of the greatest importance for keep9. andsim.) and which ining it uncorrupted
{Deut. vi. 6
deed according to the remark of Josephus in the preceding reValet
ference, had an extraordinary efficacy to this purpose ''.
this

'propositio.

LECT. CXXII.
Charge of Forgery refuted

whether

Moses wrote the Fen-

tateuch*

k>

1.

Schol.

1.

JL

this

it is

objected, that the degeneracy of

the Jews according to their own history, and their disregard to

the institutions of Moses^ together with the scarcity of books in
those early ages, and the various oppressions which they suffered under their enemies, might occasion the loss of authentic

some designing priests an opportunity of subroom especially might this happen,

when the book of the law was said to be found in the reign of
Josiah^ 2 Kings xxii. 8, &c. or during the time of the Babylonish
captivity.
But to this it is answered,
copies, and give

stituting others in their

any

2. (1.) This at best is no more than a conjecture, without

positive proof of such a forgery.

3. (2.)

attempted,

it

uncertain whether, if such a fraud had been

could have succeeded at either of the times men-

It is

tioned, though they are indeed the most probable which can be
a JoRTiH's Rem. vol. i. p- 41.
.MiiJ.A"6 Proy. vol. i. p. yd.

b Nicil. Conf. vol. iv. p. 172?.

JENK. ot Cluristian. vol. i. p. i(J9 187.

Charge of Forgery refuted,

Lect. cxxii.

45

U,c.

assigned.
For, not to insist upon the possibility there is, that
the writing found in Josiah's reign was only the last chapter of

Deuteronomy, that awakening passage of scripture were we

to suppose it to have been the "whole Pentateuch, perhaps /o^/aA
might before have had some copy of the law, though not equaliy
perfect with the original which had been found in the temple ;
and he might be more powerfully struck with hearing it read in
the circumstances there described, though he had iiotbcen before an entire stranger to the contents of it, which it is certain
he was not, considering the reformation he had before made,
2 Chron. xxxiv. 3, &c. There were probably some copies of
the law remaining in other hands, as there certainly were during
the time of the captivity
See Dan. ix. 11
13. to which may
be added Ezra'm. 2 5. vi. 18 21. 2 Chron. xxxvi. 22. Ezra
I.
Nth. viii. 1
So that it appears to be an idle tale, which
8.
so many of the christian fathers borrowed from the Jews, that
Ezra, by divine inspiration restored the sacred books, after they
had been entirely lost ^.
;

4. (3.)

There

is

not the least probability, that such laws

now

to be found in the old testament, were

forged at any time, especially on such an occasion since nothing could have been more imprudent, upon the principles of
human policy, than such precepts as those mentioned Prop,
106. Deyn. 2. gr. 2. which would have been peculiarly liable to
exception, when Israel was so surrounded with enemies, and
straitened in their possessions, as they were both in the days of

as those which are

Nor can we imagine,

Josiah and Ezra.

that to these

Ezra

on which they were obliged to

put away their strange wives, which was so tender a point, and
consideri'jg how
might have produced such fatal divisions
many had married such, and how considerable some of them
were both by birth and alliance, and how many foreign famisome of
lies would be made their enemies by such divorces
them were also priests and Levites, who must have been privy
to the forgery, if there had been any.
So that upon the whole,

would have added

that precept,

is so little reason to suspect Ezra as the inventor of these

precepts, that it is an instance of the impartial regard he had

there

for the original, that he

Ezra

ix, x.

Neh.

xiii.

would retain them at so great a hazard ;

29. a remark also applicable in some

23

degree to Josiah ^.
a

EiTs. Eccles. Hist. v. S. Vales.

Prid.

C(in. vol.

1.

Not.

VOL.

v.

p. 329.

Jennings's Jewish Antiq. vol. i. p. 172.

b Burn, on the Art. p. --3, 84.
Evans's Christian Temp. vol. ii. p. 375377.

Mii.[.at''s Prop. vol. i. p. 8894.

Ar.LlX's IJeflei.t. vol. i. p. 32, 33.

Shuckford's Connect,

Leland

vol.

against Tind. vol,

ii.

ii.

p. jil.

p. 12i.

ParT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

46

J. Schol. 2. It

Moses should

further objected, that

is

it is

VI.

impossible that

been the author of the Pentateuch, or Samuel

or Nehe})iiali of those books which go under their name
since
many circumstances are recorded in them, which did not happen till manv' 3*ears after their death T'^id. Gen. xii. 6. xxii. 14.
xxxvi. 31. E.rod xvi. 35. (compared with Josh. v. 12.) Numb.
xii. 'i. Deut. ii. 12. iii. 11, 14. xxxiv. .5, he
Sam. xxv. to the
end of the 2d of Samuel, Neh. xii. 10, 11. where the catalogue
of high priests is carried down to the time of Alexq^nder the
hin-e

Great.
6. To that i^art of this objection wliich may affect the
Pentateuch, some have replied, that Samuel might have been
the author of those books, which arc called the books of MoseSy
becau e they treat of him, as those ol Samuel are named after

that prophut, because his history made so considerable a part of

them. Among others, Sir Isaac Newton and LT)rd Barring-

TON suppose Genesis, and the other historical books before

Moseses time, to have been written by ^aviucl, and for this purpose quote Acts iii. 21 24.
But this is so directly contrary to
man}' other scriptures, that it is strange that any should patronize
the opinion
especially when comparing
Sam. ii. 10. and 2
,

which may afford so easy and beautiful an

ilhistration of the above-mentioned text in Acts, on which BarKINGTON lays his chief stress, (See Grey on the last words of
David.) The scriptures to which tiiis hypothesis is most directly contrary, are 2 Chron. xxiii, 18. Dan. ix. 11,13. Mai.

Sam.

xxiii.

iv. 4.

Mark

27, 44. John

say,

5.

vii. lO. xii.

19.

Luke

xvi. 29, 3l. xx. 28, 37. xxiv.

45. v. 46, 47".

i.

7. Therefore waving this, it seems njore reasonable to

(as the most ancient JicwwA writers since the time of the

old testament assure us,) that

Ezra published a new

edition of

the books of Moses, in which he added those passages as notes

which perhaps afterwards crept into the text, by the mistake of

transcribers though indeed with regard to many of the passages alledged, it is evident there is no absurdity at all in supposing them to have been written b}' Moses himself. Perhaps
Simon the Just might also make some additions to those books
which were written after Ezra^s time
tjie

*>.

8. Schol. 3. As for Father Sinioii's hypothesis, that the

Peyitateuch was formed from some loose writings of the annals
of Moses, and that many of the leaves were transposed ; the
a R.\nniscT.

F.sg

^liWTOH on

on

))iv.

Diui. c.

Disp.

App. No.

iv.

b PRID.

Cop., vol.

Ki;/DEf. on

tlie

WS575.

!. p. 'iV'ik'';
Pent. vol. i. Dias.

The Old Testament Genuine,

Lect. cxxiii.

4T

S(c.

depends are so inconsiderable, that

not necessary to give a more particular view of it \
reasons on which

it

it

seems

{Lect.
9. 4. Under the 2d step of the 2d Demonstration,
121. 21.) we might have mentioned the omission of the doctrine
of futare rewards and punishments, on which Dr. Warburton
has insisted so largely in his learned work, called tiie Divine

but as that argument is intended to prove

:
not only the genuineness, but also indeed the divine authority of
those books, it may be proper to state it alone elsewhere.
sliall only add here, that there is reason to suspect whether, allowing the argument to be valid, it be of so great importance as

Legation of Moses

We

depends upon so many

Moses has omitted
it ? how far such an omission is peculiar to him as a legislator ?
how far it proves his dependence upon an equal providence?
what that equal providence was ? whether personal or national ?
and how far the expectation of it, or ground for that expectation

the in'genious'author supposes

nice questions,

v. g,

how

far

seeing

it is

On

Avas a thing peculiar to the Je-ws ?

argument

is

it

certain that

all

these accounts, the

much more complex, and seems

less

certain

and

arguments, drawn from Moses's having laid it down as a ftict certainly to be depended upon, that a
treble crop should attend the sixth year of tillage from the sabl)atical, Lev. xxv. 21. and that the family o^ Aaron in its male
line should never be extinct, nor ever want an adult heir free
from those blemishes that would have rendered him incapable of
less striking, than similar

service; which nothing but a full consciousness of a divine legation, could

mental to

have warranted so wise a

system

his

man

in

making funda-

''.

LECT. CXXIII.

Objections considered.

The OldTestament, as now ex taut, Genuine

HE

Old Testament, as now extant in the Hewhat it originally was.

Old Testament, as extant in the time of
The
1.
2.
Dem.

the Jews who were contemporary with Christ, was genuine.

3. 2. Such as it was in the time of Christ, it came
early into the hands of the christians, and has continued in

1.

Prop. JL

brew,

is in

the main

Marsh's Authenticity of the live Books of

Moses considered.
b MiDDLiiTON's Misc. Worlts, ToU i. p. 381.

Old Test. p. 3C, &:c.

of the Can.vol. i. c. iii. j 1. )). 68 75.
lb. Vul. ii. p.5
Ivicii. Couf. vol. iv. p. 8
10,

a Sim.

Crit. Hist.

Dlpin

iJvo.

;;

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

48

VI.

Jews could not have been

it, had they been
ever so desirous of it, while the christians were such a cjuard
upon them, in a matter on which so much of the evidence
of Christianity has at least been supposed to depend
nor on
hands ever since

their

able to

make any

so that thr

considerable alteration in

could the christians corrupt it without the

discovery of the Jews^ who would never have spared them,
could they have proved such an attempt on records which
they esteemed so sacred, by persons for whom they had such
an implacable ^version.
the other hand,

4. 3. There have been many ancient versions^ which are

yet extant in the Polyglot bible, in which there is such an
agreement in the main, both with the original and with each
otlier, as we cannot suppose there could have been, had the
original been corrupted after the date of those versions, of which
some are of considerable age.

N. B. The most considerable versions to which we refer

LXX. were the Targums, or Clialdee Para"phrases, which if later than Christ's time M^ere yet very ancient
the Greek of Thcodotmi, Aquila, and Symmachus ; the
Sijriac; the Arabic; Ethiopic, and Persian; besides the old
Italic: of all which see Jones and Walton referred to below.
5.

above, besides the

In latter ages, the Masorites have expressed a great

6. 4.

and even superstitious care, in keeping the copy of the old testament as incorrupt as possible, numbering even the lines, the
words, and the letters in each book and though this care may
be said to come late, i. e. about the year 500, it is to be remembered, it extends to those ages in which christians Avere
most ignorant of Hebrew, and the Jews had some learning ;
so that perhaps had they been disposed to corrupt their scriptures, they might have done it then w^ith the greatest safety
in wdiich view, there seems to be something very providential in this exact scrupulosity of theirs at such a period.
See
Pre/, to Van Hooght's Ed. of the Heb. Bib.
:

The

7. 5.

tliere

Schol.

8.
is

a Jones's Crit. I,ec.

xvi, xvii, xviii.
i.

c.

Loc.

To

this

some object the

LXX.

variations are of great

iv.

this

we may

7074- c

-,.

ii.

qussU

x. {

Hebrew,

is

in

^.

places between the

To

chronology.

vol.

1.

many

in

some of which

Tl RhET.

old testament, as extant in the

uncomipted

the main

xiii, xivj

moment, especially

reply,

Walton's
GILL'S

13.

difference Avhich

and the Hebrew

Prol. to Polyii. Bib.

Uissert.

on Heb. Lang.

Pref.

in

The Old Testament Genuine,

Lect. cxxiir.

Kc.

4-3

9. (1.) That it is reasonable to believe the LXX. may

have been altered in some places, or the Hebrew mistaken by
the first trifnslators, which may account for several dif-

ferences.

10. (2.) If it be supposed that the Hebrew points were

of later invention, a supposed difference in them will account
for avast number of variations in the LXX. and the similarity

of

se\'eral

of

va!^tly

Hebrew letters

11.

will

The LXX.

(3.)

accomit for

itself attests

the greater part of the

Hebrtw

many more.

the truth and exactness

bible, even if

it

should

be granted that this translation is preferable to the original

which yet is a concession bv no means to be made: now the
proposition does not assert, that there are no errors at all in the
Hebrew copy the contrar}- to which the difference between the
Keri and Kethih does evidently shew *.

12. Schol. 2. It is further obiecied, that many passages

Testament, and in the writings of the chrisin the

New

quoted

from the correspondent passages

that some words are inNow
quotations, which are no wdiere to be found.

tian fathers, are ver}^ different

now

as they

stand in the

Hebrew, and

troduced as
if with some we suppose, that those early christian writers
quoted from the LXX. the objection will then coincide with the
former but as for reasons to be given elsewhere, we do not
grant that, we answer,
:

13. (L) Perhaps they quoted from their memory which

more probable, as sometimes the same passage is quoted
by different authors in very different words, even where the sense
;

is

the

agrees.
14.

(2.)

The

sense of the passages supposed to be lost

is

Old Testament, though the words be not,

Yet if it \vere to be grantii. ult. John vii. 38.
ed, that some of the verses originally belonging to the Old
Testament are lost, it would not be at all inconsistent with the
be found
especially Malt.
still

to

in the

truth of our proposition, which only opposes general, material,

and designed corruption^

*.

15. Schol. 3. It is further

objected, that

many

of the

christian fathers complain, that the Jexes iiad corrupted the

a Prid. Con.

vol. i.p. 3J1.

SHUCKFORD's Hist. vol. i.

Winder's Hist, ot Knowl.

4S72.

p.
vol.

i.

c. xvi.

Hai.i Efs NolesonScript. vol.

b DOD. Fain. t.\u. in Loc. cit.

i.

p. 118.

* The question concerning the quotations from the Olri Testament in the
amply considered in Mich.'Velis's Introduction to the New Testament, vol.
200235. See also Mr. Marsh's Notes, ibid. p. 466489. K.

is

Old

New
i.

p.

;
:

50

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

Testament,

in

vi.

order to weaken the proofs of Christianity from

thence.

Justin Martyr, and some others M'ho advance this

were only acquainted with some Greek Versions, which
whether it were the LXX. or not, must he hereafter considered
and beheving the divine autiiority of them, thev charge all the
variations wiiich are to he found in the Hebrew, as the Jews
quoted it, to be corruptions of their own and sometimes they
vtlns.

char[^e,

may mean

on\y false interpretations''.

J6. 4. Nevertheless, we may, consistent with the truth

of the pro}3osition, allow, that some alterations have happened
in transcribing, many of which were undoubtedly undesigned,
because they could answer no imaginable end. Sometimes a
very small mistake in a transcriber would greatly alter the sense,
as Psal. xxii. 17.
And it seems, on comparing all the arguments, we may safely conclude, that if there have been any designed alterations in the Old Testament, they must have been

made between

the time of Christ and the rise of the Masoritcs

and then the alterations would be of such

a kind, as to be prejudicial rather than favourable to Christianity
so that whatever arguments in proof of Christianity can be
brought from the Old Testament, the force of them will not be
at all diminished, should we allow some designed variations.
But indeed it is not in the nature of things very probable, either
that, leaving those important passages which yet remain, they
would have corrupted the rest for so little reason, or that, beJieving (as we are sure they did) the divine original of the scriptures, they would upon any terms have corrupted them designxlly, i. e. have destroyed what they thought divine, so far as in
them lay, to substitute something human in its stead. Compare
Deut. iv. 2. xii. 32. Itev. xxii. 18, 19^.
in the third century;

LECT. CXXIV.
Credibilitj/

of the Gospel Historj/.

HE

history of the New Testament is in tliemain

^ 1. Prop. JL
credible: i. e. there is as great regard to be paid to it, as is due
to other histories of allowed character
a Cor.rtNS's Grounds,

partii. c.

i, ii,

v.

VNhist. Ess. ^:c. Prop. xii.

Cahi'ZOV. Dcf. Sic.c. ix.
JuNJis'ii Crit. Lct. c. iv.

S7583. MS.

and reputation.

MlDHLETON's
b Uai.i tr on

Inq. p.

4143.

Script, vol.

Lllanu's Vitw,

vol.

ii.

p. 109, 110.
p. .502.

ii.

Credibility of the Gvspel History.

Lect. cxxiv.

51

reasonable to believe, that the history reis in the main agreeable to those
facts, which were asserted by the first preachers, and received
by the first converts of Christianity ; for if there had been any
remarkable inconsistency between them, those first converts

Lem.

2.

corded

in the

It

is

New Testament

could not have received the books of the New Testament as

genuine, which yet we have already proved that they did.
3.. Dem.l. The several books of the New Testament
were written by those who were personally concerned in many
of the facts they relate, and who had the best opportunities of
being informed concerning the most important of those other
This especially appears with
fact* which they have recorded.
respect to Matthew, Peter, John, Paul, and Luke, at least so
far as he wrote of several of Pcw^V journies, in which he him-

self attended him.

4. 2. The authors of the New Testament were capable

of giving us a true account of the facts they have undertaken to
record, and if what they have M-ritien were false, it must have
been a designed forgery ; for there is nothing which looks like
lunacy in any of their writings: least of all can we imagine, that

such a number of

mad men could have agreed

in so consistent

a story.
5. 3. There are the greatest marks of integrity in their
writings, both in the simplicity of their stile, and the faithful

manner they
on

their

own

relate circumstances,

which might bring

reflection

character and their master's^.

6. 4. There are also in their writings, the most genuine

traces of a pious and benevolent temper, of a contempt of sufitself, when they might be called to meet it in
the cause of truth
upon the whole, it seems the design of their
writings, to carry virtue in all its branches to the sublimest degree, even beyond what any of the heathen moralists did or at-

fering and death

tempted

and so

far as

we can judge by

their strain

and man-

ner, they appear like good men, bringing out of the treasure of
their hearts

good

things.

7. 5. Their character seems on the whole, such as may

give us a probable expectation, that they would speak the truth
to the best of their knowledge ; and there must have been at

some circumstances of strong temptation, to engage them

knowingly to deviate from it, especially in points of so great importance, as those which by their writings thsy wore labouring
least

a Roll. Man. d'etud. ?oL

ii.

p. 4"'J i'Jo.

West. onResurr.

p. Ii44-

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

B2

PaRT

VI.

nor ouglit we b\' any means lightly to believe, that

whose cbaracters at first view appear so fair and honouraljje, would ontraiie in a design so much to the disbonour of
God and injury of men's souls and bodies, as theirs must have
been, if their testimony were false ; since they laboured to turn
men's devotion into a wrong channel, and to engaj^e tlie most
uprigbt of mankind, and those who were their best friends, in
a cause which was likely to ruin both themselves and their
to carry

person^;,

families.

8. 6.

the

how incredible their story seemed at

how contrary it was both to the passions

Considering

bearing, and

first

and secular interests of mankind, they had no temptation lo attempt a fiaud of this nature in expectation of any worldly advantage but might depend upon such persecutions and oppositions, as many of the first professors of Christianity appear to
have met with, and as they themselves in their writings tell us
tliey both encountered and expected.
See the texts Lect, 125.
;

16.
9. 7. There is no reason to believe, they would in this
instance attempt to iuipose upon us.

10. 8.

The

persons, to

whom

they addressed themselves,

would be inclined to do their utmost to discover the fraud, if there

were room to suspect any considering that the doctrines of the
first teachers of Christianity evidently tended to fix an odium
upon the Jewish rulers, to destroy peculiar privileges and emoluments both of the Jewish and Pagan priests, to oppose all the
su|>erstitious regard paid to deified emperors, and the idolatries
whicU mingled themselves in their most pompous games and
spectacles; that it poured contempt upon tliose things, for
;

"which the Gentile orators and philosophers were ready to value

themselves most, and on the whole required such eminent degrees of humility and universal virtue, as were exceeding opposite to that pride and wickedness, which so generally prevail-

ed both among Jcxvs and Gentiles ^.

fraud like this, if it were a fraud, might very

11. ,9.
easily have been detected ; seeing tliey bore their first testimony
in the

very place and age,

in

crucified, and to have risen

which Christ is said to have been

from the dead: (as appears from

what was observed of the early prevalency of Christianity in

Judaa, Led. 1 14. k,c.) and as the persons, whose character and
interest were chiefly affected by it, had the civil power in their
West

on the Resurr.

p.

410428. pixs.

p.

420423.

Lect. cxxiv.

53

Credibility of the GospclIIistoi^i/.

own

hands, no doubt the thing would be thoroughly canvassed,

had appeared false would have been immediately exBesides, wherever they came, they attested facts of
posed.

and

if it

such a nature, as might easily have been discovered on the spot;

not merely asserting, that they iiad seen Christ and some of his
followers work miracles, but that they themselves had such a
nay, that they communicated extraordinary gifts of the
producing so sensible an effect as the
speaking languages they had never learnt. Paul particularly
appeals on this occasion both to the Corinthian and Galatian

power

Spirit to their hearers,

even when his

so that on the
vhole, multitudes must immediately and certainly have known,
whether the great facts they asserted were true or not.
churches, and argues
interest

w^ith

them on these

among them was beginning

facts,

to decline:

12. 10. Had the story which the apostles told been a forgery. It would no doubt have been quickly discovered, and rejected with the utmost abhorrence.
13. 11. Nevertheless, it gained a very great degree of
credit in Jiidaa^ Greece^ Italy and other places and vast numbers of persons, in that very age in which these things are said
;

to have been taught and done, were so fully persuaded of the

truth of Christianity, that, as it appears from the writings of the
apostles to the primitive churches, as well as from other ancient

monuments, they cheerfully ventured their estates and lives, upon a confidence of the truth of those facts, which the first preaLect. Ill, US.
chers of the gospel taught.
14. 12. Since the writers of the New Testament were
neither liable to be deceived themselves in the facts they relate,
nor would have been inclined to attempt imposing on the world

by such a forgery and since their history met with that acceptance and success in the world, which without the support of
truth it could never have found, there is abundant reason to believe it is true ^.
2. E. D.
;

a DOD. X Senn. No

ix.

per tot.

Gastrel's Christian Rev. p. 250272.

Burnet's iv. Disc. p. 2735.
MoRE's Tiieol. Works, p. 223^27.
Saxt. Works, vol.ii. p. 110113.

VOL. V.

Dittos on

the Resurr. part

251278.

iii, i

2134. p.

Burnet on

the ArL p. 59 64FOST. against Tiiid. p. 135137.

Barrow's Works,

vol.

Mackn'. on Gosp.

Hist. B.

ii.

p.

304312.

iii.

c.

'.'.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

i4

vi.

LECT. CXXV.
Objections

Credibility of the Gospel History considered.

to the

1. Schol. 1. JL O the credibility of the gospel history, some

have objected our Lord's not appearing in public after his resurrection, which niii;ht have been the most effectual method of
convincing- the Jtws.
But it may be replied,

2. (1.) It is not certain the Jews would have been convinced even by this, considering the great obstinacy that people

shewed

in

a variety of instances, in the Old Testament as well

New.

as in the

Compare John

xii. 10, 11.

3. (2.) God is not obliged to give the highest possible degrees of evidence to any revelation ; and those evidences, which

New

the

Testament

were so consinumber of witnesses, and the

testimony by miracles, that there is no

affirms to have been given,

derable, both with respect to the

confirmation of their

to complain, merely because one may imagine how the

evidence might have been carried yet higher especially if we
consider, how incapable the enemies of Christianity seem to have
been of producing evidence on the contrary side.

room

As the former obstinacy of the Jewish people,

wicked treatment of Christ, abundantly justifies this
conduct of God towards them so if it w^ere to be granted that
they would generally have believed, upon Christ's public appearance among them, it is difficult to conceive, how the prophecies of their rejection for rejecting Christ could have been
fulfilled
or that evidence for the truth of Christianity preserved, which now arises from the existence of the Jews, as a distinct people, with the records of the Old Testament in their
bands. On the whole therefore, the conduct of providence in
this affair is to be thankfully adored, rather than censured^.
4. (3.)

and

their

5. Schol. 3. It is further objected, that there were but

very few of the Jews who believed in Christ and considering
that tliey were the best judges of his claim to be the Messiah,
there is reason to suspect that the evidences of it were not suf;

ficiently convincing.
a WooLSTON's 6lh Disc. p. 2b'28.
1)1 TlON on the Hesurr. pait iii.

33SHV2. ? *i9,
BL'RN

F.l 'S

4 Disc.

|>. tt'2

SYKES of Chiisiianily, p.
Klen l^C'sChristol'vol.

kLACK w.

60

SrpERVii Lt'sSenn.
57. p.

70. p. 3(il 3(ia.

5(i.
I(>'^'

Mackn.

170.

4i'1 4')8..
Serm. iv. p. 25,

iii.

at Boyle's Lect.

vol. iv. p.

AlTEUii. Posth. Serm. vol.

\Vi-9Ton Rpsurr. p. 296.
M.irm.

i.

919.

p.

1S2 190.

i).!564.

IlurcE'i Si'ira. Ko. 9.

I.ELAND's View, vol. i. p. 157,295.

p.

iii.

Lect. cxxv.

Objections

55

the Credibilttij , SCc.

to

6. Ans. (1.) According to the account given in the New

Testament, there were some considerable numbers of the Jews
converted on the first publication of the go'^pel, and even some
who were priests, and consequently lay under peculiar prejudices, Vid. Acts ii. 41. iv. 4. vi. 7. xxi. 20. and also those texts
in the epistles, which evidently refer to the Judaizing Christians,
and therefore prove that there were considerable numbers of
Jewish converts.

7. (2.) That the Jewish x\qx\qx\ in general lay under very

strong prejudices, especially those arising from their expectation of temporal deliverance

and grandeur from their Messiah,

the peculiar dignity and ])rivileges of their

own

nation, the

perpetuity of the Mosaic law, and the sanctity of the Scribes

and Pharisees, as well as the authority of their dictates in matters of religion, besides those arisinof from the wickedness and

immorality of their
so that

it is

not at

own

all to

characters in that very corrupt age

be wondered

at, that

they had a very

strong aversion to that teacher and religion, which seemed so

To which we may
expressly levelled against those prejudices.
add, that the force of the argument arising from Christ's mira-

cleswouldbemuchdiminished,considering the notion they had of

the power of magic, and the supposition they thought they had
some reason to make, tiiat a false prophet might possibly work
them, of which there also remain

many

traces in the rabbinical

writings.

We

are not to conclude that all

8. (3.)
Christianity remained in their hearts

who

refused to

unconvinced;
for it is certain that the severity of persecution might engage
wiany, who had not a deep principle of religion, to dissemble
as it is expressly dethe inward conviction of their own mind
clared, many did, John xii. 42, 43, &c.'

embrace

9. Schol. 3.

It is

further objected, that the apostles had

nothing to lose, and they might at least gain a subsistence,

and the fame of being divine messengers by such a forgery.
10.

Ans.

the poorest of

(1.)

They had

mankind regard

at least their lives to lose,

which

as welf as others.

11. (2.) That if it could be supposed that persons of such

low circumstances and education had the most eager desire of
fame, they could not reasonably expect to raise their reputation
a Woor.sTON'sSth

Whitby's
i y.

Dis. p. 48.

Cert, of Chrisuan Faith,

ad n. p. '/76aw

Burnet's 4

c. ix.

Disc.

p.384i,

5G58.

Wiiitiiy onRom. ii. 1. Note b.

Lard;<er's WyrUs, vol. v. ii. p.

I
I

J2i<


pART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

$6

by such an

Vl.

expose it to
n-ith which
tliey refer the honour of all they did to their great master, most
evidently shews, how far they were from that vain-glorious
temper, which the objection pretends to have been so strong
in them, Acts iii.
12, 13, xiv, J 5. 2 Cor. iii. 5. iv. 5.
iindertakinnr, but on the contrary to

the greatest infamy

Cor.

iii.

besides that the

simplicit}',

7.

That if they had been actuated by mercenary views, they niight much more easily have raised their
fortune, by renouncing the cause they had undertaken, and
discovering the forgery they had invented^
12.

(3.)

13. Schol. 4. It is also objected, that the apostles met

little persecution among the Gentiles
but we answer,

with but

That though we acknowledge that the liomanSy

whose maxiin it was to tolerate conquered nations in their own
religion, were often a refuge to them at first, yet the heathen
populace in the several cities of Greece and Asia to which
they came, frequentl}' rose up against them in a tumultuous
manner, and exposed them to the extremest danger.
14. (1.)

15. (2.) That considering how absolutely all pagan superstitions were condemned by Christianity, the first preachers

had great reason to believe, what was indeed fact, that

degree in which their doctrines came to
be known among the heathens, persecutions would be raised by
the magistrates, and penal laws enacted against them.
(Vid.
Lect. 117. 4. and Warburt. quoted there.)
of

it

in proportion to the

16. (3.)

very great

That the number and power of the Jews

v:^'A

the apostles* daj-s, not only in Judaa, but also

in

in other countries ; so that npon the whole the persecutions of

the primitive christian preachers and hearers were very grievous ;
as evidently appears from the whole tenour of the New Testament, especially the following passages, Acts v. 17, 18, 40. vii,
57 60. viii. 1 ix. 1 , 2, 23, 24. xii. 1 4. xiii. 50. xiv. 5, 1 9. xvi.
22, &c. xvii. 5, 6. xviii. 12, &c. xix. 29. xx. 3. xxi. 27, 28.

xxii. 22. xxiii,

13. XV.

14. xxvi. 10, 11.

2932. 2

Cor.

i.

8, 9.

Rom.
iv.

viii.

8 11.

36.

vi.

Cor.

4, 5, 8,

iv.

9. xi.

2327. Gah vi. 17. Phil. i. 27 30. Col. i. 11,24. 1 Thess.

6. ii. 1416. 2 Thess. i. 4
7. 2 Tim. i. 8. ii. 3, 9, 10. iii.
11,12. Ihh. X. 32 34. James ii. 6. v. 10, 11. 1 Pet. ii. 19.
21. iii. 14
17. iv. 1, 12
16. Rev. ii. 10, 13. iii. 10^

i.

a Baxt. Works,

vol.

LlMB.Coii.it. p.

ii.

p. Ill, b.

161 1<)3.

lb
I

Lardn. Creed.

1. i.

c. viii.

pras. p. 223229,

2592(>4.

__

WorliS, vol

i.

p. I64.

Lect. cxxv.
17.

Objections

Schol.

5.

the Credibility ^ STc.

to

Some mav perhaps

57

think, that if such

miracles as the christians pretend had really been wrought

in proof of their religion, it would have been impossible that
it should not have met with an earlier and more general re-

gard

in the world.

objection,

it

So

far as the

Jews are concerned

has been considered above, and so far as

to the Gentiles only,

it

in this

relates

it

may be answered,

18. (1.) That it evidently appears in fact, that many of

the pagans had at that time but a very low opinion of miracles,
and paid but little regard to them. Mr. Weston has entered

largely into several causes that might contribute to this

espe-

them by
the professors of divination, and the pretences to oracles and
magic to all which the multitude and inteixommunity of their
gods would not a little contribute.
cially the

many

ridiculous pretences that were

made

to

19. (2.) That where any regard was paid to them,

(though if there had been a fair and candid examination, it must
soon have appeared, that those which were pretended to as
countenancing heathenism, were by no means in point of evidence comparable to those by which Christianity was supported,)
yet the strong prejudices that would lie against it as a new religion, and especially as a religion so opposite to men's secular
interests and sinful passions, would prevent a careful and impartial inquiry; and so would dazzle their eves, and make them
prone to disregard the gospel, notwithstanding its miracles

were allowed.
20. (3.)

That the great discouragements under which

empire was in the hands of the pa-

Christianity lay, while the

gans, would no doubt engage many to smother the secret conits favour; but when Constantine de-

viction of their minds in

clared himself a christian, most of the opposition against Chriswhich might in many be owing to the dictates

tianity ceased;

of conscience, as being persuaded of the truth of that religion,

in others it might be only a conformity to an establish-

though
ment ^

21. Schol. 6. As for those objections which Dr. Tindal

has brought against the moral character of the apostles, in some
instances, they^ are circumstantially confuted by Dr. Foster,
Dr. Leland, and others who have written on the other side the
question**.
a Westok's

Int].

Mir. pass,

into the Reject, of Christian

79.
iii. p. 17

praes. C.

b TiND. of

Christianity, p. 220,

Fosr. against Tind.

LELA:iD

p. 1 1 1
ibid. vol. ii.c. ii.

22U

Ua,

hs

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

vr.

22. 7. The objections which Mr. Woolston has advanced against several miracles related in the New Testament, in his
discourse on the miracles of Christ, have been sufficiently answered by almost all his antagonists; the most valuable of Avhich
are Mr. Stevenson, Dr. Lardner, Mr. Peirce, and the author
of the Trial of the Witnesses: an abstract of their most curious
and important thoughts may be seen in our notes on the harmony of the evangelists, on those texts which he has excepted
against

'.

LECT. CXXVI.
Testimony of Heathen Writers

to

Fads

in the OldTestament.

I. Prop. iVJLANY material facts, which are recorded in the

old testament, are also mentioned by very ancient heathen
writers.

2. Dem. 1. The heathens had a tradition among them

concerning the original of the world, which bore some visible
resemblance to the account which Moses has given of it ; particularly the Phoenicians, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks and Ro^
mans : and though they differ considerably fjom Moses, as to the
time of the creation, we have formerl}'^ shewn their accounts to
be in this respect extravagant and incredible ^, Vid. Led. 24.

3.
3. 2. The division of time into weeks has long prevailed,
not only among the inhabitants of Greece and Italy, as we learn

from JosEfHus, Philo Byblius, Clemens Alexandrinus^ and

LuciAN, but also among the Celta and Indians, as Philostratus,
a

STOVFHOrsE's Account of

the Controversy*.

b CllMBEItLANn'S Sanchoniathon,
Bi'R set's Arclia-ol. 1.
Kay's 3 Disc. No. i.e.

i.

c.

vi.

p.

1. ii.

c.

1 -'J.
i.

Ovid's Met. Lib. i.

Grot, de Verit. with Le ClercIs Notes, I.
c. xvi. p. 'J6

Univ.

10.

Hist. vol.

i.

p. 11

17.

i.

fol.

* For a general treatise in defence of the christian miracles, we refer to the

uork published in 1754, without a name, but which is known to have
been written by Dr. Douglas, the Bishop of Salisbury, the (Jesign of this work
'

Criterion," a

is to shew, with regard to popish and pagan miracles, that they were such events as
were either in their nature not miraculous, or in their evidence not true ; whereas
the miracles of the christian revelation are in their nature miraculous, and from their
evidence true. It is to be regretted that the book is become scarce. With respect to the resurrection of our Saviour, the two treatises of Mr, Humphrey Dittoj*
and Mr. Gilbert West deserve particitlar attention. K.

Tcslimonj/ of Heathen Writers,

Lect. cxxvi.

DroN

may

Cassius, and Justin

Martyr

further learn from the ancient

59

S(c.

assure us and which we

names of the seven days*.
;

DioDORUs SicuLUs, Plato, Dic.'EARchus, Calanus

by
Maimonides, and several other writers mention a state of inno 4. 3.

the Indian philosopher quoted by Strabo, and others quoted

to which it is probable we are to

fall of man
what so many writers say of the golden age : nor is it an
improbable conjecture, that the worship of ^er/jew/^, which has
prevailed among so many heathen nations, may have some reference to that form, in which il/o^f;^ tells us the tempter ap-

cence, and the

reier

peared to the

first

human

5.4. The long

pair

lives of

''.

men

in the early

ages of the world

are mentioned by Berosus, Man:-tho, Hiromus, and HelaNicus, as also by Hesiod, and many other writers quoted by

JosEPHUs, and afterwards by Servius,

in his notes

on Virgil''.

Tlie account which Pausanias, Philostratus,

Pliny, and several other writers give us of the remains of gigantic bodies which have been found in the earth, serve in some
6.

5.

degree to confirm Moses's account of the antediluvian giants

*.

7. 6. Berosus, the Chaldean historian, quoted by JosePHUs, and Abidenus by Eusebius, Plutarch, Lucian, Mela,
Nicholas Damascenus, as well as many of the heathen poets,

mention the deluge

and some traditions concerning it are
to be found among the Americans and Chinese ; not to mention what some modern travellers have fabulously related concerning some ruins of the ark said to remain on mount Ararat,
and to have been seen there but a few centuries ago^ *.
;

We

may add under this head,) that we may not break

8.
the order of all that follow) that Alexander Polyhistor
quotes Artapanus and Eupolemus, as mentioning the tower
of Babel, and the former speaks of
Prcep. Evan.
a Grot.

Roll.

ix.

I.

c.

xviii.)

ibid. p. 41, 42.

Anc. torn. iv. p. 416.

Hist.

& Gent.
c. xvi, & xix.

SEiDENde JureN.
xxiii. prss.

b Grot. ibid. p. 42,43.

Burn. Arch. l.ii. c. ii,
Rev. exam,

wth

1.

French.
iii.c.x\i

vol.

i.

p. 81, 82.

JE.NK. of Christian, vol. ii. p. ^iti 24^.

Still. Orig. Sac. p. 516518.

OwE.s on Scrip. Diss,

c Grot. ibid. p. 44.

as built

J03. Ant.

iv, v. p.

816"(32.

1. i.

by

Belus.

Ray'3

c.

c. iii.? 9.

ibid. p.

4"

Diss. vol.

p. 9,

52.

3 Disc. No. ii.c.

Salrin's

(Eus.

likewise (ibid.

d Grot. ibid. p. 45.

Pliny's Nat. Hist. 1. vii. c xv
SOLINLS, c. i. withSALM. Not.
Annual Kegist. 17ei4, p. 106.
e Grot.

iii.

Cand.

it

Abydenus

i.

1.

p.

131134,

SriLL. Ong.Sac. 1. iii. c. iv.

Univ. hist. vol. i. p. 112. fol.

J 8.

* Many curious traces and evidences of the remembrance of the deluge, among
heathens, are scattered through Mr. Jacob Bryant's great work, entitled,
" A new System, or an Analysis of ancient Mytholo^^y." This work is only referred to as what wiU hereafter merit the notice of the literary student.
K.

^e

PART Vl.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

iglO

and Hesti.^us

xiv.)

(15.)

mention the same building, with"

sometliing of the circumstances attending the disappointment

of that enterprize.
y. 7. DioDORUs SicuLus, Strabo, Tacitus, Pliny, and
SoLiNus agree in giving us an account of the destruction of
Sodom and Gomorrah^iinA the neighbouring cities, in the main
agreeable to that of Moses : the truth of which is in some
measure confirmed by what modern travellers of the best credit
have related concerning the phainomenon of the dead sea
and Alexander Trallianus mentions an heathen form of
exorcism, " in the name of the God that turned Lofs wife into

a pillar of

salt^".

8.

10.

Herodotus, Diodorus, Straeo, Philo By-

blius, and some others mention circumcision, as a rite used by

several of those nations into which, according to Moses, Abraham travelled, or which were descended from" him, especially
: and if the hypothesis of a late learned
author be admitted, that the Egyptians derived it from the
Ishmaelite Shepherd-kings, it will be equally to the present

by liagar and Keturah

Wd.

purpose''.

Lee. 120. 30. and the references there.

II. 9. Berosus, Alexander Polyhistor, (from EupoLEMUs and Melo, more ancient writers than himself,)
Damascenus, Artapanus, and other ancient historians cited
by Josephus and Eusebius, make express and honourable
mention of Abraham and some of his famih', as some of them

do

also expressly

To

which

speak of

we may add

with Melchisedech:

his interviews

him by Trogus
nay Josephus tells us,
of Abraham's life

the account given of

PoMPEius as abridged by Justin

that H-^cat^us, wrote a whole book

"=.

2. 10. Besides the express testimony concerning Moses^

Prop. 104. Avhich may ])roperly be referred to this proposition,

there are also many fabulous stones of Tholh^ Ti/phon, Hermes,
and others, in which many celebrated writers have endeavoured
to prove that such traces of his history are to be found as shew
he was the person represented under that variety of names'*.
1

^13.
a Tacit.
v\

Hist.

H n Rv>s
3639.

EupoLEMUs and Dius,

II.
1.

DAC.onllor.l.

Mill. Prop.

83

Wirs.
I

SAtR.

c Ju$. Ant.

1. i.

i.

p. 216,

c. vii. i

'i.

iV.

ji.

Vvs. Prap. Evan. 1. ix.c. 17

d IlLET. Uem. Evang. Pr. iv. c.

?.=:.
p.
Viiiv. His. vol. i. p. bl6, 577. fol.
Grot, ibid p. .^9,60.

Diss. vol.

c. ii.

M ILL. prop, of Christian, v.i.

ibui. p. :.8, 59.

MAUNDRfcL'sTrav.

quoted by Eusebius

Jt'ST.l. xxxvi.

v. c. vii.

Cert, of the Christian Faith, p.

Pl.lNY's \'at. His. 1. V. c. xvi. 1. \xxv. c. xv.

StiLlNl's, c. xxxvi. wiihSALM. Not.

Gkot.

as

Jacks.
vol.

i.

Od.

II4, 115.

-3.
iii.

p. 49

68.

x.

Christianity, vol.

i.

p.

167109

.-Egypt. 1. iii. c. iv. jier ti>l.

Cie'a. part ii. } U. c. viii, ix.
1. i.e. I4j 15.

apud Op.

Div. Leg. vol.

35V-r358,

i.

W aub.

i.

1. iii.

3. p.

Lect. cxxvii.

Credibility of the Old Testament History.

Gl

and Grotius, mention many remarkable circumstances of

David and Solomon, agreeing with the Old Testament story ;
and Herodotus has a remarkable though much controverted
passage, supposed to refer to the destruction of the Assyrians
in the reign of Hezekiah, in which he mentions Sennacherib
by name^.
11-. 12. As for the mention of Nebuchadnez::ar, and
some of the succeeding kings of Babylon, as well as of Cyrus
and his successors, it is so common in ancient writers, as not
to need a more particular view of it. Valet propositio.

15. Schol. 1. It would be very easy to prove, that many

passages of the Old Testament are mentioned by Celsus, and

objections against Christianity formed upon them but he comes

too lute to be esteemed a witness to them ; and all that can be
;

inferred from those passages

ment, probably

Old Testaand that he knew

neither of which facts

that he had read the

is,

Greek version of

in the

Christians paid a religious regard to

it,

it,

are at present in question.

16. 2.

may not be improper

It

ment which Procopius mentions

here to mention the

monu-

as found in Africa, testifying

that they hud fled from the face of the robber Joshua the son
of Nun;'" though that coming through the hands of a Christian
*'

writer, and of one

introduced,

who

lived so very long after Christianity

did not seem so convenient to insert

preceding testimonies.
it

it

among

was
the

LECT. CXXVII.
Credibility of the

1.

Prop.

worthy of

HE

JL

Old Testament History.

history of the

Old Testament

is

in the

main

credit.

2. Dem. 1. The books of the Old Testament received

the Reformed, (of which alone we speak,) are genuine.

by

3. 2. Many of the writers of the Old Testament have

given us an account of things, in which they were tliemselves
personally concerned, v. g. Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Ezra, Nea

F.US. Prap. Ev. 1. ix.

Jos. Ant. 1. vni. c. n.

conir.

VOL.

.-ip.

V.

c.

i.

303i, & 3941.

p, 1340.

Millar,

ibid. vol.

PKlD. Con. vol.

lltRyu. iiiiu i.

i.

li.

i.

p. 12-3127.

p. io.
c,

14.

pART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

62

VI.

hemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and several of the

ininor prophets; and consequently they were capable of giving

us a true account of what they represented, as having fallen

own observation and experience.

within their
^ 4. 3.

There are great marks of integrity in their writings,

tell their very amazing story with great simpli-

not only as they

city, and without apology, excuse, digression, he. but as they

every where write with the deepest sense of God upon their
spirit, regarding him as the author of all events, whose moral
as well as natural perfections they every where celebrate, and in
whom they seem to have reposed the confidence of their souls,
seeking his favour above all, and referring their actions to his
glory: they do also most candidly acknowledge their own
faults, and the faults of the greatest heroes of their history;
and as for Moses, whose credibility is of the greatest importance
to support all the rest, liis leaving his family in the circumstance^
o? co\x\mon Levites, without entailing any peculiar honours or
possessions upon them, is as strong a proof of his uprightness as
could well be iniaoined^.
o

to

.5.

4.

There

impose upon

is

no reason

would attempt
were un-

to believe they

us, at least unless

we can

find that they

der some strong temptation to have attempted

it.

^6 5. Considering the time in which their writings were

published, and also the public and remarkable nature of many
of those events which are there recorded, and

how man}^

wit-

them if they had

been false, they could expect no advantage by attempting to
impose upon the world by such forgeries, nor could they have
reaped any thing but contempt from it.
nesses there must have been to the falshood of

7. 6. Nevertheless, we find that their writings were received as credible by those who were the most capable of judging in the case, and those institutions submitted to, (on the authority of these facts)

which would otherwise have appeared

very unreasonable and very gricA'ous.

8. 7. There is reason
Old Testament is true, so far

own

to believe that the history of

as the authors wrote

it

upon

tiie

their

personal knowledge.

9. 8 As for the history of remoter ages, much might be

known of it by tradition, considering the long lives of the first
men at least all that was necessary might be learnt by revelation, to which we well know that Moses pretended
and there is
;

a Jacks. Cred. p.

20 3S,

4lo.

apud Op.

vol.

j.

i.

c. iv. p.

1528.

Credibility of the Old Testament History.

Lect. cxxvii.

63

such an evident and close connection between what was written

by Moses and other persons mentioned gr. 2. upon their own
knowledge, and what they or others whose names are not certainly known have written in the Old Testament upon tradition
or revelation, that he who believes the former to be credible,
will easily admit the latter, espec ally considering that it is one

Moses himself was instructed

manner by God.

leading- fact of the history, that

so extraordinary a

in

10. 9. The agreement there is between many facts recorded in the Old Testament, and the testimony of many heathen'
historians of considerable note, is a further evidence in favour of
its

credibihty.

1 1.
credible'.

10.

Lect. 126.

The

history of the

Old Testament

is

in the

main

2. E. D,

12. Schol. 1. The great ignorance of those Latin and

writers which now remain, as to facts which happened

Greek

very long before their own time, and the peculiar contempt
which several of them had for the Jewish nation, arising from
the diversity of its customs and institutions, concur with some
other considerations mentioned Lect. 112. 16, &c. to answer
any objection, which might be raised against the credibilit}' of
the Old Testament history, from the silence ot such writers as to
many important articles of it''.

We do not particularly mention the supposed abbe found in some parts of the history, because they
do not affect the truth of the whole, and will much more properly be considered as objections against its inspiration.
13. 2.

surdities to

14.

we have before proved that it is

make a revelation of some
[Lect. 105.) and as the main body of

Nevertheless, as

3.

no absurd thing,

God

that

unknown

things before

should

taken up in giving an accountof such revelations ; the proposition must lay a reasonable foundation for our
believing that series of Prophecies^ which will be the subject of
the Jewish story

is

two next propositions.

the

n Bf.nket on Scrip, p. 116, 117.

Mill. Prop. vol. i. p. S7, B8, 94
HURNET on the An. p. Sj.
.Srii.i..
#

C.

Orig. Sac.

1.

a. c.

ii.

J I,

WiLr.tAMs at Boyle's Lect. p. 119121.

Jenkins en Christiaaity, part ii. c. iii, vi,

99.

'.',

9. c.

iii.

lb

xi.

&c. 'So, &c.

Tind. voi.ii. p. 38 42.
JENKINS'S Ueas. of Christian, vol. :. p. 93, 9G.
vol.

i.

Leland

p. \i'2, &;c. 151,

again.st

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

Part

vi.

LECT, cxxviir.
Chief Prophecies of the Old Testament.
1. Prop. IVlANY Prophets of the Old Testament foretold
a variety of c\ ents, wliich it was impossible they should have
foreseen, merely by the force of their natural genius and

sagacity *,
2. Dem. 1. Immediately after the flood, Noah foretold
the infamy and servitude of the descendants of Cflwaaw, and the
conversion of several Gentile nations descended from Japhety

Europeans, to the worship of the true God, who stood

descended from Shcuit
Gen. ix. 25 27 ^

i.e. the

in a peculiar relation to the Jews^ as

3. 2. The servitude of the Israelites in Egypt, their deliverance from thence, and the extensive dominion they after-

wards obtained, were exactly foretold to Abraham, Gen. xv,

1321.
4. 3, The character and fate of the Ishmaelites was in
the most amazing manner foretold to Hagar, Gen. xvi. 12.

which is accomplished even to this day, as the Arabians still

main an unconquered people, remarkable above any other
their fierceness

and

re-

for

rapine''.

5.4. The contests between the Edomites and the Israelites

with the success of them were foretold to Rebekah, before her
children were born, and afterwards by Isaac to his children
themselves with some further ciixumstances, Gen. xxv. 23.
xxvii. 39,

40^

6. 5. Many remarkable events, not only relating to himand his family, but the whole Egjjptian mt'ion were in a
wonderful manner predicted b}' Joseph, Gen. xxxix xli.
self

7. 6. Various surprizing circumstances relating to the

settlement of the twelve tribes in Canaan, and the occurrences
a CUMBEP.t. Orig. Gent.

WHisr.

Universal History.

p. 427.
10*.
Scrip. Hroph. p. 101

Bp. Newio.s's L)issen. on the Proph.

Dissert,

Jewisli .Antiq.

ex.iiii. witli

15^.

* The
ami

i.

i.

Jenmscs's
b Kev.

vol.

Cand.

rcadf^r

vol.

may

ii.

DUs.

iv. p.

114

Tip. Nr.wToN's Dissert, vol. i. Dissert, ii.

Jackson's Truth of Scri))t. p. KVi 168. ap.
Op. vol. i.e. L'-S '.'6. p. 115 i;;j.
c Newi'uN's Dissert, on Proph. vol. i. Dis-

sscrt.

iii.

see the most important of these prophecies well

their acconii)lislun(;nt very particularly pointed out, in Dr.

tations on the Prophecies."

C.

illiisi

Newton's "

rated,

Disser-


Lect. cxxvrii.

Chief Prophecies of the Old Testament.

G5

to befal some of them there, were foretold by Jacob upon

djing bed, Ge7i. xlviii, xlix''.

his

8. 7. The obstinac}'- and ruui of Pharaoh, the deliverance of the Israelites from his kingdom, and their serving God
at mount Sinai weve discovered to Moses, Exod. iii. 11, 12. not
to mention the prediction of each of the ten plagues, immediately preceding the execution of them.

Many

9. 8.

remarkable circumstances relating to Israel,

and the neighbouring nations, were foretold by Balaam, Numb,

25^.

xxiv. 15

10. 9. The various dispensations of God towards Israel

in future ages, as well as the circumstances of their settlement

own

though decided by the contingency of lots,

by Moses : and their national revolt from God,
their destruction by the Romans, with the calamities afterwards
attending them, and continuing upon them in part even to this
day, have been, and are a most remarkable accomplishment of
in their

were

land,

foretold

the express predictions of their illustrious prophet, Deut. xxxi.

30. xxxii, xxxiii, xxviii. prces. ver.A^d^.
16, &c. 28

11.

10.

The

calamit}'-

o^ElVs family, and the transferring

the priesthood to the descendants of Eleazar,

by

yfl;?ZMe'/

and other prophets,

The birth

12. 11.

Sam.

of Solomon,

liis

ii.

31

were foretold

3G.

iii.

11

14.

extraordinary prosperity,

and that of the Israelites under him, together with the settlement of the crown on his descendants was foretold hy Nathan
to David,

Chron. xxii. 8

10.

1 3. 1 2. The revolt of the ten tribes from the house of

David, was foretold by Abijah to Jeroboam, before there appeared any probability of it, i, e. in the midst of Solomon's

prosperity,

Kings

xi.

29

38.

^ 14. 13. The destruction of Bethel and its idolatrous

priests was foretold as to be accomplished by Josiah, who was

named on this occasion 360 years before his birth ; as Avell as

the destruction of the family of Jeroboam for his continual idoJatry, as also the captivity of Z?rae/

beyond the Euphrates, then

a very distant and very improbable event,

xiv. 10
16.

Kings

xiii. 2, 3.

15. 14. The famine in Israel, their deliverance from the

repeated invasions of the Assyrians, the death of Ahab, and
a Sherlock on Proph.
Vi
t>

I.

Patrick

or

p.

ttfiWXos,

No.

ibid.

p.

PYLE

WHIST. Proph.

341343.

ill

Loc.

214221.
3.

Jacks, ibirl. c. 6, 11,13, p.'l31, &:c. 174, &c.

A p. Op. vol. i. 1. i. c -Kxiii. p. i)-'. c. xxvd XJJX.
p. l-.U- 156,

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

66

PART

VI.

by Jehu, with several other events in the reign

of Ahaby were foretold by Elijah and other prophets, 1 Kings

ruin of his family

xvii

xxii.

16. 15.

The relief of Samariay when

pressed

by a

siege,

and Hazael, and the victory of Israel

over the Moabites, besides several private and personal events
were foretold by Elisha^ 2 Kings vii xiii.
the exaltation of Jehii

LECT. CXXIX.
Chief Prophecies of the Old Testament

continued.

1.16. JL HE deliverance of the Jews from the conspiracy of

Bezin and Pekah, and afterwards the Ac^Qdito^ Sennacherib, and
the captivity of the Jews in Babylon, were all foretold by
Isaiah ; as the last event was also by Jeremiah, Ilosea, and

many

other prophets.

2. 17. The deliverance of the Jea;^ from the Babylonish

captivity as to be accomplished by Cyrus, (though an event
its kind) was foretold by several of the
prophets, and particularly by Isaiah, who named Cyrus many
years before he was born, and the very date of that deliverance
was fixed by Jeremiah to 10 years from the beginning of the

quite unparalleled in

captivity.

Isa.

xxix. 11. Dan.

3. 18.

xliv.
ix. 2.

The

24

28.

Zech.

xlv.

4.

Jer.

xxv. 11, 12.

vii. 5.

calamities which

fell

upon the Tyrians, the

Sidonians, the Egyptians, the Ethiopians, the Edomites, the

Moa bites, the Ammonites, \\\q Syrians, the Arabians, and many
other nations were expressly foretold by Isaiah, Jeremiah^

Ezekid, Amos, and

several other prophets ; and above all, the

destruction of Babylon, with such particular circumstances as

are really astonishing, and such a prediction of

lation, as

its

utter deso-

humanly speaking, seemed impossible, when the

prophecies were delivered, and even long after their publication

in the world, considering the greatness and magnificence of that
.city^

4. It

quest of
Jcr.

may be added under

head, that the easy conso beautifully described,

abasement, Ezek. xxx. 13. are events,
this

Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar,

xliii. 12.

and

a SVKES's Connect.c.

viii.

its final

p.l39 150.

R ai

IN'S Anc.

Iliat. vol.

ii.

p.

232260.

Fr.

Chief Prophecies of the Old Testament.

Lect. cxxix.

67

considering the extraordinary grandeur of Egypt at that time,

and the great confidence of its princes, extremely wonderful
in their correspondence with that prediction^.

The

exact accomplishment of the above-mentioned prewell illustrated by Dr. Prideaux in his Connectiojt^
and by Dr. Wells in his notes on the minor prophets, and
many other writers.

dictions

is

5. ly.

The

succession of the ^.y-yi/rm/z, Persian, GreciaUy

and Roman monarchies, several particular circumstances in

the history of the Piolemaidce, and Seleucid^e, the persecution
of the Jews under Antiochus Epiphanes, and even the erection
of the PapalVmg&om, are foretold by Daniel : Dan. ii. v, vii,
viii, xi, xii. and that part of them relating to the former article
is well illustrated by the writers quoted under the last step, as
those relating to the latter are by ISir Isaac Newton^ in his book
on the prophecies (on which also see Whiston's remarks) and
See those
in some measure by Lowman on the Revelations.
passages in the several volumes of Rollin's Ancient History
which particularly relate to these prophecies, vol. v\.p. 270
583600. />. *
12
280, ^p. 289, 290. vol. viii. p. 417
;

1-,

6. 20. Those prophecies which relate to the kingdom of

the Messiah^ and the various circumstances which would attend
his appearance, are so considerable, that we shall make them the

matter of a distinct proposition, and therefore wave the mention of them here
''.

7. Cor. 1. If the genuineness and credibility of the books

of the old testament be allowed, we have here a most certain
proof of the divine foreknowledge of future contingencies ;

some things foretold, which depended as much

any thing we can imagine upon the volition of free agents
and if it be said, as it is by Mr. Culliber and some others, that
God had determined to render those events necessary, and upon
since there are

as

that determination foretold theui

it is

to

be considered, that

some of the events mentioned above, especially Lect. 128. 3,

8, 10. are as criminal as any we can imagine, and in some of
those instances are foretold by God as crimes, which he would
severely punish on those who were the agents in them ; Avhich
a Roll.

ibid. vol. i.p.

175

180.

b Svkes's Connect,

c. viii.

* Besides the references already made to Bishop Newton's Dissertation oa

the Prophecies, recourse may in general be had to him for an illustration of many
of the topics here mentioned. See particularly vol. i. p. 176 to the end j vol. iu

p.

1 19S.

Works,

vol. i.p.

101269.

ibid. p.

286391.

K.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

68

Vf.

plainly shews that they were not necessurily determined, nor

their accountubleness

that instance suspended, as

ill

Where

ber supposes.

considerable bodies of

Mr.

men

Colu-

are con-

cerned in the prediction, which is the case in some instances

above, the difBcuhy on his hypothesis is still greatly increased ;
and indeed it is difficult to say how God could determine upon
such supposed necessitating influences as fit, unless (contrary
to this hypothesis) he foresaw those circumstances that would
render them so^.

8.2. Such a series of prophecies as is here described is a

very evident proof of the peculiar presence of God with the
Jewish nation, which is further evidenced by the many signal
miracles wrought

and

in

confirmation of

it.

9. 3. The accomplishment of many of these prophecies,

especially of those relating to the christian religion, and to

events which happened after the time of Christ, does evidently

prove the genuineness and credibility of the books in which they
are contained and it is to be considered as an argument for
them independent on those urged before, Led. 123, 124. for
none can with the least shew of reason pretend the}^ were forged
since Christ's appearance ; and it is most evident, that there is
such a connection between one part of the old testament and
another, and such a mutual dependence, that the whole history
must in tlje main be credible, if those parts of it are allowed to
be true, in which these prophecies are to be found, especially
the books of Isaiah and of Daniel^,
:

10. Schol. The arguments brought against the genuineness of the book of Daniel are proposed and fully confuted in
the follou;ing references'^.

LECT. CXXX.
Prophecies of the Messiah and his Kingdom.

AO

collect the chief of those old testament Pro 1. Prop.

phecies whicii most evidently relate to the Messiah and his

kingdom.
2. Sol.

1.

It

was foretold by

a Coi.l.JB. Enq. p. 92 102.

SAriilN'i Serni. vol. i. p. li9.
b Vid. SYKEsiibi ^iiiira.
ilARi EY on Man, vol. ii. Prop. xx,
Ij'.'I" COLH.Ns's Lit. Scheme, p. i4V
I

many

of the prophets, that

19;j.
BUJ.T.OCK's Vind. p. 1S1
CiiAND. Vind. of Uan. pass.

Nr.w ON,
1

ibid. vol.

ii.

Introd.

Laiu).\er's Test. WoiUsj vol.

viii.

p. IS?,

Lect. cxxx. Prophesies of the Messiah and

the knowledge of the true

God

sfiould

his

Kingdom.

69

be extended from Jerusa-

lem over the Avhole earth and that pagan idolatry should be
entirely or in a great measure suppressed by it, Psalm xxii. 27.
;

Ixxxvi.

Zeph.

i).

ii.

Isa.

11.

ii.

Mai.

i.

18. xi. 9. xlv.

5, 17,

22, 23. Jer. x. 11.

11

^ 3. 2. Immediately after* xhefall, as recorded by Moses,

intimation was given of some person to descend from the woman, so as to be called her seed, who should triumph over the

enemy

that vanquished

them, though he should himself receive

small, Gen. iii. 15^.

some damage comparatively

& 4.

was foretold

3. It

to

Abraham, Isaac and

Jacob, that

which may naturally

signifv, that a person to descend from them should be a blessing
to mankind.
Gen. xii. 3. xxii. 18. xxvi, 4. xxxviii. 14.
all nations should be blessed in their seed

djing bed speaks of some victorious

whom he
calls Shiloh, declaring that he should appear before Jiidah ceased
Gen. xlix. 10.
to be a tribe ^
5. 4. Jacob

person, unto

on

whom

his

the people should be gathered,

6. 5. Moses speaks of a prophet like unto himself, who

should be raised up with such proof of divine authority, that all
who rejected him should be rejected and destroyed by God ;

which could not refer to a succession of prophets, since it is expressly said none of them were like Moses ^, Deut. xviii. 18
20.

xxxiv. 10.

God

7. 6. David foretels a person, who should be owned by

as his son, to whom universal dominion over the heathens

should be given, and who should punish with utter destruction

al that should refuse to submit to his government. Psa.u. pass.

He

whom he
Lord, that should likewise be a priest Jor ever after the order of Melchisedec, Psal. ex. and this is probablv the
same glorious person, whom he elsewhere calls God, and of whom
he says much more than could be applied to Solomon, or any
other temporal prince, both with regard to the excellency of his
character, and the extent and perpetuity of his kingdom. Psal.
speaks also of an illustrious and victorious person,

calls his

a Bu lock's Vind. p. 7J79,

b CflA>D. on Mir. p. '275.
SherL' ck on Pioph. p. 6(583.
Coi iNS's Lit. Scheme, p. '231239.
Rev. exam, with Cand. vol. i. p. 47 50.
C SHERI.. on Proph. Ijiss. iii. pass.
f

ivKwroN ib'd. No.

Mele's Diatribe in

VOL. v.

iv.

Lgc.

Jennings's Jewish Antiq. vol. i. p. 76.

d Coi.i.MNSi's Lit. Scheme, p. 2J9 262.

Jeffries'! true Grounds, p. 128 133.

Harris on tJie Mess. Serm. vii. p. 199.
Sheri,. on Proph. p. 1S7 193.
Bui lock's Serm. in Loc. or his Vind. p,

220246.
NEWTO>.',ibid. vuJ.

i.

No.

6.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

70

Part

vi.

xlv. pass, and Ixxii. pass. pras. ver. 1, 8, 11, 13, 14, 17,
To
which add Fsal. xxii. 26 31. M'hich if it be allowed to refer to
the same event, then the former part will also appear a predic-

tion that this glorious person should suffer, with circumstances

remarkably

fulfilled in the death of Christ.

See also 2 Sam.
which relates to the glorious reign of the Just One
over men, and expresses the final destruction of those that oppose his kingdom, as well as the blessings given by an everlasting
covenant to those that should be his faithful subjects^.

xxiii.

7.

8, 7. /yaifl/i speaks of an extraordinary child, Avho should

be born of a virgin of the house of David, whose name should
be called EmmanueU who should grow up from infancy to

manhood, Avho should also bear many other illustrious titles,

which speak him to be more than human Avho should be most
eminent for wisdom and piety, and finally, who should establish
a most successful and permanent kingdom by very peaceful and
;

gentle methods''. Isa. vii.l4, &c. ix. 5

9.

God

8.

stone in Zion, whereby

when

7. xi.

10. xlii.

7.

foretold his purpose of laying a foundation

all

that trust in

him should be saved,

away by

others should find that their shelter was swept

storms of the divine vengeance.

Jsa. xxviii. 16

18.

Isaiah likewise foretold an extraordinary appearance of God, which should be attended with the miraculous
cure of the blind, the lame, the deaf, and the dumb, and introductory to a state of extraordinary holiness and everlasting joy.
10. 9.

Isa. XXXV. 3

10.

The same prophet also foretold

the coming of one,

should from the wilderness prepare the way for an extraordinary divine appearance, and bring tidings of a most gracious
11. 10.

who

and compassionate

shepiierd.

Isa. xl.

12. 11. Isaiah afterwards

11.

speaking of a person, to

whom

the characters 2, 8,' 10, do so evidently agree, that we cannot

doubt but it is the same mentioned before, adds, that he should

be rejected and abhorred of the Israelites : and afterwards

speaking of a person, to whom the same characters do belong,
foretcls his being rejected and wounded, mentions his silent submission under his sufferings, and at length his death and burial '^.
9.
Isa. xlix. 1
1 1. lii. per tot. liii. 1

fl

Grey on the last Words of David.

JoRTiN's Remarks, vol. i. p. 183.

b Coi.MNS on the Grounds, kc.

CUAND. on Mir. p. 2615*68.

p. 61

71.

GKEEN'sLett. to Coll. No. iv. pass;

IJODD. Fain. Exp. vol. i. p. 39. Note e.
KENNicon's Serm. on Isa. viL 14.

c COLT.INs's Lit. Sch. c. v. } 12. p. 208250.

Bislio)) CHAND. of Christian, p. 17S
194- p.

147161. Ed. 'i.

Harris's Remarks, pass.
Burn. Lite of Rochest. p. 140143.
Bullock.'* Vind. p. li? l5o.

Lect. cxxx. Prophesies of the Messiah and his Kingdom.

71

13. 12. Nevertheless, in the same period he prophesies of

the exaltation and glory of this remarkable person, and the suc-

which evidently implies his reliii. 10, 12.

See the -writers
quoted above. In the following chapter he describes a most
gracious and important covenant to be made with Jews and Gentiles by him, and such universal proposals of pardon and grace,
as Avould by multitudes be accepted to their great advantage
and complete happiness. Isa. liv. Iv. per tot.
cess of his cause in the Avorld

surrection from the dead, Isa.

14. 13. He does afterwards in a very pathetic manner describe the wickedness and ruin of the Jewish nation, foretels

recovery and prosperous stale, in the most exby that servant of God, whom he had for
that purpose anointed with his spirit in an extraordinary mannevertheless

its

alted stile, as effected

Isa. lix, Ix, Ixi,

ner.

and Ixv.

Jeremiah prophecies of a righteous and victorious

up out of the house oi David, whose name
should be called the Lord our righteousness ; which most naturally implies, that by means of him his people should be made
righteous by God through the provision of the divine mere}'.
15. 14.

prince, to be raised

Jer. xxiii. 5, 6. xxxiii. 14

16.

The same prophet evidently speaks of a new co^

be made with Israel, which should contain extraordi-

16. 15.
vejiant to

nary provision for divine instruction and the pardon of sin,

beyond what had been made by the Mosaic ve\\^\on Jer. xxxi.
31
34. agreeable to the tenour of which it is elsewhere by
,

prophet foretold, that a plan of religion should be given to

God's people, of which the regard then paid to the ark of God,
the great centre of their ceremonial worship, should make no
part, when all the nations of the world should be incorporated
with the Jews, and a lasting reformation should be introduced.

this

Jer.

iii.

16

18.

Ezekiel speaks of one great Shepherd, whom long

David he calls by the name of that prince,
who should be a means of conferring on his people such blessings as Isaiah and Jeremiah had before described.
Ezek.
xxxiv. 23
31. xxxvii. 2326.

7. 16.

after the death of

12

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

72

vi.

LECT. cxxxr.
Prophecies of the Messiah

17.

1.

JLJ'ANIEL

,-

foretels a glorious

continued.

kingdom, which

God

V ould
tiie

erect on the ruins of the four grand monarchies, under

command of one whom he calls the Son of wan, Avhose em-

pire though arising from small beginnings should be both uni-

Dan.

versal and eternal.

34, 35, 44, 45.

ii.

vii.

14\

1:3,

weeks,
probably 490 years after the going out of the commandment to rQ\im\(\. Jerusalem , which seems to refer to that given
in the seventh year of ylrtaxerxes Longimanus, reconciliation
should be made for inquir}^, and an everlasting righteousness
brought in by one, whom he calls Messiah the Prince, who
should be cut off; i. e. put to death, without any demerits of
his own, after which the city oi Jerusalem should be destroyed,
and the sacrifices made to cease ; yet not till he had confirmed
his covenant with many of his people.
Dan. ix. 24 27 ^*.
18. Z)fln/c/ afterwards foretels that in seventy

2.

3. 19.

e.

i.

Joel foretels an extraordinary effusion of the Spirit

of God in the latter day, in which all that called on the name of
the Lord sliould l)e saved, and extraordinary deliverance should
32"^.
be wrought out in mount Zion and Jerusalem. Joel ii. 28

4. 2'). Micah repeats part of Isaia/i's prophecy of the

glorious and peaceful kingdom that God would erect in the
latter

day,

Ephratah,

Aviio sliould
ites,

afterwards expressly mentions Bethlehem

from whence the ruler should go forth,

and

as the place

be the illustrious shepherd not only of the Israel-

5.

Haggai

21.

a SVKrs of Chrisli^'nity, c. ii.

b I'RlDFAlx'sConiU'C.'vol. i.
liiJM

Micah

but other most distant people.

ocK's Vind.

pra-s. p. 21(5

poi.r.iNS'.s Lit.

1.

ii.

p.

12 2R.

Manners

306.

ti.

Ci ABK1-.

Scheme,c.
J).

V.

5. v.

4.

?8. p. 173200.

Diss. p. 93

134.

at Boyle's lee. p. 427, 42S.

x.

Newt, on I'roph. parli. c.

Owen's txercil. on Ep. to Heb.
CH AhD. on Joel, ibid. &: Diss.
Sir

p. 184, ^^c.

'ii8.

'*U)fiE's'llieol. V\oiks,

prophesied, that during the time that

p. 'J62

c. iv. i

iv.

1.

2('4.

* Two eminent critics have lately exerted their talents upon the prophecy of
The first is Michaelis, in his " Epistle de LXX. Hebdoinadibus Danielis, ad D. Joannfm Princle, Baronetum." The other is Dr. BlayNEY, in " A Dissertation by way of inquiry into tlie true import and application of
the Vision related," Dan. \x. ver. 20, to tiie end, usually called Daniel'.s Prophecy
Dr. Bl.^vney has made some occasional lemaiks on Michaelis's
of seventy weeks.
betters,
K.
tlip

&e\enty weeks.

Prophecies of the Messiah

Lect. cxxxr.

the second temple was standing, which was not entirely

lished

till

Roman captivit^s
rebuilt) God would shake
the

gradually
surprizing revolutions

them

73

continued.

demo-

Herod's time
nations, i. e. produce

(though in
all

and the desire of all nations

should come into his temple ; on account ol" which the glory
of it should be greater than that of the former house, though
Hag. ii. 6, 9^
in external ornaments it were so much inferior.
in

6. 22. CTiffAar^'fl/^ twice mentions a person whose name

was the branch, i. e. probably wlio had been foretold by Isaiah
and Jeremiah nwAev that character, (Vid. Isa. xi. X.Jer. xxiii.
5. xxxiii. 15.)

on

whom

the eyes of

God

should be set with

should build the temple of God, and bear

the glory and remove the iniquity of Israel in one day, and
appear as a priest on his tlwone, (perhaps in allusion to Psal.
ex. 4.) restoring under his administration peace and happiness.

who

peculiar care,

Zech.

iii.

10. vi. 12, 13

The same prophet foretels the appearance of a

who in token of the gentleness of his administra-

7. 23.
prince,

meek

he is described as the
tion should at Jerusalem ride on an ass
person who, taking off the /iea;j from their forbidden confidence,
should speak peace to the heathen, and erect an universal empire, making a covenant by blood, whereby miserable sinners
12''.
should be delivered from destruction. Zech. ix. <)
:

The same prophet

8. 24.

afterwards predicted an extra-

ordinary effusion of the Holy Spirit upon the Jews, which

should bring them in abetter manner to lament him whom they
had pierced, and should be attended with ample provision made
by divine grace for their pardon. Zech. xii. 10 14. xiii. r'.

9. 25. Malachi .speaks of a messenger of the covenant, who

should bring the Jews to a strict trial ; of a sun of righteousness
which should arise, and whose appearance should be introduced
by a person, who in the language of prophecy is called Elijah
appear,
i. e. probably one in whom his spirit should eminently

Mai.

iii.

4.

10. 26.
ther,
a

G'".

From comparing

xii. 2i)

Chandler

71.S3.

p.
Literal

appears that they

it

Peirce on Heh.
Bisliop

iv.

p. 190.

all

102.

these prophecies one with ano-

centre in one illustrious person

c

Scheme,

p. 120,

&c.
Test. p.

14

CHAND.

CHAND.

16.

Literal

Bt.'r.Li">CK's

Vind. p. 177180.

Bkrriman

at Boyle's Lect. vol.

is.

praes. p. 41

LovrXH

in

Loc,

ofChiistian. p. 102

F,d. 2.

107. p.

Scheme,

14<5.
p. 143
Bui lock'.s Vnid.. p. 175, 176.
Sherlock's Fourth Dissert,

Literal

ClLL on the Hioph. ]). 4'2.

L'Enfant lutrod. tu ilie New

Chandler

S4S.

ofChiistiun. p. 86

Ed. 2.

ii.

Serm. xiv.

ibid. p.

Scheme,
ibid. p.

10711:.. p.

p. 146

8394. Ed.

14'^-

63S6. p.

.7270. Ed. 2.

Literal Scheme, p. 113 129.

Hui, LOCK'S Vind. p. 180 184.
Jefiuies on Christianity, p. 351

358.

3.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

14f

VI.

both as the language in which the deliverance is foretold byseveral of them is so much the same, and as there is no mention
made of a succession of such deliverers, or a plurality, whose
kingdom should be extensive and perpetual to which we add,
what we shall more largely shew in the scholium, that there was
a very universal expectation of a Messiah raised in consequence
:

of these predictions.
11.27. The sum of the whole is this, the prophecies of
the Old Testament foretel that there should be a glorious per-

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who should be

Bethlehem, of a virgin, of the family of David then in
its decline, before the Jews ceased to be a people, while the
second temple was standing, and about 500 years after Ezra's
time Avho, though appearing in mean circumstances, should be
introduced by a remarkable forerunner, whose business it
should be to awaken the attention and expectation of the
people: He, Ci. e. this illustrious person so to be introduced)
should himself be eminent both for the piety, wisdom, and benevolence of his character, and the miraculous works he should
perform ; yet that notwithstanding all this, he should be rejected, and put to death by the Jews, but should afterwards be
raised from the dead, and exalted to a glorious throne, on which
lie should through all generations continue to rule, at the same
time making intercession for sinners
that great calamities
should for the present be brought on the Jews for rejecting him,
whereas the kingdom of God should by his means be erected
among the Gentiles, and diffuse itself even to the ends of the
earth, wherever it came, destroying idolatry and establishing
true religion and rigliteousness. In a word, that this great person should be regarded by all who believe in him as a divine
son, descended from

born

at

teacher, an atoning sacrifice, and a royal governor, by means

whom God would make a covenant with his people very

of

from that made with Israel of old, in conse(juence of

which they should be restored to and established in the divine
favour, and fixed in a state of complete and perpetual happidifferent

ness^*.
a Cr.AKKE

at Boyle's Lcct.

p.390473.

in his

'

vol.i. p.

170 173,&c

Dr. tAsi Aptiiohp on Pioiihecy.

B auk fill's Messiah, Passim.

* Dr. Gregory Sharpe,

Jortim's Rem.

BUTL. Anal, partii. c. vii.250256.

EUSEB. Dein. Evang. 1. vi. ix.

Second Argument

in

Defence

of Christia-

nity, taken from the ancient Prophecies," ha.s shew n their application to the

femarkr.ble events in the

life

and character of Jesus Christ

witliout having recourse to double senses.

K.

and

this

most

he has done

Of the double

Lect. cxxxri.

Sense of Prophecies,

15

isc.

LECT. CXXXII.

0/the double Sense of Prophecies Expectation of the Messiah

among the Jews Pretended Prophecies of Christ among
Some objections to the Prophecies of the
the Heathens
Messiah answered.

1.

Jr ROM hence it evidently appears, that there was

divine mind a purpose of raisin.g^ up a glorious prince,

Cor.

in the

1.

called the Messiah, to reign over

mankind, and likewise of exhim before he appeared in

citing a great expectation concerning

the world

=*.

2. 2.

From hence

it

\\\\\

appear

prr,!>a!}le,

considering

the nature of prophecy in general, together with those express

predictions mentioned above, that there inv^lix. likewise be a reference to the Messiah in some of those passages, in which the

prophets speak in their own person^ and describe extraordinary

distress or glory in terms literally applicable to the Messiah,
(comparing other prophecies) and ov\\y figuratively to themselves.
And it might be the wisdom of providence so to order
matters, that many eminent persons in the Jewish state should

some matters resemble tl^e Messiah, and many deliverances

granted to the Jews should represent the great deliverance expected from him. This may be the foundation of types, and
which
for what may seem a double sense of some prophecies

in

not to be understood, as if a prophecy equally

and indifferently referred to many persons or events ; or as if,
literally referring to a lower person, it was ou\y figuratively
and allegorically to be interpreted of the Messiah ; (for a pas-

double sense

is

sage only capable of being accommodated to him is not by any

means a prediction of him :) but it is to be so explained, as that
it may appear the Messiah "was principally fu\te.\\6.Q(\ , and the

prophecy literally referred to him, though it might in part

be applied to that other person that typified him and might
have been understood as referring to that inferior person alone^
if further light had not been thrown upon it, by comparing
other prophecies, or by the testimony of those whom on other
;

accounts we have reason to regard as authentic interpreters.

Nevertheless it must be acknowledged, that though the tracing
the Messiah in such prophecies as these may serve to illustrate
the unity of design, which (as we before observed, Lect. 109.
a HuRD'sSenn.on Proph. No.

ii.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

76
7.

is

Partvi.

a considerable additional proof of the truth of a revelamain stress is to be laid upon such prophecies as

tion, yet the

those mentioned in the proposition, rather than on those in

which the prophets personate him. Yet when some of these,
(as Psal. xvi, xxii, xl, Ixix. Zech. xi. 12, 13, he.) are compar-

ed

Old Testament and correspondent

is more reasonable to own that
and death, resurrection and exaltation of the

witli parallel places in the

facts recorded in the

the

suflFerinfTs

New,

it

Messiah were chiefly designed in them, than to consider

the appeal made to them in the New Testament, as an objection against the truth cf Christianity
how far they are an objection against the inspiration of the New Testament, is a distinct
point, and will afterwards be considered in Lect. 140'*.
:

3. 3. That so many prophecies looking to the Messiah and

centering in him, and whicli at least seem to be fulfilled in
Jesus of Nazareth, and so naturally tend to promote the chris-

should yet be extant in the Old Testament, is a

it is a book of an extraordinary character,
and likewise that it has in the main been kept uncorrupted by
the Jews though through negligence or design some few passatian cause,

argument that

plain

ges should be altered

for had they allowed themselves

any
would probably have taken care to
destroy or change such passages as have been quoted in the
great liberty with

it,

the}-

proposition.
4. 4. It further appears, especially from the scriptures
in the first step, when compared with several pas-

enumerated

sages in those that follow, that the Messiah is not in scripture

represented as a temporal deliverer of the Jews alone, by whom
the Gentile nations were to be enslaved and destroyed ; but as

an universal friend, teacher and benefactor, by

be brought to true religion and happiness

to

whom

they were

''.

5. 5.

It

a Barrow's Works,

further appears, as above, that in order to reconvol.

Jeff. Review, p. iH

Chand.

of Mir. part

ii.

ii. p.
119.

MUDGE's

205207.

c. viii. p.

255273.

Hakris's Cril. Rem. 4to, ]). bO83.

Whist, on Proph. at Boyle's Lcct. p. 1329.

* Dr. HuRD is a vindicator

displays much ingenuity on

LowTH

Pref. to the Psalms.

HiiRD's Serm. No. lii.
Jou TIN'S Rem. vol. i. p. 183 .
b Moral Philos. vol. i. J2s, 329,335.
CHAPM. against Morg. vol. i. p. 4S5

493.

of the double sense of

the

same

Prophecy; and Bishop

side of the question, in his

Lectures

on the sacred poesy of the Hebrews.

Vid. Prselect. xi. De Allegoria mystica,
140. 3d Edit.
lr. Sykis liad many years before contended against a
p. 133
double interpretation of tlie prophecies, in his " Essay on the Truth of the Christian Religion," and in his '* Principles and ConnPCtii)n of natin-al and revealed Religion." Dr. Benson, in his " Essay conccrnincc the unity of Sense," has endeavoured to shew, at large, that no text of scripture has more than one single sense.
Benson ou the Epistles, vol. 1. Introd. p. xix xliv. 3 Edit. K.

Of the

Lect. cxxxii.

double SeJise of Prophecies J

77

y^c.

prophecies with each other, some of the expressions

in a figurative sense ; or that what is said of the
conquests of the Messiah, or the destruction of the enemies of
the Jews, must be understood of the punishments to be inflicted upon those who, when the Jews become subject to him,
cile those

must be taken

should

rise

up against them ^.

6. Schol. 1. For the illustration of what has been hinted

at Lect. 131. 10. it may be observed, that there are several

new testament, from whence it evidently appears,

was an.ong the Jews about Christ's time an actual
expectation of the speedy appearance of the Messiah, though
Matt.
too many of them regarded him as a temporal deliverer.
25. vi. 14, 15.
ii. 26. Luken. 25, 26, 38. iii. 15. John i. 19
Some have thought that
x. 24. Luke xix. 11. Acts xxvi. 7.
some traces of such an expectation are also to be found in earEccles. xxxvi. 6, 8,
lier ages, 1 Mac. iv. 46. xiv. 35, 41, 48.
12 17. (compare Luke u 68 73.) xiiv. 21, 22. Tobii xiv.
5
As to the express references to the
7. Baruch iv. 22.
Messiah in the second book o^ Esdras n. 42 47. vii. 28, 29.
we wave them, because it is certain that book was either entexts in the
that there

tirely forged or interpolated long after the christian ara.

many

The

insurrections of the Je'is about Christ's time, under im-

postors professing themselves

the

common

to the Samaritans^

prophet as well as a king

Messiah, do further shew

among them, which was

there was such an expectation

compare John

also

who apprehended he would be a

iv.

25, 29

42.

There are also some remarkable passages in Josephus,

Philo, Tacitus, Suetonius, and Celsus, which shew that

such an expectation prevailed in some degree even among
Heathen nations and many have supposed there is a reference
to the fourth eclogue of Virgil
where there are indeed many
things nearly parallel to those of the prophets, in which the
Such expectations
glorious reign of the Messiah is described.
might possibl}'^ arise from the dispersion of Greek translations
7.

of the old testament*.

As

for those prophecies of Christ,

which are pretended

Zerdusht, (of which none

quoted by Abulpharagius,)

to have been found in the books of

is

more memorable than

that

a Chapm.

ibid. p.

500515.

* Some ingenious observations concerning lhe"Pollio" of ViRClt, tnay

seen in Lovvth's Lectures before referred to, p. 239 293,
K.

VOL. V.

l>e

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

vi.

is little dependence to be had upon them, considering

the uncertainty of the oldest Persian manuscripts from whence
they are said to be taken, as well as the late date of AbulPHARAGius. Neither can we much depetid upon Conjucius's

there

pretended prophecy of him amon|y the Chinese; nevertheless

seemed not improper to mention them here^*

it

8, 2. As for the Sibylline Oracles, which are said to have

been preserved among the Romans with so ninoh care, there is
great reason to believe they were political forgeries; and it is certain that those which are now extant were forged by some Chrisiian writer, after the events there foi-etold had happened
since
those events are much more plainly described there than in any
Jewish prophet, Avhich we can hardly imagine, especially since
the apostle tells us, Eom, iii. 2. that the oracles of God were
committed to the Jews, and never made any appeal at all to
the Sihtjlline oracles for the conviction of the Gentiles. Yet we
allow it very possible, that among the collections which were
made after the tirst copies were burnt, some passages might be
inserted from Jewish writings, (from whom it is certain many
things were borrowed by the heathens) and probably it is to
;

such passages as these, that the earliest of those christian writers

alluded, wiien they mention the Sihijlline oracles, before the
time in which we can suppose those now extant to have been
invented ^.
9. 3. As to the endeavours which have been used to enervate the argument in favour of Christianity, drawn from the pro-

phecies mentioned in the proposition, by shewing that they are

capable of other senses from which the Messiah may be excluded ; see the places referred to as glossed upon by Coli-ins
in his Grounds and Reasons, 8(c. and the Literal Scheme, and
the commentaries of White, and Grotius, who have studied
to strain almost all these to some other sense ; and some of them

manner,
would oppose.^

in so unnatural a

tion they

as greatly to establish the interpreta-

10. 4. The most considerable objection brought against

applying these prophecies to the Messiah is, that the prosperity
of the Jews and their return to their own land is foretold as an
a Bishop CHAND. Def. of Christian,

p. 357.
rav. of Cyrus, vol. ii. Ajjpend. part ii. pass.
and p. l'/7 13J, 8vo. p. 300, &c. liiiuo.
l.ARDN. Cred. 1. i. c. v. p. I(i9 179.
'i

Works, vol. i. p. 131139.

Cot.MNs's LittTjl Scheme, c. i iv.

CiIANl). iVf. p. 10, 1.

bib. Orac. p. ISC 19'i, and ^28.
JuKXiN's Kein. ibidj p. '^153, i^c.
Ki.-^ho|.

Hyde

Rel. Hers. c. xxxi. p. 382 38R.

'J'AVi-.RNlER's Voy. vol. i. 4S'j., 485. I iv. c.
CONFLCii Scientia Siiiica, Pief. p. 1:^0.

JORTiN's Rem. vol. i.p. 294.

I.AMPE's Synop. Eccli'S. Hist. Lib. iv. ad ult.
b WHisr. Vi'nd. Sib. Or. pass.
Prid. Connect, vol. ii. p. o20 633.
iDWARPS on Scri])!. vol. i. p. 317 340.
Ousoi'.

viii.

Of the

Lect. cxxxii.

double Sense of Prophecies^

event to be accomplished by him

whereas no such event is yet

amongst many other places, Kzek. xx.
15. Zech.
44. xxxvi. 21, 28. xxxvii. 21
23. Amosix. II

accomphshed
34

79

S/^c.

xiv. 9

see,

11.

11.

To

this (besides

what

is

said Cor. 5.)

it is

answered,

being rejected for a time is likewise fore(1.)

told, and their being delivered over to the hands of their ene-

That

mies.

their

Fid. Lect. 130. 14. Lect.

31. 2.

(2.) That christians expect a restoration of the Jeii;s in the

latter days, upon their believing in Christ, ^ow. xi.
1, &c. and
none can reasonably pretend, that their restoration is to precede
1

their faith in him.

(3.)

That the preservation of the Jews

notwithstanding

all their

as a distinct people,

dispersions, leaves evident

room

for the

accomplishment of these prophecies ; and is so remarkable a

fact, especially when their moral character is considei'ed, and so
well agrees with the predictions of the Old Testament and the
New, as to lay a reasonable foundation for expecting their
fullest restoration in

God's appointed time

^.

12. 5. Whereas some think it strange, that the prophewhich seem most expressly to fix the time of the Messiah's
coming, (such as Gen. xlix. 10. Hag. ii. 6. Dan. ix. 26.) are
no where urged in the New Testament, it may be answered,
cies

That it could not have been made appear, that the pemarked out by them was entirely elapsed, during the time
which most of the apostles wrote, the sceptre not being quite
(1.)

riod
in

departed, nor the temple or city destroyed.

might have exposed the apostles to additional

to have entered nicely into the
discussion of some of these prophecies ; as some would have
engaged them in tedious calculations, of which the common
people were not capable judges, and others in civil controversies
between them and the Romans, which it was prudent as far as
Yet it is to be remembered, that Christ,
possible to decline.
when quoting a part of DanieVs prophecy of the seventy weeks,
strongly intimates that the whole of it was worthy of special regard. Matt. xxiv. 15 ^.
(2.)

That

it

inconveniences

in their Avork,

a Ctarkf. atBoyle's Lect.

Limb. Coll. cum J uJso,

p.

p.

431434.
7072, and

BERRIMAS at
32633(i.

19G.
j

b Sykes of

Boyle's Lect. vol.

Christiamt)',

i.

Sertn. xi p,

,,

c.

xvi. p. 297. &c.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

80

PaRT

VI.

LECT. CXXXIIT.
The

1.

Credibility of Jesus as a divine Teacher.

Prop. Jl ESUS is worthy of being received as a teacher sent

with entire credit to all his declarations, and obedi-

from God,
ence to

all his

commands.

Dem.

Many

of the most remarkable prophecies rehad a

remarkable accomplishment in Him : for it appears from the
history of the evangeUsts, that he was born of a virgin descended
from Abraham^ in the decline of the Jewish state, a little before

2.

1.

lating to the person, state, and condition of the Messiah,

the destruction oi Jerusalem and the second temple by the Romans ; that he has a most wise, holy, and excellent person, go-

ing about for the kindest purposes of instructing men's minds,

and healing their bodies, till at last he was put to death by the
Jews as a malefactor nevertheless that he was on the third day
raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven ; from whence
he poured forth an extraordinary spirit upon his followers,
whereby they were enabled to perform many surprising works,
:

and

to propagate the worship of the one God, and the practice

of true religion even among many of the remotest nations.
That such things were fact concerning Jesus of Nazareth, appears from the whole tenour of the evangelical story, which we

before proved to be credible.

Led.

124.

3. 2. The Jewish prophets intermingled with their predictions such encomiums on the person in whom they should be

accomphshed, and such attestations of his divine mission, as

must recommend him to the highest regard and humblest obedience particularly speaking of him, as God's servant, whom
he anointed to publish glad tidings, whom all men should be
obliged to hear as a king, who should finally triumph over all
opposition, and should bring a secure and lasting blessing to all
:

bis faithful servants.

mony

4. 3.

To

Vid.

Led

the former head

130. 6, 7, 9, 13, 15, &c.

we may properly add

the testi-

of angels, and of persons of the most eminent sanctity

about the time of his appearing, who are said expressly to have
the spirit of prophecy particularly oi Gabriel in his message to
Mary, Luke i. 32, 33. and in that io Joseph, Matt. i. 20, 21.
compare ver. 23. Elizabeth, Luke \. 43. Mary, ibid. ver. 47,
Kc. Zechariah, ibid. ver. 68, 6Cc. the angel to the shepherds,
:

Lect. cxxxiii. The

Luke

ii.

10,

11.

Credibililij of Jesus as a divine

Teacher. S

Simeon, ver. 29, S<c. Anna, ver. 38. and John

36.
iii. 11. Johni. 29. iii. 27

the baptist, Matt.

The Jewish religion was constituted in such a manthere were many institutions in it, which bore so re-

5. 4.

ner, that

markable a resemblance to circumstances relating to Christ in

the New Testament, that tliey could not hut in some degree confirm his claim and shew on the one hand the harmony between
the Old Testament and the New, and on the other, how much
On this he;ad, the abode of God
Christ was the end of both.
in the Jewish temple, the sacrifices there presented, the purifications appointed, and the intercession made by the high priest
were remarkable circumstances, worthy of regard, as some other
more particular ceremonies also were, especially those relating
to the paschal lamb ^.
;

The New Testament

assures us, that Christ was perand good, Fid. 1 Pet. i. 19. ii. 22. iii. 18. 1
John ii. 1. iii. 5. 2 Cor. v. 21. Beb. iv. 15. vii. 26, 27. which he
also publicly asserted of himself, Joh?i vni. 29, 46.
The imputations thrown on his character appear to have been false and
malicious nor did any of the most inveterate enemies of Christianity, particularly Celsus and Porphyry, deny the innocence
of his life. And the silence of Judas as to any accusation against
him, nay, the express testimony he bore to his innocence,
though he so intimately knew his circumstances, and had so
strong an interest to have aspersed and ruined his character, is
an important illustration of this, which is set in a most just and
beautiful light by Bonar on the character and conduct of Ju-

6. 5.

fectly innocent

das *.

Yet,

Our Lord

declared himself to be such a person as the pro-

position describes, and solemnly attests the absolute necessity

of regarding him as such, Joh7i

27.

Mark

xvi. 16

iii.

18. viii. 12,

24,

Luke

xix.

7. 6. Christ foretold many things which he could not

have foreseen by human prudence, which therefore plainly argued a divine revelation of them to him, considering how expressly they were afterwards accomplished.
Particularly such
as these : His own death, with the various circumstances of it,
Wits. CEcon.
LOWM. Heb.

Feed.
Rit.

iv. c. ix. ?

I.

part

iii.

c.

iii.

35

58.

p 360, ad

fin.

b Chapm.

against

Morgan, vol.

Duchal's Presumptive

Hartley on Man. vol.

i.

p. 241. Note.

Evidence, Ser.
Prop. 34.

i.

ii.

The Mr. Bonar here mentioned was a Scotch clergyman, who publif hed at
Edinburgh, in the year 1750, a pamphlet, without his name, entitled, " Observations on the character and conduct of Judas Iscariot." It is now become scarce.
K.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

82

18, 19. xxvi. 23, 31, &c. Mark x. 33, 34.

His own resurrection on
14, 15. xii. 32, 33.

Mail. xvi. 2i. xx.

xiv. 30.

John

iii.

the third day, or, whicli according to the Jewish

speaking was

Compare

vr.

e(]uivii]ent to

Kings xx.

it,

niaiiiier

of

afttr tliree days and three nights.

2\.Esth.
Matt. xvi.21.xii. 40. xxvi. 32. xxvii.
63,64. John ii. 13 21. His ascension into heaven, Jo^n vi. 62.
XX. 17.
The mission of the Spirit on his disciplesto enable them
to perform miraculous works, Johnxv. 26. xiv. 12, 16, 17, 26.
iv.

16.V.

Exod.

\.

xvi. 7, 13.

The

29. 2 Chron. x. 5, 12. Litkeu.

y.xiy. 18'.)

Mark

xvi. 17, 18.

Luke

xxiv. 49. u^cts

x. 18, 19.

persecution of his apostles. Matt.

16
22. John
Matt. xxiv. 9, 10. The manner of Peter's death, Johii
xxi. 18, 19.
That Jerusalem should be destroyed and trodden
under foot by the Gentiles that its destruction should be sicrnified by several remarkable prodigies
that false prophets and
fidse Christs should come
tliat the temple itself should be entirely demolished ; and that unheard of calamities should bcfal
the Jewish nation, Matt. xxiv. Mark xiii. Luke xxi.
And
finall}^, he foretold the extraordinary success of the gospel in the
world over all the opposition it should meet with. Matt. xiii.
31
33. xvi. 18. xxiv. 14. John xv. 16. compare Matt, xxviii,
iilt.
The accomplishment of all these predictions sufficiently
appears from the history of the New Testament, from Joseph us,
and EusEBius, and many other unexceptionable witnesses.
Amongst whom some heathens are to be reckoned ; particularly
Tacitus, (Hist. I, v. c. xiii.) Celsus, (Orig. against Cels. 1.
vii. p. 339.) and Ammianus Marcellinus, 1. xxiii. sub init.
i.

8.

x.

xvi. 2.

apud DoD. lOSerm.

p. 295,

which

last

reference relates to that

miraculous interposition of providence to

defeat Julian's malicious project of rebuilding the temple at
Jerusalem, thereby to confute our Saviour's prophecy of its continuing desolate: a circumstance set in the most convincing and
illustrious fact of the

beautiful light in

head we might

Warburton's

Julian, part

i.

On

pass.

this

mention Christ's discovering secrets present

or past, particularly to Nathaniel and the woman of Samaria.
John i. 4850. iv. 17, 18^*.
also

a CiiAND. Witnesses Re-exam. p. 1419.

Fan). Exp. vol. i. p :3S.i.. Note d.
b Whitby's Gcii. Pief. vol. i. i 12. ad fin.
WHITiiY's Aunot on Matt. xxiv.
TiLLOTS. Scrm. vol. iii. p. 547 575.
I.IMB. Coll. cuin Judxo. p. 4t>, 47.

Cr AliKE at Boylt's
Al l.ix Kef. vol. ii.
Jenk. ofClirisliaii.
JciRTiN'sKem.

Lect. p.

386390.

p. V4!),

'-'47.

vol.

vol.

HuucE's Seim. No.

i.

i.

p.

|>

20

'2:>,

06.

b'J,

x.

* Our Saviour's prophecies relating; to the destruction of Jerusalf-m are .amply

considered by Dr. Ni;wton, in his Eighteentli, Nineteenth, and Tvvsnty-lirst Dissertations, vol. ii. p. 199
336. Works, vol. i. p. 39'2
466.
Dr. L.\rdnkk is likewise very copious upon the subject. See his Jewish and Heathen Testimonies, vol.

i.

cliap.

iii.

p.

40

I'iS.

Works,

vol. vii. p.

38

lOi.

With regard

to Julian's project

LEcr.cxxxiii. The Credib ilitij of Jesus as a divine Teacher^

8S

S. 7. Christ wrought a long series of various, public, and

iincontrouled miracles; v. g. turning water into wine; feeding

casting out
thousands with a very small quantity of provision
devils; cleansing lepers ; giving sight to the blind, hearing to
the deaf, speech to the dumb, limbs to the maimed, and in some
quieting tempests by his command ;
instances raising the dead
and at length raising himself from the dead, and ascending into
heaven. See the whole history of the evangelists^.
;

9. 8. Our Lord often made express appeals to these mir

racles in proof of his divine mission, John v. 36. x. 24, 25, 37,
21-. Mark ii. 10. Matt. xi. 4, 5, 20, &c. John
which by the way shews how much Dr. Chandler is

38. xiv. 11. XV.

15.

x'l.

mistaken, in saying that our Lord, in appealing to his miracles,

only argues with the Jews upon their own principles, as upoa
the foot of miracles they acknowledged Moses while they rejected him*^.
10. 9. His disciples also wrought miracles in his name,
to prove him to be such a person as the proposition describes,

expressly declaring that to be the purport of those miracles,

.^^6-/.y ii. 32
36. iii, 12, 13, 16. iv. 9
12. Rom. xv. l8, 19.

declared to be the Son of God by a

voice from heaven, at his baptism, and his transfiguration, and
11. 10. Christ

v.'as

in effect again afterwards,

iii.

i.

22. Matt. xvii. 5. 2 Pet.

12.

The

11.

e.
i.

proposition

little

before his death,

Luke

17, 18. Johnxxi. 28.

is

farther illustrated

by the new

which brought the

tidings of it, the prodigies attending his death; among which,
the darkness said to be mentioned by Phlegon, and the rending the rock, (the marks of which are still said to remain) are
particularly worthy of consideration'^,
star

which appeared at

his birth, the angels

To

which may be added his visible ascension, and

appearance to Paul At his conversion, as well as to
Johii in the island of Patmos, in a form so nearly resembling
that, in which God manifested himself to tlie prophets of old.
Compare Ezek. i. 26 28. Dan. vii. 9. with Rev.'u 13, 15^.
13.

his glorious

a Arnob. adv. Gent.

Lactant.

Inslit.

I.

1.

i.

iv.

p.

0631.

c^xv.

Lei.and agamst Tind. v*.

Whiston, Sykes, and Chafm.

Chapm. aj:iinst Morg. vol. p.^iS237.

Bulk ley's Oecon. book i. c. w.

Sand. Trav.

Hodge's Serm. No.

Larun.

i.

v.

b Chasd. on Mir. p. i6 43.

Cu APM. against Morg. vol. i.

p.

257

273.

iv.

p.

46

70.

iii.

1.

Jewisli

Works,

PiUeg^.

Works,

p. l(>4.

hassome

vol. viii. p.

98.

and Heathen Testimonies.

vol. vii, p. 370
^365.

d PlI,KlNGT.'Hanii.Diss. i.

of re-building the temple of Jerusalem, Dr. Lardnep.

in his Testimonies, vol.

of

Testimony.

Flem. Christol. vol. ii. p. 97,

MAU>Dn.Trav. p.7j, 7^.

p. 81.

ii.

376

21.

curious obseiTations

393.

K.

84

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

PaRT

VI.

14. 12. Seeing that Christ was described in the Old

Testament jorophecies, and re)3reseiited under its types, as a
person worthy of the highest regard ; seeing prophetic persons
renewed this testimony at the time of his appearance seeing
he, whose character was perfectly innocent and holy, declared
himself to be so, and God bore witness to it, by the prophetic
gifts he gave him, and other miraculous powers wherewith he
endued both Christ and his disciples, as well as by a voice from
heaven, and by so man}- extraordinary interpositions to attest
his mission; considering also that miracles have been already
proved to be an evidence of divine revelation {Vid. Led. 105.
;

12, &c.) we have just reason to believe that the revelation

"wliich Christ made was divine, and that he is without reserve to

be credited
manded ^

in

all

he has asserted, and obeyed in

he has com-

all

2.E.D.

LECT. CXXXIV.

Preservation of the Jews as a distinct People The Writings of

Josephus
The Time in which Christ appeared Of Mira-

cles,

Demojiiacsy and Heathen Oracles.

Considering how much the evidence of

depends upon the Old Testament, there is great
reason to admire the wisdom and goodness of divine providence
in preserving the Jews as a distinct people, dispersed almost all
over the christian world ; and thereby adding force to the arguments taken from those sacred books, beyond what they could
otherwise have had.
Comp. Lect. 132. 10, 11 ^.
Considering
how much the argument drawn from
2. 2.
Christ's predictions of the destruction of Jerusalem is illustrated by the writings of Josephus, it is also to be acknowledged as
an extraordinar}'^ providence, that this author was preserved in
such a variety of extreme dangers, and that his excellent writin which we have a more
ings are come down to us so entire
particular account of the desolation of his country, than of any
other war of which we read in ancient history *.
1. Cor. 1.
Christianity

<=

a Baxt. Works, vol. iii. p. 70. vol. ii.

FlEiiTW. on Mir. p. 144 155.
Bi.ACKW. at Boyle's Lect. Serm. vi.

p.

UV 153.

p.

6673,

Lardn. 3

7SHI.
b Sped.

No. 495.

* The value of Joephus's evidence

nis^c.

Bell. Juil.

Jews.

JoRTiN's Rem.

is

c, vii.

1. iii.

Bf.ns. I'rop. of

nisc. I). 810.

Serin. No. x. p. '277 279.

Br B NET'S 4
iJODD. X

Burn. 4
Jos.

vol. vii.

on the State of the

vol. X.
p. lo, ii.

Disc,

Works,
c

Gosp. vol.
vol.

noil estimated

i.

i.

p.

193 195.

p. 34.

by Dr.

L.-^rdnbii, in

Presenation of the Jews,

Lect. cxxxiv.

85

S^c.

3. 3. The time in which Christ appeared was peculiarly

proper on many accounts considering that it was marked out
by some of the prophecies quoted above, that the vanity of other
attempts for reforming- the world had been sufficiently tried,
that tlie world was in a peaceful state, and the cessation of the
extraordinary gifts of prophecies and miracles in the Jewish church, for some preceding ages, would make the appearance of a person so eminently endowed with them the more
lionourable and the more remarkable
;

='.

4. Schol. To say that the miracles referred to in the proposition were performed hy magic,\s very unreasonable: since on

the one hand, there is no reason to believe that men of such an

excellent character, as Christ and his apostles appear to have

been, Avould have acted in confederacy with Avicked spirits, or

would have lent their aid to advance a cause which
had so direct a tcndencv^ to destroy their own kingdom ; nor
that these

we on

can

the other hand believe, that

God would

have permit-

ted such things to have been done in consequence of such a con-

federacy, without interposing with miraculous evidence on the

contrary side of the question, seeing these doctrines were far
from being so evidently absurd, as to be incapable of being

confirmed by miracles

''.

5. 2. If we should grant (as many have maintained,

though they have not been able to prove it) that the case of
those who are called Demoniacs in the New Testament, was
nothing more than common madness or epiliptic disorders, the
cure of these merely by speaking a word would be as true a miracle as casting out devils
but how far this would be reconcilable with the honour of the authors of the New Testamant,
in the report they have made of these miracles, will be consi^
dered at large hereafter, Lect. 214*^.
:

6.

That

the miracles

wrought by Christ were on the whole

is shewn by a large and beautiful

superior to those of Moses,

a Flem.

Christol. vol.

ii.

p. 41 4

i^S.

Taylor's Scheme of Uiv. c. 37. or,

Bp. Watson's Coll. of Tracts, vol. i.

Serm. vol. ii. p. 4t)'J, 463.

HARRH'sCrit. Di3S.4to,p. KW 170.
FosT. Senn. vol. ii. No. vii.
Infancy of the World improper season, A:c.
Jenk. Reas. of Christian, part ii. c. 'Si. vol.
Tii.r.ois.

ii.

p.

Law's

b Whitby's Comment, vol.

TL:RaE r Loc. )3. Q.aest. ii.

Blackw.

at Boyle's Lect. p. 73
^7S.
vol. i. p. 355. Note.

VARMERon
ii.

p. 168,

Pref. p. 20.
19.

Chap.m. Euseb.

37398.
Considewtions, part

prxs. p. 126

Miracles,

Bkausobre apud Jortis's Rem.

154-

vol.

ii.

p^

'21b.

JORTi.N's Discour. No. 4.

kis testimonies, vol.

i.

ch.

iii.

p.

1C8

also the Doctor's coricludiii^^ observation

Works,

ibid. p.

VL. v.

132137.

Works, vol. vii. p. 104 109. See

on Josephus. Test, ibid, p. 167 174,-*-

1.34.

K.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

?6

comparison of them, in Limb. CoHat.

Jortin's Rem. vol. ii. p. 4 32.

p.

7.

The

cessation of oracles,

among

131,132,151
tlie

heathens,

VI.

158.
migl)t

have been justly added under the eleventh step, could it be

proved to satisfaction, (as perhaps it may) on the one hand,
that there was any thing supernatural in them, and on the
other, that they did cease at the time of Christ's appearance.

But

as this is matter of controversy, it seemed sufBcient to have

touched upon it here, referring it to further examination in a
more proper place. But if granted, it is not a consideration
proper to shev/ the suitableness of the time of Chrisf s appearance ; since it might as well have followed upon it, had that
appearance been sooner or later, 3. and Led. 215 '.

LECT. CXXXV.

Pretended Miracles of JpoUojiiiis Tyanaus Vespasian,

Adrian, S(c. Miracles of the Church of Rome.

SEVERAL

heathen writers, and especially Hiero^1. ^c/?oZ. 5.

has answered, and Philostratus,
Eusebius
book
Avhose
CLES,
endeavour to bring the miracles of Christ into disgrace by
comparing Avith them, and preferring to them those of Apollo-

whom

it may be proper here to give a short

have been a Pythagorean philosopher,
contemporary with Christ, remarkable for his temperance and
many other virtues. It is said, he claimed and exercised an
extr*' ordinary power of speaking all languages, and performing
all miracles, equal to those which are ascribed to Christ, not
excepting even raising the dead. He is also said to have
transported himself into the air from one place to another, and
and afterwards to have
at last to have ascended into heaven
To this story it may
appeared to the emperor Alexander.

niu:i

Tyanaus, of

account.

He

is

said to

be objected,
^ 2. (1.) That according to the account which Philostragives
of the manner in which he was furnished with the
tus
materials of his history, the facts must be very uncertain ;

had been dead or translated an

hundred years before he wrote, and that his history Avas compiled partly from the commentaries of one Damis, which were

for he tells us that Apollonius

a ATTEiiB. Serm,

\ol.i,

Serm.

iii.

p. 130, I3f.

Pretended Miracles,

Lect. cxxxv.

81

S(c.

never published, but given to Philostratus by the empress

Julia as secret memoins, without any evidence of their being
genuine ; and partly from the writings of Maximus Egiensis
and Meragoras, the former of which only Avrote a few parti-

Philostratus

culars, the latter was, according to thecharacter

himself gives of him, a very fabulous and romantic writer.

He does indeed add, there were some monuments of some of
these facts ; but places them in distant countries, as India
and Ethiopia, where no writers pretend to have found them :
and as for the letters of Apollonius himself, he owns they
related not to his miracles, but to the curiosities of the counso that had Philostratries, through which he had travelled
tus himself been ever so honest, and his design in writing ever
so good, it is difficult to see what satisfaction he could have had
himself or have given his readers as to any of those facts.
:

3. (2.)

The manner in which Philostratus

his history, gives us but an

ill

idea of his

own

has written

character, and lays

a foundation for great suspicion for it is very affected, exti'avagant, and most unlike the beautiful simplicity of stile which
is observable in the New Testament, full of an ostentation of
learning, and discovers a disposition to aggravate all facts to
the utmost, which might tend to the reputation of his hero.
;

4.

(3.)

Many

Philostratus ashim done in secret, or

of the miracles which

cribes to Jpollonius were according to

before very few witnesses, or were self-contradictory, and others

were vain and foolish ; not a few appear to have been borrowed from the history of the evangelists, and applied to ApoU
lonius, with the

change of a few circumstances.

The

occasion of writing his book, seems to have

been the author's desire to ingratiate himself with Julia the
wife of Severus, and with Caracalla the succeeding emperor,
by detracting from Christianity, to which they had both a great
5. (4.)

aversion.
6. 5. The story so soon died, and the disciples of Apollonius Avere so icAX, that there is little reason to believe he
was so extraordinary a person as Philostratus represents,
especially since none of his followers pretend to have received

from him a power of working miracles.

has also been answered, that should tlie truth
most incredible story be allowed, no certain argument
could be brought from thence against the credibility of the

of

7. (6.) It

this

gospel

since Apollonius did not profess to

work

his

miracles

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

88

vi.

any doctrine contrary to and inconsistent

with it. Yet after all, the truth of the story would so far derogate from the honour of Christianity, though it does not directly
oppose it, that it is most reasonable to rest the stress of the
answer on the remarks under the preceding heads ^

in confirmation of

most of
8. 6. Some of the same remarks may be made on
by
performed
as
the miracles which heathen writers mention
pretended
The
others.
Vespasian
and
Esculapiiis, Adrian,

number of them was small, the evidence very uncertain, most

of them being reported by distant hear-say, and some others of
them connected with circum>tances, which would render it a
dangerous thing to examine into them so that upon the Avhole,
:

the wisest of the Heathens themselves did not appear to believe

them. Or if it should be granted thc}'^ were facts, since they
were not wrought in confirmation of any proposition, the evidence of Christianity would not be impaired by them. On the
contrary, as some of the most credible among- them were
signally subservient to the intended vengeance of God upon the
JeU'S^ taking them in all their circumstances, they give addi-

from it. As
any extraordinary facts ascribed to the Philosophers in
EuNAPius, the distance of time in which he wrote, and the
uncertainty of his information, sufficiently obviate any argument to be drawn from tliem they probabh' were the effect of
the same enmity to Christianity, which engaged Zozymus to
throw so many slanders on those great men who professed it

tional evidence to Christianity rather than detract

for

*'.

9. How extremely difficult it was for the most artful

and hold impostor to secure to himself the reputation of a prophet, and any general regard to pretences of working mira-

may

appear from the story of Alexander^ in

which is an admirable contrast to
;
that of Christ and his apostles, and as such is compendiously

cles,

also fiirtfier

the Pseiidomantis of Liiciau

9 Tir.r.F.MONT's Life of ApoU. and Jenkins's

Observ.

SMALl.BRuOK

against Woolst. vol.

i.

16"

p.

18.

1.

W lUTBY

Com.

vol.

i.

1.

1. i.

Weston's

1. i.

j)art

c. xvii.

)).

ii.

\ 3. c. xi.

Gro
65..

ap.

Op.

64^68.

Kejtct. of Mir.

c. iv.

&c.c

p.

9.i

llu.
I.'l li-;loirsde.s

vol. vii.

I.

Arc. Lmv.
698.

Rmpereurs, par M. Crevier,

V. \ 5.
Ilisi. vol. vi.

i>

HUET. Uem.
\^MiV.

1.

fol.

Doucr.AS's Criterion, p.
Lardner's Test. Works,

iii. c.

5.t

xix. p.

ii.

Pref. p.

691

2&

viii. c. ii.

ii.

p. 2j7, 258.

Col. Ed.

Ih. p. 339.

de

Verit.

iv. c. viii.

i.

p. 416.

Tacit.

%I.

1.

Douglas's Criterion, p. Wi.

Gastr. at Boyle's Lect. vol. ii. p. 280288.
Fleetw.oii Mir. p. 239 2't9.
Jenk. of Christian, vol. i.p. 29.
Jacks. Cred. ulii sup. p. 131 139. ap. Op.
I. i. c 23. vol. I. p. 9297.
Pitisc. Lex. Ant. Rom. in Verb. jTlgei, vol.

Weston's
6J.

vol. viii. p.
Pr. ix. c. 142. \ 5
Vi.

ibid. vol.

1.

viii.c

IlUDs. Ed.

Pref. p. 19.

FleE'I w. on .Mir. p. 249l'6.

]^iuueii unilie Messiah, parti, p. 63

Jacks. Cred.
vol.

SUETON. Vesp. c. vii. Pitisc. in Loc. & c. .

SPARTiAN Hist. c. x.w.ap. Pitisc. p. 957.
Jos. Ant.

Reject.

p.4Si9, 110 112.

Hist. 1. xxiv.

L niv. Ulst. vol. xv. p. 21-178.

Lakd.v. Test. Worts, vol. vii. p. 73.

The

Lect. cxxxvi.

Doctrines of the

New

Testament^

S^c,

89

represented with great force inLYTTLET. obs. on St. Paul, p.

62 67. LARDN.test. works, vol. viii. p. 74. Campbell against
Hume, p. 189 2J0. Anc. Univ. Hist. vol. vi. p. 646. fol,

Adams on

Mir.

10.7. The miracles of the church of Rome havdly'deserve

any mention upon this occasion many of them being ridiculous tales, according to their own historians, others of them
;

being performed without any credible witnesses, or in circumstances where the performer had the greatest o])portunity for
juggling: and it is parficularly remarkable, that they are
hardly ever wrought where they seem most necessary, i. e. in
countries where those doctrines are renounced, Avhich that
church esteems of the highest importance \

LECT. CXXXVI.

The Doctrines of the New Testament True and Divine Of St.

Paul's Conversion The Spread of Mahometanism Mar'

tyrdom

Cessation of Miracles,

S(c.

A HE

system of doctrines delivered to the world in

1. Prop.
the New Testament, is in the main worthy of being received as
true and divine.
2. Dem. \. Many important doctrines contained in the
Testament, were taught by Christ in his own persen, and
reported by the apostles as spoken by him now we have
already proved that he was worthy of universal credit, and that
their testimony of facts deserves great regard.

New

3. 2. The apostles received from Christ the promise of

extraordinary divine assistance in the discharge of their office
and ministry which must at least extend to the furnishing them
;

with the knowledge of all necessary truth, and preserving tbem

from gross and dangerous mistakes: John xiv. 16, 17, 26. xv.
26, 27. xvi. 13. xx. 2\22. Malt. ^. 19, 20. Luke xii. 11,
12, xxiv. 49, Acts i. 4, 5.
4. 3. The Holv Spirit was in a visible manner poured
out upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost, in consequence
of this promise ; and they professed to have received such assistance from him, as impowered them to declare the mind and
a

KirDER of the Messiali, part i. p. 59 62.

513,
TlLi-.^TS-Serm. vol. iii. No. 117. p. 511
JjREViNi's Saul and Samuel at Endor, c. iii.
prss. p. Si! CiJ

Douglas's

HuMEou

Criterion.

Mir. p. yj.

Sykes on Mir. p.
C^MPB. on ditto,

16.
par.

i!. I

5.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

90

will of Christ as autliorized interpreters of

vi.

and to challenge

it,

a regard to what they said as to a message from heaven, j^ctsn.

pass. 1 Cor. v. 9, 10, 12, 13, 16. vii-. 40. xiv. 37. 2 Cor. ii. 10.
iii.

5, 6.

To

iv. 6.

Gal.

T/iess. iv. 8.

xi. 23, S^c.

Eph.

5.

iii.

wiiich

11, 12, 15

i.

Pet.

we may add

12. 2 Pet.

i.

all

17.

iii.

Compare

2, 15, 16.

1
1

Cor.

John

the passages, in which the gos-

pel taught by the apostles is called the gospel of God, 2 Cor. xi.
ii. 8, 9.
1 1. Gal.
7. 1 Tim. i. 1 i. and sim. as also Eph. iii. 7

those passages, in Avhich the gospel-dispensation, as declared in the discourses and writings of the apostles, is represented as vastly superior to the Mosaic law, of whose divine au-

and

all

thority nevertlieless the apostles speak

see at large) in such strong terms

(as

we

shall afterwards

^ Fid. Lett. 143.

13.

5. 4. There is
was not merely an empty boast, or a mistaken conclusion of their
a great deal of reason to believe that this

own

f the thing,

considering, not onl}' the general probability

by such extraordinary circumstances, some extraordinary care should be

that after Christ had taught a doctrine introduced

taken in transmitting it, but also the excellent character of the

persons themselves, and the miracles Avhicb were performed
and the prophecies which were delivered by them, some of
which have already had a remarkable accomplishment, especially tho.e relating to the apostacy

arising of the
tion the

2 Tliess.

man

of sin,

i.

whole book of the

ii.

e.

of the latter

the papal

licvelations.

daj/Sj

and the

kingdom not to men3.

Fid. I Tim. iv. 1
;

pass^.

6. 5. The primitive chiTstians, who professed to have received their religion from the apostles, and who expressed the
highest regard for the authority of their writings, (as will be
more fully shewn in the following proposition) were attended

with a remarkable power of working miracles, which continued

in the church for more than a hundred years after the apostles'
lime
'^.

God

7. 6.

appears to have borne witness to the truth of

success which attended it, and
to those who endured martyrThis success of the gospel appears wonderful in-

by the extraordinary
by the support which was given

christianitv,

dom
a

for

it.

Chavm neiainst N'or<^'. vol.

Sir I. NKWHiNon ihc Proph.
i.

p. 2S9.
part li.

Benson's Diss, on the .Man ofSin.

N ATH. Taylor ot Faiili, p. lOa
DvcHAl.'s Serin. .No. vii.

c 1ren.?-LS,

CHapn

c.

ii.

M,

3'.',5(),

AN's Euscb. vol.

i.

Dial. with
109.

57. c. v. JO', ap.

p. 305.

EusEB. F.ccles. Hist. 1. v. c. vii.

CYFUiANadJDeuict.p. lyi.

Tr.RTUii,. ad Scap. ?4
Jlst. Mart. Apol. No.

i. ap- Op. p. 43.

Trypho,ap. Op. p.

25S. Paris.

ORin.contr. Gels. p. I2i.

MlNt'T. FCELIX, c. xxvii.
Apol. c. xxiii.
hEEVEs's Apol. vol. ii. p.
VViin. Cora. vol. ii. Paf.
Tf.htU!.'

l.'Jfi.Note.
i

10. p.

2630t

The Doctrines of the New Testament,

Lect. cxxxvi.

Kc,

9i.

deed, if we consider on the one hand, how speedy "and extensivo

progress was, and on the other, what opposition was made
to It from the prejudices of education, from the corrupt afllections
of men, whicli would render them exceedingly averse to so humbhng a scheme, and so strict a system of morahtv. To this may
also be added the candour with which the whole scheme was
laid open at once, not excepting those parts which might give
the greatest disgust, the want of the advantage of human literature, and other recommendations of a secular nature on the side
of the persons by whom it was preached, the wit and eloquence
which were engaged against it in so polite an age and country,
its

which were so early armed for

were often
inflicted on Christians in these times should be supported by the
youngest and weakest with such patience and joy, and that the
christian cause should be promoted by them, seems evidently to
prove, not only that the sufferers had convincing evidence of
the truth of the gospel, but likewise that God was present with
them in so remarkable a manner as to acknowledge their cause

and the

its

terrors of persecution

utter extirpation

for his

that such exquisite torments, as

own *.

8. 7. Since so

much

of the system of doctrines delivered

New

Testament came from Christ's own mouth, and the

apostles were so well furnished for acquainting us both with
them and other particulars since sucli a testimony was borne
to them both by the effusion of the Spirit upon them, and the
miracles wrought by them and succeeding Christians, and by
in the

the extraordinary success of that doctrine they taught

great reason to believe and admit

as a

it

there

is

system of divine truth.

2. E. D.

When

9. Cor.
this

argument

it is considered how very large a part of

derived from the testimony of Paul and his

is

writings,

it will appear that this extraordinary conversion was a

circumstance most wisely adjusted by providence as on the
other hand, what relates to him contains a compendious demon;

stration of the truth of Christianity

as

is

largely and excellently

proved in Lyttleton on the Conversion of

chal's Presump. Evid. Ser. 5 and 6.
10. Schol.
a

BENNETof

vol.

El'S. Eccles. Hist.

v. c.

iv. c.

Though

it

Inspiraf.p. IQS.

Addison's Works,
I.

1.

1.

XV. p. I6j.

1.

iii.
i.

p. 3143)7.
p. 202, 203,208.

viii. c. vii.

AiTERB. Serm. vol. i. No. iii. p. 95 127.

Whitby's Certainty of Christian I'aiih, c. vi,
p.

St.

Paul. pass.

must be acknowledged, that

Dutra*

Burnet's four Disc, p 37 4S.

B.ARROW's Works, vol. ii. p. 225,226.
p. 410435.

West's Observ.onCluist'sResurr.

Emi.yn's Life, p. 7S.

Hartley on Mjii, vol. ii. prop. 44.
JoRTiN's Rem. vol. ii. p. 134, &c.

HO 160.
2

32

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

Vl.

is
in some degree weakened bj passing
through a succession of hands, and on that account the evidence of Christianity must in some degree diminish with time ;
yet that may be balanced by the accomplishment of prophe-

ditional testimony

by growing observation on

cies referred to gr. 4. as well as

other parts of the internal evidenced

Fid. Prop. 97. Schol. 2.

most evident that the extraordinary progress

of the Mahometan religion in the world, is a fact by no means
comparable to tiie propagation of Christianity, considering the
different genius of it and the ditferent methods by which it
11. 2.

was

effected

It is

''.

12. 3. It is urged, that martyrdom is no argument of

since there have been martyrs of
a person's being in the right
all religions, and enthusiasts have died for notorious errors with
the greatest readiness and zeal.
;

Alls. It shews at least that people are persuaded of what

they die for: and the thing for wliich the primitive christians suffered was not a point of speculation, but a plain matter of fact, in which, (had it been false) they could not have
been mistaken S

The power of working miracles in the christian

was pretty universally ceased before Chrysostom's
time.
As for what Augustine says of those wrought at the
tombs of the martyrs in his time and some other places, the
evidence is not always so convincing as might bo desired in
But we are not to wonder that
facts of such importance.
miracles are generally ceased ; seeing if they were to be frequently repeated for many succeeding ages, the}' would lose
much of their convincing power, and so would be less capable of answering the end proposed by them"**.
13. 4.

church

a SHAiip's Serm. vol. i. p. 21S CCi.

WA!iB. i)iv. Leg. vol. i. p. 1 2.
IIaRIi liV on Man, vol. ii. piop. 29.

Arnob. i. ]). 77.

Lactant. Insiit.

In 1747, Dr.

work,

.Msted in
eiitiiries

MiDDLrroar

ii.

p.

c. viii.

I.

I.

."'ALK'S Kiiraii, p. T-^, 4*)9, 410.

J'RlD. Lett. 10 the Licisls, J 1, 5, 7. apud Life
of Mahum.
OtKi EV'sIIist. of the S.iracens.
Hart: EY on Man, vol.ii. prop. 4^.
VViiriE's.Ser.at liampt. Lcct.
A'lltRB. Scrni. vol. i. i\o. iv. p. 126, 177.

vol.

838.S90.
JORTlN's Rem. vol. ii. p. 137.
d August, de Civit. Dei, 1. xxii.

h Limb. Collat. p. 136, 137.

BaXT. Works, vol. ii. p. 75.
Baurow's Works, vol. i. p. 375, 376.

larcror

own Times, 8vo.

c Bijun. Hist, of liis

1.

iv. c. xxvii.

I.

v. c. xxi.

Burn. 4
'J

i:,\ic..

II r.o IS.

p.

Sorm.

5860.
vol.

iii.

Jenk. of

Clirisiian. vol.

Jt'RiEU's

iiast.

Lett.

WliisION's Memoirs,

Lari. Crtd.

piihlislied

concerning the miraculous

xv.

ii.c.

" An

V\

)).

p. 509, .UO.
li. p. 4X4
iSS.

60.5661.

vol.

iii

orks, vol. iv.

P. S.
\i.

153.

Introductory Discourse

to

i)owers T\l)ich are supposed to have sub-

chri.stian church, from the earliest .Tjres, through several successive

tending to shew, that we have no suflicient reason to believe, upon the

tlie
;

authority of the primitive fathers,

that

any

si'cb

powers were cojUinueU to the

Of

Lect. cxxxvir.

divine Inspiration,

93

^Cc.

in
14. 5. Though Ave ought not to be over credulous
believing stories of miracles wrought in our own days, yet it
would be a very groundless presumption to say, that God neare not judges of what it
ver does nor will work them.

We

is

fit

for

dence as

him to do
and where facts appear with such eviwould be admitted in other cases, it seems very un;

reasonable to reject

here

it

^.

LECT. CXXXVII.

Of

an

Inspiration of Superintendence
Plenary Superintendent of Elevation of Suggestion.
Inspiration

divine

x\nY

supernatural influence of God upon the

whereby he is formed to any
degree of intellectual improvements, to which he could not
or would not in fact have attained in present circumstances in
a natural way, is called in general divine inspiration.

1. Def.
7uind of a

ratienal creature,

2. Bef That is called in general an inspiration of

suPERiNTENDENCY, in Avliich God docs so influence and direct
the mind of any person, as to keep him more secure from
eri'or in some various and complex discourse, than he would have
been merely by the use of his natural faculties.

3.

Cor.

1.

book may be written without any error

at

no super-intendent inspiration, if the

nature of the subject, and the genius of the man be such, as to
all,

where yet there

is

be capable of such a composition.

4. 2.

A book may be

a Account of Maillard's Mirac. Cure.

written

by

assistance of such an in-

CALAMY'sLife of Baxt.

vol.

i.

p. 400, 401-

church, after the days of the apostles." This publication was immediately attacked
by Dr. Stebbing, (though without his naiiie ;) in "observations on a book, intituled, " An Introductory Discourse to a larger work ;" and by Dr. Chapman,
Dr. Middle(likewise without his name) in the " Jesuit Cabal farther opened."
in " Remarks on two pamphlets, lately published against Dr. MiddleTon's introductory discourse." Soon after (Dec. 1748) appeared the Doctor's
larger work, with this title, ** A free inquiry into the miraculous powers, which are
supposed to have subsisted in the christian church irom the earliest ages, through
The free inquiry was productive ot a controversy in
several successive ages."
which the principal performances, in opposition to Dr. Middlkton, were by Dr.

ton replied,

Parker, Dr. Church, Mr.

L.

Brooke, Dr. Dodwell, and Dr. Chapman; apdia

Yate, and Mr. Toll, K.

support of the Doctor's system, Mr.

VOL. v.

;y;

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

54

PaRT

VI.

which there are some errors y provided they be

must have been expected.
5. Def, Plenary superintendent inspiration is
such a degree of inspiration, as excludes any mixture of error
at all from the performance so superintended.
spiration, in

fewer than

in the course of nature

book, tiie contents of Avhich are entirely

be written by a Plenary superintendent
inspiration, even though there are many things contained in it,
the truth of which might have been known and recorded "without such extraordinary assistance, if there are others which could
not ; or if on the whole, a freedom from all error would not
otherwise have been found there.
6.

true,

Cor.

may be

1.

said to

book may be written by such a superintendent

which there are many imperfections of stile and
method, provided the whole contents of it be true, and the
subject of it so important, as would make it consistent with the
7. 2.

inspiration, in

divine

wisdom thus

to interpose, to preserve that entire credi-

hW'ity.

8. Def. An INSPIRATION of elevation is said to take

place, where the faculties act in a re^w/ar and as it seems, a

common manner,

yet are raised to an extraordinary degree

upon the whole have more of the
or pathetic, than natural genius could have

so that the composure shall

true sublime,
given.

9. Cor. 1. In many cases, it may be impossible to judge

how far this inspiration may take place since it is so difficult
to know how far natural genius may extend, or how far corpo;

may work upon the animal frame, so as to produce

a performance greatly above the common standard.

real causes

10. 2. There may be such an inspiration as this, where

is none of superintendency, and much less any that is

there

plenary.

11. Def. Inspiration of suggestion takes place, when

is superseded, and God does as it were
speak directly to the mind, making such discoveries to it as it
could not otherwise have obtained, and dictating the very words
in which such discoveries are to be communicated, if they are
meant as a message to others.
the use of the faculties

12. Cor.

where there

is

1.

There may be a plenary superintendency

neither the inspiration of elevation nor suggestion,

1 3. 2. Where there is an inspiration of suggestion, we

may depend upon the certain truth of what is so suggested

Of divine

Lect, cxxxvii.

95

Inspiration, Kc,

it is not to be imagined that God would dictate or declare

a falshood to any of his creatures, considering the veracity of
his own nature ; and we may also conclude there will be a plenary superintcndency of direction in reporting it, if such superintendency be necessary to the exactness of that report ; for it
seems inconsistent with tlie divine wisdom to suppose, that God
Avould suffer an inspired person to err through natural infirmit}',
in delivering a message with w^hich he has been pleased so
expressly to charge him^.

for

14. SchoL

1.

Ail the kinds of inspiration

which hate been

described above are possible to the almighty power of God ;

since there is nothing in any of them contradictory to itself, or

which appears contradictory to any of the divine perfections.

15. 2. There may be various ways, whereby God communicates himself to his servants in the inspiration of suggestion : he may sometimes do it by immediate impressions on
the tiiijidy at other times by sounds formed in the air, or by visible appearances f in which the volition of some created spirit

may

or

may

not intervene

^.

16.3. ''Some have thought it improper to distinguish between divine and diabolical inspiration seeing on the one hand
an evil spirit can suggest nothing without a divine agency to
render its volitions effectual, Prop. 32. and on the other hand,
God's raising a thought immediately in the mind is no argu;

ment that it is true, unless he appears to interpose so as to give

testimony to it.
But we answer, that allowing both these, an
important distinction is to be kept up between what God does

as his

own

act,

and what he does merely

his operations, in giving efficacy to

A regard

in the general

course of

the volitions of his crea-

common

usage of speech, and likewise

is to be considered,
will require us to maintain this distinction, even while we acknowledge a dependence of all inferior agents upon God, and
his constant interposition to carry on the designs of his pi evidence, amidst the greatest opposition which evil spirits are
making to them. Lect. 38. 7 '.
tures.

to the

to the language of scripture, as far as that

DODD. Fam Exp.

vol.

Append. No.

iii.

b Essay on Inspirat. p. 29
TiLLOTs. Serm. voLii.

iii.

p.

.No.

li.

CH ASDT.EP. on Joel, Diss. p. lOS

Van DALE detirjc. p. 9 12.
BaXT. Works,

97.

p. 16, 17.

M2

vol.

ii.

p. luu.

123,

S6

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

Vl.

LECT. CXXXVIII.
Testimonies of the Fathers
vient

to

the Inspiration of the

The New Testament

New

Testa-

written by a Superintendent

Inspiration.

Prop. JL O collect some testimonies of the primitive Faexpressing their sentiments concerning the inspiration
of the New Testament.

1.

thers,

2. Sol. 1.

Clemens Romanus

says,

*'

that the apostles

preached the gospel being filled with the Holy Spirit : that
the scriptures are the true word of the Spirit, and that Paid
wrote to the Corinthians things that were true by the aid of the
Spirit."

3. 2. Polycarp tells the Philippians, *' that none could

attain the wisdom of Paul, by which he wrote to tiieni."
4.

Justin

3.

ten by pien

full

Martyr says, *'

of the

that the gospels

Holy Ghost, and

were writ-

that the sacred writers

spoke by inspiration."
5. 4. Iremeus says, that all the apostles received the
gospel by divine revelation as well as Paul, and that by the
W'ill of God they delivered it to us as the foundation and pillar
of our faith
that the scriptures were dictated by the Spirit of
:

God, and

therefore

crilege to

make any

it is

wickedness to contradict them, and sa-

alteration in them."

6. 5. Clemens Alexandrinus says, " that we that have

the scriptures are taught of God ; that the scriptures are established by the authority of God
law of God, and that they are

7.

Holy

6.

Origen

that the whole scripture

all

is

the

divine."

says, that the scriptures proceeded from the

them but what exnothing in the law, or

the prophets, or the gospels, or the epistles, which did not
proceed from the fulness of the Spirit ; that we ought with all
the faithful to say, that the scriptures are divinel}' inspired ;
that the gospels are admitted as divine in all the churches of
Spirit

that there

presses a divine

God

is

wisdom

not one

that the scriptures are

8.

7.

all

is

no ether than the organs of God."

" that scripture is the basis

Christians prove their doctrines out of the Old

Tertullian

of fdith^ that

tittle in

that there

and New Testament

what Paul wrote."

testifies,

and that the majesty of God suggested

Testimonies of the Fathers,

Lect. cxxxviii.

97

S(c.

ancient writer in Eusebius says, " that they

who corrupt the sacred scriptures abohsh the standard of the
ancient faith, neglecting the words of the divine writings, out
of regard to their own reasonings; and afterwards, that they
either do not beUeve that the Holy Spirit uttered the divine
9. 8.

An

and then they are infidels, or think themselves wiser

than the Spirit, and so seem to be possessed ^"

scriptures,

(as Iren^us and

10. y. Theophilus Antiochenus says
Clemens Alexandrinus also do,) '' that the evangeUsts and

by the same

apostles wrote
11.

succeeding fathers of the church speak so

it seems not necessary

The

10.

Spirit that inspired the prophets."

expressly and copiously on this head, that

to pursue the catalogue any further "'.
12. Cor.

It

1.

seems to have been the judgment of many

New Testament was written by a

of these persons, that the

plenary superintendejit inspiration at

least, gr.

1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9.

1 3. 2. It is evident that in many of these passages, they declare not only thqir own private sentiments, but those of the whole

church: and it is certain, that their allowing any book to be, as

they expressed it, canonical, was in effect owning its plenary
inspiration ; since that word imported a rule offaith and mannerSy from whence there was no human appeal, 7, 8, 9^^.
14. Schol. 1. Some passages have been brought on the
other side of the question from Jerome; who seems indeed to
allow that the apostles were subject to some slips of memory ^.

celebrated fable, related by Pappus in his Syno^

15. 2.
dicon, of a separation made in the grand council of Nice be-

tween the canonical books of the scripture, and others concerning which there was a doubt, may be seen in NewTransl. of
New Testament, vol. ii. p. 874, 875.
16. Prop. The
intendent inspiration.

New

Testament was written by a supers

17. Dem. 1. The apostles were, according to Christ's

promise, furnished with all necessary powers for the discharge
of their office, by an extraordinary effusion of the Holy Spirit
upon them at the day of Pentecost. Acts ii. 1 ^c. and a second
time. Acts iv. 31.
,

We

18. 2.
a ErsFB. F.ccles. Hist.

1.

may

assure ourselves, that they were hereby

v. c. xxviii.

Benson on
b

\\

the Lpist. vol.

HIT. Ccmrn. vol.

i.

I'lef.

i.

|
I

p.

p.

La Mothe on

Itupir.

1. i.

c.

iii vi.

318.

1215.

c
cl

ihe Canon, part i. I? ii. p. 49 52.

l.xpos. vol. iii. Appemi. p. 4^. Noi?.
Five Lett, onlnsjiir. p. 4".
4-7of \n^p.i. p.
La

DuwiN on

Jesk. on Christ, vol. ii. p. 22.

JOR UN's Rem. vol. ii. p. 4.

Fam.

Moth

i^

PaRT Vr.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

99

competently furnished for all those services which were of great

importance for the spread and edification of the church, and of
so great difficnhy as to need supernatural assistance.
19. 3. Considering

how

uncertain a thing oral tradition

and how soon the most public and notorious facts are corrupted by it, it was impossible that the christian religion could
be preserved in any tolerable degree of purity, without arm/tcn account of the facts and doctrines preached by the apostles
and yet on the other hand, we can hardly suppose that God
would suffer a doctrine introduced in so extraordinary a manner
to be corrupted and lost.

is,

20. 4. The discourses of Christ were several of them so

long, and some likewise of so curious and delicate a nature,
that it is not to be imagined, the apostles should have been able

exactly to record them, especially so many years after they

were delivered, and amidst such a variety of cares and dangers,

vithout some extraordinary divine assistance, or in the language

oi Led. 137. 1. without an inspiration ol superintendency.
For the time when the gospels were written, see (by the way)

Fam. Exp.
^21.

vol.
5.

Append. No.

iii.

Many

iv.

or vol.

iv.

of his

Works*.

of the doctrines which the apostles deliver-

and so new, that as they

by an inspiration of suggestion, so they would need an inspiration of superintendency in delivering an accurate account of them.

ed

in their writings Avere so sublime,

could not have been

22. 6. There

known

is

at first otherwise than

reason to believe from the promise of

New Testament as were written

Christ, that such parts of the

bv the

were written by an inspiration of superin-

apostles,

tendency.
23. 7. It is not to be thought, that persons so eminent for
humility, piety, humanity, and other virtues, as the apostles
were, would have spoken of their writings as the words and the

commands of the Lord, as the test of truth andjalshood, and

gloried so much in being under the direction of the Spirit, if
they had not certainly known themselves to be so in their writings, as well as in their preaching; and the force of this arguis greatly illustrated, by recollecting the extraordinary
mirarAilous powers with which they were honoured, while making exhortations and pretensions of this kind, as was hinted

ment

ttbove.
*

Lcct. 136. 4, 5.

F'tr a dijoussion of

written, recourse
to Ur.

may

tie

HiMiY OwN'i

the question concerning; the time

had

to

Lardner's Supplement,

when the gospels were

i. Works, vol. vi.
and

vol.

Observations on the Four Gospels,

paisim,

K.

Lect. cxxxviii.

Testimonies of the Father's i

&9

i^c,

24. 8. There was an ancient tradition that Mark and

in the number of the seventy disciples, who were

Luke were

furnished with extraordinary powers from Christ, and received

much resembling those made to

i'rom hitn promises of assistance

the apostles

compare Luke

x. 9, 16, 19.

And

if it

were

so, as

the arguments used to prove both the understanding and integrity of the apostles may be in great measure applied to them,
we may on the principles laid down, conclude, that they also

But considering

had some inspiration of superintendency.

Acts xx.

ir. 10, 14.

37

5, 6.

39. Phil. ver. 24.

to regard that received

xxi.

Pet. v.

13*.

Col,

17, y^ sim. Acts-n-xu 25. xv.

there

and ancient

much more

is

reason

tradition in the christian

wrote his gospel instructed by Peter, and

which if it be allowed, their
assistance
writings will stand nearly on the same footing with those of
Peter and Paid\
Fid. Led. 116. 4.
church, that

Luke

his

Mark

by PauVs

25. 9. It may not be improper here just to mention the

internal marks of a divine original, the particulars of which
shall endeavour
must be submitted to farther examination.
to shew in the progress of this work, what must be evident to

We

all who are well acquainted with the New Testament in the general, though capable of further illustration, that the excellency

and elevation of its design,

the majesty and simplicity of its stile, the agreement of its parts,
and its efficacy upon the hearts and consciences of men, concur
to give us a high idea of it, and to corroborate the external
arguments for its being written by a superintendent inspiration
of

its

doctrines,

and the

spirituality

at least.

church from its

ages a constant tradition, that these books M-ere written
by the extraordinary assistance of the Spirit, which must at
Valet propositio.
least amount to superintendent inspiration ''.
26. 10.

There has been

in the christian

earliest

Lect. 138.
27. Cor. From hence we may certainly infer, that the
apostles were not left in their writings to misrepresent any im-

portant facts on which the evidence of Christianity was founded,

or any important doctrine upon which the salvation or edification of their converts

depended " *.

a Whitby's Pref. to Luke.

Mills's Gr. Test. Prol. ad Marc. & Luc.
J0NE3 against Whist, p. 46 55.
Bens, on the Proi3a2at- of Cliristian. Append,

b Eemnet on

part

i.

Script. ? S. p. 163200.
Pref. Com. vol. i. i 47.
19.
Inspir. p. 5
Expos, vol. iii. Append, p. 43 57.

Whitby's Gen.

LowTH
c

Fam.

on

i 1, 2.

Concerning

the inspiration of

tlie

New

Testament, see Michaelis's Lee-

Part

tECTURES ON DIVINITY.

100

vi.

LECT. CXXXIX.
Objections to the Plenaiy Inspiration of the Apostles considered.

1. SchoLl. JLT is a controversy of considerable difficulty and

importance, whether the inspiration and superintendency under
Avhich the apostles were, extended to every minute circumstance
in their writings so as to be in the nnost absolute sense plenary.
(Fid. Led. 137. 5.) Jero'm, Grotius, Erasmus, and Episcopi us, thought it was not, and Lowth himself allows that in
matters of no consequence, (as he expresses it) they might be
liable to slips of memory.
But on the contrary, it seems evident that the emphatical manner in which our Lord speaks of
the agency of the Spirit upon them, and in which they themselves speak of their own writings, will justify us in believing
that their inspiration was plenary, unless there be very convincing evidence brought on the other side to prove that it was not
and it is to be remembered, that if we allow there were some
errors in the New Testament as it came from the hands of the
apostles, there may be great danger of subverting the main purpose and design of it since there will be endless room to debate
the importance both of facts and doctrines ^.
;

Against such a plenary inspiration of the New

objected, that there is no circumstance in which
more extraordinary assistances were promised to the apostles,
than Avhen they appeared before magistrates ; yet some mistakes

2.

2.

Testament

it is

in their conduct then shew, that even this promise

was to be
taken with some limitations; and consequently that in other
circumstances they might also be liable to mistakes. Compare
Matt. X. 19, 20. Mark xiii. 1 1. with Acts Kxiii. 16. To this
we answer,
1. That much is to be said in vindication of the apostle's
conduct in the instance to which the objection refers. Vid.
Fam. Expos, in Loc.

a WHITBY'S Gen.
Five

Pref. vol.

Lett, of Inspir. p.

Law's Theory,

;>.

i.

p. 6.

75^4.

Hartley

oii

Low"iH on

Inspir. p. 40, 4'.

Man,

vol.

P.

Simon

sur le texte

ii.

du Nqut.

Test.

xxiii, xxiv.

Warburt. Serm.

'ZM.

Prop. 19.

MiDDLET.

Posth.

vol.

i.

Works,

No.

6.

vol. ii.p. 340,

by Mr. M.^rsh, vol. i. p. 70 97. See also, Mr. Map.sh's notes

same volume, p. 374 3S8. Some observations on the subject occur in Dr.
Campbell's Preliminary Dissertations to his translation of the Four Gospels, Dissertation i. part ii. p. 24
31.
K.

ture.';,

as translated

in the

Lect. cxxxia.
2.

Objections

to

the

Plenary Inspiration, 5V.

101

Tluit the ajjostlcs might he preserved from mistakes in

their apologies,

and yet m'glit be

left to

some humuu

inlirmities

as to other circiunstances in their behaviour before magistrates'*.

3.

3.

further objeeted, that the apostles did not

It is

seem

appears by their
debating with eaeh other in the council at Jerusalem, Acts xr.
and by FauVs blaming Peter, Gal. ii. 24. neither, it is urged,
did the Christians in those early days apprehend them to be infallible, since their conduct was in some instances questioned
and arraigned, Acts xi. 2, 3. xxi. 20 24. But to this we an-

to

apprehend each other to be inspired

as

swer, (besides wliat was observed before, that some mistakes in

conduct might be consistent with an inspiration of supcrintendency in their xeritings) that in both instances in que>tion the

were

and the passages urged will only

were ^ome Christians even then, who did not
pay a due regard to those grand ministers in the Messiah's kingdom: to which we may add, that Christ's promise to them did
not import, that their ^y\v^ views of things should always be right
in the whole administration of their office, but that on the whole,
he would make proper provision for their information. And if
we consider liow strong a temptation they v/onld have been under to think too highiv of themselves, if they had been under a
it may appear a beauty in the dionstant plenary inspiration
vine conduct, to have left them in some instances to the natural
weakness of their own minds, (compare 2 Cor. xii. 7, 9, 10.)
and sometimes to interrupt those extraordinary gifts in particular cases, as he did those of healing, (compare 2 Tim. iv. 20.
Phil. ii. 27.) still providing by other hands a remedy for those
ill consequences, which might have arisen from an uncorrected
apostles

in the fight

])rove that there

mistake: for as to Dr.

Morgan's

pretence, that the a])ostles

went on each in his different o]:)inion it is entirely a

false assertion, and admirably well confuted by Dr. Leland In
the passage referred to below
after all

'".

4. It is further objected, that Paul, who asserts himhave been inferior to none of the rest of the apostles,
(2 Cor. xi. 5. xii. ii.) speaks of himself in such a manner, as
plainly to shew that he did not apprehend himself under such a
plenary inspiration; (Vid. 1 Cor. vii. 10, 12, 25,40. 2 Cor. xi.

4.

self to

Lftand against Morgan, vol.

Middle 1. Postli Works, vol.

a Five Letters of Inspir. p. ^\ ^4".

LoWTH on Insi)ir. p. tiO bti.
l.eit. of IiiSjiir. )). 56
61.
LowTil of ii!'.,iir. p. 8Ci 100.
Wnsil Melcle'malii, p. rtl64.
MoaoAS's Mor. I'hil. vol. i. p. 5* 81.
CUAi'.vi. ajjaiiist Muig. vol. i. p. lilTJ22.

1)

VOL. V.

Lardn. Rem. on Ward's

Works,

i.

p.

3P8

422,

ii. p. 269.
Dissert, p. 157.

vol. xi. p. 335.

Heath. Test. Works, vol. viii. p. 213.

Be.nson's Hist, of the Plant. of Clitiil. vol. ii.
p. 4570.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

102

VT,

17.) nor do we find that any of the apostles introduce their discourses witii such clauses as the prophets used, to declare that
they spoke as the oracles of God.

W^e answer,

indeed prove that they did not imagine

-cxw inspiration oi suggeswhat tliev said was proper, and what they

this will

theniselvas to liave been alxi'ay s wr\(\ev

tion;

nevertheless

if

determined was just, their inspiration of superintendcncy might

still he plenary ; and indeed their distinguishing in this point
seems strongly to imply, (espcciallv when compared with the
passages quoted before, Led. 133. 4.) that their decisions in
other points of doctrine and duty, were i)y bnmediate revelation from Christ

".

5. 5. It is also objected, that there are several passages

in the history of tlic evangelists, which are directly contrary to

each other, so that it is impossible they should both be true;

particularly in the genealogy of Christ, and the story of his last
pussoTcr, sujferings
(l.)

and

resurrection.

To

tiiis

we answer,

That there arc many seeming contradictions which

may

be reconciled in a satisfactory manner without doing

violence to the text, as appears from our notes * on many of
the passages in question.
T^ierc are

(2.)

moved

I)y

many

other difficulties, wliicb

may be

re-

various readings, or at least by altering a few Avords

in the text
now forasmuch as it is evident from the many
various readings, that the transcribers were not under a superintendent inspiration, it seems upon the whole more reasonable
:

to suppose an error in s.ome of the first copies, Avhich may have

extended itself to all the rest, than to suppose the original er-

roneous, for the reason given before,

(3.)

If

any cases do occur,

solutions can take place,

in

f.

which neither of the former

seems reasonable to conclude, {c<et.

New Testament diiKer from
each other in their accounts, those of them who were apostles,
ratiier than the others, have given us the exact truth, and were
under a plenary superintendcncy, considering the peculiar dignity of the apostolic office: and accordingly some have observ-

par.)

t!iat

it

where the writers of the

a La MOTiir on I;ispir.
LcWTlI on luspir.
p.

* Rcfcning-

39.
jl.

p."fi7

40

Whitby's Gen.

li

Prt-f.

to

hisComrn.

vol.

i.

p,

a.

liKNSON on Epist. vol.

to the notes in the Familj' Expositor.

may

i.

p. 123.

C.

be retnovcd by various readJnc^s, will be found in Michaf.i.is's observations on the subject, in the first volume
M'hh Introduction to the Hew Testament, as before referred to. K.

f Several instances of the

difiicuUios

which

Lect. cxl.

Objections; continued^

103

3Cc.

any, between
tor having
recourse to this expedient.
And as to placing stories in a different order, it is certain that t!)e l)est historians do not always
confine themselves to that of time
and the hasty manner in
vhich the evangelists must write in the midst of their labours
and dangers, may be an abundant excuse for setting things
down as they came into their mind^.

ed

there

tliat

is

little

Matthew and John.

apparent difference

if

But there seems no necessity

6. And it deserves to be seriously considered, whether

what of difficulty remains from the agreement of Mark and

Luke

where they both differ from

accounted for by supposing that
Luke took Mark for the ground-work of his gospel, and contented himself with changing his language into purer Greek,
and adding a great number of important particulars, which had
in the order of their stories,

Matthew^ may not

easily be

not been recounted by him, but which Luke collected from

credible witnesses.
nm^vi

may

rather

more probable, than

LiUke;

4. where it is possible
by Mark.) This seems
]\Iark was an abridgment of

(Comp. Luke

i.

refer to early facts omitted

that

which might be another hypothesis for solving the ob-

jection''.

LECT. CXL.

Manij

Objections i continued

Things in the

Ahw

Testament

written by Inspiration of Suggestion.

7. 6. Xj^N objection nearly akin to the former, is taken from
the difference there is between the quotations from the Old

Testament^ as they stand in the New, and the original ; which

at least have argued some faUure in the memory of the

must

apostles.

^ 8. This

Mr, Whiston answers, by supposing that where-

ever there is a variation, the Jews have corrupted the present

copies of tlje Old Testament on purpose to disparage the Ne\v,
But we wave this, for reasons given Prop. 107. Nor will it be

quoted from the LXX. since all

jheir quotations do not exactly agree with that, nor indeed persulficient to say, the apostles

a ^T.Lh in Art.
Acisvii.

Jones

vii. 14.

tALVix. Harm,

in Matt, sxvii. 9. p. 354-

& in

A.^*^ UODD. Isis. Exp.

Benson's
vol.iii. Pref.

ad

fin.

36.
a?ainst Wliist. c. iv. p. 21
Postl). Work-!, vol. ii. p. 229,
Hist, of Christ, vsl. ii. p, 295.

b .MlDflLET.

\f>.


PaRT

LECTURES ON ])!VINITY.

10+

Compare Matt.

fectly w\th each other.

12. Lu/ce

viii.

10.

xiii.

Johti xii. 10. Acts xxviii.

14, 15.
2tS.

TI.

Mar/civ.

Rom.

xi. 8. in

quoted or referred to with some variety.

therefore chiise rather to allow, that this is indeed an objection a;j;ainst th(;ir being under a plenary inspiration of suggesAvhich

Zy^f. vi. y, 10. is

We

where assert that their (juotamight be under a superintendent

inspiration, if the sense were, as they represent it, where-ever
they argue from the tjuotation and as for other passages, which
tion: but forasmuch as they no

tions

were

literally exact, they

are only introduced by

it

way

of allusion, (as

many

evidently are)

was much less requisite the quotations should l)e exact there.
may also observe, that the variety with which the Fathers

We

quote the same texts both from the Old Testament and New, is
a further argument against IMr. W'histon's hypothesis and indeed it appears, that the most accurate v/riters among the ancient Classics vary in many places fronj the originals they quote,
Avhich considering the. form of their books is no wonder '.
:

P. 7. It has been urged as the strongest objection of all,

that the apostle* often argue from passages in the Old Testa-

ment, where not onl}^ the words, but the original sense appears
so diflerent from the purpose to which it is j^roduccd, that it
Were unreasonable to imagine the argument conclusive, and
consequently the superintendency of their inspiration /j/c?2a?;y;
since they assert it as a fact, that the things to which they apply such and such passages were reierred to in them, of which
the follo\^i^g quotations among many others are a specimen,
Matt. \. 25. ii. 15, 18, 23. viii. 17. xxvii. 9, 10. Gal. lii. 16.
To this it is answered,
10. (1.) That in several of these passages the reasoning
of the apostles appears to be well founded, as we have endea-

voured to shew in our jwtes upon them, and as will frequently

appear rqjon the jnstest principles of analogy, even where the
To which it is to be added,
direct reference is not so apparent.
that where the original meaning of a passage on the whole appears dubious, the sense given by an apostle is certainly to be
preferred to another, which from examining the text alone
might appear equally probable, especially considering how indeterminate many forms in speaking used in the Hebrew
Janguage are, and how great an obscurity lies upon many
passages in the Old Testament, and may well be expected in
prophetic writings. See Lect. 132. 2.

11.
a

Whist.

(2.)

The

K9. fwr rest, tlic

CM

phrase, this was fulfilled, or this was done

Test.

j).

li',

Sic.

Coli.ins's Grouads, &:c. p. 97102.

Lect. cxl.

Objections

105

continued, Kc.

might be fulfUccU (though Mr. Peirce makes a great

between tliese two) does not always imply, that tlie
passage referred to was a prediction of the event but only that
the c'.-ent recorded was attended with such circuiusta'.K^es, as
that the prophecy quoted upon the occasion might with great
propriety of expression be accommodated io it and in this solut/iat it

distinction

tion

we chuse

to acquiesce, rather than to say, that the raisap-

phcation o^ prophecies

mv;^\\l

be

consisterit with

we

tion as to the truth of facts; for, as

plenary inspira-

shall afterwards

more

understanding the prophecies of tlie

Old Testament was a miraculous gift, imparted not only to the
apostles, but to other Christians inferior to them, and many
have thought it to be the word of knowledge spoken of 1 Cov.
particularly observe,

tlic

xii. 8^'*.

12. There is a great deal of reason to believe, that many

things contained in the New Testament were written by an inspiration of suggestion ; since the apostles sometimes expressly

what they

assert that they received

Christ ; and this

of tiieir writings;

is

v-rote

by

revelation from.

peculiarly applicable to the prophetic part

compare Fph.

iii.

3,5. Gcfl.

12.

i.

Cor.

ii.

exceedingly probable that they were

frequently instructed in an extraordinary manner, not only as to
the matter about which they wrote, but likewise as to the
language ihev shoidd use, 1 Cor. ii. 13 and whoever peruses
their writings attentively, will find they frequently express
10, &c. xi. 23.

It is also

themselves, even when they wrote upon particular occ'asions,

in phrases of such latitude and extent, as would make their
writings abundantly

more

useful to Christians in

all

succeeding

ages, than the}' could have been, had they confined themselves

some who have paraphrased their writings have done: a circumstance in whicli
it is
very proi^,al)le thev had a particular divine direction,
and upon observing which the just interpretation of their
writings will greatly depend.
But it does not seem reasonable to believe, that evenj word which the apostles wrote
closely to the particular occasion, as

was dictated

a COLLlss's Grounds, &c.

part

a950.

Sykes on

by an immediate revelation

tiicm

to

c.

i.

viii.

Ch AND.

p.

c. xiii

on Mir. part

Pe;rce on

252.
p. 206
jLFFRlEs's Review, c. viii. p. 1()4> ^ c.
MiDDLET. Fosth. Works, vol. ii. p. 349.
Chiistian.

ii.

Pl>il. itd fin.

c. xi p.
Dissert,

for (as

333363
ii.

ARB. Uiv.Les;. vol. ii. 1. vi.c. Vi.

HARn,EY on M.-in, vol. ii. Froo. 3.
Kennicoti's Serm. on \m. v:i. Ii
\\

IG.

* An ample discussion of this subject will be foundiii a recent publication of

Dr. Henry Owen's, entitled, " Tlie modes of quotation used by the evangelical
Mich.ielis has deviitcd a chapter to the same
writers, explaineil and vindicated."
subject,

"

in

whith

.there

Introduction to the

jidditional

remarks,

New

ibid.

are

many

observations deserving of notice.

Testament," vol.
4-69.
K.
p. 460

p.

200 2it3.

See his

See also Mr, M.4Rsh's

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

106

vi.

was before observed) there are not only many things vvliich
they might have written without such a revelation, but moreover on such an hypothesis there could have been no room at alJ
for such a distinction as the apostle makes, 1 Cor. vii. 10, 12,
25. between what he and what the Lord says: nor could we
suppose that, if this had been the case, they would ever have
quoted the words of the Old Testament otherwise than exactly
as they were written, or that they could ever have spoken with
that uncertainty, with which they sometimes express themselves

some future events, 1 Cor. xvi, 5, G. compared with 2 Cor,

Rom. XV. 24, 28. compare also 1 Cor. i. 14, IG. iv.
19. xvi. 7. Phil. ii. lf>, 23, 2\. 1 Tim. iii. 14, 15. 2 John ver.
John ver. 14. It must also be acknowledged, that there
12.
are some imperfections and some peculiarities of style, which
probably there would not have been, had the apostles ahvays
written by an inspiration of suggestion
yet this is upon the
wholu no dishonour to the sacred scriptures since by this
means they are more adapted to answer their general end, as
containing surer marks of their genuineness, and laying open
the heart and character of the persons by whom they were writas to
i.

15

n.

?>

ten moreeifectually than they could have done, had these writers

been merely the organs of the

some have su])posed^

IIol}-

Ghost, in such a manner as

*.

LECT. CXLI.
Apostolic Gifts

and Pouters.

1. Def. VV MERE supernatural gifts and powers are

spoken of as distinct, the former ma}' express some inward
illumination, and the/a//^r some extraordinary (?^^c/ produced
Edwards

of Script, vol.

Owi-N on

Sciipi. c.

i.

i 'Si.

p.

W HiTBY oil ibe New Test.

3238.

p. 'Jn

36.

vol.

I.OWTIl on Itupir. p. 63

'SI.
i.

Prcf.

? 2.

p.

^74-

KURNF.T on the Art. p. 85 tS.

Works, vol. iii. p. 44"^! 449.
La Mo'IHE on Inspir. Par. ii. c. i.
'J'll.r.oTS.

stylo of the New Testaiicnt 1ms been a great object of examination and
Mr. Anthony Bi..\ckwall, in his celebrated work, entitled, ' The Sacred
Classics defended and illustrated," has endeavoured to support the purity, propriety,
and eliKjtience of the languacre used by the apostolical and evausrelical writers. Dr.
Campbelu is of a ditilMent opinion, and has made some particular strictures on Mr.
Blackvvall's Positions. The Doctor has, likewise, considered at Ici^'ge the nature
of the style of the New Testament, and itspecidiar idioms. See the preliminary
100.
24. ibid. p. 32
DissiM-tations to his translation of the Four Gospels, vol. k p. 1
'I'he lancuaue of the New Testament is likewise trcatrd of very copiously, and in a
199. For Mr, Marsh's
great variety of views, by Mr cii af.lis's Introd. vol. i. p. 97
Notes, see ibid. p. 3S8 4d6. K.

* The

di.'bate.

JpostoUc Gifts and Powers.

Lect. cxlt.

by God,
son, to

in

107

consequence of some word or action of that per-

whom the power is said to belong.

2. Prop. To take a more particular

survey of the gifts

and powers of the apostles, according to that account of them

vhich is given in the New Testament.
3.\S'o/. and Dem. Sect. I. The chief of their spiritual
GIFTS, (perhaps so called in allusion to Psal. Ixviii. 18. compared with Eph. iv. 7,8.) are most particularly enumerated
10. and seem most probably to hare been thus
1 Cor. xir. 8

distinguished.

There was,

The word

of wisdom, or a full and clear under

standmg of the whole scheme of christian doctrines, whereby
they were able to make men wise to salvation: 1 Cor. ii. 6, 7.
Eph'\n. 10. compare 2 Pet. iii. 15. This fitted them to make
the most perfect declaration of the gospel on account of which
4-.

1.

the apostles are represented as under Christ the foundation of

the christian church, Eph. ii. L'O. Rev. xxi. 14. compare Matt.
xvi. 18

The word of knowledge, which Lord BarrIng

-rroN and Dr. Benson think to have consisted in an extraordinary
ability to understand and explain the sense and design of the
5. 2.

Okl Testament, and

especially

its

reference to Christ and his

gospel: compare Rom. xvi. 25, 26. 1 Pet. i. 11, 12. Rom. ii,
20. 1 T'tm. vi. 20.
By this gift they were freed from those pre-

judices which they had imbibed, relating to the perpetuity of

the Mosaic law, and the temporal grandeur of the Messiah's
this their want of skill in the original Ilebyew, ch*
of acquaintance with the Greek version was supplied ; and
they were enabled to remove scruples arising in the minds of

kingdom; by

the Jews, and to clear up and set in the strongest light that
part of the evidence of Christianity which depended upon their
scriptures''.

6. That this was given to the apostles and primitive

but that it was called the word of knowChristians is certain
;

Dr.
])roved by the quotations above.
supposes that the word of knowledge was but a
lower degree of the woril of wisdom ; i. e. a capacity of discovering the christian scheme with a convincing evidence to the
minds of others, and quotes Rom. s.v. 14. 1 Cor. i. 5, 2 Cor.
ledge seems not

full}'

Chandler

a Bens. Prop, of Chrijf. vol. i. p. 40 i?.

Chandler on Joel, p. Iii:? 135
ii/VRRiNr.TON's Miicclb.nca Sacra,

3y42.

F.-:

Wariurtos's Serm.
I)

Barring

vol.

roN"s Essay, p.

BiiSS. ibid, p.

4'J

k^-

4*2

i.

p. 211.
^b.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

103
ii.

'

14. viii. 7.

that purpose

Eph.

i.

some other

17, IS. with

vi.

scriptures for

7. 3. They had the gift of discerning spirits, i. e. of

knowing by what spirit a man spoke who pretended to inspiration, of knowing the secrets of men's hearts in some instances,

and )ud<2;ing of the fitness of a person's genius and character for

any particular office and station in the cliurch but Dr. Chandler explains it only of the former, referring the latter effects
to prophecy
:

''.

8. 4.

They had

also the gift of

prophecy,

in that supe-

rior degree which related to foretelling future or discovering secret events, and in that irijerior sense of the word in
which it is often used to express officiating in public worship,
by preaching, prayer, or singing, 1 Cor. xiv. pass. pnes. ver,

24,

25^

9. 5. They had also the gift of tongues, or an ability of

readily and ntelligibly speaking a variety of languages Avhich

they had never learnt

which though infamously represented by

Morgan was

a most glorious and important attestation of the

gospel, as well as a suitable, and indeed, in their cii"cumstances,

a necessary furniture for the mission for which the apostle and
were designed.
Nor is there au}'^ reason with
Dr. Middlefon, to understand it as merely a7i occasional gift,
so that a person might speak a language most fluently one hour,
and be entirely ignorant of it the next which neither agrees
with what is said of the abuse of it, nor would have been sufficient to answer the end proposed'',

their assistants

10. 6. They had also the gift of interpreting tongues ;

so that in a niixt assembly, consisting of persons of different
if one spoke in a language understood by one part,
another could repeat and translate Avhat he said into different
languages understood by others. Whetlier these versions Avere
made of the whole discourse when ended, or sentence by sen-

nations,

tence,

used,

we cannot
it

a CHANlir.rR
\\

AKKi Rr.

b Bens.

certainly say

but

would not seem so strange

on

Bk-NS.

i** A"-

.SiEltBiNf; agiiiiist Fust. 2cJ Lell. p. 40

FnsT. 'Jd I.ctt. to Stubbing.

Chanii. on Joel, p. 14y, 143.
C Bens. ibid. p. 70, 71.'
CilAND. on Joel, p. 13 Li?.
] MoRG. Mor, fhil. vol. ii.p.WI, 332.

the latter

them

l'^.

iliid".

method were

as to us, if

LF.r.AND.against Mnrg.

Joel, p. 135.

ul)i su|)ra.

ilid. p.

if

to

vol.ii. p.

we may
225230.

p. 58, 5il.

CilAND. ibid. p. 14> 146.

MiDDj.KT. Free Enq. pref. p. 23.
Jorvin'S Rem. vol i. p. 15.
jMiddi.et, l!ss. on Gift of Tongues, Misc.
Works, vol. ii. p. 379.
Warb. Senn. vol.i. p. 17C>.

Lect. cxli.

Apostolic Gifts

credit the account given of the

and Powers,

method of interpreting the scripYid Cor. xiv. 5, 6, 13.

ture in the Jewish sjnagogues^.

to himself,

e.

i.

of

absence, as well as
ii,

knowing
if

this did

Paul had a gift peculiar

some cases what passed in his

in

xhoX.

he had been present,

compare 2 Kitigs

5.

Some have supposed

11.

25, 26.

v.

109

vi.

not habitually reside in him

Cor. v. 3, 4.

12. but

as indeed

it

it is

is

Col.

certain

uncertain,

whether many of the most wonderful of these

gifts

and powers

did without interruption dwell in ani/ mere

man

whatsoever.

Compare John

iii.

34.

12. Sect. II. The most considerable miraculous powers

of the apostles were these,

power of inflicting supernatural punishments

1. The
even death itself, by a word speaking, on bold and daring
offenders.
Vid. Acts v. l
ll. xiii. 10, 11. 2 Cor. x. 6, 8,9.
xiii. 2, 3, 10.
And as evil angels might sometimes be the instruments of inflicting these temporal judgments, it is probable these
may be referred to, when persons are said to be by the apostles
delivered to Satan, 1 Cor. v. 4, 5. I Tim. i. 20
3,nd

''.

1 3. 2. The apostles seem to have been endowed with an

extraordinary degree of/or/// /^/d, far beyond what they naturally

had, but necessary for the scenes of extraordinary difliculty and

through which they were to pass. Acts ii. 36. iv. 5

suflfering

13, 19, 33. V. 28, &c.

viii.

1^

and

14. Their extraordinary degree of sincerity, diligence

activity, patience, love to men's souls, and other uncom-

mon

virtues

and graces might

trating this head

also

be mentioned as further

illus-

''.

15. 3. The apostles had also a power of performing the

most extraordinary cures, and even o( raising the dead; and
some of those iiindsol miracles which were not peculiar to them,
were wrought by them in a superior manner.
Vid. Acts v. 15.
ix.

3642.

xix. 11, 12. xx. 12=.

The

apostles bad also a power, which as

it seems
giving the miraculous gifts ofthe
and there were very
Spirit to others by laying on their hands
few who received it otherwise than by that means. Acts viii.

16.

4.

was peculiar

to themselves, oi

a Jones's Jewi* Ant.

318306,

MS.

VOL.

&

3ji,

Bens, ibi'l. p. 60.

'CHAND. on Joel,
b Bens. ibid. vol. i.

V.

j).

116, l.i7.

p. i^l~-j6.

Bap.ringt.
c liENS.

ibiil.

GARtnBiiT
d Barrivot.
e Baurist.

Ess. ii. p. 51, 52.

61 6J.
of Christ's Rewrr. p. 35

)>.

E^s. p. '(.7 50.

ibid. p. 53.

61,

14

pART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

110

S, 5.

John

19.
1

Thess.

Rom.

xiv. 12.
\.

5.

v. 19, 20.

i.
!

11, 12. 2

Cor.

i.

Tim.

7.

i.

6.

2 Cor.

Gal.
xii.

iii.

VI.

2,

12, 13.

1
7.
For the further illustration of this Dr. Benson
has asserted, that the Holy Ghost never fell immediately on any
but our Lord after his baptism, and the apostles, first on the
day of pentecost, and a second time mentioned, Acts w. 31.
on the eunuch, Acts viii. 39. according to the Alexandrian
reading on Saul after his baptism ; on the first-fruits of the

^cts xix.

devout Gentiles before baptism. Acts x. 44. and on the first-,

fruits of the idolatrous gentiles of Antioch in Pisidia, Acts xiiij
52.
But the instance of the Eunuch, with that of the devout
Gentiles \s precarious
and indeed the case of the Gentiles at
Antioch seems to be far from so extraordinary a one as Dr. Benson \\ow\(\ make it: and the foundation for supposing it so ;
i. e. the dilTercnt periods of preaching the gospel to the devout^
and then to the idolatrous Gentiles, is a mere unsupported
hypothesis.
That the phrase of being filled with the Holy
Ghost does not signify any thing so singular as he supposes,
appears from comparing Eph. v. 18. and many other places
where the phrase is used. See Fam. Expos, vol. iii. on the
phrases cited above ^.
:

LECT. CXLII.
Of the Abuse

of miraculous Gifts

no proper Successors

to

the

Apostles.

1. Cor. I. JLT does not seem reasonable to mention the

j)ower which the apostles had oi binding d^nd loosing, of remitting
or retaining siris, as a gift or pov/er distinct from the preced-

ing
compare J/fl/^. xvi. 19. xviii. 18. John xx. 23. for if this
be understood, of declaring in an authentic manner vhat was
lawful under the christian dispensation, they Avere furnished
with that by the word of wisdom, with which therefore this gift
or power taken in this sense would coincide
if it be taken
for inflicting or removing calamities sent as miraculous punishments of sin, it will coincide with that power mentioned, Lect.
141. 12, 13. and if it should be explained of declaring to particular persons that their sins were forgiven, they could only do
it by virtue of their extraoi-di nary gxitoi discerning spirits, Led.
;

a Bens, ibid.vol.

LelaM)

i.

agjiiijt

p. 'J4<5(1. vol. ii. p. 11

Morg. vol. i. p.382, jbj.

It'.

iNoie.

|
]

BAnniNr.r. Ess. i.p, 101

112.
Moor.h'b Seim. on Miracles.

Of the Abuse

Lect. cxLii.

of miraculous Gifts,

in

iJ^c.

whereby they would be able to judge of the sincere

and repentance of the person concerned".

141. 6.
faith

2. 2. This particular survey of the extraordinary furniture of the apostles for their work, confirms the arguments

advanced above to prove the inspiration of their writings,

"which appear in fact to have been intended for the service and
guidance of the church in all future ages. To this Dr. Morgan has objected, that as these gifts were plainly capable of
abuse, compare 1 Cor. xiv. no argument could from thence be
'drawn as to the divine inspiration of those who were possessed
of them. But in answer to this, we must distinguish with
respect to these gifts and powers. The word of wisdom and of
^woa;/drf^^, as explained above, could not be abused as occasion
of error, the truth of the things taught being essential to the exercise of the gifts themselves, and false pretences to them being
discovered by that of discerning spirits. The gift of healing
was not a permanent thing comp. Led, 139. 3. and as for

the gift of speaking with tongues, the miracle of that lay in

conferring it by imposition of hands, not in using it after it was

So that on the whole, there is no foundation to

any miraculous gifts or powers were used in confirmation of falshood in any case, though they might be used
in confirmation of truth by very bad men, which is all that is
Compare for further illustration,
insinuated, Matt. vii. 22.
conferred.

believe, that

Gal.

iii.

2, 5.

Rom.

xvi.

18.

Cor.

iv.

IS

20. 2 Cor. xii. 12.

Jude ver. 16. which passages when compared

together further shew or intimate, that miraculous works or
powers were peculiar to the teachers of truth''.
&"

sim. Col.

ii.

4.

3. As for 2 Thess. ii. 9. it seems the words in question

might be rendered lying signs, wonders, and miracles, i. e.
fictitious and pretended miracles, such as the Romish church
has apparently dealt in and Matt. xxiv. 24.evidentl3^ relates to
false teachers in the early ages of Christianity, when there was
a superior miraculous power in the church such perhaps as
li/mas and Simon Magus : so that by the way, there is no proof
from scripture of any miracles having been wrought to confirm
falshood, which have not been opposed by superior miracles ;
nor can any one prove that this shall ever be the case, as was in
:

part intimated above, Lect. 106.

a Bens.

ibid. p.

5052,56,

57.

Morg. Mor. Phil. vol. p. 80, 8J.

CUAVM. against Morg. vol. i, p. 300317.
i.

I'',

Leland

387.

I
i

against

Morg,

vol.

Benson on the Epist. vol.

c BiiNS.ubi. Supra, p, H'<i'

i,

i. c. xiii.

App.

p.

to 1

374

Tim.

PaRT

LECTURES DN DIVINITY.

112

V!.

4. :}. If it could be certaiiil}' made out Avhich I apprehend

cannot, that there is an irreconcilable dillerence between any
circumstances in the history, and that there was so in the original, it would {t'(et. par.) on those principles seem most reason,

it

able, to adjust the testimony of those

who were

apostles

not

were, according to Sir Isaac Newton's

scheme of the harmony
for it is not so certain that Peter

by

who

that of those

reviewed Maik's gospel, and Paul Liike''s, as xhut Matthen}

and John were the authors of those published under their name
Vid. Led. 138. 24. and the concurrence of Mark and Luke
in their order can be no just objection to this, especially if the
conjecture, Led. 139, 5. be admitted*.
:

5. 4. As the endowments of the apostles were so extraordinary a,nd peculiar, there is no reason to believe they had any
proper successors in the christian churcli
unless it can be
;

proved, there are some who succeeded to their gifts and powers,
by which they were furnished for their extraordinary work''.

The whole

foundation of Popery, as a distinct

since that not only supposes
;
the contrary to the precedmg corollary, but also adds a great
many other suppositions still more extravagant for as we shall
elsewhere more largely shew there is no evidence that Peter
6.
religion,

5.

is

therefore overthrown

had

au}^ superiority over the rest

that he had

any who were

of the apostles

his successors in that

or

if

he had,

extraordinary

power

or that those successors were Romaii bishops ; or that

;
the present bishop of Rome is legally by succession possessed of

yet all these things, some of which are notoriously false,

andotheis of such a nature that they can never be proved to be
true on their own principles, must be taken for granted, before
that authority of declaring the seiise of scripture can be vindicated, which the church oi' Jio?ne has arrogated to herself, and
upon which her other most extravagant chums and most absurd
doctrines are founded
it

"".

7. Schol. 1.

Several of the gifts and powers mentioned

appear to have been imparted to christians

of inferior order ; not only to prophets, evangelists, elders oxbishops, and other teachers, but also to those wito made up the
congregations under their care
particularly the gift of proin the proposition

phecy, that of speaking with and interpreting tongues, and

New. Harm. ap. Farn. Expos.
Append. No. iii. or Works, vol. IV.
Newton on Pioph. I. i. c. xi.

a DODD. Diss, on
vol.

Sir

iii.

Isaac

b BoYKE'sVVorks,

vol.

'?.

p.27I,272, 276, 277.

liAi'.RiNcr. Miso. Sac. Ess.

C Lcct. against Popery, No.

iii

ii.

pass.

&: iv.

j
|
j

BrRNET's4Dii=c. No. tii.

Barr iw of the Pope's Supremacy, pass.
Neai.'s anil Smi ni's bennons, in ilje SalterV
Hall.
Senii. against Fopery.

Of ihe Abuse

Lect. cxLii.

of miraculous Gifts ^^c.

113

with regard to the former of which, Dr.

called helps, and with regard to the
latter, governments^ as they were called to assist both in instructCor. xii. 8
1
10, 28. though
ing and guiding the church
persons of
that
the
Avere
helps
opinion,
of
Dr. Chandler is

discerning spirits

Benson

thinks

some are

extraordinary liberality, raised up by God to be helpful to

others by their own generous contributions, and that th^ governments we^rt^. deacons, whose business it was to preside over the

Acts vi. 3. Rom. xvi, 2. which may

8. Dr. Benson thinks it proba^ow.xii.
considerably illustrate
ble, that there were few, if any, in the prnnitive church who did
not receive these gifts, though perhaps they might all of them
vieet in none but the apostles, to whom the word of wisdom seems

distribution of charities,

to have been peculiar

''.

8. There is a difficulty attending the gift of the interpretation of tongues, \\\\\e\\ has not been observed by tho.-e whohave

written upon the subject, and may here deserve our notice ;
vi'z.how a person speaking with tongues should need to pray
that he might interpret, i Cor. xiv. 13. without supposing that

spoke by such a miraculous impulse, as rendered him merely

the organ of the Spirit of God, which would be inconsistent with
our answer to Morgan under the second corollary. It is obvi-

lie

ous to answer, that there might be persons in an audience of

various nations, and consequently the person speaking supposing
to both Romatis and Persians, himself being a Greek speaking
Latin, might not be able to interpret to them all, as in the given

Butthenit may be answered, this was for

want of another tongue, wliich is not here supposed to be the case;
and therefore perhaps it will be impossible fully to remove the
diiBcultr, without supposing there were some, who though
they could sped; no tongue but their own, were yet miraculously enabled to interpret into it what should be spoken in any
other tongue, which would make this office, though it were only
bearing a secondary part, very excellent, and the gift itself

instance into Persian.

very extraordinary''.
i Bens on Prop. &c. vol. i. p. 6673.
13y.ibid. p. 7i. Table,
BABRl.sg. Esi. i. J).

Ub

I
j

Chandler on Joel, p. 131133, & HS 151.

Chandler on Joel.ubiSuprs.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

114

PaRTVI.

LECT. CXLIII.
The

Inspiration of the Old Testament proved The Scriptures

the surest Guide in Religion.

Prop.

JL

HE

Old Testament was written by a superin-

tendent inspiration.
2. Dem. 1. Moses was a person raised up by God for
eminent service, favoured with miraculous powers and frequent
divine revelations, on the authority with which his whole laAv
was introduced and received ^.

3. 2. The work which il/oj^>y undertook of writing the history, not only of his own acts and institutions, but also the

God to mankind in preceding ages, was a work

of great importance, and of such difBculty, that without extraordinary divine assistance he would not have been able to

dispensations of

perform it in such a manner, as might have been depended

upon, and consequently might have answered the design.
4. 3. There is reason to believe that Moses wrote
superintendent inspiration.

by a

4-. Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, EzeDaniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonas, Micah,Nahuvi^

^ 5.
kitl,

Ilabbakuk, Zephayiiah. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, were

all

prophets,

if

the historical part of the

Old Testament is

to

be

above, and therefore we have reason

to believe, that their minds were so superintended in writing
not only those historical facts Avhich they mention, but likewise
believed, which

we proved

many

them declare they receiv'ed from

from all material
mistakes, which would have brought a disgrace upon those
messages which in the name of God they delivered, and so have
frustrated the design of them
M^hich in many cases could not
have been answered, without an exact transmission of them to
posterity, as several of those predictions referred to distant and
some of them to very complicated events, and contain particular circumstances, which, if not exactly authentic, must have
been very hazardous.
those messages which

God,

of

as that they should be preserved at least

6. 5. Many discourses recorded in the historical parts of

these writings, as delivered by others, or given to them in charge

by God, were

so long
a

and so circumstantial, that they could

Harlley cm Man,

vol.ii.

p.89_90.

Lect. cxliii. The Inspiration of the Old Testament^ Kc.

15

not be exactly recorded without some extraordinary divine

assistance; and some of the most important of them, e. e. those
relating to the Messiah, were not understood by the prophets
12. and consethemselves who delivered them, 1 Pet. i. 10
quently were less likely to be remembered with such exactness,

as according to gr. 5.

7. 6.
stations

was necessary.

Ezra and Nehemiah were persons of such eminent

and

and so intimately conversant with the

piety,

prophets Haggai^ Zechariah, and Malachi, that we ma}- reasonably believe that proper assistances, either ordinary or extraordinary, as the case required, would be given them in their
writings.
8. 7. Though the authors of the books of /i^r/^e^, Ruth, and
Kings, Chronicles, Esther, and Job, should be allowed to be
unknown, there is great reason to believe they were some of
those holy and prophetic men with which tlie nation of the Jews
and that what was said under the preceddid so much abound
;

ing steps

may

at least in

some degree.

with considerable probability be applied to them,

provision that was made for conducting the

Jewish people by divine oracles, given, though we know not
particularly, iiow by the Urim and Thummim, and by prophets
raised up in almost every age, makes it highly probable, that
those who were providentally employed in transmitting to us the
history of that nation, would have some peculiar assistance
greater than could (aet. par.) be expected in other writers.

9.8. The

10. 9. So far as we are able to judge, from surveying the

particular characters and circumstances of the authors of the

Old Testament, in comparison with the

genius of that dispensation under which they lived and wrote,
there is reason to believe they were under a superintendent

various books of the

inspiration.

11. 10.

Though

any excellency

it

be extremely difficult to conclude from

and manner of writing, that a book

in the stile

divinely inspired, and especially that there is that superintendency over the whole of it yet we must acknowledge, that
in the books of the Old Testament as well as the New, there
are such important truths, such sublime figures, and such majestic and pathetic expressions, as can hardly be equalled any
where else, and which appear so worthy of God, as to give some
degree of additional weight to the other arguments brought
upon thishead\ Comp. Led* 127. 4.
is

a Nichols's Conf. vol.

iv.

\>.

I39-^1">7.

BOYf.E's

Stile ofScri(). p.

7 lo.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

116

vi.

12. 11. The ancient Jews had a tradition amang thetp,

that these books were Avrittcn by divine inspiration ; and therefore received xhcmvis canoriical3

e.

i.

as a rule of faith

and man-

ners'*.

The grand argument of all is, that Christ and

were so far from accusing the Jews of superstition,
in the regard which they paid to the writings of the Old Testament, or from charging the Scribes and Pharisees, whom
12.

13.

his apostles

Christ on all proper occasions censured so freely with having

introduced into the sacred volume mere human compositions ;
that on the contrary', they not only recommend the diligent and
constant perusal of them, as of the greatest importance to men's
eternal happiness, but speak of

by an extraordinary

written

the minds of the authors.

them

and as

as divine oracles,

of the divine

influence

Vid. /o/m

v. 39.

x.

Spirit

upon

35. il/tfr^ xii,

24. iJ/a//. iv. 4, 7, 10. V. 17, 18. xxi. 42. xxii. 29, 31, 13. xxiv,

16.xxvi. 54, 56. XM/5:ei.67, 69,70. X. 26, 27. xvi. 31. Actsw.
28. Rom. iii. 2. xv. 4. xvi. 26. Gal.'m. 8.
25. xvii. 11. xviii,24

Tim.

10

i.

2 Tim.'nx. 14
17. James \\, 8. iv. 5.
12. 2 Pet. i, 19
21.
To this list may be added
V. 17, 18.

Pet.

many

other places, on the whole more than five hundred, in which

the sacred writers of the New Testament quote and argue from
those of the Old, in such a manner as they would not surely have
if they had apprehended there were room to alledge,

done,
that

contained at

it

of no authority

least a

mixture of what was spurious and

^.

14. 13. There is reason to believe, that books written by

such persons, under such a dispensation, and in such a manner
as has been described, received with such unanimous regard by
the Jewish churtih, and recommended in such a manner by Christ
and his apostles, were written by a superintendent inspiration^
i>. E. D.
15.

Comparing

this with Lect. 138. 16, &c,

that the whole scripturet received

by the Reformed

it

appears,

is

divinely

inspired.

lo. From hence it will further follow, that in all our

inquiries into the nature and will of God, and the genius and

design of the christian dispensation, the scripture will be our

and no merely human composures are

surest rule,

ceived

witli

a Joseph, contr. Ap.

b
c

own ii. in

JENKj>i

to

be re-

an equal degree of regard".

liip. p.

1.

i.

p. 1036.

Col. 1333.

1S3 IW.

of Chr.su.tiiii;-, vul.

i.

p. ',"26-230.

Fain. Expos, vol. iii. Append. No.

(i^. or Works, vol. iv.
p. ('1
Cmi LiNGWCRTHs Sate Way.

MiDUtbT,

Inlryd. Disc. p. ST, 98.

iii.

Po?t.

Lect.

The

cxLiir.

lnspiratio?i of the

Old Tcsiamenty Kc.

17

the demonstration of this proposition Avitli that given, Prop. 1 16. it will appear, that the proof we
have of the inspiration of the New Testament, is on the whole

From comparing

17.

considerably greater than that which we have of the inspiration

of the Old, if from thence we snbstract that grand argument

from the testimony of Christ and his apostles. But

settmg that aside, there will he the strongest evidence of the inspiration of those books, on which the proof of Christianity most
immediately depends; since that generally follows from the
truth of the historical part of those books, and of their genuineness, which was before confirmed
for the prophets assert it
such and such revelagave
them
as a matter of fact, that God
Avhicii arises

tions.

From

18.

certainly infer, that for any to

we may

13.

pretend to exalt the character of Christ and of Paul as divine

teachers, while at the same time they pour contempt upon the
Jewish institutions as a foolish and impious forger}^, is a notorious contradiction and absurdity
and common sense will teach
us, that such authors, whatever they may profess, do equally
intend the subversion of the Old Testament and the New\
:

We

do readily allow, that there was a great

19. Schol. 1.
variety in the degree of inspiration in the different books and
passages of the Old Testament there is great reason to believe
that the prophecies'^xcxe^ written by an inspiration oi suggestion;
:

for

many

of

them were

so circumstantial, and the particular exwe cannot imagine that God

pressions of them so important, that

revealed only to his servants some general thoughts,

v. g.

that

Babylon should be destroyed, Jerusalem rebuilt, and the like,

leaving them to enlarge upon it as they thought fit, for then
they might easily have fallen into certain expressions, which not
being exactlv answered might liave brought a refiection upon
the truth of the whole.
in these suggestions,

Nevertheless,

it is

highly probable that

God might sometimes, and

in less critical

and important circumstances, leave them to follow their own

way of conception and expression, to such a degree as might
occasion such a variety of style as critics justly remark in different books

'"

to prove the in1 39.

superintenplenary
be
a
spiration of the New Testament to
dency, may in a great measure be applied to the Old, as Ave

20.

a Eus. Ecdes.

The arguments

iiist. 1. v.

ad

Lei.anD against Moig.

VOL.

v.

used Lect.

fin.

vol.

i.

C-

iii-

p. SO-'>0l).

b Five

I.elt.

on

Inspir. p. 1.32'?.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

118
before observed

and

PaRT

VI.

bard to imagine, that Christ and bis

it in such high strains, if there
had been a mixture of error and falshood with the great and
important truths it contained nevertheless there are so many
:

it is

apostles would have spoken of

arguments brought against the plenary inspiration of these

books, from the supposed absurdities, immoralities, and contradictions to be found in them, that it will be necessary to give

some of them a more

particular consideration in the following

propositions.

LECT. CXLIV.
The Mosaic Account of

the Creation.

Prop. JL O enumerate and vindicate some of tlie principal

I
of those passages in the Old Testament, wliich are objected
against as absurd.
.

2. Sol. Sect. I. Many absurdities are cbarged upon the

Mosaic account of the creation: v. g. tbe making light before
the sun
the dividing the water above and below the firmament
by an imaginary solid partition, and the making the sun, moon
and stars in one day not here to mention tbe objection which
is brought against the descent of the whole human race from
;

one. pair.

To

Thomas Burnet

answers in his Theory

this account was merely II fable, though according to his own representation of it, a
fable too absurd for a wise man, and much more for an inspired
person to have thrown together; and Dr. Middleton, in his
late controversy with the Bishop of London, has declared himself strongly in the same sentiments.
But there can surely be
no reason to believe this, since Moses never tells us where his
fable ends and where his true history begins; especially considering that Christ and his apostles refer to the story of the creation and tliat of the fall, (which is inseparably connected with
it, and treated by Burnet as a tale equally absurd) not as an
allegory, but a tt^e history, 2 Cor. iv. 6. xi. 3. 1 Cor. xv. 45.
Matt. xix. 4, 5. 1 Tim. ii. 13, 14. 1 Cor. xi. 8, 9. and it is very
harsh to suppose that God would so solemnly from mount Sinai
make the circumstance of a fable the foundation of tlie fourt!|
commandment, Ex. xx. II. lleb. iv. 3, 4^
3.

by

this

Dr.

cutting the knot

and maintains that

BlJRN. ArchToIogia,

I.

ii

c. Tiif,ix. p,

'103 4i<>.

The Mosaic Account of the

Lect. cxLiv.

Creation.

119

David Jennings,

in a very ingenious discourse

supposes that the sun and the stars were created
before the earth, and that the production of light mentioned as
the work of the^'r^^ day, was only giving the earth its diurnal
"motion, expressed, as lie understands it, by *' the Spirit of God
moving," not " upon the face of the water," hut 7noving the.
face of the deep, i. e, the surface of the unenlightened hemisphere; which might be called deep, either as remote from the
sun, or in a more fluid state than that hemisphere which might
have been turned towards it, and thereby dried and crusted;

4. Dr.

on

this subject,

by the way seems

ill to agree with Gen. i. 9, 10.

supposes that on th^fourth day God gave
the earth its annual motion, and thereby appointed those luminaries of heaven, before created and before visible, to be for
signs a!id seasons and days and years; so that as the sun did in
another manner than before rule over the day^ making it unequal in different seasons, &c. the moonAid. with correspondent

(which

last

Fsal. civ. 6

9.)

He

variety rule over the night and the stars.

But

it

may be ob-

jected to this scheme,

5. 1. That such an interpretation offers great violence to
several phrases in the history, v. g. God's moving on the face of
*' let there be hght," his making two
and setting them in the firmament of heaven, and appointing them to have dominion over the day and over the
night: To which we may add, that the moon could not Avith
any tolerable propriety be said to begin to have dominion over
the stars, when that little alteration was made in her course,
which the annual motion added lo the diurnal occasions.

the water, his saying,

lights,

6. 2. That the diurnal and annual motion of the earth

being each, if not both together, impressed in a moment, would
hardly be described as each of them the work of a distinct day,
as the latter especially must be on this hypothesis for it would
be very unreasonable to suppose, that when it is said God made
the sun and moon, that clause should import the creation and
formation of the moon, and only the alteration of the earth's
motion with regard to the sun: not to insist ujjon it,
;

7.3. That if the laws of gravity took place, a projectile

force must always have been necessary, to prevent the centripetal from prevailing so far as to draw the earth into the sun ^.
8. Mr. Whiston supposes the Mosaic story to have been
a kind of journal, of what v/ould have appeared to the eye of a
a JSNS. Append, to

his Astronornv.

120

PaKT

LECTVRES ON DIVINITY.

VI.

spectator upon the surface of the earth ; and interprets the making of the sun, moon, and stars, to have been only the gradual

clearing of the atmospliere of that comet, of which, according to

the earth was made ; this defaecation beginning

1ms hypothesis,

the^/vy^dav, produced some light, and increasiig to the^oz^r/A,

the sun, moon, and stars then

became visible and distinct. But

seems to be coiniected with that very absurd part of his
theory, which supposes that the earth had at first no diurnal
motion, bat that it was impressed by the comet which occasioned the deluge; otherwise we can never imagine, that the sun,
moon and stars, bodies of such different degrees of magnitude
and light, would have become visible the same natural day ^.
this

is

9. It seems therefore that the most probable hypothesis

that of Dr. Nichols
Avho snj)poses first, a chaotic state of
;

the whole solar system; then, a separation of the grosser particles

of matter, of which the primary and secondary planets

were to consist

from whence it would follow, that the luminous

and entangled with these would acquire
a greater lustre, wdnch he U))poses the creation of light in its
most imperfect state. By the waters above the firmament h^
understands the atmospheres or seas of the planets, though they
may mean no more than vapours floating in the expanse of the
air, as the original word yp-] signifies.
On tlmjourth day, he
supposes the luminous particles, before more equally dispersed.
Mere gathered in one central budij ; whereby the little planet
near us became, by the reflection of its rays, a moon; which,
being the most considerable of the nocturnal luminaries, might
by a beautiful figure be said to rule over the night and the stars,
allowing it very probable that the fixed stars, and planetary
systems which mav possibly attend them, were created before.
It may possibly be objected against this hypothesis, that at this
rate there would be no distinction between day and night before
the fourth dav; since this itnperfect luminous matter equally
diflPused on cverv side x.'ould give the whole terrestial globe a
kind of equable and universal twilight. It would therefore be
an improvement upon the hypothesis, to suppose that the
luminous particles were from the first gradually turning towards
the centre, though not united in it
the consequence of which
Avould be, that the hemisphere nearest the centre would then be
lighter than the other.
Bishop Patrick thinks a luminous mass
di.stinct from the suu, and nearer the earth, was first formed,
;

particles before blended

a iVNiST. TJifory,

\itx$.

j).

'i-^3^J.

^DWARDs's

ExerciUlions, So.

i.

p.

J25.

Lect.

The Mosaic Account of

c'xlv.

which on the fourth day was perliaps with some

unknown

121

the Fall, Sic,

alteration to us

chant^ed into the sun^.

10. The chief objection ac^ainst this scheme is, that it

does not naturallv olfer itself to the mind from reading the

But it may be rephed, it is sufficient if by any

can be shewn that it might possibly have been
true: and it would appear an argument of great wisdom in
Moses, or indeed of extraordinary divine direction, for him, prepossessed as he probably was in favour of the vulgar hypothesis,
to give such an account of the creation, as should neither directJv assert it, nor yet so much shock it, as to throw the minds of
ignorant and unlearned men into speculations, which might have
been detrimental to his orand design of confirming tlicm in the
belief of one almighty Creator of heaven and earth, and so preserving them from idolatry.
Mosaic account.

interpretation

it

li. On the M'hole, supposing that none of these hypotheses should be satisfactory ; the objection pretends to no more

God did not observe such a. proportion as we

have expected in some of his works: but it ill becomes
us to limit him in such a circumstance; especially as we know
not certainly what great ends either in the natural or moral world
might be answered by a deviation from it ^ *.

than this, that

sliould

LECT. CXLV.
The Mosaic Jccount of

the Fall

Eve

The

The Sentence pronounced on

Deluge,

Sect. II. JLt is said that the Mosaic account of the Fall
absurd; not only as it represents God as suspending the
ijappiness of mankind on so indifferent a circumstance as his
eating the fruit; but also supposes a brute to speak, and 3'et

1.

is

Patrick on Gen,

i.

b Nichols's Conf. vol

Taylor's bche/iie, c.
of

'J'lactb, vol.

i.

15.

p.

iv.

MO 12C.

or

F.d.

Waison's

12mo.

Collect,

I'iiiv.

nUt.

Cl AY

I'oN'i. V'.nd.

Jackson's

vol. i. p. 3fi^.i.. fol.

of ttiL- OUi Test. p. 4 6.
22.
Cliron. Antiq. vol.i.p. 1

i.

* The Mosaic account of the creation is particularly considered and vindicated, in " Moses and Bolinbroke
a dialogue, in the manner of the Right Hon.
:

*******^ author of "Dialogues of the Dead," by Samull Tye, M. D. Tins

work was printed in 1765. In the first volume of tlie collection of tracts, entitled,
" Comtnentariesand Essays published by the Society for promoting the Knowledge
of the Scriptures," are Critical notes on (.he first nineteen verses of tlie first chapter
of Genesis," p. 83
93.
These notes are imderstood to have been written by the
celebrated Irish philosopher, Rich.'\ud Kirvan, tsq.
K.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

22

vi.

Eve to have taken no alarm at it, and out of regard to what

such a creature said to liave violated the divine command, and
to have been guilty of a weakness, when in the perfection of
liuman nature, of which few of her descendants in the present
degeneracy of it would be capable.
2.

Ans. As for the offence

elsewhere, that

how

in question,

light soever

it

may be shewn

it

might be

in

itself,

there

were circumstances of most enormous aggravation attending it,

which might abundantly justify God in the punishment inflicted
upon account of it. As to the latter part of the objection, which
is indeed the chief difficulty, some (with Abarbinel) have replied, that the serpent only spoke by his actions, eating the fruit
in the presence of Eve and seeming rather refreshed and animated than injured by it. But we wave tiiis nor do we chuse to
ay with Mr. Joseph Mede, that she took tiie serpent for a wise
though fallen angel, who might know more of the nature of
this new formed world than she, and could have no principle of
enmity against her, to lead him to wish her destruction. Neither do we say with Dr. Thomas Burnet at Boyle's Lectures,
(after Tennison) that she took him for some attendant spirit
sent from God to revoke the prohibition before given.
It seems

more

probal^le, that the fact

Milton,

might be, as

beautifully repre-

it is

by an
might pretend to have gained reason and speech by
that fruit, and from thence might infer with some plausible appearance of argument, that if it was capable of producing so
wonderful a change in him, it might exalt the human nature
even to divinity. Compare 2 Cor. xi. 3. and Rev. xx. 2^.
sented by

i.

e.

that the serpent, being actuated

evil spirit,

3. Sect. III. Others have objected against the sentence

pronounced on Eve and the serpent as absurd; seeing the wo-

man

could not but with pain bring forth, nor the serpent go
otherwise than upon his breast, nor indeed be justl}- punished

crime of which he was only the innocent instrument.

at all for a

As

what relates

to

4.

That

it is

to the

forth, we answer,

woman's bringing

not absolutely impossible that

some altera-

might be made in the structure of the womb on that occasion

perhaps a small alteration might suffice, considering witli
how little dilRculty most women in hot counti ics go through
tion

their labour:

or

a Burnet's Ardiopol.

I. ii.

MDE"s

Berry

c. vii.

orks, |).2J,'it.
Byylo's Lect. vol. ii. p. 10 J".
Ml IT. Par. Lost, I. ix.
Rev. exam, with Caiifl. vol i p. 16 27.
liARiLEY on Man, vol. ii. p. 104.
Lji CLEBC's Dissert. No. iv.

Bl

^\

K^;. at

Sir. Lect. vol.

B.'iRii. ts.s.

Jli

NT's

on Div.

Ess. p.

i.

p. 204,

liisp.

20.=;.

Apj)end. Diss,

304ilJ.

65.
'I'ENNi.soN of IdoL p. 354
L'niv. Hist. vol.

i.

p. 59

;!56.

W'a TERL. Scrip. Vind. vol. i. p.

Chancl. Senn. vol. iv. No. 3.

12.

I.ECT. cxLv.

The Mosaic Account of the

l23

Fallj Kc.

God, knowing- the fall would happen, might conmanner as to suit a fallen state, when the
which
event was not to take place till after sin was committed

5.

2.

titute things in such a

seems to have been the case as to other instances, v. g. the damage done by poisonous and voracious animals, thunder, lightning, and tempests, &c.
6. As to that part of the objection Avhich relates to the
serpent, it is probable his form might be considerably changed,
perhaps from that of a winged animal and as this would be the
:

means of confirming the faith of the penitents in their expected

victory over the great enemy, (of which it was indeed a kind of
miraculous attestation,) and of mortifying that evil spirit whose
organ the serpent had been, there could be no injustice in this,
nor indeed any cruelty; for beasts bemg designed for the use of
men, we mav as well grant, that one species might be debased
to a lower kind of life for his instruction and comfort, as tint
such multitudes of individuals should be daily sacrificed to his
support^.

7. Sect. IV. It is objected, that the Deluge c.on\(\. wot

possibly have been universal, because no stock of water could
be found sufficient to over-flow the earth to such a degree as

Moses has represented.

8. To this wechuse not to answer, by denying the universality of the deluge, as man}^ have done, the words of Moses

being so express, Gen.

vi. 12, 13, 17. vii. 4,

19

23. and indeed

would have been no need of an

ark to preserve a race of men and beasts To which we may
add, that the animal and vegetable /o^y^zY^ dug up in all parts
of the world, are demonstrative proofs that the deluge extended
over the whole earth
and there is little room to doubt but the
number of mankind, considering their longevity, would by
if

it

Avere not universal, there

that time have been abundantly sufficient to people the earth.

therefore rather reply, by observing, that though the quan-

We

tity of water which could naturally be furnished by rain should

indeed be allowed insufficient for that purpose, yet it is possible,
according to Dr. Burnet's scheme, that part of the outward
crust of the earth might be broken, and fall into the abyss, which
might by that means be thrown up and dashed abroad to such
a degree, as to overflow the highest mountains, which he thinks
Others, as Mr. Whiston, suppose a comet
then first raised.

(which

his

a Mede's Works,

antagonist Dr.
p.

Keil was compelled by

2?P"233.

Rev.exam. with Cand. vol. i. p. fi9, &c.

Whiston's Life, p. 239244. Addend, p. 651

Jenkins

of Chrisihnity, vol.
Serin, p. 71.

Abp. King's
.

his

arguments
ii.

p.

2462i5i

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

12i

vi.

to acknowledge, did probably pass near the earth at that time)

overwhelm it by its atmosphere. Others endeavour to

it, by supposing the centre of gravity was changed,
or that the waters of the abyss were in an extraordinary manner
drawn up on this occasion. But if none of these hypotheses be
admitted, there is no absurdity in supposing a miraculous production of water, or a miraculous removal of it since it is most
certain, if the history of the Old Testament be credible, (as we
have before proved) miracles have been often wrought upon
mic^ht

account for

much less important

occasions^*.

LECT. CXLVI.

Of Noah's Ark and the Rainboxv The

The Peopling of America
Assyrian Empire, U.c.

1.

Sect. V. JLt

is

Original of the Blacks

Confusion of Tongues The

further objected, that an ark of such di

incHsions as Noah'^s, could not hold creatures of

all

species,

and

the stock of provision for a whole year, which yet the history

To

asserts.

this it is

answered,

2. 1. That we do not certainly know the exact length

of the cubiti by which the dimensions of the ark are computed: but

^3.

2. INIany critics

have shewn, that on the

commmi com-

putation of the cubit, the ark being 150 yards long, 251 broad,
and 15 high, was at least as large as one of our first rate men of
war ; nay, some say, as large as five of them and they have
:

endeavoured to prove, if it were so, that it might contain both

the animals and their provision. The controversy is too large
and nice to be represented here, but may be seen in a good ab91.
stract in Wells's Geog. of the Old Test. vol. i. p. 69
Saurin's Diss. vol. i. p. 8692. Univ. Hist. vol. i. p. 103, 104.
Calmet's Diet. Article, Ark. Hallet on Heb. xi. 1. Wilkin's

a Bl'aSET's Theory,
46. c. VI. p.

vol.

i.

1. i.

c.

ii, iii.

p.

10

Nicu. Confer,

vol. ii. p. 184, ftc.

F.DW. Excrcitat. No. ii. p.C6, &c.
Univ. Hisl. vol. i.p. 95103.

b! 1-^10-2.

WHIST. Theory,

p.

j76 iOO-

Keil's exam, of Bum. and Whist,

177, 178, 202.

p.

2i?34,

Rav's3

Disc. No. ii.

ITrit. Art. Deluje, 23, &c.
HARTt.F.Y on .Man, vol. ii. p. 10t>.
Le Clerc's Diss. No. v.

Fncyclop.

SAimiN's
Cl.AVlON's V'ind.of Script, pj 150.
Rev. exam. vol. i. Disf. x. p. 171, iic.
Diss. vol.

* In
is

i.

tlie fifty

!>. 9.1

10.

seventh volume of

tlie

transactions of the Royal Society, No.

a paper by Ph) ward King, Esq. ontiyed,

veisal Deluge."

" An attempt

K.

to

Account

for the

iv.

Uni*

OJ Noah's Atk and

Lect. cxlvi.

the

Rainbow^

&(c.

25

162 168. Stillingf.

c. v. 6.7. p.
7. p. 551, 552. Encyclopeed. Brit. Article, Ark. Chambers's Diet. Ditto Rees's CycLopad. Ditto

Real Charact. part

Grig. Sac.

Hartley

ii.

c. iv.

iii.

1.

on Man,

vol.

p. 106.

ii.

Sect. VI. Seeing the rainbow appears a phcenomenon

necessarily resulting from the nature of light, and the form and
situation of drops of falling rain, it is represented as an absurdity, that Moses speaks of it as created after the flood, and as
4.

the sign of a covenant then made.

To

Burnet

answers, by supposing that no

Mr. Whiston, by saying there M'cre
no such heavy showers as are requisite to the producing this
phgenomenon but it seems more reasonable to believe, that
God took a phaenomenon before appearing, and appropriated
it to a particular use, directing that it should be considered as
his bow ; and that when men saw it, they should recollect and
rejoice in the assurance which he had given them, that the flood,
should never be repeated ; and accordingly, the original of
Gen. ix. 14. may be rendered, and when I bring a cloud over
the earth, and the bow is seen in the cloud, I will also remem 5.

rain

this

Dr.

before the flood

fell

my

ber

covenant^.

G. Sect. VII.
history supposes all

It is

further objected, that as the Mosaic

mankind descended from Noah,

will

it

be

impossible to account for the original of the Blacks, admitting

Noah and

his wife to

have been white.

Whiston

7. Mr.

was turned black upon

answers

this,

by supposing

that

Ham

as according to

his father's curse,

him

Cain had before been. But if Gen. vi. 2. is to be understood

as it probably is of the descendents oi 6'eth, and the daughters
of Cain, that supposition is directly contrary to Moseses account
at best it is a very precarious conjecture ; and it seems more
probable, that the heat of the climate should have produced
that change, or strength of imagination in some pregnant

woman, which might

we can

for any thing

its

body,

BuENETsTlieory,

Waterl.

p. 79. &:c.
ii.c. v. p. 319

vol.
1.

i.

Script. Vind. p.

36

Martin's Grammar,

p. 214-

WHisT.Theory,

c.

iv. c.

1.

Saur.

iii.

Diss.

1. iii.

iii.

40.

it is

1.1

p.

329.

often does''*.
Hist, of the

Hotlentotb, p. 55, 56.

NicH. Conf.
p. 79,

ibid.

IlARTi EY
buow.NE's

126129.
p. 51.

Q,

i.

p.

137143.

Ed. 12ino,

p. 47, 48.
on Man, vol. ii. p. 109.
Vulgar Errors, B. vi. c. 10, 11.
vol.

i.

* Sketches of the History of

mankind. In opposition to tkis

discourse to his
diversity of

vol.

&c. Oct.

Univ. Hist.

*Lord Kaims, in his preliminary

Man," has contendt^d for the origiaal

VOL. V.

it

Whist, against Collins.

Medley's Transl. of Kolben's

p. 371.

b Snelgrave'S Guinea,

particular part of

plain in fact

Oct Ed.

p.258, 2j9.

whole skin of a child,

some

perceive, as stain

manner which

in the

a NicHOLS'sConf.

as well blacken the

126

Part

LFXTURES ON DIVINITY.

vi.

S. Sect. VIII, The peopling America^ and several Islands^

which mischievous, terrestrial animals are foimd, though
many of the more useful were entirely wanting when they were
first discovered b}^ the Europeans, \^ urged as a strong argument against the universality of the deluge, and therefore the
credibility of the Mosaic history/.
in

9. The supposition of a north-east passage for men might

possibly be allowed ; but how those wild creatures should be

brought thither, which men would not transport, and which

cannot subsist in a cold country, must remain a difficulty which

we

cannot undertake to solve, if the universality of the deluge

for that there should have been so vast a tract of
land in or near the torrid zone, as must have been necessary
ior the joining Africa to America, and that it is now sunk in
the sea, is a mere hypothesis, which has not the least foundation in history.
But it may deserve enquiry how far it is an
apparent fact, that voracious animals, not amphibious, and
living only in hot countries, are to be found in America.
It
iS certain, that some, to whose constitution a hot climate is most
suited, will live in a colder, and sometimes propagate there ;
and that there are great degrees of heat in the summer-months
to a great heif;hth of northern latitude
which, when we
consider the velocity with which these creatures run, may account for their travelling to some places where there might be
a passage by water, or perhaps a passage b}- land, though since
fallen into the sea, the straights of which are well known to be
very narrow, where North-America comes nearest to Tar-

be allowed

iary

*.

10. Sect. IX. The co7Tfusion of languages at the tower

of Babel is represented by some as unnecessary, seeing a diversity of tongues must naturally have arisen in process of time.

But
a

it

may be answered,

VVnsii Misc. Sac.

vol.

ii.

Ex. IJ.

26. Ex.

14. i 4,5.

NiCH.Conf. vol
Ed.

i.

p.

133 1j7,

l'2nio, p. 87. Oct.

Hi

15S.

WHIST. Theory, p. 40v>

Univ. Hist, p i04, vol. 1.
Still, dig. Sac. 1. i.i. c.

Hartley on Man,

iv. } 4. p.

541

543.

sol. ii.p. 110.

-system, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Stanhope Smith, an American gentleman, hath
published *' An Essay on the Causes of the Variety of Complexion and Figure in tlie

Human Species," in which he endeavour> to shew, that all the varieties

men may satisfactorily be accounted for, by attending; to nature and

in

lier operaproduced in them by diversity of climate, by savage and social

by diet, exercise, and manners of living. K.

tions,
life,

observable

and the

effects

* Whence, and in what manner, America was originally peopled, has been
much discussion. A comprehensive view of the subject maj' be seen
in the first volume of Dr. Robertson's History of America.
Recent navigations
nd discoveries have added Jarther confiimation to the opiuiou, that Auicrica was
the object of

Of Nodi's Ark a7i(l

Lect. cxLvi.
II.

1.

That

the Rainbozi),

so vast a diversity, as there

common

is

127

y^c.

in the

names of

can hardly he accounted for in a

natural way, there not heing the least trace of any one conjnion
original language.
12. 2. If it might in ^//e naturally have happened, it
cannot from thence be inferred, that a miracle, wiirreby it
the most

things,

should instantaneously have been brought about at first, was

therefore unworthy of God, and consequently incredible.
13.

Others have replied,

that

that passed at the

all

building at Babel, referred to in this objection, was only a division of councils and sentiments, or some discord in affection,

represented by dividing their speech, whereas they were before

unanimous or at most, some disorder miraculously produced
in their organs of speech, in consequence of which, their
:

lans'iage would be uninteilisiible to each other: both whch

opinions the learned Vitringa has illustrated at large ; though
there does not seem any great necessity for having recourse to
them''.

14. Sect. X. Others have objected the impossibility of

raising such an empire as the Assyrian is said to have been,

within 150 years alter Noah.

15.

To

this Sir

Isaac

Newton

answers, by fixing the

date of the Assyrian empire 1 300 years later; and Dr. Winder
has taken great pains to prove, that the account we have of
the series of the ancient Assyrian monarchs is very precarious.

arguments are largely considered by Dr. Shuckthe way supposes Noah to have been the Fohi
of the Chinese, in which Mr. Whiston also agrees witli him.
Others make the distance between Noah and Nimrod to have
been much greater t'nan our copies of the Bible represent it.
It is perhaps on the whole most reasonable to conclude, that
though \.he Assyrian empire was very ancient, yet the extraordinary accounts, M-hich Herodotus and Ctesias give us
of the greatness of it under Ninus and Semiramis, are fictitious, as many things related by those authors undoubtedly are ^^.
Sir Isaac's

ford

who by

jt

STILL, orig. Sac. 1. iii. c. v. ? 24SHUCKF RD's Connect, vol. i. p. !24

WHIST. Rem. on Newt.

Shuckp. Conf. vol. ii. Pref.

Rev. exam, with CanrJ.

Viteinga's Observat

STir.l. Grig. Sac. 1. iii.

Ci'MB. Orig. Gent.

vol.
1. i.

140.

111.
p. 105
Diss. i. c. ix.
ii.

Winder's

Hartley, ibid. p. ill.

Ward's Oisc No. ii.
Le Ci.erc's Diss. No. vi.
Repub.of

Lett. vol.

b Newt. Chronol.
peopled, at least

west of Europe.

c.

iii.

2353.

Knowl.

vol.

ii.

p.

6668,

'.'.96'2S>9.

p. 119,

Wiiisr. Theory, p. 137141.

Jac KsoN"s Chronology.
Water L. Script. Vind. p. 40.

&c.

iii.

in part,

Hist, of

p.

c. iv. I 0.

from the north eastern extremities of Asia, and the north

* The accoiint.s of Herodotus, though he was probably much mistaken,

by no means so absurd and extravagant as those of Ctesias.
2

are

PART Tl.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY,

I2S

16. Sect. XI. It is urged, that such a numher of inhabitants^ as are said to have dwelt in the land of Canaan, could
not possibly have been supported there, vis. amillion and a half
1 Chron. xxi. 5. nor such a
of fighting men, 2 Sam. xxiv. 19.
stock of cattle be furnished out there, as are said to have been,
sacrificed, especially by Solomon at the dedication of the temple;
viz. an hundred and twent}'^ thousand sheep and twenty-two
thousand oxen, 1 Kings viii. 63. To this it may be answered,

there be no mistake in the numbers, it is to be ascribed.

to the extraordinary fruitfuliiess of the soil ; to which it may
be added, that as some neighbouring princes, who had beea

that

if

subdued by David, paid

might fur^
See 2 Kings

their tribute in cattle, they

nish out the extraordinary sacrifice referred to^

4.

iii.

17. Sect. XII. It is urged as an impossibility, that

David, notwithstanding all his conquests, should be able to
amass those vast treasures mentioned, 1 Chron. xxix. 4 & 7.
"which are computed by Le Clerc at eight hundred millions
sterling, a sum, which is thought to exceed all the gold of all
To this it is anthe princes upon earth put together.
swered,

18.1. That the value of gold not being then so great with
respect to silver as it now is, their wealth is not to be estimated
merely b}'^ the quantit}' of gold which they had ; and on this

Whiston reduces the gold to less tha.n one tenth

common computation supposing its value to silver aa

principle Mr.

of the

their specific gravities,

it

16

i. e.

19

11, whereas the former

makes

1.

19. 2. There is reason to believe, that a great quantityof

the gold then used has long ago been destroyed and lost: yet it
must be owned that more gold has probably been dug out of
the mines in America in one year, than can wear out in many

ages

but

it

is

not unlikely that

much may have been

buried,

and so have perished.

20. 3. That there is a great deal of uncertainty in the
principles on which the worth of those talents is computed ; as

appears from the different accounts which learned men give

of it ; and possibly the word talent may sometimes be put for
wedge.
21. 4.
Maund. Trav.
UELAKY's Life

That

p. 65,66.
of Dav. in loc

as

numeral
I

letters

were used

UniT. Hist

vol.

ii.

p.

in the oldest

386394.

Ool.


O/GocTs Co7nma7id

Lect. cxLvii.

Jbraham,

to

129

5Cf.

Bible, it is not to be wondered if transometimes mistake them ; and it is to be reinemberpd, that this thought may also be applied to some certain contradictmiSt where rdimbers are in question.

Hebrew

copies of the

scribers might

As

22.

which

to that part of the objection,

we

^described,

are to observe, that none can

relates to the

upon the building

impossibility of expending those treasures

tell

the curiosity of

the carved work, the height of wages which artists would demand
of so rich a prince as Solomon for so celebrated a building, nor

number o^ gems which might be used in some of the ornaments cither of vestments or other furniture, 1 Chron. xxix. 2,
Sea D el a-^y's Life of David''.
6. 2Chron,\\u 6,
the

23. Sect. XIII. As to the objections that are brought

against some accounts of miracles, v. g. that of Balaam^s ass

speaking, the exploits of Sampson, &"c. it is to be remembered

we are very imperfect judges what it is fit for

in general, that

God

to

do

and various things said by good commentators on

these heads are well worthy of being considered.

Sampsoji's

foxes, of which there might be many in that country, might be

caught by others, or brought to him by miracle ; not to say,

thata

little

word C2bT'^ wiU justify

alteration in the points of the

our translating

sheaves, instead oi foxes'^.

it

LECT. CXLVII.

QfGod*s Command to Abraham to sacrifice his Son The IsraelThe Execution of the
ites borrowing of the Egyptians
Canaanites Children suffering for their Parents, SCc.

JL

I .

enquire into and vindicate several passages of the

are charged by the enemies of reve-

Old Testament, which

lation as immoralities.
2.

fice his

to

Sect L The command of God

own

son,

is

commit murder in

a DODD. FaiD. Exp.

vol.

ii.

its

i 165. p. 403.

Clerc's

Whist.

HOM.

Eccl. Hist. Prol. p. 89, 40.

Descrip. of the

Iliad,

Chandler's

Note
b

(a) Ed. I.

I.E

1.

Temp. c. liii.

xxiii. Tcr.

to

Abraham

to sacri-

been no other than a command

most horrid form and circumstances.

said to have

750, 75i.

Life of David,

Memoirs uf

Lit. vol. i. p. 43
iN's Dissert, p. 1S6.
Patrick in Loc.

JORi

Bkownb's

Rel.

Med.

p. 17.

45.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

J3()

Dr.

Part VI.

^Varburton

has taken a singular metliod of removing this

by maintaining that the command was merely symbolical, or an information by action, instead of words, of the great
sacrifice for th(^ redemption of mankind, given at the earnest
difficultv,

Abraham, who lojiged impatiently

b<o.
Compare i/e/;. xi. 19.

request of

Christ's

to see

Johnvxix.

day"".

On

common

interpretation it may be replied, that

Lord of life, may, whenever he pleases, command one creature to be the instrument of death to another ;
though it must be owned, tl)at where such circumstances as
these attended the trial, there would have been great reason for
Abraham to have suspected this pretended revelation to have
been a delusion, had he not been before fully and certainly
acquainted with the method of God's converse with him, to
such a degree as to exclude all possibility of mistake
Vid.

3.

the

God,

as the great

Led.

107. IS.

*.

The Israelites borrowing, by the divine

of the Egyptians upon their retreat from
Egypt, which they never intended to restore, is objected as
Sect.

4.

command,

II.

vessels

To

an evident act of injustice.

this

it

has been replied,

That the word bw^ which we render borrow, may

be rendered, demand, and so their vessels might be required as
5.

1.

an equivalent for the labours

to the Egyptians.
Or,

Had

6. 2.

tliey

had for so many years given

they intended only at first to borrow them, the

pursuit of the Egyptians afterwards, with an intent to destroy

them, would have given tlicm a right to have plundered their

country, as well as their dead bodies, and therefore much more

evidently to retain those goods of theirs already in their hands'-".
7. Sect. III. The dreadful execution to be done on the
Canaanites by the divine command, is urged as an act of the
Some have endeavoured to exgreatest cruelty and injustice.
tenuate this, by arguing from Deut. xx. 10. compared witli
Josh. xi. 19, 20. that conditions of peace were to be offered,
them but waving that, in consideration of Dent. vii. 1, 2, 5, 16.
and many other parallel texts, (compare Deut. xx. 15, 16. Josh,
ix. 6, 7, 24.) it may Avith greater certainty be replied,

8,
a

Wars.

I.

That God

as their offended Creator

Div. Leg. vrl.ii. p. 589627. Ed.

Gluestion.

I.

b Chubb's Previous

TiLi.oTs. Works, vol. li. serm. ;i. p. 1216.

Rev. exam, wilh Cand. vol. ii. Diss. vii. viii.
Bayi.e's Diet. vol. i. p. 9.T. Note G, H.
Imiiior. ol the Mor. Phil. p. 13 1.x
176.
against Morg. vol. i. c. v. p. 1 J5
f.r ag.iinst .Morg. parti. j7.

Hallet's
Li.LAND

Chandi

^sovii's Woiks,

vol. ii.5 6.

Burnet ntRoyle's

had a right to

Lect. vol.

ii.

p. 190

193.

TliM.ors. Woiks .vol.

ii. p. 24.
p. 420.
Hoi'Klss's Works, p. 195.
Jenning.s's Jewish /^lUiq. vol.

Phrenix, vol.

ii.

Wateri.. Scrip- Vintl. Par

Shuckf. Con. vol. ii.
Exod.

iii.

21, 22.

xii.

ii.

ii. p. 10.
p. 9.

35, 36. Patrick in loc.

Of God's Command

Lect. cxLvii,

to

Abraham

I3i

U.C.

might as well destroy them

by the sword of the Israelites^ as by famine,
pestilence, fire and brimstone rained from heaven, or any other
calamity appearing to come more immediately from himself.
their forfeited lives, arid therefore

and

their posterity

9.2. The wickedness of this people, especially as aggravated bv the destrnction of Sodovi, was such as made the execution done upon them an useful lesson to neighbouring nations.

Comp. Gen.
37.

xv. 16. Lev.

xviii.

20

28.

Jude

i.

7.

Wisd.

xii.

ites,

10. :3. That the miracles Avrought in favour of the Israelnot onh" at their coming out oi Egypt, but their entrance

on Canaan proved that they were indeed commissioned

as

God's

executioners, and consequently that their conduct was not to

be a model for conquerors in ordinary cases.
11. 4. That there was a peculiar propriety in destroying
those sinners by the sword of Israel ; as that would tend to

impress the Israelites more strongly with an abhorrence of the

vices of those nations, and consequently
subserve that design of keeping them a distinct people adhering to the worship of the true God, which was so gracious to

idolatry and other

mankind in general, as well as to them in particular. After all,

had any among the Canaanites surrendered themselves at discretion to the God of Israel, a new case would have arisen not
expressly provided for in the law, in which it is probable God,
upon being consulted by Urim and Thummim, would have
spared the Uves of such penitents, and either have incorporated
them with the Israelites by circumcision, or have ordered them
a settlement in some neighbouring country, as the family of
Rahab seems to have had ^.
12. Sect. IV.
ihQix parents has been

The

^\\ms\nv\g children for the sins of

charged as injustice.

It is replied,

13.1. That, generally speaking, this was forbidden to the

Ezek. xviii. 20. excepting the singu-

Israelites, Beat. xxiv. i6.

lar instance

mentioned, Deut.

xiii.

12, &c.

That the general threatening in iihe. second commandment may only amount to a 'declaration, that idolatry
should be punished with judgments which should affect succeeding generations, as captivity and war would certainly do.
14. 2.

15. 3.
25.

That

N^umb.xY\. 27

a SHt'CKF. Connect, vol.

f^ELAND against Mor?.

against

iii.

in

p.

vol.

Tind. vol.

particular instances, such as Josh.

33.

i.

432

4t6.

p. 136.
J

i.

429.

vii.

24,

and the destruction of the houses of

Lowman's Heb. Gov. p.

SVKgs's Connect, p. 330.

220231,-

;f

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

13^2

VI.

the \vicked kings by a divine sentence, the terrible executions

customary in the east abated something of the horror of it
and where innocent children were concerned, God as the Lord

and
of all might make them recompence in a future state
when v,e consider him under this character, and remember that
we are to judge of his conduct towards any creatures, not by
what befalls them in this life, any more than by what befalls
them in any particular day or place of their abode, the greatest
:

part of the objection will vanish

on

this

what

it

obvious mistake, that

which seems to be grounded

is

it

not righteous in God to do,

in the like circumstances,

would be unjust for rnantodo

forsetting the infinite difference of the relation.

16. 4. It

is

their constitutions,

so plain in fact, that children often suffer in

and sometimes

lose their lives even in their

of the sins of parents committed before such

children were born ; that nothing can vindicate the apparent
conduct of providence in such instances, but such principles as

infancy,

by means

will likewise vindicate the jDassages of scripture here

under con-

sideration.

^17. Dr.
ject:

Warburton

has a peculiar notion on this sub-

that while the Israelites were under an equal providence^

and the state of future rewards and punishments was little known,
this was a kind of additional sanction to their laws, which was
afterwards reversed when a future state came more in view, in
But perhaps it
the declining days of their commonwealth.
might rather be intended as an oblique insinuation of this state;
since certainly with relation to individuals^ it was an unequal
36 ^
providence. Com^. Matt, xxiii. 23

18. Sect. V. God's hardening the heart of Pharaoh,

the circumstances in which he threatens to do it, Ex. vii. 3

is

m
5.

further charged as inconsistent with his holiness and justice.

19. Ans.l. By God's hard7ii7ig the heart of 3.ny person

arc to understand his exercising such providential dispensations, as he knew in fact would be perverted by that person as an

we

occasion of more obstinate sin,

God

at the

same time not

inter-

posing to prevent this effect: compare Exod. vii. 22. viii. 15, 32.
and thus prophets are said to harden men's hearts, by taking
measures which, though in their own nature adapted to subdue
them, would in fact (as God knew and revealed to them) be at-

tended with their greater hardness.

20. 2.
3

Wabb.

Isa. vi. 9, 10.

That the foreknowledge of such an event, suppos-

Div. Leg. ^ol.

ii,

p.

45^461-

Chove's

PobUj.

Works,

toI. iv. p, 198.

Of God's Command

Lect.cxlvii.

we do

to

Abraham,

133

^c.

was not rendered necessary, would nevertheGod at liberty to take such measures as
for if we
the circumstances of the case would otherwise admit
did not allow this, it would be equally impossible to vindicate
the main course of God's conduct towards his creatures, especially the universality of his providence, and the certainty of his
ing as

that

it

less leave a righteous

prescience.
3. If we should say with M. Saurin and others, that
21
L^rdening the heart was the immediate operation of God
upon tfse mind, in consequence of which the obstinacy of
Pharaoh became unavoidable, and which was itself a punish'
ment of former sin, it must be allowed that it is not inconsistent
with justice to inflict such a punishment, which is indeed no
other than a terrible kmd of lunacy : but whether a man in that
state could be said to be punished for thd^t hardness, remains a
further question.
Comp. Exod. ix. 12. x. 20, 27. xi. 10. with
.

this

22.

vii.

viii.

15,

32^

The law which appointed idolatry to be

punished with death, is objected to as an invincible bar to all
freedom of enquiry, and a foundation for persecution, which has
already been proved to be contrary to the light of nature, Deut.
22. Sect. VI.

xiii.

is

pass. Fid.

Led.

87.

23. Ans. 1. Though we readily allow, that persecution

an evil in a state of nature, yet perhaps it may be asserted,

knows what degree of evidence will attend any doctrine of religion in any given circumstances of time,
place, and person, which we cannot judge of, i/e may pass sentence upon idolaters and other profane persons, where human
laws cannot safely do it.
that as the divine being

24, 2. As God was the temporal king of Israel, and even

their kings were only his viceroys, idolatry was in the nature of

high treason, and therefore justly punishable as by their statute

laws\
25. 3. It is also to be remembered, that God gave the
land of Canaan with many temporal emoluments to the Israelites,
as a reward of their obedience to him: it was therefore equitable, that in case of disobedience to some of his most important
laws, tliey should be subject to some peculiar temporal penalties,

and even to death itself,

abode in that land.
a Limb. Theol.

1.

vi. c. ix.

Fleetw. on Mir. p. 64 SI.

Turret. Loc. vi. Q.uest. 4> i;

VOL.

v.

if this

act were committed during their

I
I

T-

Uj

15.

Saurin's Dissert, vol. ii. p. 1 16125.

Shcrlock on Proph. p. 189195.
b Jennings's Jew. Antiq, vol. i. p. 172.

PaRT

tECTURES ON DIVINITY.

134

Vlf.

26. +. Nevt^rtlieless it is to be observet^, tliat tlif Israelites

are never conimissione.cl to make war u|)on tlieir neighbours, or

exercise any violence towards any of them, in order to eovipei

them

God of Israel; nor to force them to it even

were conquered Dent. xx. lo. nor are they impoweretl thus forcibly to attempt to recover any native Israelite, who
should revolt to idolatry, and go to settle in u gentile country.
to worsiiip the

after they

^ 27. 5. As God had placed the Israelites under such an

extraordinary equal providence, that the prosperity of the country should depend upon tlieir adherence to the true God, in opposition to idols, his commanding them to put to death the
beginner of a revolt, Avas a wise precaution; and such an one as
in these circumstances even human prudence might have suggested to subordinate governors, if such governors had been permitted to make capital laws.
^ 28. 6, When we consider how great a 2:ood it would have
been to the whole world, that Israel should have continued to
maintain the knowledge and worship of the true God in opposition to

appear, that a constitution deto the world in

general, as well as their nation, in proportion to the degree in
all

which

idolatry,

it

will further

them from idolatry would be merciful

terring

it

was severe to any particular offenders^*.

LECT. CXLVIII.
0/ the

Human

Execution of Saul's Descendants

Design of the Book of Job^

Sacrijices

&(c.

A HE

execution of the descendants of Said,

1. Sect. VII.
2 Sam. xxi. 2. is further urged as an instance of human sacrifice,
entirely inconsistent with the light of natin-e.

2.

To

condemned

this

we answer,

not by saving that the persons here

to death might be personally concerned in the cruel-

ties before exercised on the Gibeonites, which some of them on

account of their infant age must have been entirely incapable
of; neither do we ascribe it to the supposed injustice of keepPrcf. to Lact. on the Death of Persccut. p. 18, 19.
Lett. i. p. 51
55.

a Bri'Nr.T's

LocKF. on Toleraiiun,

Dodd.
LF.r

"^erm.

AND

Ji;.nk.

on

on Persec. j>. 29 33.

Morg. vol. ii. p 129.

.-ig;iinst

ehiist. vol.

i.

p.

597'i.

* This subject came under consideration in tlie controver.^y that was carried
on betweeoDr. Lowth and Bishon WARBURroN.and >!ieir respective supporters. K,

Lect. cKLviii. Of the Execution ofSauVs Descendants,

fiCc.

35

ing possession of the Giheonitish cities, on which Dr. Delany

lays so much stress on the slender evidence of 1 Sam. xxii. 7.

compare I Sam. viii. 14. and Josh,

it was merely an act of cruelty

that

ceptable to
land.

God

since

it is

xviii. 25.

we

neither do

in the Gibeonites,

say-

and unac-

said, he -was on this intreaiedfor the

must rather be answered,

It

saving, on the principles laid down Lect. 147.

which indeed this instance does properly belong)
that we cannot reasonably affirm universally, that it is unjust in
God, or unbecoming any of his perfections, to inflict temporal
calamities or even death itself on one person, for the crimes of
another, to whom the person suffering was nearly related, nor
can the death of those descendants of Saul be called a human
sacrifice, on any other principle, than that on which the execution of malefactors with their families in any instance may be

^ 12

By

1.

3.

17. (to

so called.
4. 2. That the circHmstances of the case liere were such,
might well justify some extraordinary severity, and make it
on the wdiole a blessing to the public as it would be a useful

as

lesson to all succeeding princes, to take care how^ they violated

any of the laws of the Theocracy, when they saw the breach
of one of those treaties

made

at the time of their first settle-

ment, so terribly avenged on the house of their first king ; and

it would probably be a means of awakening the people to some
sense of religion, when thev saw such a remarkable hand of God
interposing, in the death of those persons, to remove the famine
which had lain so long upon them.
5. 3. That sufficient provision was made by the express
law of God, to prevent their bringing such extraordinary instances as this into a precedent to direct their own conduct by in

common

Yid. Lect. 147. 13. compare 2 Kings xiv.

cases.

5, 6^*.

6. Sect. VIII. Some have thought that human sacrifices

general were authorized by Lev. xxvii. 28, 2y. on Avhich
they suppose thditJephtha proceeded in the sacrifice of his daugh-

in

ter.

Concerning

(which

this precept,

teach us requires some limitation,)

7.

It is

a CLARiusin Loc.
Gro r. de Jure, 1.

* See on
God's

own

evident that

c.

xxi.

14.

common

sense

would

observe,

expressly forbad the Israelites

CHAND

ii.

this subject lr.

heart.

God

we

Life of David, vol.

ii.

p.

378400.

Chandler's answer

C.

to the History of the

man

after

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

136

to sacrifice their children to him, Deut. xii. 30, 31. Jer.

compare Lev.

xviii.

21. xx. 2. Psal. cvi.

37,

33.

VI.

31.

vii.

Ezek. xvi.

20, 21.

There

no reason to believe, that he allowed even

(l.) ijecause no peculiar rites are prescribed for that dreadful sacrifice, though a distinction is made
in the burnt-offerings of herds, flocks, and birds, Lev. i. pass,
(2) Because none of the Canaanites (accursed as tiicy were)
are directed to be reserved for the altar, not even Kings taken
alive, tlwugh they might have seemed the noblest sacrifice.
(3.) Because the sacrifice of a man, is proverbially used to express what is as abominable to God, as that of a dog or swine,
Jsa. Ixvi. 3.
(4.) Because a Jewish priest would iiave been
rendei-ed unclean, and incapable of attending the sanctuary, by
the touch of a dead body, though it had fallen down in the temple by chance; much less can we imagine He would have been
allowed to cut it to pieces and lay it on the altar.

8.

2.

is

of the sacrifice o^ slaves,

9. 3. Nothing that wzs devoted could be sacrificed at all;

so that this text cannot in any clause of it refer to sacrifice.
22.
1 Sam. XV, 3, 15

10. 4 This therefore refers to a vow to destroy the inhabitants of anv place which they made war against, and was in-

tended to make them cautious

Compare

obligations.

Josh. \\. 17, 18.

viii.

iV^zf?7i3.

21

26.

in laying

xxi.

themselves under such

Deut. xxv. 17
19.

3.

See also Judg. xxi.

5.

Sam.

xiv. 24, 39.

11. 5. The words therefore should be rendered, "no

devoted thing which a man shall have devoted to the Lord," and
the field of his possession may be equivalent to the la7id of it, and
may include any sucii place ?ls Jericho, which by the way might
be a lasting and very useful memorial, and (as it were) a sepulComchral monument of the pride and strength of Canaan.

pare

Chron.

places, ^^/d

is

i.

46. Psal. Ixxviii. 12.

Neh.

xiii. 10. in all

which

put for land or country.

^12. 6. On this interpretation, it would by a strong consequence imply, that none had a power of pardoning those that
were condemned to death by God's law which may be more
;

expressly intimated v^r. 29. compare

17.
22,23. xiii. 12

'ji'o</.

xxii. 20. Deut.xx'i.

13. 7. The law forbidding murder in general, was ecjuivalcnt to a prohibition devoting any human creature to death,
As for
unless in some extraordinary cases by public authority.

Lect. cxlviii.

Of the

Execution of SauVs Descendants,

S^c.

137

is given to the law of redeeming the

implied they must otherwise have been sacri-

the invidious turn which

first-born, as if

it

jiccd, since, says

Morgan,

there

is

would have been redeemed from a

no reason to believe they

benejit;

it

may

be questioned

Avhether the eldest sons of families would have chosen the

life

of

But waving this, the insinuation may be sufHeiently

answered by observing, that God having asserted a peculiar
right to the first-born, and yet by the choice of the Levites having precluded other families from serving at his altar had not
sucfi a pecuniary acknowledgment been made, he might probably have punished the neglect of the parents, by taking away
their children in their infancy, Exod. xiii. 2, 13.
Comp. Exod.
Lcvites.

iv.

24

26

'.

What Dr. Sykes has advanced in favour of his

which supposes the meaning of Lev. xxvii. 28,
29. to be " whatever shall be consecrated to the service of God,
shall die in its devoted state," has not altered my judgment of
this text: because it seems that the
always implies the
death of any living creature, whether man or beast, to which it
is applied
and consequently though DID' DID signifies dying in
the general, yet in tins connection it must signify (as it is generally allowed to do) being put to death : nor does it any where
signify, dying in the state in which a person is, but always implies death by a divine sentence, if not by a violent stroke^.
14. N. B.

interpretation,

mn

15. Sect. IX. The putting a lying spirit into the mouth
of Ahab^s prophets, is a circumstance often mentioned upon this
occasion,

Kings

xxii, 19.

But the

plain answer to this

is,

that Micaialis speech was merely a parable; and the intent of

according to the eastern manner, was only to declare, that

had permitted the prophets of Baal to impose upon Ahab
by a falshood ^.

it,

God

16. Sect. X.

It is said that

the whole book o^ Job turns

upon a wrong moral, and represents God

as over-bearing Job by
superior power, rather than convincing him by rational arguments.
Vid./o^ xxxviii xli.

17. Ans. 1. In these chapters not merely the power but

also the wisdom of God is insisted upon, as illustrated in the
Avorks of creation and providence; and nothing could have

been more proper

to convince Job

a MORG. Mor. Phil. p. 12S 137.

Immor. of Mor. Phil. p. 1113,15, 16.
Leland against Tind. vol. ii. p. -WS 47 6.
Fam. Exp. on LuUe ii. 23. Note b.
SELD.deJure, l.iv. c. vi, vii. | 911.
JiALLET oil Heb. xi. 32. p. \i.

how

unfit

Festus

&

it

Paui.us

was for him to

in Verb, sacer

&

sacratae

leges.

FlNLEY apud Month. Rev.

Jennings's Jewish
b Sykes 's Connect, c.
Patrick in Loc.

vol. xliv. p. 453.

Aniiq. vol. i. p. b8.
xiii.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

138

VI.

censure anv of the divine proceedings, as in the transport of his

grief he had sometimes done.
18. 2. That the awful display here made of the divine
power and sovereign majesty was by no means improper, because it would tend to convince Job of his fault, in treating this
tremendous being with so little reverence in some of his late discourses, and also as it would by consequence prove the equity of

God's administration, since it could be no profit to him that be

should oppress and woidd give/o6 such a sense of the malignity
of every sin, even those imperfections which were consistent
with the general integrity and piety of his own temper, as might
teach him to accept all his severest afflictions, as no more than
what he had justly deserved; and accordingly we find it had
5. xlii.
Job xl. 3
this eflect on the mind of that good man.
;

16.
19. N. B. If Dr. Warburton's ingenious hypothesis
concerning the book of Job be admitted, that it was written by
Ezra, upon the plan of a true ancient story, with some particular view to the state of the Jews in his time, the difBculty
concerning the morality of it, and the foundation of this solution, will continue much the same^*.
20. Sect. XI. That inveteracy of spirit, which is sometimes expressed in the Psalms, is excepted against, as incona Ware.

Div. Leg. vol.

ii.

p.

483542.

Grey's

Lett, to

Warb.

p. 121, 122.

Since these references were made, the book of Job has been the object of
Mr. Peters, in his critical dissertation on this book, has

particular discussion.
oj)posed the system

formance.

He

of

Warburton,

and contended

for the antiquity of the

per-

famous pas^age, chap. xix.

vcr. 25, 26, 27. refers to a future state.
Mr. Chappelow, in his commentary on
Job, maintams that an Aiabic poem was written by Job himself, and that it was
modelled by a Hebrew, at a later period. This period Mr. Chappelow does not
take upon him to ascertain. Mr, Heath, \n his " Essay towards a new English
version of the book of Job," sujjports the hypothesis of its having been written at
or after the captivity.
A very different system is adopted bj' Bishop Lowth. The
Bishop, in his three beautiful lectures on the argument, design, manners, conception^.,
and style of Job, esteems it to be the most probable opinion, that either Job himself, or some one contemporary with him, was the author of the poem ; and that it is
the oldest of all the sacred writings. Michaelis, in his fine epimetron to Lowth's
thirty second lecture, strongly opposes the notion of Heath, and offers some reasons to shew that the book might be composed by Moses, when he was about forty
has also endeavoured to prove, that

tlie

Lowth, de sacra poesiHehrcpornm, p. 423, 424. Editio tertia, Johannis

Davidis Michaelis, in Robert! Lowih Prerlectiones, Notir et Efiimetra, p. 185,
186. Coincident in sentiment with Michaelis is Mr. Thomas Scott, who, in his
' book of Job, in English verse, translated from the Hebrew," is rather of opinion
(though he expresses himself doubtfully upon the subject), that the poem is the work
of Moses, and that it was his first production, when he resided iu the land of

years of age.

Midian

after he

had fledfrom the court of Egypt. K<-


Of the

Lect. cxviii.

Compare

Psal.

&.c. cix. 6,

Ixix. 22,

\Z9

S^c.

spirit of the jrospel.

&c. cxxxvii. 8,9. To this

humanity, as well as with' the

sistent with

it is

Execution o/SaiWs Descendants^

answered,

21. 1. As God was in a peculiar manner the temporal

Prince of Israel, these passages may be considered in tlie same
view as petitions offered to a prince by an oppressed subject,
as were the proper
and the natural manner in which
the sense of injury and hope of redress are expressed, is no in-

demanding sentence against such criminals

objects of his public justice

considerable internal argument of the credibility of scripture;

as Dr. Jackson, according to his usual penetration, has well

observed.
22.

in

will

put

tic
J

for t\\e future

many

of these places, the genius of the

allow us to suppose, that the imperative is
so that they might be understood as prophe-

That

2.

Hebrew language

Compare ^cts

denunciations rather than imprecations.

i.

8 20.
That if we suppose the prophets to have received
God, that such and such calamities should be

23. 3.

a revelation from

on the obstinate enemies of God and his people, it may

be defended as a temper of mind no way inconsistent with virtue, thus to pra}'^ for their destruction, and thereby to express
an acquiescence in the justice and wisdom of the divine proceedings
and accordingly celestial spirits are represented by that
benevolent apostle John, as addressing such prayers to God, Bev.
inflicted

vi.

have

11, xvi. 5

case,

it

7. xviii.

7.

Or

if

none of these, which

weight, bhould be admitted as applicable to every

all their

might be

said,

24. 4. That we have no w^here asserted the degree of inspiration to be such in all the poetical composures of scripture,

no room for small irreoalar workins^s of human

good men, by whom the scriptures were written \
18.
Jer. xx. 14
as

to leave

passions, in the hearts of those

25. Sect. XII. It is said that in the whole book of Esther, tbereis no mention of God, though the interposition of proviilence there he so remarkable ; which seems very little agree-

able to the genius of the rest of the

26.

To this some would

%vhether this

is

indeed there

to
is

y4'A

it

doubtful
:

ii.

c.

22S.

Insp- P- ""^

answer, by allowing

be included among the canonical books and

Others conclude
hardly any more dubious.

s Jesk. of Christianity, vol.

LowTH OD

Old Testament.

xix.

'Siii

Jacks. Cred.

i. i.

part

4to, ap. 0|). vol.

I
t

i.

ii.

1. c. iii.

p. 2(5.

five Lett, on Inspir. p.

SiJ, 15(5.

p. 36, 37.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

140

that the additional chapters preserved in the

Avere originally a part of the book, which

be no room

if

Greek

is

translation

they are, there can

But we chuse

at all for the objection here proposed.

rather to say, tiiere

VI.

a plain acknowledgment of divM)e provi-

dence supposed in Esther's fasting, which no doubt was attended with prayer to the God oi Israel. The custom of speaking, at the time and in the place where this was written, might
be different from that used at the time and place in which the
and on the whole, the omisother penmen of scripture wrote
sion of the name of God, where there were so many proper occasions to introduce it, would rather be an argument against its
being written hy suggestion, wdiich there is no apparent reason
:

to assert, than against the truth of the history

nevertheless

it

proper here to observe, how great an argument it is in favour

of the credibility of all the other books, that such a continued

is

God

runs through the whole of them

and there is in
resemblance and harmony between all the
writings of both Testaments, as is well worthy of our admiraregard to

this respect so great a

tion^.

LECT. CXLIX.

Song of Solomon Character of some Old Testament

SaintsContradictions charged on the Scriptures,

Of

the

AT

is objected, that the Song of Solomon seems

Sect. XIII.
to be an amorous poem, and there are some passages in it which
shock common decency. To this we must answer, either by
supposing (as some have done) that it is no part of the canon of
scripture, or otherwise, by interpreting it in an allegorical sense,
as referring to the Messiah and his church compare Psal. xlv.
passim with Heb. i. 8, 9. If it be said, that on this interpretation there are some indecent figures in it, as there are in Ezek.
xvi, xxiii. and in many other places
it is answered, that the
simplicity of the eastern nations made some of the e phrases

much

shocking to them, than the delicacy, or perhaps the

make them to modest people

less

licentiousness of these western parts

among

us

>*

*.

a Jacks. Works,

JENK.of
Five
Li

>

I. i. c. v. vol. i. p. 1921.
Christian, vol. ii. c. iv. p. yO 93.
of Iiisj). p. '349.

Lett,

H of

piji. p. yt'O, 'JOl

Conn vol. p. 251 254.

Dss on K'riras,p.24.
b PairicK on Cant. Pre*, pass.
Pi! 10.

l.EE's

i.

Whist. App.

to Ess. for rest,

the Can. of Old

Test. Ixc.

Month. Rev. vol.

Saurin's Serra.

v. p. 492.
vol. iii. p. 157, 158.

Caiuvov. Def. c. iv. p. 195 227.

Ouviesde St. EVREMOND, vol. IV.
JoRilN's Rem.

vol.

In addition to the references here given, other writers

i.

p, 126.

p. 236.

may

be mentioned,

OJ the Execution of SauVs Descendants

LfiCT. cxLix.

I4l

&ic.

XIV. Tindal has endeuvoured to sb~ew that

passages in the Old Testament, which give us a
mean and unworthy idea of God but the particular passages
themselves, and the vindication of them, may be seen in the fol 2. Sect.

there are

many

by which it appears that some ot these objections are built upon our translation, others of them upon the
want of due candour, which would lead a reader of common understanding to expound those expressions figuratively, and to
allow for the idiom of the age and country in which tliey were
lowing references

especially considering how plainly those perfections of

;
are asserted in other passages of this book, which evidently

Avritten

God

tend to give us the subliniest ideasof him, and lay in an easy and
cerfain remedy against whatever danger could be supposed to

Comp.

from the |)assages excepted agauist^.

arise

Lect. 154.

3. Sect. XV. As for the objections which Tindal and

Morgan have urged against the character of some of the Old

Testament

by the

4.

saints,

1.

it is

answered,

That some of those

facts are expressly

condemned

historians themselves.

5. 2. That others of them are barely mentioned, without

any intimation that they are to be commended or imitated.
6. 3 That God might judge it necessary, that the faults
of the great founders and heroes of the Jewish nation should be
thus circumstantially recorded, thatthe Jews might be humbled,
who were so very ready to grow vain and insolent, and despise
all the rest of mankind on account of their relation to them.
For this reason also among others, it may be, that Melchizedeck
and Job, and some other good men, not of the Jewish chuvch,
are mentioned witli so much honour.
a

TiND

of ClirLslian.

c. xiii.

FosT. against Tin(i.

p. ;il5
vol.

LELANDagainsl Tind.

230.
ii.

Clarke's Posth.Serm.

Guardian,

c. xi.

vol.

ii.

vol.

i.

164.

p. 160

No. .

who have made Si)lornon's Song the object of particular examination. Dr. LowtR
has devoted two lectures to the subject, in liis " Frelecliones de sacra Poesi Hehr/Tonim." No. xxx, xxxi. In the lirst of these lectures, the Doctor shews, that the
Song of Solomon
of the poem.

is

not a just drama, and

Michaelis

in

the next he considers the scope and style

Lowi h, p. 154 136, has some obsercommonly received opmion, that the composition is
marriage. The reference to the monthly review relates

in his notes

upon

vations, calling in question the

a pastoral, descriptive of a

to" A

Dissertation on the Song of Solomon, with the original text divided according

to the metre, and a poetical version," published in 1751.

iia'.ne is

not mentioned, was the Rev. Mr. Gifford.

Mr. T. WiLLi-iMs's new

notes, and introductory essays,

The

author, though his

K.

of this book, with a commentary and

a great improvement on similar attempts. The

translation
is

author has enriched his work with numerous and apposite quotations from those writers who have treated of Eastern manners, as well as preceding commentators. W.

VOL.

V.

PaRT WU

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

142

7. 4. That notwithstantlirif^ tliis, if the characters of

manv, who were most faulty, be fairly exaniincd, they "'ill he

found on the whole to have been excellent men as may particularlv be evinced in that oi' David, whose hlemislies were so
remarkably great. See Delani/s life of that prince*.
:

That the mention of their imperfections and mismanner as they are mentioned, is so far
from being any argument against those books, that it is a very. S. 5.

carriages, in snch a

convincing proof of the integrity of the persons who wrote them,

and a glorious internal proof of the truth of the Old Testament,
which mu^t be transmitted with it to all succeeding ages.
9. Sect.

XVI.

objected, that

It is

Kings

xv. 5. seems to

intimate, that the character of JJavid was blameless, except

Uriah

in the business of

whereas

his

behaviour

in

the court of

Achisli and on man}' other occasions was grosslv criminal.

It is

answered, not equally so as in the case of Uriah; Piottosay,

that there is not the same evidence for the inspiration ot the
liistory of A7;/^.y, as most of the other books of scripture
nor
to insist on the possibility of some intimation received from
God, wjiich might have made it entirely lawful for David to have
fought against Israel and Achish.
;

10. Nearly akin to this is the objection, th^\ Jephihah,

and Sampson, though both men of bad moral characters, are
reckoned among the believing worthies in the eleventh of lie hSome have replied to this, by attempting to defend their
rexvs.
but perhaps it is sufficient to say, that Ueb. xi. 3i).
characters
only relates tn ?,\\ch a faith , as might be found in those who
were not truly virtuous and religious, which though it might
entitle them to some degree of praise for the heroic actions they
performed by means of it, could have no efficacy to secure their
future and everlasting happiness. Comjjare 1 Cor. xiii. 2. Matt.
vii. 22, 23\
;

To

11. Prop.

enumerate some of the chief contradictions

some general solution of

r!iarged on the scripture, and to give

them.

The enumeration

12. Parti.

of the chief passages which

appear contradictory.
Besides the difference about the ge7iaiogies, passover, and
a

A B. Taylor

Owes

on

SAlMUN's

53.

against Walls, p. 96

lleii.c.

xi.

St'iin. vol.

* See on

ad

i.\.

lin.

p.

47

this sulijert

CuA.vDLtit's antiwcr.

C.

'.'8.

the

JEVSisns'.s Jew. Antiq. vol.

Ha i.i'.t on lleb. xi. :;i>.

i.p. 56.

H /story

Chasdier's

Life of Uaviil, vol.

nf the Mini after God''s

i,

B.

ii

c. 7, M'\

own H<art, ami Dr.

Of the

Lect. cxlix.

Execution of SauVs Descendants^

resurrection of Christ,

New

which the Old and

the old disagrees with

.'5.

itself.

Matt, xxvii.9. compared with Zcch.

Mark
Luke

2G

ii.

JttsvW. 4
^cts v\\. 14
)
Jets \\\. \G.
'
Gen. xxiii. y.
Joshua xxiv. 32. J
Jets vii. 43
^/r/y

21.

xiii. 2!>,

Gen.

20.

xhx. 29
32.
xxv. 9, 10.

(.

j7nos

v. 27.

^
Rings
^
r^-

yi. 1.

Niwi. XXV.

Ileb. ix. 4

xxxiii. 18

-5

Cor. x. 6

I,

xlvi. ^1.

rGew.

V. 4.

xi. 12, 13.

Ge??. xi. 26, 32. xii. 4.

,,

,,
2
oo/.

disagree,

Sam. xxi. 1.
Kings xviii.

25

iv.

11-3

the fbllowini]^ passages arc iir<^cd, in

Testament disagree with each otlier, or

The Old and New Testament

1.

h(c.

Kings

14. 2. In the

9.

vii\. 9.

Old Testament the following passages' are

objected to as contradictorv.

Ezra

Keh.

ii

jF.jw/. vii,

Isa.

19,22

K.vod.

Wviii.l3.

Chron.

Sam.

xviii. 12.

xvi.
xxii.

Kings

.$'?.

vii.

^5.

A7/?^^ xv. 16, 33.

xvi.8.

Chron. xxi, 25.

Chron. xxi, 12.

y'ni.iilt.

27v7;?^5viii. IG, 17.

Kings'lv. 26
xviii.

x'l.

xxv. 44.

'^'^"'- J'i-

2 Chron.

?<<?<?

Chron.

2 Chron. ix. 25.

4

2 Sam.K. 18
1
Chron. xxi. 5
1

title.

2 Chron. iv. 5.

26

xxiv. 13

2 Chron.

22.

2 Chron. xvii. 6.

43

Kings ix.
2 Kings I. 17
1

5'a?;2.

f
(

2 Sam.xx'w. 24
1

vii,

Psal.lx.

xviii. 19.

A7^*

'37,38.

2 5Vn xxi. 8, 9,
2 Chron. \v. 19.
1

&c.

2 A7^.s xvii. l, &c.

4, 8

vii,

vii. 6,

x\Wi.xx.23 29.xxxiii.30,

7>?/;, X. 8

Sam.

Chron. xix.

viii. 4.

IS.

2 ^awi.xxiv. 9.

11

2 Chron. xxxvi.

2 ^Vaw. xxiii. 8.
9.

Kings

xxiv, 8:

(2 Chron.

^ /-.;
Chron. xxu. 2
2

<
(

S 2

,,

r^

Kings

xxi. 20.

v!ii.

^,^

26.

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

144
2 Chron.
I'ino--

xiii. 2. )

XV

">

^^"'P^'^^"

2 Chron. xxii. 29
2 Chron. xxviii. 20, 21

15. Part II.

To give

_^
^ ^,
2 Chron. xi. 20

^^''th

VI.

22.

2 A7/?^^ ix. 27.

2 Kings xvi. 7

9.

the general solution of them.

may

be observed concerning ihesc dikiculties in general,

all, relate to numbers, 7ianies,
measures, dates, and genealogies. For the particular solution,
see the commentators on each of the places.
shall only
offer thefollotting remarks by way of general solution.
It

that most of them, though not

We

16.

I.

Many

ciled to each other,

of the seeming contradictions may be reconwithout doing anv violence to either of the

the
commentators have often shewn
by different writers to begin
from different a?ras, as they reigned alone or in partnership, and
tlie same person being often called by ditVerent names, and different men by the same name *.
texts opposed

as the

reigns of kings being supposed

17. 2. In other cases, it cannot greatly affect the religious

use and end of the Old Testament, to acknowledge that some
numeral mistakes at least may have crept into our present
copies, tiiough perhaps they were not to be found in the first
original.

18.3.

It is also to

be remembered, that by far the greatest

part of these difficulties, indeed near three fourths of them, arise

from the book of Chronicles, the author of which is unknown,

and the evidence of its inspiration less tlian that of most other
books in the Old Testament^*. See Lect. 143. 8.

LECT. CL.
Objections from the Jewish Ceremonies considered Circumcision y Sacrifcest &(c.

1. Prop. JL O state and answer those objections against the

authority of the Old Testament, which have been taken from
a

Newt.

Cliron. pass, procs. p. 265, 266.

vol. i. p. 39, 40.

b RjuoLtv's Uiv.

* Many

Bubn. four Disc. p. 60<^.'f

Tuuret. vol. i. Loc. ii. duest.

j
|

of tJiese difficulties, especially tliose wTTicb regard the

nicles, are considered in Dr.

KENNicon'.<; two volumes on the state

v.

book
ot'

of Chro-

the printed

text ol the Old Testament.

It may nut be aiiii-^s here to observe tha;, independently of the professed commentators, collections of remarks on detached pas.'^ages
of scripture are particularly useful ; and the utility of them with his usual sagacity,
lias

been rueouiuieuded by Lord Bacon.

K.

145

Objections from ike Jewish Ceremoniesy Kc,

Lect. cL.

the fundainentd branches of the whole Jewish ceconomij, auii

are not referred to Lect. 147

loaded

149.

Sect. I. It is urcred, that an institution so overceremonies -Asthe. Mosaic was, could not be of divine
It is answered,

2. Sol.
witli

original.

I. That the j^enius and circumstances of that people required a more pompous form of worship, than God would
otherwise have probablv chosen ; especially considering their
education in the land of '^j//?^, where such worship was so much

practised.
And thus far Spencer seems rigiit, in the general
design of his celebrated piece on the laws of the Hebrews, though
iie has carried the matter too far in his particular illustrations,

3. 2. Some of the ceremonies prescribed appear not

even to us useless and unaccountable, but on the contrary answered some valuable ends v. g. they might serve to guard
them against the idolatries and superstitions of their neighbours,
many of which these rites are so far from imitating, as some
learned men have maintained, that, as Wnsius has largely and
excellently proved in his jEgjjpiiaca, they directly oppose tiiem
:

Young

a subject, which Dr.

discourse on idolatry,

c. iv. v.

has well illustrated in his late

They might also bring to their

frequent recollection illustrious deliverances wrought out for

them, or some important hints of morality, which they repre-

way as suited their apprehenand above all, the}' were fitted to make way fur the dispensation of the Messiah partly by the affecting and perpetual
display that was therein made of the divine majesty, purity and
justice, which not only tended in general to promote morality,
but might especially shew how proper and needful it was that
such njean, polluted and guilty creatures should approach him
by a Mediator, and partly by the representation of many gospel
doctrines, especially relating to the incarnation, atonement and
intercession of Christ, as is shewn at large by the apostle in his
sented in such an emblematical
sions

epistle to the

Hebrews.

4. 3. It

is

exceeding probable, that

if

we had

more

particular account of the usages of the neighbouring nations,

we might find out the reasonableness of many of those insti-

and
tutions, which at present appear to us unaccountable
what we know of the wisdom of some of them, should engcige us
to judge favourably of others.
;

5. 4. Those precepts for which we can give no other

reason at all, did at least serve to Ic,eep the Jezi's a distinct people


PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

146

Vl.

from all others, wiiicli was very proper in order to preserve the
worship of the true God among them, and has since been the
ionndation of all that evidence which arises to Christianity from
their continuing so distinct, even in the midst of all their disper-

Comp. Led.

sions.

131,

1, 2.

C. 5. Thev were expressly assured again and again in the

plainest words, that the principle stress a\ as not to be laid on

ceremonial observances, but that the great duties of morality

were of much higher esteem in the sight of God. Vid. Sain.
XV. 22, 23. Mica/iv'i. 6
8. Prov. xxi. 3. xv. S. I/os. vi. 6. Jer.
\

10. i.
17. Jinosv. 21
23.
To which we may add the distinction
made between the ceremonial and the mor.il law, by writing
thechief branch(;sof the latter on tables of stone, after they had
been pronotuued b}' an audible voice from heaven not now to
insist upon such jjrecepts in the pcntateuch, as Deut. vi. 4, 5.
and t!ie many parallel passages
which must be sulBcientto
shew that no ceremonial observances could in themselves alone
render them acceptable to God. Compare /Jew ^ xxvii. 11- 26*.

vii.4
24.

ha.

lo.

I\'iaL

1.

iS

Ixvi.

3. Iviii. 3

7.

Sect.

II.

To

circumcision

cutting off a part of the

fluous
,

state;
It is

it

is

objected,

tliat

it

was

human body, which had it been superbeen given to man in his most perfect

would not liave

and that it was an operation attended with some danger.

answered,
S.

1.

That

plain in fact

it is

it is

ger; and allowing there migijt be pain

not attended with danin it,

yet that mortifica-

was by no means comparable to the advantages accruing to

the Jfii'sU'om that covenant ot which it was the sign.
tion

9. 2. That verv mortification might be intended to remind them of their obligations to mortify their irregular desires

and sensual
./lets vii.

51.

Vid. Dcut. x. 16. xxx.

affections.

Rom.

ii.

25

6.

Jer.

iv. 4.

2i>.

10. 3. Such an indelible mark thus impressed might be a

proper token of that covenant, in which succeeding generations
were interested, and which contained so great and important a
reference to a person who was in future ages to be born, and
who was the foundation of the blessings promised to Abraham
in that covenant of which circumcision was the sign.
Not to
insist upon what Drake has observed, as to the natural benefits
a

LF.l,ANl):i!;aiii';t Tlml. vol. i. p.

J.IMB. tulljt. Kcs)). lii. yucst. iv.

\S IIS.

V\

''5,

c. ii.

V.

.1 ;,'V|>t. |)a<s.

AIls's

.\i.fccll. .\u.

f.El ANDasainst Morg. c. ii. p. 4j

i.nWMA.s on Ucli. l<ilu:il,|)uS5.
lil
KLtV's Occon. U. i. t. -'.
.

Ux.

J).

lj\.2j)i.

59.

Lect. cl.

Objections from the Jewish Ceremonies,

&.V.

by wliich as he supposed
some neighbouring tuitions''.

which mifrht attend this rite,

coinmended

to

it

47

was re-

11, Sect. III. It is also objected, ihzt sacrifices are in

themselves an absurd and cruel rite, and therefore could not be
made a part of a divine institution.

\'l.

Wi^ acknowledge,

that without a divine reveuition,

there could be no reason to believe they v-'ould be pleasing to

God but as it is plain they were of verv early date. Gen. iii.
;

21. iv. 4. and prevailed almost universally,

more probable

it is

thev were of divine original, (compare Htb. xi. 4.) They might
be intended to promote humiliation, by impressing the minil of
the ofterer with a conviction that death was due to sin and, as
a more perfect atonement was gradually revealed, might lead
;

on their thoughts to it. And M'hen the death of beasts might

serve thiscnd, it must certainh^ be lawful to kill them fors icrifice,
As to their being so much multiplied under
as well as for food.
the Mosaic law, it is to be remembered, that a great part of tiieni
Ment to the priest, and in manv cases to tiie oir'erer not to insist
on the opinion of some, that the burnt-otH-rings were not entirely
consumed. In some instances, (v. g. in the case of sin-offerings)
sacrifices were to be considered as a kind of fine imposed on the
oflender, and in many others, as a tribute paid to God, the great
proprietor and king of the country, for t!ie support of the oflices
of his houshold: and there is from the genius of that religion
great reason to believe, that a peculiar blessing attended those
who presented them, and gave them a more abundant increase
Compare Prov. iii. 9, 10.
in proportion to their pious zeal.

Mai.

iii.

11.

Ezek.

xliv. ;30\

13. Sect. IV. It has further been objected, that the

v.hole mystery of the Jezvish religion was a contrivance to en-

slave the people to the

power

priests, and exhaust their reveConipare Deut. xvii. 8

To
13.

oi'

nues to niaintain that order.

this it is answered,

14. 1. That the tril^e of Levi had a right to the txaelfth

part of the land in common with their brethren ; so that the

allotment of the cities mentioned

a Rev. exam,

willi

Cand.

vol.

ii.

Diss. v. p. \0i

DcRNET
S5

i(;s.

Christianity as old as the Great, p. 90.

Jh.
Letter to Waterlaiid, j).
Answer of Circura. pass. prxs. p. 10

33

IS,

30

aijainst

Drake's

xx. p. I'-'T, 13S\

Forbes's Thoughts on Rel. p. b4. and

Tind. vol.

.Anat. vol.

his Lett.

]).

i.

1.

i.

i.e.

33.

b Blount's Oracksof Reason.

p.

fi'i,

.It

B<jvle's Lect.

8.

vol.

cannot be
p. 75,

ii.

o<).

Tfvj). of Christian, p. 7S 80, 91, 92.

"il.
Pi:rs, Sat. ii ver. 4V
BAvr. W orks, vol. li. p. 9'i, iKi.

Lei.and

Dlncan

Numb. xxxv.

fi(i.

WiiiTBV on Heb. ix. 19. N'ote x.

TAYt.OR of Deism, p. 'J 9, 'i'lO
1

Rev. exam.

and

^.c. vol.

i.

Diss. viii.

gainst I'ind. vol. i. p. (K

63.
PHit.F.MOs to IJydaspes, Lett. v.
Je.sninos's Jew. Amici. vol. i. p. 26, &;c.
Lf.!

J4S

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

Vi,

it couIJ be proved that

consequence of this allotment, the Ltvites possessed above ot\&

fairly broup;]}t into the objection, unless

in

twelt'tii

of

it.

15. 2. That the tithes, first-fruits^ SCc. appointed to be

paid them, ivere in part a just equivalent for their attendance
upon the service of the sanctuary, as well as their care in instructing the people out of the law, and in the payment of this, an ex-

traordinary blessing might be expected, as above.

That there ivas also a 7nagistracy among the peowhich the Priests and Levites were m the same subjection as the rest of the Israelites: nor does there appear to be
any such exemption in their favour, as many laws established i
Popish countries have since given to their clergy,
16. 3.

ple, to

17. 4. That it can never be proved the Urim and Thummini was an oracle of such a kind, as to put it in the power of
the high-priest to produce any new model of government, or in

particular instances to rescind such acts of the state as M-ere dis-

agreeable to him, ov to grant protection to whom he pleased :

upon a very precarious supposition, that the

for all this goes

high-priest might consult the oracle whenever

l>e pleased, and

on whatever question be thought fit, and that the way of answering in that oracle was by the supposed inspiration of the person
wearing the breast-plate. And indeed when Ave consider in bow
awful a manner God punished Nadab, Abihu, Korah and his
associates, Uzzah and many more, who presumed to adulterate
or profane his institutions, one can never imagine ho would have

permitted a high- priest in this greatest solemnity to delive/a

false oracle in his name, without immediately inflicting some remarkable judgment upon him: and it seems, that bad he preteiided to be inspired in any case, about which he was not consulted, he would have been liable to be tried, as another person
falsly

pretending to prophecy''.

^ IS. Schol.

1.

may

It

not be improper to observe here,

that the very foundation of Dr.

Morgan's strange

calculation,

tojusiify his assertion that the Jewish priests had twenty shillitigs
in the pound, or that the people paid the value of a rack rent for

depends upon several falsities, espefor granted without any proof, that
every male was obliged to pay half a shekel at each of the yearly
leasts which he computes at i; 1,200, 000 per Annum^.
their pretended freeholds,

cially this, that

Mono. Mor.

Pliil.

vol.

he takes

i.

2W, 272.

Jennings's Jew. Antiq.

p. 141, 267,

J.Ei.AND against Moig. vol.i. p. i.'I8

L<"W.man's Civ. Gov. of tlic Ueb. c.

a 17, Ulij'ib'i.

it

'i.'l.

xi. p.

ly

Ward's Dissert.
MORC. ibid, voh

No.
ii.

vol.

i.

p. "iSQ.

v.

p. 136,

121^8.

Ohjectionsfrom

Lect. cl.

Much in the same strain is that instance of

which Morgan pretends to find in the institution

19.
craft,

149

the Jewish Ceremonies, Kc.

2.

priest-

of the

water of jealousy which he represents as a contrivance to make

it safe for women to commit adultery with the priests and none
but them, Numb. v. li
31.
,

20. In answer to this impious thought, it is sufficient to

observe, that nothing can be more unjust tluuj to charge so stupid

and villainous a contrivance upon so wise and virtuous a person

Moses appears to have been, who in the system of his laws
has made adultery punishable with death, no less in a priest
than any other person. Considering the consequences attending this trial, in case either of innocence or of guilt, it would, on
Morgan's supposition, be a very ill-judged contrivance and
all that was said under the preceding section, concerning the
danger of a priest's solemnly profaning the name of God to any
fraudulent purpose, would here have t'le most apparent weight
besides that, the person appointed to preside on this occasion
was to be the cliief of the priests then in waiting, which would
render such a conspiracy as Morgan supposes utterly impracas

ticable.

21. Sect. V. It has further been objected, that the

Mosaic law does not lay a sufficient stress upon the duties of
sobriety, temperance, and cliastitij, nor make a proper provision

against the contrary vices

but to

this it is replied,

22. 1, As to rw^ and drunkenness^ it is spoken of with

great abhorrence, Deut, xxix. ly. and in order to discourage it,
there was a special law, which empowered parents even to put
their children to death by a legal process, if they continued incurably addicted to it; which was such a provision against the
first advances to debaucheries of this kind, as is quite unequalled
in the laws of anv other nation, Deut. xxi. 18
21.
To which
it may added, that such provision was made for punishing injurious acts which drunkenness often produces, as would consequently have a further tendency to restrain it.

23. 2. As to lewdness, it was provided against, (i.) By

a general law, forbidding whoredom in any instance, Deut. xxiii.
17. and making it dreadfully capital in case oi a priesfs daughter. Lev, xxi. 9.
(2.) Adultery was punished with death, Lev.
XX. 10. Deut. xxii. 22. which extended not only to women whose
marriage had been consummated, but those who were only
betrothed; Deut. xxii. 23. and considering how j'^oung their
girls were generally betrothed, this would have a great effect.
VOL. v.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

150

PaRT

VI.

Rapes were

also punished with death, Deut. xxii. 25

27.
a person debauched a 3'oung woman 720t betrothed, he
was obliged to marry her, how much soever his inferior in rank,
{'6.)

(4.) If

and could never on any account divorce her, Deut. xxii. 28, 29.
(5.) A person lying with a icmD.\e slave was fined in the loss of
her ransom, Deut. xxi. 14.
(6.) Universal!}-, if a woman pretended to be a virgin and was not, whether she had been debauched before or after her espousals, she was liable to be put
to death: which was such a guard upon the chastity of all
young women, as was of a very singular and elsewhere unequalled nature, Deut. xxii. 20, 21.
(7.) The law by which
bastards in all their generations were excluded from the congre^
gation of the Lord, i. e. probably from the liberty of worshipping
among his people in the place where God peculiarly dwelt,
{Deut. xxiii. 2.) was a brand of infamy, which strongly expressed God's abhorrence of a lewd commerce between the sexes;
and considering the genius and temper of the Jewish nation,
must have a great tendency to suppress tliis practice. So that
upon the whole, sufficient care was taken in the Mosaic institution to convince the Jews, that lewdness and other kinds of intemperance were highly displeasing to God; and there seems to
be no remaining objection, but that future punishments were
not denounced against them ; and that is only one branch of
the objection taken from the omission of the doctrine of future
rewards and punishments, which will be considered elsewhere".

LECT.
Objectionsfrom Inelegancy

1.

Prop. JL

CLI.

Want of Method Obscurity

S^c.

propose and answer some other objections

against the inspiration of scripture, taken from the general manner in which the books of it are written^ and some other consi-

derations not mentioned above.

2. Sect.

I.

Some have

objected the ineleganci/ of the

it
to which we answer,

style, especially in several parts of

That the

book is not to be judged

but by \i^ fitness to answer its end, M-hich was
something of greater importance than to teach men to write in
an elegant and polite manner.
3.

of by

its

1.

inspiration of a

style,

a SeldeN dc Diis

Syris, Syntag,

i.

c. 5.

ii.

c. 2, h, 6. w'll"

Cover's Additamenti.

Lect.

Objections from Inelegancy, Kc.

cli.

151

4. 2. The dilTerent genius of different nations is to be

considered in judging of the style of hooks; and it would be absurd to condemn every thing in eastern and ancient books

which does not

suit the

western or modern

taste.

5. 3. Many of the supposed solecisms in scripture may be

vindicated by parallel passages in the most authentic writers, as

Dr. Blackwall, and many others mentioned

in the Preface to

the Family Expositor, have largely shewn.

6. 4. There are multitudes of passages not only in the
original, but even in the most literal translations, which have

been accounted inimitably beautiful, pathetic and sublime, by

the most judicious critics ; and those in which there seems to be
least of artful turn and antithesis, do so much the more suit the
majesty and importance of the occasion ^*.
7. Sect. II. Others have objected the want of a regular
method both in the Old Testament and the New, which makes
it a work of great labour to collect the several doctrines and
arguments therein dispersed, and to place them in an orderly
and systematical view. To this, besides what is said above, it

may

be answered,

That it now gives agreeable employment to those

8. ]
that study the scriptures, thus to range and collect the several
.

passages relating to the same subject, which are dispersed

up

and down.

9.2. That
for the

method,

common
this is

trary, the

way

considering the scripture as a book intended

who are by no means exact judges of

people,

no important
of teaching

deficiency'

men

discourses, especialh' as illustrated

more

fit

and indeed on the con-

doctrines and truths in such loose

b}'^

historical facts,

for popular use, rendering these things

is

much

more easy

to

be

understood and retained.

inir

10. S. By this means, such a foundation is laid for arguthe truth of a revelation from the genuineness of those books

a Burs, four Disc. p. 66, 67.

Boyle's Style of Script, pass.

Nichols's Conf. vol. iv. p. I'JO
Spect. vol. vi. No. 405.

Fam. Exp. vnl. i, Pref. p. S.

W arburt. Dortr. of Grace, p. 52.
Buow.ne on the Characteristics, Ess. iii.

1J9.

* Though Mr. Bl.^ckwall may havp

purity and elegance of the style of the

ed

failfd in his

8.

attempts to prove the exact

New Testament, he has undoubtedly succeedof many particular passages. With regard to

in illustrating the geneial beauty

the transcendent excellences of the poetic;d parts of the Old Testament, ample in-

Lowi n's " I'lmleciioms de sacra

and from Michaehs's Notes upo^ that work. K.

formation will he derivol from

[loesi

tlibrxoTumj^

152

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

vi.

%vhich contain

it, as could not otherwise have taken place ; as

abundantly appear by consulting the demonstration of

will

Led. 124^
1 1

Sect.

The

III.

obscurity of

many

passages both in the

New

Old and
amongst

Testament, and the number of controversies

Christians, to which the)' have given rise, is also ob-

jected as a further argument against their divine authority.

this

it is

To

answered,

That it was humanly speaking impossible, that

1 2. 1
there should not be many obscure passages in such verv ancient
writings, the languages of which have been so long dead.
And
.

indeed in any language it might be expected that there would be

some obscurity, when. some of the subjects were so sublime, and
in many respects so incomprehensible, and when others related
to future events, which were to come to pass so long after the
prediction, the clearness of which might have frustrated their

accomplishment.

3. 2.

That

which are of the

this obscurity generally lies

upon those things

importance, and where it relates to nioluentous doctrines, as sometimes it must be acknowledged it

docs, it affects what is circumstantial r9,ther than essential in
I

least

hem.

14. 3. That the difficulties in many passages in scripture afford an agreeable exercise to pious and learned men, by

many

Avhose labours
15. 4.

That

of them have been happily cleared up.

in other instances,

our humility, as the secrets

in nature

they may tend to promote

and providence do.

16. 5. They leave room for the exercise of mutual candour among those of different opinions, which, were it generally to prevail, would do a greater honour to Christianity, than the
most exact agreement in principle or uniformity in worship,

could possibly

do*".

set of objections is drawn from

the trivial nature of some passages, which are to be found espeThe
cially in the Old Testament, and sometimes in the New.

SecTo IV. Another

17.

abundance of words used to relate some facts, (v. g. Gen. v.

Numb. viii. Exod. xxv xxviii. xxxv xxxix.) while others
perhaps of much greater importance are entirely omitted, or
vast

a NlCH. Conf.

Owen

vol. iv. p.

I.IV.B.

l.'iV

167.

of Underst. Sciipi.c.

b NiCH. Conf.
Theol.

vol. iv. p.
1. i.

iv. p.

163

175.

lo7 177.

c. vi. i 7, 8.

Lep and against Tind. vol. ii. c. vii.

Attkrb. PosUj. Serm. vol. i. Serm.

FosT. against Tind. c. iii. p IPl 2\j.

of Rev. Rci. p. 'ii? 'J5.">.
BcvR.N's Serm. vol. li. p. W' yi.

RYMER

ix. p.

2S5

BOLlNGB.onHist. p. 17~ 181.

BOYt E on Script, p. oO J:").
M ACKN. 'I'rulli ot tilt: Gosj). Hist. p. 138. ^
\\ AT la's Unliod. and Char, united, Ess. viii.

Lect.

Persecutions occasioned by Christianity, Kc.

clii.

passed over in a very slight manner, as also

tion of the

tlie

153

frequent repeti-

same story and the same sentiments, are objections

nearly akin to

this.

It is

answered,

18. I. That great allowance is to be made for the genius

o^ eastern nations, in many of whose modern histories we find

the persons concerned introduced as speaking, and a much

greater number of words used than was necessary for giving us

some competent idea of the

19.

and tends

2.

in

fact.

Nevertheless, this makes the story

a more forcible

manner

to strike the

more popular,
minds of com-

readers, suggesting many instructive and entertaining

thoughts, which in a more concise abstract could not have been
introduced, at least with so great advantage.

mon

20. 3. An exactness in many particulars might be useful

to those for whom these writings were more immediately intend-

ed, where

it is

not so to

us.

not insist upon it that the

model of style, nor pretend to
such a degree of inspiration as would make that asser-

21. 4. Nevertheless,

scripture
establish

is

we do

the most perfect

tion necessary.

22. 5. The repetitions were often very necessary: the

same circumstances of the same or of diticrent persons required
the review of the same important thoughts in the poetical, proand the repetition of the same
phetic, and epistolary writings
fact by different historians, uho do not appear to have borrowed
from each other, is a great confirmation of the truth of it\
;

LECT.

CLII.

Persecutions occasioned by Christianity objected The Rules of

Morality The Promulgation of Religion.
1. Sect. V. JlT is further objected, that if the Old and New
Testament had been of divine original, we can hardly imagine
they would have been the cause of so much 7nischief\v\ the world,
which is imputed to the great stress laid on believing certain

To

doctrines.

the

2.

1.

this it is replied,

That the genius of them both, and

New Testament,

a Nicii. Conf.

vol. iv. p.

is

17719:.

especially of

so apparently full of meekness, bene-

Boyle on

Script, p. 78.

PART

LECTURES ON GIVINITY.

154

VI.

volence and goodness, that nothing can be more unjust, than

to charge the bigotr}- and persecuting zeal of its professors

upon

that.

3. 2.

which

That

this evil has

this revelation

its

origin in those lusts of

was peculiarly intended

men

to restrain.

4. 3. That there have been penal laws, and some considerable degree of persecution among Heathens on religious ac-

counts, where Christianity has not been in question*.

if there has been more among or against Chrishas generally been, because christian principles have

5.4. That
tians,

it

up those who have cordially received them to bear greater

more openly to profess their
own religion, and more expressly to condemn those follies and
crimes which have passed for religion among other men, much
to the danger as well as reproach of those by whom they have
been maintained.
spirited

hardships, as well as engaged them

6. 5. Because that hereby occasionally greater evidence

has been derived to Christianity, as appears from the preceding

argument.
7. . That the eternal salvation of a few, is, upon the
whole, a rich equivalent for the greatest temporal damage sustained
nevertheless it must be acknowledged, that they have
much to answer for, Avho, by persecuting under pretence of
defending the gospel, have brought such a reproach upon it.
:

8. 7. It is also observable, that men have seldom been persecuted by Christians, for denying those doctrines which are evidently contained in the gospel, but much oftner for refusing to
submit to human explications, and very frequently to most corwhich has been the case oi Popish persecution,
rupt additions
;

which indeed furnishes out the greatest part of this argument.

9.8.

The

extraordinary piety, temperance and charity,

especially of the primitive CA7'w//t/7?.y, and the joy of

in

good men

the midst of the severest persecutions, must be allowed an

evident proof that the world has been generally the better for
Christianity, and a vast balance to wiiat is urged in the objection
not to mention the influence Christianity has had in re:

forming the doctrines of morality among the Heathens', as

* Proofs that

tlicre

has been more persecution among; the Heathens than

often been imagined and represented, will be found in Bistiop

lias

Watson's " Apology

and in " Six Letters on Intolerance" lately published. That even the
excellent Kmperor Marcus Antoninus was a persecutor, has been shewn

fnx Christianity,"
r)tLer'is(!

by Dr Lahdner,
voK

Tii.

p.

406

in his

437.

Jewish and Hciathen testiuionios,

K.

vol. u. p.

1"S

21Q.

Works,

Lect.

cLii. Persecutions occasioned by Christianity, $(c.

iSa

appears from comparing the writings of the pagan philosophers

after Christ's time with those before it.
For ths illustration of
the ibrmer part of this step, see Cave's Primitive ChrislianitT/,

and the

latter,

And we may

Tillard

against

Warburton, ad Jinem.

further add here, that the

good

duced by the expected prevalency of true

effects to

be pro-

Christianity at last,

are to be taken in as further balancing: the account.

When all possible allowances are made

10. y.
tion, it can

be of no weight

occasion of

all

for since

this persecution

Reason

is

to the objec-

the accidental

about Christianity, and of

all

among Mahometans, Jews, or Pagans, thev

prove that God is not the author of our Reason, as

others, whether
Avill

as well

is not the author of the Christian Religion : and indeed

nothing can be more apparently absurd than to say, that God
could not give what man may grossly abuse.

that he

is

1 1. 10. As to the stress laid upon believing the gospel, it

ridiculous to make that an objection against the truth of it

if the disbelieving of it had not been represented as a very

dangerous thing, it had been in effect acknowledging its own
evidence so defective, as not to be sufficient for the conviction
of an honest inquirer, and its own importance to be so small,
as almost to bespeak a neglect, when yet its pretended apparatus
was so amazing, as at the very first view it must appear to have
been so that here would in effect have been a self-contradiction,
which few writers on either side the question seera to have
been sufficiently aware of ^

for

12. Sect. VI. Tt has further been objected, that the

scripture rules of morality are given in very loose terms, with-

out such particular limitations as particular circumstances require, or without the reason on which they are founded.
To
tills it is

replied,

\'d. 1. That if this concludes against any thing, it will

conclude against all books of morality whatever ; since they
can do no more than lay down general rules, without being able
to descend to every personal circumstance.

14. 2. Though God might have written such a book,

would have been too voluminous ever to have been read.

many excellent general rules, which if

honestly attend to, they would seldom be at a loss

15.3. Tliere are

men would
a Juv.

Lelamd against Tind.

Sat. XV. pass.

Chand.

Waub.
Lett, to

it

of Peis. p. 120, f< 3032.

Div. Leg. vol. i. p. '2yGa05. Ed,
the .Minister of .Muffit.

Answer to it.
WoADLV's Tracts,

p.

6797.

Chandler's Serm.
2.

BotJR>'s Serm.

vol.

vol. ii. p.57(j S81,

vol. iy. No. 9,

i.

No.

11.

Letter to Water!, p. b1, Sec.

Fatn. Expos, vol. i. p. ^C-y.

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

150

Vl.

shew
as to their particular duty, especially that of studying to
ourselves approved to God, of doing all to his glory, and of
doing unto others as we would they should do unto us.
suggested, especially
16. 4. The reasons are sometimes
those taken irom the consequence of men's actions.

deduction as in
17. 5. If there had heen such a laboured
it.
understood
our ethical writers, few would have

would not have suited the majesty of the great

even human laws do not use this method. The
declaration of the will of God, and a view to the sanctions and
other motives suggested in scripture are of far greater importance than numerous decisions in casuistry, and laboured refinements of abstract argument *.
18. 6. It

legislator, since

^ 19, Sect. VII, The imperfect promulgation of the Jewish

and christian religions has always been reckoned one of the chief
objections against their divine authority, and urged as entirely

inconsistent with the justice and goodness of God,

supposed the author of them. To this it is replied,

if

he be

to take it for granted,

20. 1. That the objection seems
express knowledge of
the
that
revelation
the
of
that it is a part
it is absolutely necessary for the final happiness of every human

God was

creature, otherwise

give xtio any, and

if

not, for aught appears, obliged to

not to any, then certainly not to

all.

be acknowledged that the revelation

^ 21. 2.
especially that of the New Testaadvantages,
great
o-iven
has
ment, yet that can be no reasonable objection against its being

Though

it

though not universal ; since it plainly appears, that if

there be an universal providence and God be just and good,
then it must be consistent with justice and goodness to give
true,

different

men very

different advantages for religious

improve-

ment, since considering the diversity of men's tempers and circumstances it is plain in fact God has done it.
22. 3. The supposition of the truth of scripture, (allowing
as above, 20.) is so far from increasing the difficulty of
accountino- for the divine conduct which would arise on the

foot of natural religion, that indeed it rather lessens it, both

with respect to those who have enjoyed and embraced this
revelation,
iiansj

it

and those who have not

represents

them not

a LEr.AND against Tind. ex. p. 2P3 30?.

DODD. Fam. Expos, vol. i. i r. Note (t.)
ATIERB. rosth.'ijcrm. vol i. p. yoH.

for as to

Jews and Chrisand super-

as being left to error

I

BOYIE on

the Style of Script, p. 101.

MACitN. Truth of tlic Gosp.

I

p. l-il.

Lect. clh.

Persecutions occasioned by Christianity ^

S(c.

157

stition, (which, if scripture be false, it must be allowed they are)

but as havino- received several distin^uishinij favours from the
divine beings, and glorious advantages for eternal happiness.
And as to others, it shews us,

That God has already done more for them,

can otherwise be proved that he has particularly in the
following instances, (I.) By discovering himself in various
methods of revelation to Adam and Noah, (who had such extraordinary facts to relate with such peculiar advantage from
their relation to the rest of mankind
(see Winder's Hist, of
23. First,

than

it

Knowledge,

& v.)

and also to others in the earliest

ages of the human race, from whom on this supposition useful
traditions might be handed down to posterity, the remainders
of whicii seem evident in Job and his friends, Alelchizedcck,
Abimelech, and many others, and even in some of the Heathen
writers.
Compare Prop. cix. sub init. (2.) By the remarkable
remov^es and dispersions of the Abrahamic family, and the
singular appearances of God for them and the Jewish nation,
previous to their settlement in Canaan ; which were peculiar
advantages to Egypt and Canaan, had they been wise enough
to have improved them.
(3.) In constituting the Mosaic religion in such a manner, as to encourage strangers to live among
theJews, and to oblige the Jews to endeavour to promote the
knowledge of the true God abroad as well as at home. (4.) By
remarkable appearances of God in their favour, both in the
conquest of Canaan under such great natural disadvantages,
and during their abode in it, especially in the victories oi David,
the fame of S'olomofi's magnificence and wisdom while he continued faithful to God, which he no doubt would improve for
the spreading of religion among the man\' sages and princes
who resorted to his court (compare 1 Kings iv. 29 34.
vol.

i.

c.

iii.

X. 23

25.) but especially

by the

train of providences to Israel

and after the Babylonish captivity, which occasioned remarkable proclamations through the whole Babylonian and
Persian empires, by wdiich vast numbers of people must be
admonished.
(5.) By the dispersion of the Jeztish scriptures
themselves when translated into Greek.
(6.) By the mission
of Christ and his apostles, and the early and extensive propagation of his gospel by them. (7.) By all the advantages which
have since been given, by the settlement of European and

in

Christian colonies in almost

all

the principal, especially the

maritime parts oi Asia, Africa, and America, whereby indeed

immense numbers have been converted ; and the number might
VOL. v.

PaRTVI.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

158

have been yet greater,

improved.

those advantages had been properly

if

24. Secondly^ Revelation encourages us to hope that the

time will come, when there shall be a universal prevalence of
the knowledge of God, and all the Htallien nations shall be
gathered in, Led. 130. 2.

mean time, it not only assures us

gracious allowances for the circumstances and disadvantages in whii^h they have been placed ; but
seems to point out a wav, in which virtuousand pious T/fflMfWJ,
23. Thirdhj,

that

God

will

make

In the

all

such there be, may be accepted with God, i. e. through the

atonement and mediation of Christ, with greater honour to divine

if

justice tfian

we could otherwise

LECT.

conceive^.

CLIII.

Of the Apocryphal

Books.

HE

books of the Apocrypha, are those books

I. Def. JL
Avhich are added by the church of Rome to those of the Old
Testament received by protestants ; and take their name from
their having been supposed to have lain hid a considerable time
after they

were written.

^ 2. Schol.

Vulgar

The names

of these books, as they stand in the

two of Esdras, Tobit, Judith, the

Latin Bible, are

remainder of Esther, Wisdom of Solomon, EcclesiasticuSy

Baruch, with Jeremiali's c\)\?,\\e, the Song of the three children,
the story of Susannah, of Bel and the Dragon, the prayer of
Manasseh, and two books of the Maccabees. The second of
Elsdras is not extant in Greek, but the most authentic ropy of
it is the Latin : but in some copies of
two other books of Maccabees added

tains chiefly

Philopator

the

Greek Bible there are

oi' which conthe history of the Jewish affairs under Ptolemy

the third

''.

^ 3. Prop. The books of the Apocrypha are not to be received as written by a plenary sirperintendent inspiration.
Jenk. of Christian, vol. i. part ii. c.
\M.
W.MlRLAND'sSrirp. Vind. part ii.

TisDAL of Christian, pass.

Lr ASU against Tiud. vol.
'

ii.

ii.

]).

43

554

Serm.

Yot
Posth. scr.

c. xvi. p.

HdDOE'sSerm.i'). 30931<.
Ha TI.EY on .Man, vol. ii. Prop. 4?.
Vos"!'. against 'I'ind. C.

ii.

NC.

vol. ii. No. vii. p. 144

14''.
231.
ii. c. iv. p. 'JI7
the Spirit, Serm. vi. p. 235. Note.
on the Christ. Uevel. vol. i. c. 19.

on

Idol, vol

RiDiEYon
-

Taw's Theory

oiRel.

I'ar.

BURKET's Serm. No. i.

b Pkideaux's Connect, vol.
U'i.

i.

Kc.

ii.

p. 185, I86j

1,

Lect.

Of the Apocryphal

cliti.

159

Books.

4. Dcm. 1 Josephus only mentions 22 books of the Old

Testament as inspired, in which these cannot be included and
he expressly says, that those which were written after the time
of Artaxerxes, i. e. probably Artaxtrxes Longimanus from
whom Ezra and Nehemiah had their commission were not
looked upon by the Jewish church as of equal authority^ Comp.
.

Lect. 121.

5.

5. 2. The}' never appear to have been quoted in the

Testament, as most of the books of the Old are, though

passages of them might have been

much

to the

New
some

purpose of the

sacred writers.
6. 3. The author of the first book of Maccabees, which
one of the most valuable in the whole collection, intimates that
there had not for a considerable time been any prophet in Israel
divinely inspired, 1 Mac. iv. 46. x. 27. and the author of
the second book seems expressly to own, that he had no super-

is

Mac. xv. 38, 39. ii. 19 28.

There are some passages in these books

natural assistance, 2
7. 4.

whicli

seem

themselves absurd and incredible, v. g. the angel's lying to

Tobit, and afterwards driving away the devil by a fumigation,
Tobitv. 12. compared with Tobit xu. 15. Tobit v'\. pass, the

in

story of fire being turned into water, and vice versa, 2 Mac. i.
19
22. the march of the tabernacle and ark after Jeremiah,
ibid. ii. 4
8. to which most writers add what they think the

inconsistent and contradictory account of the death of Antiochus Epiphanes, who is said to have died of grief, iMac.v'i.
8, 16.

and

to

have died miserably

with worms, 2 }Jac.

ix. 5

as relating that his brains

mountain consumed

in the

12, 28. 2

Mac.

i.

16. is also

quoted,

were beaten out, but that Antiochus

must probably have been another person.

8. 5. There are other passages M'bich are inconsistent
with some parts of the Old Testament v. g. Judith c. ix. 2.
justifying the murder of the Shechemites condemned Gen.
;

xlix. 7. the author of the Wisdom of Solomon, speaking in the

person of that prince, represents Israel as under oppresssion,
which it was not in Solomon's days, Wisd. ix. 7, 8. xv. 1 4. compared with 1 Kings x. 27. yet some have urged 1 Kings xi.
14, 25. as an answer to this objection.
Baruch is here said to
have been carried into Babylon, at the same time when Jere-

miah
X. 16

us he was carried into

Egypt, Bar. i. 2, Jer. xliii. 6.

the false account of the fact related, Lev.
20. in the reference to it, i Mac. ii. 1.
Compare also

tells

to which

we may add

a.

Joseph, contr. Anion.

1. i.

c. viii. p.

U2

1333. Iluds. Ed.

160

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

Esth. lii. 5. with vi. 3,6. to n-hich

of scJf- murder, 2 Mac. xiv. 41 , &c.

may be added

VI.

the applause

^ 9. 6. T'here are some other passages relating to the history of foreign nations, so inconsistent with what all other historians say, as not to be admitted without much greater

evidence than belongs to these books,

Mac.

i.

6, 7.

viii.

16.

10. 7. From comparing all these steps on the one band,

and considering on the other that there is no positive evidence
for their inspiration, it follows, that these books are not to be
admitted as written by a plenary superintendent inspiration^.
2. E. D.
11. The insisting upon reading some portion of these
books, instead of lessons from scripture, in the daily offices
ot the church, was an unreasonable and cruel imposition in
those who fixed the terms of conformity in England in the year

1662\

We

allow that
^ 12. Schol. i.
cited these books with great regard

some of the
:

christian fathers

nevertheless, most of

them

placed the apocryphalhooks m a class inferior to those which

they call canonical
and the first council which is said to have
received them was the provincial cowncW oi Carihagey A D. 397,
who evidently come too late to be more competent judges of
this question than the Jexis themselves were.
Nevertheless, we
acknowledge these books to have been of considerable antiquity:
and as some of them are very valuable, on account of the wise
and pious sentiments they contain, so the historical facts, and
references to ancient notions and customs in others of them,
;

make them

well worthy an attentive perusal'^.

13. 2. It is exceedingly probable, that the chief reason

which the authority of these books is maintained by the
ciiurch of Borne is, that some passages in them countenance

for

their superstitions, particularly the intercession of angels, Tobit

15.

xii.

and pra3'ing for the dead, 2 Mac. xii. 40 45. which is

in favour of those who died idola-

represented as prevalent even

ters.

books

4. 3.

may

A more particular

be found

in the

critical account of most of these

works below''.

a BlT.N. on the Art. p. S9, 90.

Tlukei-. Loc. ii. (iunest. ix.

llMB. Thi'ol. 1. i.
Ers.net ajainst
l>

Uist. ot Noncoiif.

Old

\\ hig, vol.

ii.

c. iii.?

D 12.

PojiLTy, p. 71,72.
i>. i'3i it7.

No.

Ixxxiii.

Calamys Abfidgiiienl of Baxter's Life, c. x.

p. 2o2.

j
j

I
I

c Dl'PlN on the Canon. 1. i. c.

Cosis's Hist, of the Canon.

d Lewis's A ntiq.

vol. iv.

1.

i.

viii. c.

6.

54-

46

i. p. 3642,50.-11, .H, 7-",

74, 164, 16 J. vol. li. p. Ill, 112, l>3J-.is7. itp. 3O3,:)04.
Lee's Dissert, on Efdras.

Pkid. Connect, vol.

Lect. cLiv.

161

TheNatareyPcrfectionSfS^c.ofGoiU

PART

vir.

account of the scripture doctrine relating

to the existence and nature of god, and the divinitv
of the son and spirit.

jContain'ing an

LECT. CLIV.
The Nature y

and Providence of God.

Perfections,

Prop. JL HE account given us in the Scriptures of the Old

Testament, of the nature^ perfections and providence
of God, is agreeable to that which the light of nature discovers
concerning them.

I.

and

New

Dem.

2.

The

God, the Creator of

Heb.

xiv. 15.

John
xc.

things.

Gen.

scripture asserts that

Heb.

iv. 24.

scripture expressly asserts that there

i.

is

Psal. xxxiii. 6. Acts

1.

xi. 3.

The

3. 2.

all

ix. 14.

Tim.

God

vi. 16.

an eternal Spirit.

is

Deut. xxxiii. 27. Psal.

2.

4.

cxxxix. 7

That he

3.

5. 4.

is

omnipresent.

Kings

viii.

27. Psal.

10. Jer. xxiii. 24.

That he

/twoa;^ all things.

*Si/m.

3. Jo/;

ii.

xxxvi.

Actsxv. 18. And that

future contingencies are not excepted from this general assertion, appears from his having foretold some of the most contin132. as well as from the following
gent events, Vid. Lect. 128
26. Psal,
passages, Isa. xlii. 9. xlviii. 3. xlvi. 10. xli. 22
4. xlii. 2. P^fl/. cxvii. 5. Jer. xxxii. 19.

cxxxix. 2.

He

6. 5.

is

perfectly wise.

Job

ix. 4.

Tim.

i.

17. Isa.

xl. 13, 14.

7. 6.
Psal. cxiv.

8.

xix. 17.

That he
3.

Job

is

Jer. xxxii. 17. Rev. xix.

Chron. xxix. 11, 12.

omnipotent.

ix. 4,

&c.

7. That he is perfectly ^ooc?.

James i. 17. Exod. xxxiv. 6.

/*.?/. lii. 1.
I

cxlv. 9. J/a/.

Jo/tyj iv. 8.

9. 8. The justice of God is asserted, Psal. xxxvi.

cxxix. 4. cxix. 137. ^om. ii. 6. -^^c?.$ x. 34, 35. Rev. xv. 3.
10. 9.
Z)fM/. vii. 9.

6.

That he is /n^e and faithful.

2 Sam. vii. 28. Tit. I. 2.

Numb,

6.

xxiii. 19.

160

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

may be added

Esth. xW. 5. with vi. 3, 6. to ^'hich

of self-murder, 2 Mac. xiv. 41 , &c.

VI.

the applause

^ 9. 6. There are some other passages relating to the history of foreij^n nations, so inconsistent with what all other historians say, as not to be admitted without much greater
evidence than belongs to these books, 1 Mac. i. 6, 7. viii. IG.
10. 7. From comparing all these steps on the one hand,
and considering on the other that there is no positive evidence
for their inspiration, it follows, that these books are not to be

admitted as written by a plenary superintendent inspiration".

2. E.

1).

11. The insisting upon reading some portion of these

books, instead of lessons from scripture, in the daily offices
ot the church, was an unreasonable and cruel imposition in
those who fixed the terms of conformity in England in the year

1662^

We

^ 12. Schol. 1.

allow that some of the christian fathers

cited these books with great regard

nevertheless, most of

them

placed the apocrijphal hooks in a class inferior to those which

they call canonical
and the first council which is said to have
received them was the provincial councilof CarM^/^^, /^. D. 397,
who evidently come too late to be more competent judges of
;

this question

than the Jexvs themselves were.

Nevertheless,

we

acknowledge these books to have been of considerable antiquity:

and as some of them are very valuable, on account of the wise
and pious sentiments they contain, so the historical facts, and
references to ancient notions and customs in others of them,
rnuke them well worthy an attentive perusal^.
13. 2. It is exceedingly probable, that the chief reason
which the authority of these books is maintained by the
church of Borne is, that some passages in them countenance

for

their superstitions, particularly the intercession of angels, Tobit

xii.

and praying for the dead, 2 Mac. xii. 40 45. which is

in favour of those who died idola-

15.

represented as prevalent even

ters.

14.

books

may

3.

A more particular

be found

in the

critical account of most of these

works below*'.

a Blt.n. on the Art. p. Sf), 90.

Tluiie 1. loc. ii. duapst. ix.
1 IM. Thcol. I. i.e. iii. i b
12.

j
I

Bf.nnet

a<;ainst

Poperv,

)).

71,72.

Uist. ot Nonconf. i>. 23i'i.\~.

vol. ii.ko. Ixxxiii.

Old Whig,

Calamy
p. 262.

Abridgment of Uaxtcr's

Life,

c.

x.

c DtipiN on the Canon. 1. i. c. i. i 4 6,

CosiVs Hist, of the Canon.
d Lewis's Antiq. vol. iv. 1. viii. c.ti^ 54TiuD. Connect, vol. i. p. 36 42,50. 51, .i4, T".
74, 164, 163. vol. ii. p. Ill, 112, lijj IbT. Sc
p. 303,304.

Lee's

Dissert,

on

Efdras.

Lect. cLiv.

TheNatiire^ Perfections^

of God.

U,c.

161

PART VIL
ACCOUNT OF THE SCRIPTURE DOCTRINE RELATING
TO THE EXISTENCE AND NATURE OF GOD, AND THE DIVINITY
OF THE SON AND SPIRIT.

X:OiVTAINriNG AN

LECT. CLIV.
The Nature y

Perfections,

and Providence of God.

Prop. JL HE account given us in the Scriptures of the Old

Testament, of the nature^ perfections and providence
of God, is agreeable to that which the light of nature discovers
concerning them.

1.

and

New

2.

Detn.

The

God, the Creator of

scripture expressly asserts that there

all

things.

Gen.

i.

is

Psal. xxxiii. 6. Acts

1.

xiv. 15. Fleb. xi. 3.

John
xc.

3. 2. The scripture asserts that God is an eternal Spirit.

iv. 24. Heb. ix. 14. 1 Tim. vi. 16. Deut. xxxiii. 27. Psal.

2.

4.

cxxxix. 7

That he

3.

5. 4.

is

omnipresent.

Kings

viii.

27. Psal.

10. Jer. xxiii. 24.

That he

/t/zow^ all things.

Sam.

3. /o/;

ii.

xxxvi.

Actsxv. 18. And that

future contingencies are not excepted from this general assertion, appears from his having foretold some of the most contin132. as well as from the following
gent events, Vid. Lect. 128
26. PsaL
passages, Isa. xlii. 9. xlviii. 3. xlvi. 10. xli. 22
4. xlii. 2. P^fl/. cxvii. 5. Jer. xxxii. 19.

cxxxix. 2.
6. 5.

He

is

perfectly wise.

Job

ix. 4.

Tim.

i.

17. Isa.

xl. 13, 14.

Jer. xxxii. 17. Rev. xix. 6.

7. 6. That he is omnipotent.
P^a^. cxlv. 3. Job ix. 4, &c. 1 Chron. xxix. 11, 12.

8.

xix. 17.

7. That he is perfectly ^oo^.

James i. 17. Exod. xxxiv. 6.

Psal.
1

lii.

John

1.

cxlv. 9.

Mat.

iv. 8.

9. 8. The justice of God is asserted, Psal. xxxvi.

cxxix. 4. cxix. 137. ^07/2. ii. 6. ^^f^^ x. 34, 35. -ffev. xv. 3.
^ 10. 9.

Deut.

vii. 9.

That he
2 ^a?.

is

vii.

true ami faithful.

28. Tit. I 2.

Numb,

6.

xxiii. 19.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

162

That

11. 10.
Ivii.

That he
James

12. 11.
lleb.

10

i.

lie is

12.

\?,

13. 12. That he

6. Eccles. iii. 1

Isa. vi. 3.

xliii.

15.

4.

Exod.

immutable.

iii.

14.

Mai.

iii.

6.

17.

i.

cxxxix.

perfectly holy.

Rev. xv.

Psal. cxlv. 17.

15.

VII.

Job

incomprehensible.

1. viii.

17.

Tim.

vi. 16.

xi.

7.

^om.

Psal.

xi. 33.

14. 13. That his providence extends to every event,

preserving, disposing and governing all things, Psal. xxxvi. 6.

cxxxvi. 25. civ. cvii. cxlv, 13, &c. Job xii. 10. Acts x\v. 17.
And it may be observed in the
xvii. 28. Matt. x. 29, 30.
general, that all the vast number of scriptures, in which the
operations of inanimate bodies, such as the sun, rain, &c. as
well as the actions of brutes are ascribed to the divine agency
and direction, do entirelj' agree with Prop. 32. Vid, Prov. xvi.
30. cxlv. 15, 16. cxlvii. 16
33. Psal. Ixv. 9, kc. civ. 13
18.
Amos iii. 6. iv. 7. Job xxxvii. xxxviii. xxxix.

15. 14.

That he

is

the one

only

God,

is

expressly

Sam. vii. 22. Psal. Ixxxvi.

17. John x\n. 3. 1 Cor. viii. 4

asserted, J)eut. v\. 4. iv. 39. 2

Jer. X. 10, 11. Matt. xix.

Tim.v'i. 15.

ii.

10.

6.

5.

16. 15. That he

Matt.

V. 48.

is a being of all possible perfectionSy

Chron. xxix. 11. Psal. viii. V.

^ 17. Cor. 1. So great an agreement between the doctrine

of scripture and reason with regard to the being and attributes
of God, is a considerable internal evidence in proof of the

revelation

itself,

considering

how much

forming right notions of the supreme

of religion depends

upon

being''.

18. 2. Considering how very clearly these things are

in the forecited passages, and in such a multitude of

taught

others parallel to them, there can be no just reason to appre-

hend, that those popular passages,

human body,

God, should be taken

to

in

or the passions of the

in

which the members of the

human mind are ascribed

a literal sense, so as to mislead any

how moderate soever his capano just objection against the preceding
corollary can be drawn from such passages.
Compare Lect,

impartial and attentive reader,

city

149.

may be:

so that

2.

19. Schol. 1. To the scriptures urged 5. in proof of

the prescience of future contingencies it has been replied, that

those passages only relate to God's knowledge of his

a Gastrei.'s Christian Institutes,

CAVrou's

Script.

Account,

c.

i.

ii.

b Scott's Christian Life, vol.

own works :
ii.

p.

318338.

The Nature,

Lect. cLiv.
but as

Perfections, &>. of God.

163

can only be applied to soi7ie of those scripevident with regard to them, that as the equity,

this solution

tures, so

it is

wisdom, and goodness of God's works towards his rational

creatures depends upon the correspondency between them and
the moral character of those creatures, God would not have a
compleat view of his dispensations towards them if he Avere
ignorant of future contingencies

nor can the contrary doctrine

be reconciled with those other scriptures, which represent the

divine volitions as immutable.
Compare 1 Sam. xv. 29. Job
xiv. 5. xxiii. 13, 14. Fsal. xxxiii. 11. Isa. xlvi. 10. Mai. iii. 6.
Actsw. 15 18. xvii. 2G\

20. 2. To that part of the argument 5. which is drawn

from predictions, it has been replied, that when God foreteis

future events, he determines to

them
it

make them

certain

necessary"^ , and in order to reconcile this with

by making
liis

justice,

has been added, that his creatures in these actions are not

considered as in a state of probation, but that in these particuit is suspended ; but this objection is sufficiently answered,

lars

7. and may further be illustrated by comparing

Gen. XV. 16. Exod. iii. 19, 20. vii. 3, 4. Matt. xxvi. 24. to
which may perha[)s be added Acts i. 16 20. See (besides

Lect. 129.

CoLLiBER

in the place referred to above.)''

That God

21. 3.

appears from

all

is

the author of sinf, expressly

not

God, and
when compared with
as well as from James

the texts relating to the holiness of

those relating to his justice and goodness

the threatenings denounced against sin,

whence it appears that scriptures urged on the contrary

such as Prov. xvi. 4. 2 Sam. xii. 11. xvi. 10. are to be
so interpreted, as not to express an irresistible influence on the
mind of man, but only proposing in the course of his provii.

13.

side,

dence such occasions and temptations, as he knew would in fact,

though not necessarily prevail %, to draw man to the commission
a Limb. Theol. 1. ii. c.
b Salrin's Serm. vol.

* This
be the

xviii. ?
ii.

is partly

2729,

true

vol.

i.

p. 69.

for

it is

source.
But evil, thou'j;li
power employed by liberty, and
is

Ridciey's Divin.

whatever degree of good there is in any event must

impossible that good should proceed from any other
equally certain, proceeds from an opposite source, passive

effect of necessUtj, for

f God

p. 19, 200.

this

employed by equity.

W.

no more the cause or " the author of sin" than

the cause of

light is

darkness, strength the cause of weakness, love the cause of hatred, or wisdom the cause

Human

oi folly.

(as well as

every other contingent or created) nature has hypo-

thetical tendencies to defection, independent of

causation.

i.

e.

necessity.

This

By

W.

is

all

d<^cietive impulse, influence, or

the unavoidable result of absolute dependence.

a decretive necessity, otlierwise

all

'

W.

certainty implies

hyticthstifa!

;j

lh

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

oF sin

and that God should act thus,

to scrijDture, since
if

we

it

is

agiL'cable to

is

PaRT VH.

not a difficulty peculiar

what we see every day,

allow the universality of his providence'.

22. 4. Scripture does expressly assert, not only that all

things are foreknown by God, but that he works all according
to the counsel of his own willy Eph. i. ll. and that even the

death of Christ happened according

Luke
make

xxii. 22. Acls'w. 23. iv. 28.

to

his determinate purpose*

whence

it follows, that to
with what is said elsewhere, we must allow
that in scripture language those things are said to be determined
or decreed by God, not only which he wills himself by his own

this consistent

agency to effect, but which he foresees will come

to pass, in consequence of his previous volitions relating to

irresistible

preceding circumstances, through the intervention of free

agents, and which on that foresight he determines to permit\ :

and

in this sense

ples, that

all

it

must be admitted on the preceding princihappen are decreed by him, and that

things which

the light of nature teaches us they are so.

23. 5. Nevertheless, notwithstanding this agency of God
sinful actions of his creatures, which the light

even about the

of reason evinces,

and those passages of scripture assert

forasmuch as the word temptation carries with it an ill sense,
and implies some malignit}^ of design in the being said to tempt
another, we acknowledge, according to James i. 13. that it is
riot proper to apply it here
and great care should be taken in
popular discourses to avoid this way of representing things,
which though it be strictly and philosophically true, yet may
be so mistaken by common hearers, as to be injurious rather
:

than subservient to the purposes of practical religion.

a LlMR. Tlieol.

I.

ii.

c.

xxx.

17.

Christ's ohr/lirncp unto death in opposition to men and devils, and his death
the last step of his meritorious race, must needs be a good, and therefore a proper object of decretive necessity. But men and devils contributed to this good by
itself,

opposing that very principle in the Saviour from

whence the event deiived its exThus " the wrath of man shall praise God." He was a lamb among
wolves; decretive necessity urared him on in liolinesi, righteousness, benevolence and
compassion
hypotlH;tical necessity, residting from passive power, liberty and
equity, (in leaving them to themselves) urged them to op))ose him by pride, envy
malice, and murder.
Hence the event itself as good, and the evil conducing to it,

cellence.

proceed from sources diametrically opposite.

j-

origination of sin,

to say

W.

If we rightly consider the nature and

must be more proper to say hat God does not determine, than
determine any thing relative to such an elTect; an effect whose

Rather, does not determine to prevent.

tliat

it

he does

cause, abstractedly,

pendent of

light,

is

W.

as strictly independent of the divine a.v//as darkness

is

iude-

Lect. cLv.

Of the

Pre-existcnce of Christ.

165

LECT. CLV.
Of

the Pre-existence of Christ.

1. Prop. JL PIAT glorious person, who appeared in the

world by the name of Jesus Christ, did not begin to exist,
uhen he was conceived by his Virgiii Mother, but had a being,
not only before that period, but before the creation of the
world^.

who is spoken of by John, under

and is expressly said to have been
in the beginning with God, and afterwards to have been made
John i. 1,2, 3,
flesh, i. e. to have appeared in a human form.
14.
Comp. Rev. xix. 12. See also Heb. ii. 14.
the

2.

Dem.

1.

name

of the

LOGOS,

It is he,

3. 2. Our Lord himself frequently asserted his coming

downfrom heaven as his father's messenger, which he could

no propriety have done, had he not existed before his

for what the Socinians assert, that he ascended
into heaven before he opened his public ministry, to receive
instruction from thence, is a fact which cannot be proved, yet
was surely important enough to have been recorded since
Jlloses's converse with God in the mount, and Christ's temptation
are both so largely mentioned.
It will also be found, that
some of the texts quoted below refer to a settled abode in heaven
previous to his appearance among men, and not to a transient
visit thither, John iii. 31. vi. 38, 50, 62. xiii. 3. xvi. 28. xvii. 5,
As for John iii. 13. the latter clause is a much strontjer aro-ument against the opposite hypothesis, than the former is/or it**.
M-ith

incarnation

4. 3. Paul asserts that Christ emptied himself of some

glory M'hich he was before possessed of, that in our nature he
might become capable of suffering and death, Phil. ii. 6, 7.
(Greek) with which may well be compared the following texts,

which though not equally evident with the former, seem to

have some reference to the same matter, John viii. 58.
1

Cor. XV. 47".

5. 4. Christ seems to have been the person who appeared

to Isaiah ; (compare Isa. vi. pass, with John xii. 41.) from
whence, as well as his being called the Logos, and some other

considerations hereafter to be mentioned,

a Theol. Rei>osit. vol.

LOWMA.S'S
b

'Jj-jCtS,

ii.

No.

V'JL. V.

Fam. Expos,

2.

p. 'IJl.

Unit. I'racis, vol. ii. No. 3.

CLARKii on th ; Tiin. ^o. 57*, .075.

it

Clarke on
1;

AW SON'S

vol.

seems reasonable
ii.

179. Note (f) p. 487.

the i'nnity, No. aji

Serm. p. 109.

591.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

166

vii.

to conclude, that Christ is the person who is called the angel

of God's presence, by whom he revealed himself io Abraham,
Isa. Ixiii. 9.
Jacob, Moses, and the other Old Testament saints
Exod. xxiii. 20, 21. but the particular examination of this
branch of the argument will be reserved for a distinct pro:

position'.

The work

6. 5.

him

of creation

is

so expressly ascribed to

might be a sufficient proof of

his having a real existence before the world was made, John i. 3.
Valet propositi6.
Col. i. 15, 16. Heb. i. 2, 8, &c. Eph. iii. B.
in scripture, that this alone

7. Cor. 1. Forasmuch as in several of the preceding

scriptures there is such a change and humiliation asserted con-

cerning Christ, as could not jiroperly be asserted concerning an eternal and immutable being, as such, there is
reason to believe that Christ had before his incarnation a
created or derived nature, which would admit of such a change*
though we arc far from saying he had no other nature, and that
:

all

the texts quoted above refer to

this'^.

This glorious spirit or Logos must undoubtedly

have been a most wonderful person, possessed of vast and unknown degrees of natural and moral perfections, (for both must
be included in the expression of the image of God) beyond
any of the creatures both in heaven and upon earth who were
produced by his operationf. Vid. Lect. 28. I''.
8.

2.

9. 3. His empt3'ing himself for our sakes, and taking

upon him the form of a servant, (as it is expressly said he did,

that he might become capable of suffering and death for us,
Vid. Phil.

ii.

7, 8.

Greek, Heb.

ii.

17.)

was a most amazing

instance of condescension, and lays those, for whose benefit

was intended, under the highest obligation

and obe}'- \\\\\f.
a

Watts's
p. 51

Script. Doct. oftlieTrin.

3i.

Prop.

b Pearson on the deed, p. 107119.

Fowler's Descent of Christ, p.iss.
Watts's Diss, on theTiin. i\o. iv. i 1,2,
on the Glory of Christ. Diss. ii.
Emi.YN's Vindic. of'i'owler, apud Tracts,

to love,

Lardneh on tlie

viii.

it

reverence,

Logos, Works, vol, xi.

L(/WMAN^ Tracts, No. 3, p. VS.

c Gill's Body of Div. vol. i. p. 'J5S
d Watts's Diss. onTrin. No. iii.

260.

Gill., ut sujjra.

4.

e BuLKLEY's CEcon.of Gosp.

vol.

ii.

2.

i.

* But even a created ot derived nature could not undercro, while in purity and
innocence, any change that should be a real degradation, and therefore what is said
W.
of Christ is not applicable to the divine nature.
f But the

" reduced

fair

question

is

not,

whether a

stiperans^elic spirit

i.

capable of being

an infant;" but whether such a beinpr could with any

God ? God over all blessed for e\fr ? The Creator of all things
And whether innumerable other absurdities must not follow

to the condition of

consistency be called
visible and invisible ?
the rejection of the hyposlatical union

.'

W.

Of tilt

Lect. clvi.

167

Pre-exislence of Christ.

person, who by
10. 4. The ample revelation of such a
be a glorious
must
the light of nature was entirely unknown,
it to
recommends
which
sciieme,
pecnliaritv of the christian
attention.
serious
most
our
demands
and
regard,
our highest
into the evi 11. 5. They, who, neglecting to enquire
necessity of
a
under
dences of Christianity, bring themselves
themselves
upon
guilt
bring
person,
disregarding this glorious
his nature,
of
excellency
the
to
proportionable
neglect,
their
by

the greatness of our obligation, and the opportunity they had

of being acquainted with him, if they had diligently improved

the talents lodged in their hands*.

LECT. CLYI.
Of

the Pre-existence of Christ, continued.

here

are manv who will not allow of any

1. Schol. 1. Jl
pre-existent, created or derived nature of Christ, but explain

all

the phrases quoted above relating to his coming into the

worlds by the glory he originally possessed, and understand

his emptying himself o^ it at his incarnation, merely as expressing a more or less sensible manifestation of a nature properly
alledging, that whatever may be asserted
concerning either the divine or human nature, may be preTo prove this doctrine and
dicated of Christ as ^EavOpro?.
interpretation, thev plead, not only that God is said to have
7^edeemed the church with his blood, and to have laid down his
life for us, Actsxx. 28. (Vid. Mills, Enty, and Hallet in
divine or immutable

Loc.)

and according

Mills

in Loc.)

to

sistent with the notion of

as

is

some

but that Heb.

supposed Cor.

copies,

John

y, 11, 16.

ii.

16.

iii.

(Vid.

are utterly incon-

such a pre-existent superangelic

spirit

1.

2. Ans. It is difficult to say what inconsistency there is

between that doctrine and the two former of these forecited
texts, if we allow the glorious spirit of Christ (which there is
no reason at all to call human in its pre-existent state) to have
been reduced to the condition of a human infant since we
have no notion of the nature of a human soul, but that of a
;

* On the other system, which represents a nature properly divine assuming our
nature into personal union, the sentiments of these tiireclast corroUaries appear still
aaore forcible.

W.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DlVlNlTV.

1G8

vlf.

created rational spirit united to and acted by a liuman body,

as our own spirit is
and as to Heb. ii. 16. if i7:i.'Ky.ix(io(.nra.i be
interpreted took hold of^ as it may naturally signity, and irt
plainly used, Luke xxiii. 26. all form of objection from these
:

words

will vanish

*.

What change was made

in the Logos when united

must be acknowledged to exceed our concepThe
tions, and therefore to be incapable of full explication.
Fathers frequently speak of a quiescence of its perfections.
3.

2.

to

human

If

it

flesh,

be objected, that to suppose such a being divested of its

of its knowledge and power, as it must certainly have

will,

been,

if it

became the human

2 Cor.

43.

xiii. 4.

in

is

Luke

soul of Christ,

fact to

suppose

it

52. xxii.

ii.

annihilated,

and

another being substituted in its room ; it may be answered, that

whether we do or do not suppose some degree of actual thought
and perception essential to the human mind, such a consequence
will not follow from such a supposed change ; seeing here will
still

continue

the

in

power of thinking

same subject

actual thought, or a

either

f.

4. 3. The sentiments of the ancient Jews concerning the

Logos, a.\-e to be found in Philo Jud. p. 195, 341, 465. Euseb.
Prep. Evang. 1. vii. c. xiii, xiv. 1. xi. c. xv. Watts's Dis. No.
iv. 3. Scott's Christian Life, vol. iii. p. 559. Note b & c, &
p. 565. Pearson on the Creed, p. 118. Taylor on the Trin.
p. 258.

To

5.

which

it

may

not be improper to add, that the

Mahometans held an eternal ancient word, subsisting in God's

and
essence, by which he spoke, and not by his simple essence
;

TAvr.nR against Watts, p. S2 89.

Huoiis'syri De(. Pref. p. 1'-'
15.
WliiST. Prim. Christian, vol. iv. p. 229293.

a Ah.

I.ARDNEn,ut supra,

p.

Waits,

ij>

ibid.

I.ARnNEi:,

tj:>.

Watts on the Glory of Christ. Disc, iii ?6.

b tMLYN's txaminal. ot .Dr. Bennel's New

Theory, c. ii. ap. Tracts, vol.

Fortuita Sacra, p. 217 219.
p. 22.
par. i.i.

ibiii.

Clayt. Vind.

spirit, and creatures were produced by liitn, tus

no evidence of the creator's eternal power and god-liead. Yet
God appeals to bis creating; power as a decisive evidence of his own supremacy and
W.
god-liead, to the exclusion of all pretended gods. ha. xi.

work

If

the Logos was a creatt'd

of creation

f The

is

force of this objection

system, no real change

is

is left

by our author unanswered.

On

the otlief

sn))posed to have taken place in the nature assuming ours

but a true body and a reasonable soul, or human nature (not a human person) is assumed by it. Thus it behoved our High Priest to become like unto his brethren as to body
only excepted. The manner of bcvom'in^ so indeed was altogether mia nature h assumed, which, in this instance, separate from the divine nature had no personal subsistence, and yet, subsequent to that assumption, Jesus was
lio less truly a mail than Adam was, under whoiie covenant his Immau nature took

and

.soul, sin

raculous;

"its

origin.

W.

Lect.

Of

CLVii.

Christ appearing

to

Men,

\C3

i^c.

Platonics had a notion nearly resemblinfj this, thoufrh Dr.

insists npoa it, that it Avas not the same wiih that

tlie

CuDwoRTH

vhich the Arians afterwards held\

LECT. CLVII.

Of Christ

appearing

to

Men

under the Old Testament.

Prop. \^HRIST was the person, in and l)y whom God appealed to men under the Old Testament, by the name of Jeho

vah.

There was often a visible appearance of Jehovah the

2.
of Israel, Gen. xviii. pass. Exod. xxiv. 10. Isa. vi. 1.
1

God

3.

Scripture as well as reason assures us,

2.

was not and could not be seen, John

Heb. xi. 27.

18. v. 37.

i.

tiie

Father

Tim.v'i. 16.

4. 3. The person spoken of as Jehovah, when visibly

appearing to men, is sometimes expressly called the angel of
the Lord, Ge7i.xv\u, 1,2. xxii. 15, 16. xxxi. 11, 1:3. E.vod.
iii. 2, 4. xiii. 21. compared withxiv. 19, 24. Exod. xxiv. 9
II.
Gen. xlviii. 15, 16. Num. xx. 16. compared with Exod. xx. 2.
Judges vi. 12, 14. Isa. Ixiii. 9, Zech. iii. 1, 2. X'ii. 8. He is
also called the Captain of the Lord^s host. Josh. v. 14, 15. com})ared with vi. 2. and the angel in whom the name of God was,

Exod.

xxiii. 21.

^ 5. 4. There is no hint of a plurality of persons successively employed as the medium of those divine manifestations.

6.5. When
are

re',

there

is

a reference to past transactions, they

rred to one person as speakinjr,

.sometimes described as present, Psal.

though numbers be

Ixviii. 17. Ixxviii. 15, S(c.

IIos. xii. 4, 5.

^ 7. 6.

and

There was one glorious person,

his angel,

medium

who was,

as above,

called both Jehovah^

under the Old Testament the

of divine manifestation.

8. 7. It is exceeding probable, that some great regards

would be paid to this glorious person in the whole dispensation

of God, and that we should learn something of his dismission,

if he were dismissed from that office, or of his present state, if

he were not.
a OcKr.EY's Saracen. Hist. Pref. p. 88, 89.
WUDWORTH's Intel. Syst. ]>. j7i577.

'

Moshf.im. Ecclcs. Hiat. inSec. iv.

on Spirit,? ^0, Jkc. Pit. ii. c.

tiss.'.y

v. ? )Q.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

170

vii.

9.8. We learn from various passages in the New Testa*

ment that Christ is the Logos of the Father, John i. \'i. Rev.
xix. 1
3, 16. by whom he made the world, and by whom he
governs the kingdom of providence. See the texts quoted

Pi^op. I26.gr. 5."

10. 9.
o?Aer person,

We do

not read in the New Testament of any

before been the medium of the divine

who had

but upon

dispensations,

this

occasion resigned his office to

Christ.

From

11. 10.

tlie

New

general character of Christ in the

Testament, compared Avith the account of the divine manifestations in t!ie Old, and the silence of both with regard to any
other person who was such a medium, we may infer, that it is
most probable Christ was that person.
12. 11. Various things said to be spoken by or addressed
Jehovah in the Old Testament, are said in the New to be
spoke of, done by, or addressed to Christ, when such passages
to

New,

are referred to in the

Cor. x.

9.

Ileb. xi. 26.

i.

12.

compared with Psal. cii. 25, &c. John xii. 41. compared with
Isa. vi. 9, 10.
But Acts vii. 38. cannot properly be introduced
here for the word ulor there, must rather be understood of
Moses than of Christ.
;

12. Several scriptures not directly testifying

13.

this,

admit of the easiest interpretation, by supposing a reference

to it, Jo/mi. 11. Heb. xii. 25
27. compared with P.sfl^. Ixviii.

will

Cor. X. 9.

14. 13. The primitive Fathers of the christian church

represented this as the case
see especially Justin Martyr's
Dialogue with Trypho.
:

shews

15.
it

14. It

is

Paxaphrase
Jews : and that

also urged, that the Chaldee

to have been the sense of the ancient

many passages in their other most ancient writings,

which speak the same language, and which can only be understood on this hypothesis.
there are

16. 15. Christ was the person, by whom God appeared

under the Old Testament by the name of Jehovah\ 2. D.

St.
a

17. Schol. 1. To this

Paul's argument in Ileb.

Momma, vol.
c. vii. i 34.
Watts on the Glory of Christ, Diss.
i.

I.

i.

on the Civ. G<iv. ot ilie Ueb. App.

Ci ARKE on the Tiin. No.tilti (ilH.
TennisON on Iil<jl. c. \iv. \y. 333 '336,
V\ ITS. CLcon.

aed.

1.

iv. c. iv. i 4-

is

objected, that this weakens

2.

and

utterly destroys that

139.

Harris on

ii.

LoWM.

it

xiii.

the Mess. Serm. v. p. 130

15AR11ING1. Ess. onUiv.ijispens. parti
Diss.

Append.

ii.

Fi.i'.M. Christol. vol. ii.l.

c. V. p.

457.

iii.

c.

iii.

p. 255. ibid.

Of Christ

Lect. cLviT.
in cap.

ii.

2, 3. as

appearing

to

Men^

171

y^c.

both Grotius and Peirce lia^e urged.

As

to

the former of these texts, it is said, that if the hypotliesis in the

proposition were true, the apostle would have recommended
hospitality not merely from those instances in which persons

had unawares entertained angels, but in which they had received Christ himself, appearing under the character of the
angel of the Lord. But it may be sufficient to answer, that it
does not seem necessary, in order to maintain the honour of
scripture, to assert, that upon every occasion the apostles urged
bethe strongest arguments that could possibly be proposed
sides that this argument would not really have so much force in
it, as at first view it might appear to have, for as Christ had
now left the earth, there would no longer be any opportunity of
shewing such hospitality to him again. Compare Acts iii. 21.
As to Heb. ii. 2, 3. it is pleaded, that if Christ was personally
concerned in giving the law, there was no room to argue as the
apostle does the superiority of the gospel dispensation from its
snce in this resbeing published by our Saviour'' s ministry
pect they were both equal. With regard to which, if it should
not be allowed as some have thought that angels in this place
only signify messengers, which indeed the context does not
seem to favour, yet tliis may be reconciled with the hypothesis

we suppose Christ to have been present

form on mount Sinai, but to have used the voice
proclaiming that law which he publicly gave to

in the proposition, if
in

some

visible

of angels

in

not to urge, that these texts may in

general refer to any message delivered by angels, and not particularly to the law; for it must be owned, that the following
scriptures shew that the giving the law on mount Sinai must be

Israel from thence

comprehended,
vii.

53. Gal.

if it

iii.

were not principally referred

19. Fsal. Ixviii. 17.

On

to.

See Acts

the whole, considering

God is said to have been among

seems impossible to defend the apostle's argument, if we suppose an extraordinary presence of the Father
among them, on any topic, which will not also sufficiently defend it if we suppose Christ to have been so present.
His appearance in human flesh, to preach the gospel with his own
mouth, and seal it with his blood, was so much greater condescension, than his encamping among the legions, whom he used as
his heralds to proclaim his will
that it argues tlie gospel to lie
much nearer his heart than the law, and consequently the danger of despising the former to be greater than tliat-of despising

that in the places quoted above,

those angels,

it

the latter^.
3 PriRCEonlleb.

ii.

2.

Note

h.

Saurin's

Diss. vol.

ii,

p.

170 173.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

172
^ !^.

Exod.
Matt.

spokt^.n as a distinct

xxiii.

20

23. xxxiii.

17. xvii. 5.

iii.

Jofm\\\. 28. as certain instances.

replied, that though

it is

God himself must someperson from Christ, of which

3. are urged as probable, and

further obicctod, that

Tt is

2.

times have

vir.

we

To this

allow the Father to have spoken

sometimes without the mediation of the Son, it will not follow

from thence that he was not the medium generally made use of,
especially when there were visible appearances to the church of
the

Je'jcs

".

19. 3.

LovvMAN

Ivlr.

name

has objected, that the

oi the

angel of the Lord might be given only to a material substance,

Avhich was not animated by any inferior spirit whatever, (which
seems indeed to have been the Sadducean hypothesis with regard
to angels in general.)
LowM. Civ. Gov. App. p. 45 4S. JJut
it is answered, as this does not agree with several other passages
quoted above, so least of all with Exod. xxiii. 20, &c. and since
the phrase angel of the Lord does generally at least signify a

rational being, (as will afterwards be abundantly

proved) it is necessary to interpret it so in the present case, unless convincing reasons could be assigned for confining ourselves
distinct

to

tliis

unlikely interpretation.

20, 4.

As

Mr. Pkirce's hypothesis of Christ's under-

for

taking the care of the Jewish people, in such a manner as that

lie might be called ihe'xT guardian angel, while other angels were

guardians in other countries; {Dan, x. 13.) and that for administering his province so remarkably well, he was appointed
by Ciod to be the head over all principalities and powers; and
that those angels were divested of their former authority that
thev might be

made

subject to him, to which he refers Eph.

iv.

seems
not to make suHicient allowance for that superior dignity which
the Logos must be possessed of, as the creator of angels, and as
more excellent than any of them. Vid. Htb. ^.
8.

Col.

ii.

5.

there

is

this great objection against

it,

that

it

21. 5. What has been said above may perhaps give light
to that much controverted text, Phil. ii. 6, 7. the sense of whicli
sccins to be, ^* that Christ, who when he appeared in divine
glory to the Old Testament saints, did not think he was guilty of

any usurpation,

in speaking of himself by those names and

which were peculiar to God, nevertheless divested himself
of those glories that he might appear in our nature*^.
titles

OwTM en the Ileb. vol. i. Exerc. x. p. 165..

b r-EliiCEun Col. ii. 15. & Append, and un ileb.
a

MooRK's

Prop. p. liiR 17J.

Confut. p. 'iji'U\ :iH. .W.

Clarke onihe

Bos. Lxorcil.
19(i '2o;i.

TAVi.orfon the Trin.

Fortuita

i. !).

Trin. No. 034.

p. 1911200.
Prircf, and Wtiilbvin Loc.
PiiJiiliuN en a>c cVee^, p.

121 I'-'i-

c.

S.-icrn,

WOLi-iLs

in

xxiv.
p.

} 5.

p.

127132. Ed.

I7H'>i8.

locum,

vol. iv.

1. p.

Lect.

0/ the Names,

cLviij.

y^c.

ascribed

ITS

to Christ.

LECT. CLVIII.
Of the Names,

Titles,

and Attributes ascribed

to

Christ.

Prop. JL O enumerate the principal scriptures, in which

names, titles, attributes, works, and honours, wiiich are frequently appropriated to God, are or seem to be ascribed to

1.

.the

Christ.

2. Sol.
1

As

I.

for divine

names,

The name Jehovah, which

is

appropriated to God, Psal.

Ixxxiii. 18. Jsa. xlv. 5. xhi. 8. is given to Christ, Jer. xxiii. 6.

Jsa. xlv. 23

25. compared

with Rom. xiv. 10

12. Isa. xl. 3.

with John

xii.
1, y,
compared with Luke
whereas
and
xi.
13.
refer
Zech.
12,
these
some
also
41.
To
40,
some urge on the other side Exod. xvii. 15. Judges\\. 24. Ezek.
xlviii. 35. in which names compounded of the word Jehovah are
i.

76. and Isa.

10.

vi.

answered, that there is a

the case of giving it to
and
great deal of difference between that
persons, since in such instances as those here produced there
given even to inanimate beings,

it is

was so evident a reference to the divine presence, that there

see
could be no mistake concerning the meaning of the name
also Jer. xxxiii. 16.
But if the reasoning in the preceding proposition be allowed, there is no need of insisting on such parti:

culars

being indisputable, that on those principles Christ

many hundreds of times.

it

is

called Jehovah
3. 2.

He

is

not only called

God

frequently, Matt.

i.

23.

Millsin Loc.) and percalled

true
God, 1 John v. 20, 21.
haps 2 Pet. i.
he
is
the
but
compare John i. 2. and John xvii. 3. the great and mighty
God, Tit. ii. 13. Jsa. ix. 6. compare Deut. x. 17. Jer. xxxii. 18.
Christ also seems to be called the only wise God, Jude, ver. 24,
25. compare Eph. v. 26, 27. see also Rom. xvi. 27. the only God,
Jsa. xlv. 15, 17, 21, 22, 23. compared with Rom. xiv. 11. and
God blessed J'or ever, Rom. ix. 5. compare 2 Cor. xi. 31. and

John

1, 2.

i.

XX. 28.
1

Tim.

iii.

16. (Vid.

Rom.
is

i.

4. It is pleaded in answer to these texts, that the

often used in a subordinate sense, v. g. 1 Cor. viii.
4.

iv.

But

Exod.

it is
(1 .)

is

23.

vii. 1.

5. 2 Cor.
36.
Psal. xcvii. 7. Ixxxii. 6. John x. 34

answered,

That

in

most

if

not

all

of these places, a suborlination

expressly intimated..

VOL.

word God

v.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

174

That such additional titles

to which some add,

(2.)

are never used

as those

VII.

mentioned above

(3.) That 0EOJ is never used concerning any who are Gods
only in a subordinate sense but 2 Cor. iv. 4. is an instance of
the contrary.
:

5. Sol.

laities

II.

appropriated to God, are also applied

to Christ.
(1.)

Acts

He,

(if

the preceding reasoning be allowed) calls him-

God of Abraham,

'self ^//e

vii.

30

32.

Hos.

Isaacy and Jacob, Exod.

xii. 3

iii.

6.

compare

5.

(2.) Lord of hosts, Isa. viii. J 3, 14. compared with the following passages, 1 Pet. ii. 6 8. Psal. cxviii. 22. Matt. xxi. 42.
and 2 Sam. vi. 2. to which some add Isa. liv. 5. compared with

2 Cor.

13

xi, 2.

(3.)

16.
(4.)

Isa.

King of kings and Lord of lords. Rev. xvii.

compared with Deut. x. 17. 1 Tim. vi. 14, 15.
The first and

xli. 4.

6.

and xHv.

To

the last, Bev.

i.

17, 18.

ii.

8.

14. xix.

compare

6.

the former of these especially it is objected, that

might use such language, as the

Christ, tljough a created being,

embassador and therefore representative of God. It is answered,

not usual for embassadors to assert that they are the persons
from whom they are sent upon the same principles, any angel
or prophet might have used the same language, and the temptation to idolatry would have been greater than it is reasonable to
suppose God would have permitted. These arguments are further confirmed, by considering on the one hand, how averse to
idolatry the Jextjs were at the time when the New Testament
was written, and how propense the Gentiles, which would have
jnade such bold figures of speech in that book peculiarly danit is

gerous^.

7.

Attributes sometimes appropriated to

Sol. III.

God,

(are applied to Christ.

(I.)

John

Omniscience, Col. ii 3. Rev. ii. 23. to which many add

Matt. xii. 25. compared with 1 Kings
ii. 24, 25.

xxi. 17.

viii. 39.

and Jer.

xvii.

9,10.

Omnipresence, or a power of perception and operation

in distant places at the same time, Matt, xviii. 20. xxviii. w//,
Co/, i. 17. to which many add Heb. i. 3. compare Jer. xxiii. 24.
To thesj some add John i. IS. iii. 13. compare John ix. 25.
(2.)

BunNET on

tlic

Art. p. 4t,

'V5.

Harris on

the Messiah, p. VSl, 133.

Lect. clix.

Greek

Of the

and also Gen.

Works, Kc. ascribed

Almighty poxeer,

175

Christ.

concerning which see Calvin's

xix. 24.

notes on that place, and compare

(3.)

to

Phil.

//o,y.
iii.

i.

7.

which many add Rev.

21. to

indeed d<;iDated, whether tliat be spoken of Christ or

the Father, but Bev. i. 11, 17, 18. ii. 8. xxii. 12, 13, 20. make
it probable, that it refers to Christ,
See also Prop. 26.gr. 5.
\.

8.

is

it

(4.)

Heb.xm.

Eternity, Rev. i. 11, 17. Heb. vii. 3. Some also add

8. Prov. viii. 22,23. compare Psal. xc. 2.
Immutabilitj/, Heb.

(5.)

i.

12.

xiii. 8.

compare Mai.

iii.

6.

and some have argued from John xvi. 15. that this,
and all the other attributes of God ai*e claimed by Christ sis his:
see John v. 26 \

James

17.

i.

LECT. CLIX.

0/ the Works and

Per^son

Worship ascribed

to

Personal Union In what

Christ Of the Term,

sense Christ

is

called

the Son of God.

I. Sol. IV. JLJ'IVINE u^orks of creation and universal support are ascribed to C'Am^ as above, (see Lect. 155. . 6.) with
this remarkable circumstance; that all things are said to have

been made/or as well as by him, Col. i. 16, 17, It is objected,

God is said to have created all things by Jesus Christ in seve-

that

compare

Eph.

ral texts

that

often signifies y'or as well as by, so that

^ix

their being

made /or

Cor.

viii. 6.

iii.

y. to this it is replied,
it

may import

the glory of Christ, or rather that the creat-

ed or derived nature of Christ was the instrument by which the

world was made. Compare Rom. xi. Se*".
2. Sol. V. Religious worship, tiiough appropriated to God,
Deut. vi. 13, 15. X. 20. Matt. vi. 10. was by divine approbation
and command given to Christ, Ileb. i. 6. John xx. 28. Acts vii.

59. Phil.
it is in

ii.

11.

compare Rom.

the general objected, that

xiv. 11.

John

v. 23.

To

this

we

are to distinguish between

supreme and subordinate worship, the former of which is due to
God alone, the latter may be given to creatures: compare

Chron. xxix. 20. Afatt. xviii. 26. It is rephed, that in this

tlie worship addressed to man was apparently a civil, not a,
religious homage ; and that if it be the christian scheme to in1

case

a SAURiN'sSerm. on Ileb. i. 12.

Ow and Svii;E in locua.

b .MozpE'sPrpp. p. 121-?-139.

LECTURES ON

176

troduce any inferior God, to

paid,

i.

e. to wlioin \\q

whom we

whom

relioious adoration

arc to pray, whoiii

are to confide,

Part

IMTY.

DI\

by whom we are

we

is

vii.

to

be

are to praise, in

to swear,

(all

which

acts of worship are addressed to Christ in the following passages,

John

xiv.

20.)

Rom.

(answered by Exod. xiv. 31. and 2 Cliron. xii. xv.

1
Cor. i. 2. Rom. xv. 12. 2 Cor xii. 8. Rom.
ix. 1.) one would have supposed, tliat there should have been
the strictest care to adjust the degree of worship due to him, that
it might not interfere witli that of the supreme God: and it is
hard to reconcile this with its bcinor so often declared to be the
design of the gospel to bring men to the worship of the only true
1.

X. 13.

{Acts xiv. 15.

(rod;

xvii. 23, 24.

^vith the force of Christ's

Gal.

reasoning

in

iv. 8.

Luke

Thcss.

i.

9.) or

This branch

iv. 8.

is likewise much illustrated by a multitude of

which the apostles express an unlimited veneration,
love, and obedience to Christ, and that dependence upon him
and devotedncss to him, which can onlv bejustified in this view,
and would indeed be very criminal, if he were to be considered
only 2iS an exalted man , or a mere creature ; (which two ex-

of the argument
texts,

in

by the way, when applied to Christ in his present

to coincide more than some have been willing to
allow.)
Compare Phil. i. 20, 21. Col. iii. 11. Rom. xiv. 7 9.
and many other texts quoted by Mr. Jennings in hiy discourses
pressions,
state,

seem

on preachitig Christ.
3. Cor. It appears by the tenour of this proposition, that
wosi if not absolutely all those names, titles, attributes and
M orks, which are ascribed and appropriated to the one eternal
and ever-blessed God in scripture, are also ascribed to Christy
atjd that

as

is

such divine w^orship

is

required or encouraged to him,

else-vvhere appropriated to the one eternal and ever-blessed

God ^ *.
4. J)e/. The word Person common!}' signifies one single,
intelligent, voluntary agent, or conscious being ; and this we

chuse to

sense of the word

but in upoli^
express the ditierent relations sup[)orted by
the same plnlosophical person ; v, g. the same man may be
call the philosophical

ileal sense, it

may

Waits

on the Tiin. p. 3n S4.

Cl.ARKE .ind Tayloii on the Tiin.

Moore's l'ro]j. p. I'jQ 144.

Emlyn's iluinble Ijiiiuiry, ap.

BOYSK's Answer.

Kmlvn's

p.ise.

&c.
Tracts, vol.

i.

Vuidii-3l. of the Wcrshi]) of Clirist,

Lip. 'J'lacoj, vol.

SiacKFOKD's

i.

Uist. vol.

i.

p. '1^% C94.

* This proposition fairly admits, and seciTi.s to require no/Acr corollary?

tlie person who assumed our nature has names, titles, attributes, works,
and uorship ascribed to it, whicli arc apj)roiinated to the one eternal God, that por.stn
tiz.

Since

JOust be propei/i) duiae^posieiiing the divine

iiuture.

W.

Lect. clix.

Works,

Of the

b,c.

father, husband, son, &c. or the

same prince. King of Greats

Treasurer of the Empire^.

Unkaoi Brunswick,
Cor. One philosophical

Britain,

177

ascribed to Christ.

:iv\^

5.

number of persons

person

in the political, or as

may

some

sustain a great
call it the

modal

sense of the word'' *.

6. Schol. Besides this, some have given various definitions

o( person in the theological sense of the word ; of which few are
more remarkable than that of Markius, that " personality is a
positive mode of being, ultimately terminating and filling a subTo destantial nature, and giving to it incommunicability f."
scribe the personality of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, as *' expressing that perfection of the divine nature, whereby it subsists
three different ways, the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost, each

of which, possessing the divine essence after his peculiar

man-

becomes a distinct person," may perhaps be a demuch of the same imporf^l.

ner, thereby
finition

a Dr. Daniei icon's

F.ss.

of ihe Scripi. Tiin. Def.

Jenk.i>s un

towards a Demoustiat.
ii.

Cliristianity, vol.

ii.

b WATTs'sDiss. No. vi. p. 180 18t.

Sir Isaac Newtom'sTwo Letters, p. 103.
c

26.

c.

MAaKii Compend.
Sloss on

* But would poUlical or

by one philosophical person,

7yiodal

iiie

v. c.

I.

Trin. p.

2f5,

ill.

29.

sense of parson, many of which maybe sustained

any one in a court of judicature to appear as a

entitle

Tviliii'sses in any cause ?

If a fact were asserted by one who
duke, and treasurer, would his testimony be that of three or of oe:^ W.

proportionable nun-.ber of
is king^,

f The words of Markius, with the context, are these:

stracto non est reale aliquod Ens, sic enitn necessari6 plures in

Personalitas in ab-

Deo

forent Essentiac;

etiam inera Negatio actualis Communicationis, sic eniuri merum foret nihil, nee
Personarinn distinctio per Proprietates Characteristicas posset concipi, et Personalitas
Ta X&ya in Incarnatione periret; sed Modus positivus e/clis, ultimo terminans et com7ion

plens

naturam

substuntialcni, ac

illi

W.

dans incommicnicabilitatem.

J In the Trinitarian controversy no term has been more obnoxious to one side
of the question than the word Person; therefore the sense in which it is taken, when

properly employed

in

discussing this awfully mysterious but highly important submuch accuracy as possible. A scriptural person,

ject, should be ascertained with as

remote from a divine attribute and a separate beessence or being, his attributes are innuinerohle, and his
Father, Son, and Spirit.
The last of the above noticed definitions

in the trinitarian sense,

ing

since

God

persons only

is

three,

but

is

alike

o?ie

appears clear and comprehensive.

In this investigation

e\en n

Jiriori,

existence, nor
being.

it will

be useful to recollect, that

it is

highly reasonabte,.

to regard the uncaused being as difTeiing essentially from aWcreated

is

there

The orthodox

any reason against extending

this diflerence to the

mode of

Trinitarian disclaims Tritheism no less than the Unitarian

yet contends that not only personal characters and relations, but also personal subHe appresistences are perfectly compatible with the unity of the divine essence.
hends that each divine subsistence has peculiar personal properties, which are not
applicable to the others ; and yet that perfections peculiar to Deity are ascribed to
each; which implies that each mode of being, or subsistence or Person, possesses
the divine essence.
It is

a point of the utmost importance with the consistent Trinitarian, that

these personal distinctions in

God

arc not the effect of

Wiuu,

bat of

o(\u3tl' necessitv


LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

}'iS

God

7. J^rop.

is

PaRT

VII.

so united to the derived nature of Christ,

and does so dwell in it, that by virtue of that wimi Christ may
he properly called God, and such regards become due to him,
as are not due to any created nature, or mere creature, be it in
itself

ever so excellent.

8. J)evi. 1. Such divine names, titles, attributes and

works are ascribed, and such divine worship demanded or encouraged to Christ, as are elsewhere appropriated to God.
9. 2. Christ cannot be a being distinct from God, and yet
co-ordinate with him since that wou'd infer such a plurality of
,

Gods

contrary both to natural and revealed religion (Lect.

Lcct. 154. 15.^ besides, a multitude of things are said

as

is

44. 1.
of Christ in scripture,

which undoubtedly prove him to have

been really and truly a man, and cannot be said of the one living
and true God in himself considered v. g. that he hungered, felt
pain, died, &c.
Compare 1 Tim. ii. 5.
:

JO.

the

man

3.

There must be some wonderful union of God with

Christ Jesus, to lay a foundation for such ascriptions

and regards *.
11.
of

20

God

23. Col.

9, 10.
a

4.

Calamy

The

scripture expresslv speaks of such a union,

as dwelling in Christ.
19.

i.

John

(compare ^/)A.

iii.

x. 28

30, 38.

19- Col.

ii.

19.)

and

xvii. 11,

John

xiv.

Valet proposition \,
on the Trin. Serm.

ii.

p. 31

6i.

Watis's

Diss.

No.

ii.

with the divine nature.

Perhaps the want of duly attending to this distinction haa

For if the personal
mode be the effect of will, wherein can such volition difier from a creating act ? But
if the divine essence be necessarily living and active,
and if modes of subsistence,
or scriptural persons, be the necessary effect of that activity or life, the distinctions
being correlulrce must be also cceternal.
W.

been the chief cause

of opposition to the Trinitarian doctrine.

* But if this union be noi a. hypostaticalxxxnon, whereby a divine person assumes another nature, yet after the assumption <'ontiniiing but on' person for ever,
wherein can the union differ in its nature from that which subsisted between God
and Adam or a Christian man who may be ' filled with all the fulness of God ?" W.
f Since these Lecture; were written, the question concerning the divinity
of our Lord has afforded matter for repeated, and alu.ost perpetual discussion.
As
it would be difficult, and indeed needles.s, to enumerate all the publications that
have appeared upon the subject, we must content ourselves with mentioning the
most considerable part of them, with reference, so far as we are able, to the different periods and aspects of the controversy.
Those who disputed the supreme

Gotlhead of Christ, were, for a time, chiefly of the Arian persuasion. This was the
case with Mr, Hopkins, a clergvman in .Sussex, who published, without his name,

" An Appeal

to the

common

sense of

all

Christian people, concerning an important

" point of doctrine, &c." In opposition to this work was printed " A sincere
" Christian's Answer to the appeal tu the common sense of all Christian people,
" in a Letter to the appellant," By the Rev. Thomas Mc Donnell, D. D.

The next important

publication, of the Ariao kind

was the " Essay on

Spirit,''

Lect. clix.

Of

\2.Schol.

1.

the

Works

Against

&Cc.

this it

ascribed
is

to

Christ.

179

objected, that Christ acxiv. 28. that

knowledges himself injerior to the Father, John

ascribed to Dr. Robert Clayton, Bishop of Clogher, and which was the beginning
of a considerable controversy. The principal productions of the Bishop's Antago-

were as follows *' A Letter to the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Cloyhcr,
occasioned by his Lordship's " Essay on Spirit." " A full answer to the Essay

nists

on Spirit." The writer of this tract was the Rev. Mr. William Jones, who hath
appeared since, upon various occasions, as a zealous advocate for the Trinity. " A
Vindication of the Doctrine of the Trinity, from the Exceptions of a late Pamphlet."
*' A second Vindication."
These two pieces were written by the late Dr. Randolph. " The holy scripcurc doctrines of the divine Trinity in essential Unity, and
" An Essay towards aa
of the Godhead of Jesus Christ." By John Scott, D. D.
Answer to a Book entitled, " An Essay on Spirit." By Dr. M. Donnell. " A

by the same Author. A more recent vindicator of the Arian

hypothesis, was Mr. Henry Taylor, in his " Apology of Benjamin Ben Mordecai
to his friends for embracing Christianity." To whom may be added Dr. Harr wood,
in his " Five Dissertations i'' and Dr. Price in his sermons on the Christian
short Vindication,"

Doctrine.

Of late years the controversy relative to the divinity of Christ has chiefly been
betwixt the defenders and opposers of the Socinian System; among the former of

whom Dr. Priestly

stands particularly distinguished.

most distinguished opponents of Dr. Priestley was Dr. Horsley,

successively bishop of St. David's and of Rochester, lu three distinct publications, now' Tracts in Controcollected together into one volume, under the following title
versy with Dr. Priestley, upon the Historical Question of the Belief of the First
Ages in our Lord's Divinity. Originally published in the Years nS3, 1784, and
1786. Now revised and augmented with a large Addition of Notes, and supplemental
Disquisitions,"
Among the other antasonists of Dr. Priestley, may be mentioned
Dr. Horne, in his Sermon on the Duty of contending for the Faith, and his Letter by
an Under-graduate of Oxford; Mr, Parkhurst, in his Demonstration, from Scinp-

One

of the

ture, of the Divinity

and Pre-existence

of our Saviour.

Another advocate for tiie Socinian scheme is Mr. Lindsey, in his Apology for
resigning the Vicarage of Catterick ; his Sequel to the Ajiology ; his two Dissertations
on the Preface to St. John's Gospel, and on Praying to Christ, &c.

The pi-oductions in support of the divinity of our Lord, occasioned by Mr. Lindsey's writings, are principally as follows: " A. Plea for the Divinity of Christ," byMr. Robinson " A Scriptural Confutation of the Arguments against the One Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost," by a Layman ; '* A Vindication of the
Worship of the Son and the Holy Ghost, against the Exceptions of Mr. Theophilus
Lindsey, from Scripture and Antiquity,"by Thomas Randolph, D. D. ; ' A Letter to the Remarker on the Layman's Scriptural Confutation," by Dr. Randolph;
and " An Inquiry into the Belief of the Christians of the First three Centuries, re;

specting the

One Godhead

Burgh, Esq:

the author of the

Son, snd Holy Ghost," by William

Layman's Scriptural Confutation.

of the Father,

Concerning the worship of our Saviour, besides the treatises already specified,
appeared "Remarks on Mr. Lindsey's Dissertation upon Praying to Christ; in
uhich the Arguments he there proposes against the Unlawfulness of all Religious
Addresses to the Lord Jesus are examined." Upon this subject, without any reference to Mr. Lindsey's writings, we may here ad !, Dr. Horne's Sermon on Christ
being the Object of Religious Adoration ; and a Pamphlet, entitled, " Divine
Worship due to the whole blessed Trinity."

^^

Additional works in vindication of our Lord's divinity are. Dr. Shepherd's

tlie Suciuian Exposition of the Prefatory Verses of St. John's

Free Examination of

i8d

Part viT.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

the Father

called his God,

John xx. 17. 2 Cor. xi. 31. that

knowledge, power, and goodness,
Mark xiii. 32. John v. 18, 19. Mat. xix. 17. that he often
prays to his Father; that he declares himself to have received
from the Father those things for which he is most eminent ;
and that throughout the whole of his administration he is described as the servant of God, Jsa. xlii. 1. lii. 13. liii. J I. by
which some have explained his taking upon him the form of a
servant, Phil. ii. 6. referring all to his glory, and assisting his
creatures in their approaches to him, to whom he shall finally
give up the kingdom, 1 Cor. xv. 24 29.
is

he disclaims the

infinity of

With regard to all these texts it is to he observed,

we b}^ no means assert, as some few have done, tijat the
human nature of Christ is absorbed in the divine, which would
13.

that

indeed make the objection unanswerable

the reality and perpetuity of

it,

we

but acknowledging

reply, that

all

these things

must be understood as being spoken by or of him as man and

Media to r^wxtUout a reference to that union with God established

in the

preceding proposition'*.

14. 2. Dr. Clarke asserts the Logos to be something

tetween a created and a self-existent nature. But it is difficult
to enter into the foundation of this distinction, unless the idea
of a creature be, not a thing produced out of nothing by the
divine power, but a thing produced by the Father, through the
ngency of the Son, which is a very unusual sense of the word ^ *.
a'EMLYN's Humble

Fjiquiry, ap. Tracts, vol.

CALAMY on the Trin. Serm. v.

Wati s's Diss. No. p. 40 i3.
Hallet on Script. toI.
p. 214224.
lii.

ii.

i.

rr.

DAN.' Scott's

Ess.

towards a Demonst. of

the Script. Trin. I'rop.

MosHi.lM.

Ilisl.

vi.

&

viii.

Eccles. Sec. v. par.

ii.

c.o.

ii.

b Clarke on

Gospel J "

the Trin. part ii.Prop. xiv, xvii.

"A

Defence of the Doctrine, and eternal Sonship of our Lord Jesus

Scheme of Temporal
Sonship ;" Hodson's " .Testis Christ the True God, and only Object of Supreme Adoration j" the same Gentleman's "Answer to Mr. Fhend's Address ;" Holder's
" Doctrine of the Divine Trinity in Unity," Fletcher's "Socinianism Unscripturalj"
Whitaker's " Origin of Arianism disclosed j" Mr, R.\ndolph's " Scriptural Revision of Socinian Arguments j" and Dr. Hawker's " Sermons on the Divinity of
Christ."
K.
Christ, as revealed in the Scriptures, in Opposition to a late

To which may be added, among others, Mr. A. Fuller's " Calvinistic and
Socinian Systems examined and compared as to their Moral Tendency;" and Dr.
Jamieson's " Vindication of the Doctrine of Scripture, and of the Primitive Faith
roncerning the Deity of Christ, in Reply to Dr. Priestley's " History of Early
Opinions, &C.'' in two volumes, 8vo. W.

* But names do not alter the natures of things. Every beins: must be either
caused or uncaused ; to be absolutely uncaused is the prf rogativc of the divine
essence ; to be necessurihj and rlernuliy caused is the prerocrative of the divine Persons, Father, Son, and Spirit ; but to be caused by divine U'lit is the distinguishing
character of a creature.
If Dr. Clarke therefore meant that the I.ri<ros was caused

hy

diiine Will, yet oot

a trcaturCf

his assertion luiist be self-contradictory.

W.

Lect. clix.

1.5,

3.

Of the Works,
The

181

Kc. ascribedio Christ.

doctrine of the divinity of Christ has generally-

been expressed by saying that the human and divine nature of

Christ are united in one person, which has generally been
called the hypostatic or personal union : and those were condemned as Heretics in the fourth century, who either on the
one hand maintained there was but one nature, or on the other,
It is evident that scripthat there were two persons in Christ.
ture does not use this lanouagre in what it teaches us on this head:
nor is it eas}'- to determine the idea which has been affixed to
It has been
the word person, when used in this controversy*.

may

pleaded, that we

as well conceive the union of the divine

and human nature in one person, as of the souland body in man

but it is plain this is far from being entirely a parallel case,
and that Goa
since here are not two conscious beings united
and the creature should have 07ie and the same consciousness,
It seems therefore, that
certainly exceeds our comprehension.
those who haved fixed any idea at all to the term person here,
:

rather

mean

in

it

n political sense, to express the

operation of the Deity with the

human

concurrent

nature of Christ, in order

to constitute a perfect Mediator f

16. Dr. Waterland's definition of the word person as

" A single person is an intelliused in this question, is this
gent agent, having the distinct characters /, Thou, He, and
not divided or distinguished into more intelligent agents capable of the same characters :" where it is proper to observe,
;

* Whether persons dlfFerins: on this subject be called Heretics, or by any other

is of little importance ; but surely, whatever be the express language of
scripture, " in what it teaches us on this head," an imparfial reader may easily find
that the whole tenor of scripture shews, in a great variety of ways, that there are

name,

not two persons in Christ, and equally so that he has move than one nature.

word Person, see

6.

and what

follows.

On

the

W.

a derived nature may be so united to the underiwd, according to this

" such regards become due to it as are not due to any created
nature however excellent," nay, such divine namcN-, titles, attributes, works and
honours, are ascribed to it as are appropriated to God, according to the preceding

f But

if

proposition, as that

it is difficult to perceive how the other side can be more incomprehennot this to dnfy a creature? or, to ascribe divine honours to what is inWhereas no such consequence attaches to the other sentifinitely below God ?
ment. The divine honour it ascribes to Christ is not to his derived nature, but to
him as a person possessing the underived essence, which essence alorte is the formal
As to consciousness, it is not admitted, that " two co?isciotis
object of adoration.

proposition,
sible.

Is

beings" or persons are united

nious consciousness.

VOL.

V.

but surely

tvjo

W.

natures

may have

a perfectly harmo-

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

182

PaP.T

VII.

he does not say it is not divisible or distinguishable, which

not here the case, but not divided or distinguished ^ *.
17.

has been

4. It

is

debated, whether Christ be

hotly

called the only begotten So7i of God, with regard merely to his
being the promised Messiah, or to liis extraordinar}' conception,

and exaltation

to his

kingdom

as

Mediator

or whether the

expression refer to the eternal generation of the divine nature.

The texts brought to prove the latter, are chiefly Psal. ii. 7.

Prov.
i.

Micah

22, 23, 25.

viii.

v.

2.Heb.

i.

2, 3. Col.

15.

i.

John

14, 18. but others have explained these texts of the production

whicli according to

of the created or derived nature of Christ,

the preceding hypothesis was prior to the creation of the world

and with regard

to

some of them, have attempted to prove

and

their

of
urging
that it is utterly inconceivable, tha;t a nature truly and properly
divine should be begotten ; since begetting, whatever idea is
annexed to it, must signify some kind of derivation^ f
to Christ's deity uncertain,

application

them

relates to

\\\s

resurrection,

compare Acts

tliat

xiii.

tlie first

33.

Wateri.and's 2d Vind.
Quesl. XV.

Baxt.

till ot

Comr.

Hief. c.

iii.

South against Shel. c. lii. p. I'i.

Emlys's Humble K.nquiry, c. ii.
vol.

No.

i.

ii.

Ed. 174b. No.

17jI.

Taylor

of Clirisrs Divin.

Watt's Diss. ii. p. 43 47.

Pearson on ilie Creed,)). 161

i.

Owen

on the Person of
^c. apvid

Christ, c. vii. p. 138,

M AfFBLA. D
RlDCLCY'S

;flJ.
i

S.

1. ap. Tracts,

]>.

h2.

16'J4.

Ed.

&

S Vind. p. IPP,
p. 209216.
iJivin. vol. i. )>. i^i
131.

Proced. of the Underst. p. .502SOS.

BtiKN.<crip. Doct.ofthe Trin. p. 104118.
Watts's Useful and Imponani Quest, qu. i.
f' 9.
praps, p. 4t

Gill's Body Of Uivinily, B.

1. c. 2j).

against Watts, p. 76

It is difficult to

Waterland's view

guess of what valuable use this distinction can be

for surely

of the subject was for the Iiypo.statical union, and the Athana-

sian sense of personality, aiul therefore must have held the idea contained in the
expressions, " not divisible or distinscuishable." W.

f Persons of opposite sentiments in other respects have objected to the terms

and begntten, when applied to a person properly divine, as implying derkatir.v and inferior ity ; and censures have been liberally (or rather illiberally) castonthose who hold the sentiment, as if either destitute of common sense,
or disposed to digest contradictions.
But may we not suppose, without any forfeiture ot candour, that such a censure ?</// possibly be too precipitate, by assuning
that they fully comprehended the sentiment expressed by such terms. The foU6vving
hints, disclaiming the tone of a dictator, are submitted to consideration:
eternal generation,

generation and be^ettin^; do not inchide r^ny v luntary act ad

they who use them would have no cause of difierence with Ariansj
but rather denote a necessary act ad intra. Tliey hold that as the divine existence,
life and activity are independent on will; so is peisonality.
1.

extra

The terms

for if so,

Another consideration of eireat moment

in this controversy,

but often very

For want of due attention to
the nature of the subject, the mind is deceived by the sound of words; for no sooner
is it said, that the Son is " the only begotten of the Father," than we form, if unguarded, the \dtia of priority in the Father, and posteriority in the Son. But even
among men, notwithstanding the iniinite disparity between the fir.-t cause and a
huirian being, between the voluntary acts of a creature and a necessary property of
2.

much

out of

sir;ht,

is

the strict coexistence of Persons.

Of

Lect. clx.

the

Holy

IS:

Spirit, 5Ct\

LECT. CLX.

0/

Holy Spirit The Names,

and fVorship ascribedto him

the

Lem. JLt

1.

Holy

is

Spirit,

importance

in

in

Titles, Attributes,

Hls Personality.

JVorks,

evident that frequent mention is made of the

the New Testament, as an agent of great

carrying on the christian cause.

it would be difTiciiit if Tint impossible to form an idea of Fatherhood and Sonbut as correlative and coexistent. One may indeed exist as a man before his son,
but nut as the father of such a son. In the order of existence, as conceived by a

God,

sliip,

Trinitirian, the notion of essence

is

priorto that of personality, as

it is

prior to that of

but as to persinal relations, or positive modes of subsistence, there is no

more reason to suppose pric.ritj', than there is in saying that goodness in God is

attributes

pvior to

wisdom, and power posterior to both.

3.

Through carnal associations we

find a difficulty in preserving the subject

and that to wliich it bears a partial analogy sufficiently distinct. Thus, among men, a Father has a personal subsistence prior to his fatherhood ; but not so
in the present subject.
In this doctrine no personal subsistence is to be conceived
jirior to fatherhood and sonship ; nay, these relations are supposed to constitute the
personalities.
Fcrif there be no Son there can be no personal Father, and vice versa.
The term " Father," is not always used in a personal sense, but often answers to the
Creator, because we are his offspring; or Governor, because we are his family.
itself,

4. The proper use of illustrations by comparison is not to prove the doctrine,'but

shew from analogy the possibility of what is appreliendcd to be the collected
meaning of revelation on the subject. Suppose then the infinite mind, as to essence,
to be necessarily active, or life itself; is there any thing unreasonable in the thought
of a ierminiis a quo, and a terminus ad quein relative to this essential enerjry and life

to

antecedent to will?
properties, which

Is it

may

impossible that

\hfiS,Q

possible that this infinite and infinitely active

to the collective sense of revelation, as

the same

of this

life,

life

termini should contribute relative

not improperly be called subsistences or persons?

life,

relative property a quo, the Father

as a relative property ad quern, the Son

terminating ad quem

any thing absurd

in

is

Is

it

not

should be denominated, according

;

and

while the essential energy

eternal generation, or begetting ?
Again, is there
;

the supposition that this infinitely active

life

proceeding

m medio

a duohus lerminis should constitute another distinctive relative property called Spirit ?
5. In all works ad extra, the effects of power
clusively of the other : therefore no work ad extra

and will, no one person acts exwhether Creation, Redemption,

or any other whatever, can be the disiinf^uishins^ cause of these relative properties.
Is it not then a possible and a rational notion and intelligible language, when it is
said, that Father, Son,

and

infinitely active life

Spirit, (into the

name

of

whom

Christians were to be

modes of subsistence in God, or one

and, that the Son of God, by eternal generation, assumed our

baptized) are these positive,

real, or personal

nature into personal union with himself, thus constituting a glorious Mediator between sinners and the divine nature, which, though in itself Love, is consuming fire
to offenders

The sentiment
and

Spirit, as

of eternal generation, and that which represents Father, Son,

terms of distinctive personal relations, seems

much

less exceptionable

;;

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVJNITY.

1S4

VII.

2. Prop. To enumerate the principal of those scriptures,

in which divine names, titles, attributes, works, ov worship a.re,

or seein to be ascribed to the

Holy

Spirit.

3. Sol. 1. Many plead that the Holy Spirit is called Jehovah, in the Old Testament, by comparing Acts xxviii. 25. with
Jsa. vi. 9. and Heh. iii. 79. v>ith Fxod. xvii. 7. Jer. xxxi. 31

Tiiat he

34. with Ileb. x. 15, 16.

eems probable
iii.

to

which some add

is

called God, Jets v. 4.

Cor.

iii.

16. vi. 19. 2 Cor.

17.
4. 2.

of

DWine peyfections,

God

are certainly ascribed to the Spi-

Omniscience ; 1 Cor. ii. 10, 11. Isa.

;
xl. 13, 14. to which some add 1 John i'l. 20. Omnipresence
Fsal. cxxxix.7. Eph. ii. 17, 18. Bom. viii. 26, 27. Omnipotence:

rit

Luke

i.

35.

parl;i>ularly

Cor.

11.

xii.

Eternity

Heb.

ix. 14.

3. Divine works are evidently ascribed to the Spirit

/o^xxvi. 13.xxxiii. 4. and Psal. xxxiii. 6. civ. 30. K
Some likewise add those texts, in which miracles, inspisim.
ration, and saving operations upon the heart of man, are ascribed to the Spirit.

^ 5.

Gen.

2.

i.

6. 4. The chief texts produced to prove that divine

"worship is given to the Spirit, are Isa. vi. 3. compared with
ver. 9. and Acts xxviii. 25, ^c. Rom. ix. 1. Rev. i. 4. 2 Cor.
xiii. 14.

as

and above

all

Mat.

xxviii. 19*.

7. Cor. The blessed Spirit is spoken of in such a manner,

we cannot imagine would be used in speaking of a mere

creature, and consccjuently must be possessed of a nature pro-

perly
a

divine"".

Cai awy on the Trin. Serm. vi.

Emlyn's Tracts, vol. ii. p. 255261.

Gll

Watts
to

many who have

Watts's Christian Doct. ofTrin. p. B5 97.

Babrow's W orks, vol. ii. p. 367, 36S.

Ed.

ITil.p. 39'-' 398. Ed. 1746.

BuR>nron liie Ajt. p. 38.
on the Trin. Diss. v. I 2.

r.'s

Bodyof Div.

Clarke on'ilie

B.

Trin.

i. c.

1.

Tayi-. on the Irin. part

i.

31.

c. iii.

iii.

p.

4"?"

a'"-

long considered both sides, ihan that which holds these terms as

expressive of works or ofRces ad extra, while yet a Trinity of Persons is acknowledgFor it may be tirged, either these divine persons have essential distinctive chaed.
racters, or they have not j if not, with what propriety can they be called three persons^

The

idea of three distinct

three persons without

any

ft'7>)g^ is

disclaimed, and yet here are supposed

dijfcrenc" of distinctive characters

that

is,

a diversity

without any assignable ground of difTerc nee. But if they have essential distinctive
characters, what are they if not those held by consistent Athanasians, in some respects coiTesponding with tiie terms begetting, begotten, and proceeding, as before

explained? If it be said, the works of redemption; it may be replied, these are

works ad extra, and therefore belong to each person. Is any divine perfection as love,
goodness, mercy, wisdom, power or the like, a sufficient groi.nd of persoiial distincSurely that person is not diviue that possesses not each alike, and in an infition ?
nite degree.

W.

Lect. CLX.

Of the

Iloltj

Spirit,

yc.

185

1. The chief controversy on th'is head is, whether the Spirit of God be a person in the philosophical sense, or
merely a divine poxner or energy*. That he is a person, is

8. Schol.

argued, from

being described as having understanding,

1 Cor. xii. ll. speaking, and sendnig
messengers, Isa. vi. 8. compared with Acts xxviii. 25. viii. 29.
X. 19, 20. xiii. 1
4. 1 Tim. iv. l.yea, as Dr. Barrov/ interprets
it, sending Christ, Isa. xlviii. 16. as pleading, Horn.
viii. 26. as
being grieved, Isa. Ixiii. 10. Eph. iv. 30. as teaching and reCor.

ii.

his

10, 11. wilHng,

minding, /o/^nxiv. 26. as testifying, John xv. 26. as reproving,

8, &c. as executing a commission received from God,
13, 14\

John xvi.
Johnxvi.

9. 2. Those who assert the Spirit to be a divine power^

plead chiefly the sense of the word in the Old Testament
where they say it generally has that signification
and that it
w^ould be absurd to suppose, that the idea should be so greatly
;

changed, Avhen Christ and his apostles addresst-d those \vho had
been bred up in the. Jewish religion, and must therefore have been
used to conceive of the Spirit according to the representation

made

in their

sacred oracles.

It is also

pleaded, that the

jdoma*-

ing out one person on another, is both unscriptuial and unintelligible language, but not so, if it relates to divine powei'y
influence, or operation.
tion of the doctrine,

Luke

They urge

in

favour of this explica-

and reply to the scriptures urged above, by observing, that nothing was more common among
the ancients, and especially the eastern nations, than to represent powers, properties, and attributes, by personal
characters
thus wisdom is represented as contriving, rejoicino-, jnvhing, pleading, reproving, &.c. Prov. i. 20, &c. iii.
IsV&c.
iv. 6 &c. viii. 1. ix. l. &c. charity, -as believing, rejoicing,
&c
1 Cor. xii-i. and death, as being
plagued, Hos. xiii. 14. the
scripture, as foreseeing and preaching. Gal. iii. 8. the sun,
as rejoicing, Psal. xix. 5. di amine, as coming at God's
cail,
J
2 Kings viii. l. righteousness, as walking before him. Compare P^aZ. Ixxxv. 1013. and the wind, as willing, John iii.
8.
But it is answered, that none of these come up to the precedinoi.

35.

Given on the Spirit, 1. i. c. iii. i 923.

Tayl. ajjainst Watts, p. 65. 72.
Barrow's Works, vol. ii. p. 361:j(J4.

Emlyn's

PEAiisoN on the Creed,

Clarke on

p. 31

the Tiin. part

ii.

Tracts, vol.

ii.

p.

205212.

Ed. 1731.

p. 34'23iy. Ed. 1716.

Dr. Das. Siott's Ess. towards a Demonst. of
the Scri])t.Trin. Prop. iii.

1.

22.

* It will be objected, with good reason, that this is not a fair statement
; for
-the chief controversy on this head is, whether
the Spirit be merely a divine power,
or an essential relative property, which differs
alite from the philosophical

and the

political

import of the term, person.

W.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

16
tc-xts

how

esnociallv considcrinrij

vir.

frequently the personal term

and that not in poetical,

but the strongest objecdiscourses:
simple
but most plain and
from
the
form of baptism, and
arises
opinion
this
against
tion
iK-

used,

is

when spoken of the

Spirit,

the forcmentioned John xvi. 13, 14^.

those who grant the Spirit to be a person,
whether
he be the same philosophical person with
it is debated
to suppose the latter,
the Father, or another distinct from him
supposing him at the same time equal with the Father, is making h\m another God: some therefore have represented him
as a created spirit, in his own nature inferior both to Father
against which the passages enumerated in the precedand Son
ing proposition have been strongly urged ; as it has also been,
that the Spirit is never mentioned as a creature called upon to
praise God, when a large enumeration of such is made: Others
consider him as a created .Spirit, (called as one thinks Michael
the Arch-angel,) so united to God, and so acted by him, as by
virtue of that union to become capable of such representations
and regards as the Son is, though acting in some subordination
while many others
to him in the ceconomy of our redemption
have contented themselves with asserting, that there is only a
political, modal, or aeconomical distinction in the personality
Others again have maintained that
of Father, Son and Spirit.
and when he is
the Sjjirit is a //aV^/ distinction in the Deity
c;d!ed a person, the word is to be taken in a sense below the
though what determinate
j);ii!osoj)!iical and above the modal
idea is to be affixed to it, they do not more particularly say"*.
^ 10. 3.

Among

II,

Divines have

4.

Spirit proceeds

commonly taught,

that the

Holy

fromihe-Ydthev wnd the Son: nn A the Popish

school-men introduce the phrase of spiration, to signify the

manner in which his persorjality vas derived from them. He
is indeed said to come or to be sentjorth from the Father, John
XV. 2G. and Christ often promises that he would send him:
but for that notion of his spiration mentioned above, it cannot
be explained, and therefore cannot be defended
*-'.

12. 5. On the whole, forasmuch as the Spirit

5})oken of in scripture under a personal character, it
to retain that
a VVatts's Diss

v. p. I'll

149

'I'rin.

plainly

proper
language in discoursing of him and praying to

BARROW'S Works, vul. ii. p. J58.

BiRN.Scfipi. i)(x-t. (-tTriii.p. .iS, S9.
t LAUK
on the I'lin. part ii. 3, 1921.
I It. Das. Scoi I's ts. lowunlsa Dcmanst. of
Hi* S.Tipt.

is

Prop,

vii.

Gill's BodyofDiv.
c \V ATI's Diss. V. p.

Ui'RSUT on

MosHEiM
Gil L

ibiU.

is

B. i.e. 31.
ibid. p.
123.
p. 1

155 162.

tlie 'J'rin.

166169.

IS

ibid. Sec. viii. par.

ii.

c.

iii.J Ult.

Lect. clxi.

Distinction of Persons in the Godhead,

5Cc.

187

him, even though we should not be able certainly to dt'termine

our own minds, as to the nicety of sonje of those (juestions,
vhich have been touched upon in the preceding scholia \

in

LECT.

cr.xi.

Of the Genuineness of

Godhead
John V. 7.

Distinction of Persons in the

1

1. Prop. JL HE scripture represents

the Divine Being as
appearing in, and manifesting himself l)y the distinct persons of
FATKEa, Son, and Holy Ghost each of wliich has his peculiar province in accomplisliing the work of our
redemption
and salvation, and to each of which we owe an unHmited veneration, love and obedience.

2. Devi. 1. That God appears under the character of

Father in scripture, i. e. tlie Fat'ier of Christ, and throu^-h
him, the Father of all his people, is so clear from the whole
tenor of the New Testament, that it would be superilnous to
enumerate particular texts in proof of it. John xx. 11. 2 Cor,
i.

3.

3. 2. The scripture represents the Lord Jesus Christ,

the Son of God, as a divine person, in whom the fulness of the

godhead dwelt, by v.hom the Father manifested himself

and who with the Father is God over all.

to us,

4. 3. The scripture also represents the Holy Spirit as a

divine person, possessed of those attributes and perfections
which are to be found in God alone.
5. 4. There are various texts of scripture, in which Father, Son, and Spirit are mentioned together, and represented

under

distinct personal characters, v. g.

17.

Cor.xii. 4

to which
rity of

6.

2 Cor.

some add Rev.

it is

i.

contested, nor

Mat. xxviii. 19. iii. 16,

Eph. iv. 4 6. Eeb. ix. 14]
As for 1 John v. 7. tiie autho-

xiii. ult.

4, 5.
is

the importance of

it

so verv great

some have imagined since it does not exactly determine in

what respectthe three there spoken of are one. Vid. Calv. in

as

Loc.

i^ Instit.l.

6. 5.

redemption

i.

c. xiii.

5, 6.

every \frtiere represented in scripture, that our

was contrived by the Father, purchased by the

It is

Cf.ARXE on the Trin. part

ii.

53, 54.


1S8

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

Son, and

VII,

appliedhy the Spirit through whose assistance in the

we are to make our approaches to the Father,
7. Hoji. xv. 16. Eph.n. 18.
3,4. Tit. iii. 4
is

name

of Christ,

ph.

i.

7. 6.

Hence

appears, that correspondent regards are

it

which are accordingly required in many passages

of scripture, John v. 23. 1 Cor. xvi. 22. Eph. iv. 30.
Valet

due

to each,

proposilio

^.

be asked, how these divine persons are

must be acknowledged an inexplicable
mystery nor should we wonder that we are much confounded
Avhen enquiring into the curiosities of such questions, if we consider how little we know of our own nature and manner of existence. Vid. Prop. IS.

8. Schol. 1. If

three, and

how

otie

it

it

be enquired, in what sense the word person is

we answer, it mu9tat least be true in a
political ^euse, yet cannot amount to so much as a. philosophical
and if there
personality, unless we allmv a plurality of Gods
be any medium between tiiese, which we cannot certainly say
there is not, we must confess it to be to us unsearchable ;* and
9. 2. If

used

in

it

the proposition,

the higher our notions of distinct personality are carried, the

more difficult does it appear to our feeble reason, to clear up
the supreme di-vinity of each, and vice vcrsd^.

We

must acknowledge that scripture seems some 10. 3.

times to neglect this distinction of persons, and God dwelling in
Christ, is sometimes called the Father^ and sometimes the
JIol^ Spirit. Vid. Johnx'iv. 9,

Ueb.

ix. 14.

11.

some

4.

Pet.

From

iii.

18.

10.

Jets

Matt.

xii.

John

28.

i.

32.

x. 3S^.

compared with
Acts x. 38. Mat.
in which Christ is

several texts above qtioted

others, viz- Isa. Ixi.

1, 2.

John

iii.

34.

28. Ueb. ix. ]4. Bom. i. 4. viii. 11.

spoken of as qualified for his work by the descent of the Spirit
upon him, and its indweUing in him, an argument has been
deduced in proof of the Deity of the Spirit ; which is also
hinted at by Dr. Barrow
xii.

''.

a Berry-Street Lect. vol. i. p. 94 '07.

Bui LER's Anal. p. 15J, 134. 4to.
Whitby's Last Thoughts, pjss.
Dr. Dan. Scott s Ess. towards a Demonst. of

b
c

c.

2731.

Quest. No.

iv, v. p.

Gill's Borty of Div. B.

Diss. No. vi.

i.

Watis's

I seful

d Barrow's Works,

vol.

ii.

130

152.

p. 367, 368.

the Script. Trin. pass.

* A philosophical personality in a triune God none plead for but Tritheists ;

a po//^c/ personality, if not wholly de-,titiite of meanings is a mere nn me without
any personal difi'crence. When a man sustains many political relations, offices or
characters, who ever conceives that he has anj' claim whatever to a diversity of
May we not allow it possible that God possesses, and that
persons in any sense ?
W.
he can make known such a medium as the text hints at ?

189

Concerning the Trinity ^i^c.

Lect. cLxii.

the
12. 5. As to the celebrated controversy concerning
genuineness of 1 John v. 7. a view of the most considerable
arguments on both sides may be seen in the authors below * *.
13. 6. Some have supposed that the plurality of persons
in the deity is every where intimated in the Old Testament, by
the use of the plural CD^rh^ to signify the one living and true

God (which word by the way Mr. Hutchinson and his followers would read Elahim or Akimt as supposing it refers to
the oathy or covenant^ into which they have entered with each
other and the church.)
To confirm this opinion, it is further
argued, that plural verbs, Gen. xx. 13. xxxv. 7. and plural adjectives, Jer. xxiii. 36. compare Deut. xxxii. 17. are sometimes
:

joined with it'^f

LECT. CLXII.
Concerning the Trinity The Opinions of the Ancient Fathers
And of Heretics.

enquire into the opinions of the most ancient

I. Prop. JL
christian writers concerning the doctrine of the trinity.

to

2. Sol. For a more particular solution we chuse to refer

Fid. Antenicend, Waterland, Clarke, and Jack-

Bull de

son; especially the notes of the

a

Em J-YN's
No.

Tracts, vol.

ii.

No.

i, ii,

ili.

latter

Cypr. E|)ist. p, 203. Tract, p. 109. Ed.

Sir Isaac Newton's Two Lett.

Ed. 1731.

iv, V, VI. 1746.

New

TransLof New Test

TwELLs's Exam, part ii.

Martin's

vol.

Diss, in Loc.

Calamy's Serm. in
A Taylor on the

ii.

p.

iii,

Loc. No. i
p..
Trin. p. 31
MiLi.s's Gr. Test, in Loc.

on Novatian, which conFell.

Paraph, vol. ii. p. 63 1

Bengei.IUS in var. Led. N. T.
liiDLEY at Mover's Lect. Serm. ii. p. 7481.
FORBES's Thoughts of Rel. p. 134139.
iS.
Lett, to a Bishop, p. 40
Sharp's Diss, on tlie word Elohim, pass.

9?1935.

BENS'

>N's Dissert, in his

bH,

* This controversy, which had lain long dormant, has lately been revived by
Mr. Archdeacon Travis, in his " Letters to Edward Gibbon, Esq," in which he
strenuously maintains the authenticity of the text in question. The most elaborate
and learned answer to Archdeacon Travis is thatwhich is contained in Mr. Porson's
Letters to that gentleman.

K.

t Some of the publications in support of Mr, Hutchinson's theological principles, are " Remarks on Dr. Sharp's Pieces on the Words Elohtm and Beritk," by
the Rev. Benj. Hollow ay; " The Evidence for Christianity contained in the Hebrew words Aleim and Beril stated ^nd defended," by the Rev. James Moody ; "A
reply to Dr. Sharp's review and defence of his Dissertations on the Scripture meaning of Aleim and Berith," by Julius Bate, A. M. " A second Part," by the same
author; and " Strictures upon some passages in Dr. Sharp's Cherubim," by the auEliu. The Philosophy of Mr. Hutchinson has found advocates
HoRNi, Mr. Julius Bate, Mr. Spearman, and the Rev. William Jones.

thor of

VOL, V,

A^

in Dr.

K.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

190

PaRT

VII.

tain an enumeration of all the most important passages which are

urged from them on any side of the controversy. The chief
passages from the writers of the two first centuries may be seen
in the ybwrfA volume of Whiston's Primitive Christianity: a
particular account of what each has said would take up a disproportionate room here, we must therefore content ourselves witt
the following general remarks
:

Holy

3.

1.

Most of these

writers speak of Christ and of the

Spirit as distinct persons in the philosophical sense of the

word, and

as the objects of the

worship of Christians.

Before the council of Nice, they generally spoke of

the Son as having had a glorious nature pre-e\istentto his incarnation they represented him as derived from the Father, and
nevertheless so partaking of the Father's nature, as to be called
God cf gods, Light of light; and they illustrate this in general
by the simile of one taper being kindled by another, and of rays
proceeding from the sun this after the council of Nice was explained by the word bf^oamov, and it was reckoned heretical to say
4. 2.

that the Son Avas

to

o/xoao-jov.

They about the time of that council counted those

be Heretics, who asserted the Son to have been produced

5.

l| yn liluv,

3.

or

v.'ho

reckoned him

in the

number of

creatures.

This doctrine is only touched upon by the earliest

^j
Fathers in an incidental manner: Origen and Tertullian
treated most largely of it, and Novatian is the only writer of
the three first centuries, whose entire treatise on this subject is
6. 4.

come down

to us.

acknowledged that several of the fathers

and sometimes a very inconsistent manner, and several of them used expressions, which after the council pfiV/ff, would have been condemned as heretical.

7. 5. It must be
talked in a very loose

8. 6. After the time of this celebrated council, which was

near the beginning of the /biir^A century, they ran into several
subtilties of expression, in which one would imagine they studied rather to conceal than to explain their sentiments; yet they
grew so warm upon the subject, as to anathematize, oppose,
and murder each other on account of some of those unscriptural
phrases, much to the dishonour of their common profession ^.
9. 7. Most of the oldeat Post-Nicene fathers carried their
notion of the distinct personality and supreme divinity to a very

great height; and seemed to have imagined they sufficiently

a Chand. IIi3t.of Pers.

p. 39,

&.

Lect. cLxir

Concerning the Trinity,

191

S(c.

supported the unity of the God-head by asserting that Father,

Son, and Spirit, iiad each of them the snme .divi7ie, as three or
more we/z have each of them the same human nature^.
10. Schol.

some further

The

subject of this proposition

illustration

by mentioninf^ some of

may

receive

the most consi-

derable of those opinions, which were generally accounted heretical by the ancient Christians.
11. 1. Thatof tlie Cerinthians, Ehionites and Carpocratians; who seem to have asserted, that Christ was a mere man,

and had no existence before his incarnation: this is the same

doctrine, which was revived in xh^ fourth century by Pkotinus,
as it had been before by Paulus Samasotenus.
12. 2. The Avians, who held him to be only the first and
most glorious creature of God, denj'ing he had any thing whicli
could properly be called a divine nature, any otherwise than as
any thing very excellent may by a figure be called divine, or his
delegated dominion over the system of nature might entitle him
to the name of God: and they seem also to have thought, that
the Spirit was another distinct inferior being, created by the
Son but they did not employ themselves much in this part of
the controversy.
This is a heresy which most largely prevailed,
and in some places and times seems to have almost entirelv
swallowed up what is commonly called the orthodox^ or catholic
;

faith.

13. 3. That of Nestorius, who asserted there were two

persons in Christ, as well as two natures; to which was directly
opposed that of Eutychus, who asserted but one nature, as well
as one person, teaching that the human nature was absorbed in

the divine: and these difl'erent extremes occasioned the most

violent agitations in the disordered churches, during Xhefourth

and sixth centuries.

14. 4. That of Macedonius, who denied the
to have any proper divine substance, and represents

a created power, which was diffused over

all

Holy Spirit
him only as

other creatures.

That of Sabellius, who taught that the Father,

Son and Spirit were only names and offices of the same person,
who was in heaven called the Father, on earth the Son, and as
exerting bis power on the creation, the Holy Spirit.
15. 5.

16. For the most ancient account of these, consult EuseBius, SozoMEN and Theodoret in their Ecclesiastical History,
4 Le CleRC's Life of Gre;. Na.

p.

249257.

a 2

Dr. T. Bi'RS- on

ilie

Trin. p. 135, 136,

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

192

VII.

and also Bayle or Collier under their names. Many of the

most material passages are collected and exhibited by Dr.
Berriman and Dr. Abraham Taylor in their treatise on the
Trinity *.

LECT. CLXIII.
Opinions of the Moderns on the Triniti/.

give a brief account of some of the most cele 1. Prop, JL

brated of the opinions among the Moderns^ concerning the doctrine of the trinity, especially ot the

English

writers.

2. Sol, 1. Mr. Baxter seems, as some of the school-men

did, to have thought the three divine persons to be one and the

God understanding, willing, and ^e/of erf by himself or

wisdom, power, and love; which bethinks illustrated by the
t\\v&Q essential formalities, (as he calls them) in the soul of man,
viz. vital active power, intellect, and will; and in the sun, motion, light, and heat '\
sa,me

3. 2. Dr. Clarke's scheme is, that there is one supreme

being who is the Father, and two subordinate derived and dependent beings: but he waves calling Christ a creature,^?, the.
ancient Arians did, and principally on that foundation disclaims
the charge of Arianism^.

4.

Dr.

3.

Thomas Burnet

maintains one self-existent

and two dependent beings ; but asserts that the two latter are
so united to and inhabited by the former, that by virtue of that
union divine perfections may be ascribed and divine Avorship
paid to them ^

5.

4.

Mr.

Howe

seems to suppose that there are three

each

distinct, eternal spirits, or distinct, intelligent hypostases,

having his own distinct, singular, intelligent nature, united in

such an inexplicable manner, as that upon account of their perfect harmony, consent and affection, to which he adds their
mutual self-consciousness, they may be called the one God, as
a Baxt. End of Contr. c. ii.
Works, vol. ii. p. 132. ibid.

vol.

iii.

p. 568.
I

* For an accurate and

may be had

to

vol.

i,

14

impartial account of these several opinions, recourse

Moskeim's " Commentariide Rebus

tiones Historiae Ecclesiastics?."

work,

b Clarke on the Trin. pari ii. Prop. 7, 12,

16, 192.'.
c Burnet's Script. Doct. p. 173, 174-

of the octavo edition.

See

also,

K.

Dr.

Christianis," and to his

Maclains's Translation of

'

Institu-

the latter

Opinions of the Moderns on the Trinity.

Legt. clxiii.

93

properly as the different corporeal, sensitive, and intellectual

may be called one man ^.

natures united

6. 5. Dr. Waterland, Dr. Ab. Taylor, with the rest

of the Athanasians, assert three proper distinct persons, entirely

equal to and ipdcpendent upon each other, yet nmaking up one

and the same being and that though there may appear many
things incxplicab'e in the scheme, it is to be charged to the
weakness of our understanding, and not to the absurdity of the
;

doctrine

itself''.

7. 6. Bislpp Pearson, with whom Bishop Bull also

agrees, is of opinion, that though God the Father is thefoutitain

of the deity, the whole divine nature is communicated from the

Father to the Son, and from both to the Spirit; yet so as that
the Father and Son are not separate, nor separable from the divinity, but do still exist in it, and are most intimately united to
it.
This was likewise Dr. Owen's scheme
*=.

Wallis thought

8. 7. Dr.

that the distinction

between

the three persons was only modal; which seems also to have been

Archbishop Tillotson's opinion''.

9. 8. Dr. Watts maintained one supreme God dwelling
in the human nature of Christ, which he supposes to have exist-

ed the first of all creatu-es ; and speaks of the divine Logos, as

the wisdom of God, and the Holy Spirit, as the divine />oa;^r, or
the influence and effect of it ; which he says is a scriptural pcrson, i. e. spoken of figuratively in scripture under personal
characters

''.

Jeremiah Taylor says, '- that he who goes

about to speak of the mystery of the trin'ty, and does it by
words and names of man's invention, talking of essences and
existences, hypotases and personalities, priorit'es in co-equalitics, &,c. and unity in pluralities; may amuse himse'f and build
a tabernacle in his head, and talk something he knows not what:
but the good man, that feels the power of the Father, and to whom
the Son is become wisdom, sanctification, and redemption, in
whose heart the love of the Spirit of God is shed abroad, this
man, though he understands nothing of what is unintelligible,
yet he alone truly understands the christian doctrine of the
10. 9. Dr.

trinity f."

Howe's Works,

b Tayi.. on

vol.

ii.

p.

the Trin. nart

i.

560568.
pas<. praes. c.

d Wali.Is's

Owes

TiLLOTS.

i.

Waterland's VMnQicat and Serm.

c Bu i.L's Serm. vol. iv. \). 8'29, 830.
on tlie lleb. i. \i. p. 53, 54, 57.
Pears, on ihe Creed, p. 134138, 322326.

Flem.
f

I.ett

vol.

Wattss Diss.

i.

on Trin.
p. 492494.

No.

vii.

Christol. vol.

i.

1. ii.

v. p.

T.^YL. on John vii. 17. apucj

Besse's Def. of Q.uakerisni, { S>.
JePv.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

194

vii.

11. Cor. Considering the excellent character of many of

the persons above-mentioned, whose opinions were most widely
dirterent, we may assure ourselves, that many things asserted
on the one side and on the other relating to the trinity, are not
fundamental

in

and charitable

See Mr. Simon Browne's sober

of the

religion.

disquisition concerning the importance

Trinity'.

We

may hence learn to be cautious, how we enter

12. 2.
into unscriptural niceties in expressing our own conceptions of
this doctrine, which is by all allowed to be so sublime and so peculiar to revelation

^.

13. Schol. 1. Some traces of this doctrine are supposed

by many in the writings of Plato, and yet more probably in
See the
those of Philo the Jew, and in some of the Targums.

references to Prop. 126. Schol. 3

14. 2.

Many

".

have supposed there arc some traces of

all the works of God''.

this

doctrine imprinted on

Wrrs. CEcon.

a Fawcet's Cand. Refl.

b FiEM. Christol. vol. i. p. 1S7 191.
c Kidder on the Mess, part iii. c. v, vi.
12S.

Fi

Ev.

Christol. vol.

Tennison on

i. 1. ii. c. i. p.
Idol. c. v. p.77,7t>.

CuDvv.
p.

136

Feed.

c.

iv.p. 4) 5c. iv. i 36,

Intellect. Syst.

92

d liAXT. Works,
148.

Chryne's

vol.

ii.

p.

H,

15.

Phil. Princ. of Rev. ReL

C0I.L1B. of Rev. Eel. p. 99 lU.

&c.

p. 546,

Of the

Lect. clxiv.

Depravity of Human Nature.

PART

195

VIII.

op THE FALL OF HUMANf NATURE, AND OUR RECOVERY BY THE

MEDIATORIAL UNDERTAKING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

LECT. CLXIV.

Of the

1.

Prop.

and there

Depravity of Human Nature.

IVJLANKIND

at present in a degenerate state

is

reason to believe that there never has been, since

is

Adam, and never will be among his adult

descendants, a sinless mortal on earth, Christ excepted.
the transgression of

2.

Dem.

1.

Our own observation on ourselves, and those

whom we are conversant may convince us,

adult persons with

that the philosophical liberty of our minds and theirs

considerable degree impaired

the most credible history of

all

is in

some

(Lect. 21. 1.) and so far as

;
nations can inform us, this seems

to have been a universal phBenomenon.

See Lect. 100. 12

17.

There are many passages in scripture, which assert,

not only that this was in fact the case with regard to those
generations in which the authors lived, but some of them
plainly intimate that it always had been, and was likely to
continue so: Gen. vi. 5. compared with viii. 21. 2 CJiron. vi.
2.

3.

36. Fsal. xix. 12. cxxx. 3. cxliii. 2. Prov. xx. 19. Eccles.\n.

Rom.

20.
Tit.
all

iii.

vii.

7.

&c. Gal.

14,

James

iii.

2.

iii.
1

22.

John

i.

v. 17,
8.

to

Eph.

24.

which we

ii.

13.

may add

those texts that assert the necessity of regeyievation^ and of

and which speak of the

Viortifcation,

man

Rom.

Eph.

vi. 6.

iv.

22

24.

sinful principle as the old

Col.

iii.

9.

And indeed

the whole of the apostle's argument in the beginning of the

epistles to the Romans and Galatians, as well as all those other
texts, that are afterwards to

be produced, to prove the universal

necessity of believing in Christ for salvation, are conclusive to

because they suppose mankind to be in a

and ruin brought upon them by sin compare
John iii. 16, 36. v. 24. 1 John iii. 14. Mark xvi. 15, 16.
20. in which the
l^uke xxiv. 47. and especially Rom. iii. 9

the same purpose

state of death


PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVIKITY.

196
apostle seems

expressly

to

that the

assert,

VIII.

passages there

quoted from the Old Testament contain a just representation of

what is in general the moral character of mankind and to this
John i. 10.
last argument /oA/z seems evidently to refer,
;

4. 3. Many of these evil inclinations begin to work very

early, and appCcir even in children fromthe first dawn of reason :

compare Psal.

Mankind

5. 4.

Isa. xlviii. 8. Prov. xxii. 15.

Iviii, 3.
is

a very corrupt and sinful

at present in

state.

6. 5. It seems in the nature of things very improbable,

that so holy and good a God should have formed mankind in the

and

original constitution of their nature in so corrupt

sinful

state.

There has prevailed among many nations a tradimankind was once in a much more holy and happy

7. 6.
tion, that

state. Lect. 100. 20. Lect. 126. 4.

8. 7. There are various passages of scripture, besides

the Mosaic history of the fall, which plainly intimate that mankind was once in a better state, but that now a corrupted nature
Eccles. vii. 29. comis derived from one generation to another
:

pare Gen. i. 31. V. 1, 3. Job xi. 12. xiv. 4. xxv. 4. Psal.Yu

Ezek. xxxvi. 2e>.John\n. 5. compare ^ow. viii. 7.

Mankind

8.

S.

is

in a state of

degeneracy, in which the

nature is in a great

human

original rectitude and glory of the

measure

5.

lost.

^ 10. 9.

That Christ

appears from Lect.

6.

is not comprehended in this assertion,

Valet propositio ^

1 1. Schol. 1. Against that part of gr. 7. which relates to

propagation
of a corrupt nature from one generation to anothe
ther it is objected, that the phenomenon of universal corruption
in all the adult may be accounted for another way, i. e. by ascribing

it

12,

entirely to imitation.

Ans.

ly to place

it

13. (2.)

wards those

(1.)

The

scriptures quoted there

seem evident-

higher.

There often appear

vices, of which they

in children propensities to-

have seen no examples,

^ 14. (3.) There are many examples of eminent virtue

in the world, which yet are not so frequently or easily imitated
a Limb. Theol.

I.

iii.c. iv. { 1, 2.

Turrit. Instit. Loc.

Tavl. ofOiig. SiD.

ix.

qu. X. p. 694, &C.

Jennings's Answer,

Jonai Han EDWAkdsod

CHANCLiiK's

Posth.

pass.

Orig. Sin.

Serm.

vol. iv.

No.

6,

Lect. cLxiv.

Of the

Depravity of Human Nature.

which plainly shews a biass on the

as those of a vicious nature,

mind towards

197

vice.

15. 4. In consequence of this, those

who have most

care-

nature even among the Pagans, have acIvnowlcdged, and that in very strong terms, an inward depravation and corruption adding a disproportionate force to evil exfully studied

human

amples, and rendering the mind averse to good

16. 2. It

is

^.

objected that a propensity to sensual enjoy-

ments is the inseparable consequence of ourexistence in a body,

and of the weakness of reason in our infant state, when the sensitive and passionate powers are so strong.
IT. Ans. (I.) This propensity is not merely in proportion
to the degree requisite for the good either of the individual or

the species, and consequently

is

so far as

itself,

very corruption of our nature of which

we

it

prevails, the

speak.

18.(2.) That the degrees of goodness observable in the

natural tempers of some children may evidently convince us,
that

would have been very possible

it

for the

human

consti-

tution to have been so adjusted, that from the beginning the

much

temptations to sin should have been

generally are,

t]\e

smaller than they

19. 3. It is further objected, that it is inconsistent with

goodness, and even ih^ justice of God, to form creatures with

and afterwards to leave them to condemnaconsequence of them and it is also said to be

evil propensities,

tion

and ruin

in

make

inconsistent with his holiness, to

first

Ans.

20.

which

shall

end

The

(l.)

we suppose that
as that a man is not

tion,

a creature corrupt in

its

original.

difficulty

is

considerably lessened, if
upon the whole,

things are so constituted

necessarily impelled to any irregular actions,

his final destruction.

^ 21. (2.) What remains of the difficulty, after such a soluis that which arises from the observation of plain facts, and

not peculiar to the christian scheme

nor is it at ail increased,
by supposing that man was once in a better state, but on the
:

contrary rather

much

22. 4. As to
tion of our nature
a

Watts's
^y. Ed.

and Recovery,

Riiin

a)).

Op.

the,

manner

is

cvnvti/ecl,

p.

'J.

liOvfE's Living Temple, part

vol.

I.'

VOL. V.

p. 147

150.

diniinis'.jed,

ii.

in

which this hereditary corrupwe acknowledge we cannot

45

RiDr.EY on the

Wai- s's Contest betv>'ecn flesh and

Taylor's Uoct. of Ong. Sin.
tDWARUs, ibid, iu Anssv. to Taylor.

0741,
c. iv. ^.^

6.

Bb

S]iirit,

Serm.

v.

172
p. 'J69
Spilit^

i98

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

particularly explain

VIII.

it
but it seems exceedingly probable,
from the constitution of the body, and the
dependence of the mind upon it, Led. 4. 2 8 ^
23. Those passages of scripture, in which infants are
said to be innocent, have been thought by some an objection
against the proposition v. g. Deut. i. 2,3. Jonah iv. 11.
Cor.
xiv. 20. Matt, xviii. 3, 4. but this objection can only lie against
that manner of expressing and stating the doctrine, which re-

that

may

it

result

presents this corruption of nature as, properly speaking, a sin.

as to this part of the controversy, it is evidently to be

Now

determ ned by the manner in which sin is defined if it signify

as It commonly does " an action contrary to the divine law,'*
:

whence

these evil propensities are not sins, but rather the root

proceeds
if it be defined " a want of conformity to God's
law," as well as a transgression of it, they must be allowed sinful
but if sin be taken in a more indeterminate sense, for any thing
which God will or might punish with final misery, the question
must be considered in a further extent, and is referred to the
sin

Si'holia

of the following proposition

''.

LECT. CLXV.
The
\

1.

Prop.

JL

Scripture Account of the Fall.

enquire into the account which

oi' onr first parents.

is

given in

scripture o? the fall

2. Sol. 1 It is evident that they were created free from

and from vicious inclinations, Gen. i. 31. Eccles. vii. 29.
.

sin

there

is

reason also to believe that the natural

capacities of

Admii's mind were good, and his genius at least equal to that
which is to be found in any of his descendants as well as that
his bodily form was regular and beautiful, and his constitution
so framed as to contain no principles of distemper
but perhaps
some have carried the matter too high, in the representation
they have given of the vast strength of his understanding, and
the strong biass there was upon his will towards the choice of
virtue and obedience ".
:

9 I.ime-slreet T.ect. vol, i. p. 304 :^IiWatts's Ruin ari'i Kccov. p. I4!' ;55.

Turret.

Instii.

Loc.

ix. Glucst. xii. vol.

i.

p.

&C.
""''
^
^^^
Balcw AY'S "^
Tracts, p. ^f
Taylor and Edwards, ui

70rt,

'^.

i)

supra,
l.l&lB. Theol. 1. lii. c. iv. J 3^11. p.
'J'aVLOK's Sujjj.km. to Oiig. bio, i

2025.
vii.

Lightf. Works, vol ii. p. 569570. Hor. Hcb.

on Johnix. y.
Wat-vs's Ruin and Recov. p. 41 44.

pM7S

c lifriy btreet lect. vol. i.

IHi).
.st)UTH's Semi. vol. i. p. vi\
150.
'1 AYL. bysL of Uiv. part lii. Suppl. on Grig.

c. viii.

Sm,

Lect, clxv.
3. 2.

some

The

God

forbid to our

certain tree,

199

Scripture Account of the Fall.

the kind

first

parents tho eatins; the fruit of

of vvhich

now unknown, and

is

])crhaps the whole species destroyed, on the penalty of

which must at least comprehend the loss of that happy

which they then were, Gen. ii. 16, 17 \
4. 3.

By

the seduction of an evil spirit,

c^^'fi/A;

state

iii

compare Gen,

and Gen. iii. 15. with Col. ii. 15.

Ixom. xvi. 20. 2 Cor. xi. 3. they were prevailed upon to violate
that precept and thereby exposed themselves to the sentence
To the texts mentioned
of death by an act of aggravated guilt.

iii.

4.

with ^Vv.

above,

xx.

xii. 9.

may be added

all

2.

that the scripture says of the charac-

ter of the devil as the tempter,

Christ to triumph over him.

iii.

and

being the purpose of

it

Compare John

viii.

44.

John

S^

5. 4. When this sin was thus committed, the sentence of

death, though not immediately executed in its fullest extent,

evidently begun to lay hold upon them, as their minds appear-

ed under the distress and the consternation of guilt, Gen. iii. 10

as they were deprived of the pleasures of paradise, and made
to live a life of toil and sorrow, as they were exposed to the
disorders of a vitiated constitution, and so death begun to work
in them, till at last they were brought down to the grave, Gen.
iii.

1619,

24.

v.

5^
Any

transgression of God's natural law would

probably have been punished with at least as much severity, as
the breach of this positive appointment; but the circumstances,
in which Adam was at his first creation were such, as removed
him from <all temptations to, and in some instances from all possibility of committing many of those sins, which now most frewhich is one thouglit of
quently abound among his posterity
considerable importance to vindicate the divine wisdom, in
that constitution under which he placed him.
6. Schol. 1.

7. 2. Had Adam, continued in a state of innocence, there

a great deal of reason to believe that he would have been
happy. It has indeed been pleaded, that God being the author
of the creature's existence, and of all his capacities both of action
and enjoyment, cannot be obliged to continue to him his being
and comforts ; so that, supposing the creature ever so innocent
is

c Collier's Sac. Int. vol. i. p. 135, 136.

CUMBERLAMDS Grig. Gcnt. p.409.

a Berry-Street Lect. ibid. p. 189193.

b Bate's Harm, of Div. Attrili.c. ii.
Wits. CEcon. Fxd. I. i. c. viii. 5 3 9.

Goodman's
JScrrj- Su-eet

Prodigal, parti.
vol. i. p. ii!06209.

Lea.

Tayl.

ibid.

Ch AND,
Blrn,

Bb

at

Posth. Ser. vol. iv. No. i.

jyle's Lcc;. vol ii. p. 9.

200

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

PaRT

VIH,

and ever so virtuous, he should be able of right to claim them.

Nevertheless, it was what an innocent creature would naturally
expect from a being, of whose infinite goodness he had sucfi
abundant evidence and rich experience and when there xvas,
(as in the case of Adam) an express threatening annexed to
disobedience, that seems to imply, that while he continued
obedient he should continue hajjpy".
:

S. 3. It is questioned whether /Idam, in case of innocence, w-ould have had reason to expect the continuance of a
happy life on earth, or a translation to a nobler state of beinoelsewhere.
Had he abode on earth, his felicity must have been

continually increasing, by the exercise of his rational faculties.

God, and new discoveries made of bis.
^vorks, as well as by the multiplication of his posterity, on

in the contemplation of

supposition of their continued innocence.

But

it

may be added,

that on this supposition, in succeeding generations earth would

have been too small to receive and sustain the growing numbers

and it must be acknowledged, that this seems to

be an intimation, that some way or another, colonies would
in that case have been transplanted from hence to some other
abode ; and on supposition of Adavi's own removal, he would
have had some reason to hope it should have been to some more
at least he could have no reason to
excellent state and abode
infer a change for the worse, while he continued innocent and
of mankind

obedient''.

9.

(so far as

The
we can
4;

was made to Adamt did not

any intimation of pardon, in

revelation which
learn) contain

case of transgression, and had the sentence been executed in

utmost rigour, he wovdd have had no room to accuse the

and if, (wdiich seems not improbable from comparing Gen. iii. 24.) Adam had any sight of and converse with
other intelligent beings of a superior order, he might justly
conclude, that God would act in such a manner towards hinrr
in case of his transgression, as to prevent any encouragement
to moral evil which they might derive from his impunity and
if he had any suspicion of a posterity to be derived from him,
(which the sentence on Eve gave him room notwitlistanding
his offence to conclude) there would be further reason for such

'its

divine justice

an apprehension'^.
a Wits. QCcon. fird.

1. i.

Cr.ARKu's Posth. Senn.

Jjvo. (i.

c.

v. {

vol.

i.

13.

6, 7.

p. 409, &c.

b Turret.

Instil.

Loc.

\\ lis. (Ecoii. Feed.

I

c EiMLYN's Scrm. No.

viii.

t.

i.

iii.

aua?st. vi. J 9-

c. iv.

!).

p. 4^, i-*.

Lect. cLxvr.

Of the Death

denounced

Adam,

to

201

^c.

LECT. CLXVI.

0/

Death denounced to Adam the Covenant of Works

Tree of Lfc Tree of Kno-wledgc and jc'.ffecls of Sin

the

in Nature.

HE

extent of that death, which was annexed

1. Schol. 5. A.
to the transgression of the divine command given to Adam,
niigiit not perhaps be certainb/ known by him, unless it were

more

fully expressed

He must

history.

to him, than

is

it

to us in the

certainly apprehend, that

it

Mosaic

included the

happiness which he then possessed ; and perhaps

the extinction of being, and entire loss of all happiness, might
be the punishment due to the least transgression of the divine
loss of that

That argument .for the immortality of the sou!, which is

drawn from the unequal distribution of rewards and punishments, could not be kn,own to Adayn but that which arises
from the nature and capacities of the human mind, must appear
and therefore, (so far as we can
to him in all its evidence

law.

imagine) he would, from the light of nature, have reason to

apprehend some state of future existence, and to fear, that if

temporal death w^as brought upon him by

his transgression of

the divine law, that future existence would be a state of punishment rather than enjoyment nor can we say, how he should
:

be able to assign any point of time, in wliich the punishment

of so aggravated an offence must necessarily terminated

2.

history,

Hence it follows, that, according to the Mosaic

when God placed Adam in paradise, he did in effect
6.

enter into a covenant with hmi, whereby he encouraged him to

expect continued life and happiness, on condition of perfect
obedience ; but threatened him with death, in case he should

any instance transgress his moral or his positive law which

by what they
is the same thing that divines gL-nerally mean,
so far as the
that
seems,
it
And
call the Covenant of Works.
in

our duty, we are // so

born under such a covenant, as by sin to be exposed to death ;
which may be considered as includuig not merely the separation of our souls from our bodies, and the consequent dissolubut likewise such degrees of future
tion of the mortal part
to the supreme Judge righteous
seem
shall
punishment, as it

light of nature reaches in discovering

a Bero-Street Lect.

Locke's

vol.

i.

p. S.-Si^.^-".
i. p.

Reas. uf Cluiatian. vol.

17.

Grove's Thoughts on a Future

i us.
^ 6, /. p. 10

State, c. vUi,

202

LECTURES

PaRT

OlJ JDIVINITY.

and fit to inflict. Compare 7?om. vi. 23. Rev. xxi.

xwii. 26. Gal. iii. 10, 13. zek. xviii. 20\

8.

VHT.

Deut.

3. 7. It is evident tli;it the transgression in eating the

forbidden fruit was the first sin committed bv Adam, because
tije sentence of death followed it ; which must (according to
the nature of that dispensation he was under) be the consequence
of the first offence, Gen. iii. 17, &c.
4. 8. It is difficult to determine certainly what we are
to understand b}^ the tree of life.
Some have thought that it
was no more than a pledge of life to Adam^ in case of obedience,

and might in that view have been indifferently chosen from

among any kind of trees in the garden others have conjectured,
that it had some cordial virtue, of an excellent use for reviving
the spirits and preserving the health
compare Bev. xxii. 2.
with EzeJc. xlvii. 12. and some have carried this so far as to
conclude, that the mortality of Adani's nature was the natural
consequence of his being excluded from that tree, even though
we should suppose no change to be made in his constitution
after his sin, Gen. iii. 22.
Mr. Kennicot has endeavoured to
:

prove, that the tree of life signifies all the trees of the garden,
which were intended for the preservation of life ; and another
writer has attempted to prove, that the tree of knowledge and
of life were the same.

This

makes

it

not a place in which to discuss

is

but on the whole, that opinion which

a single tree of cordial virtue^ (as above) seems most

their respective opinions

probable.

Compare Prov.

iii.

IS. xi. 30. xiii.

12''.

5. 9. Many divines have likewise thought, that the tree

of knowledge was a slow poison, which so vitiated the fluids of
the human body, as in process of time to occasion the death of
Adam, and of all those who should descend from him after the
infection was taken
and the}'^ have likewise thought it possible,
that his blood and spirits might be so altered by the juice of it,
as that sensual propensities, and other passions, might be
thereby made much stronger than they were before, and so
that symmetry of tiie faculties broken, on which philosophical
liberty depends.
(Vid. Led. 18. ^ 13.
Led. 21. 6.) It is
objected, that upon this hypothesis, the corruption and distemper of human nature must grow less and less^ as every generation is further removed from Adam, in whom there must surely
have been vastly more of this supposed poison, than there can
be in any of his descendants. But it is replied, that it is the
:

Rawmns

of Justification, p.

b Kl-.NSlcoT's
VV JTS. Oicon,

bisscrl. ini

Fad.

1. 1.

llie

fi

Tree

vi. {

19.

ot Life, pass.

U,

1*'.

I
|

Barhingt. Essay on various Dispens.

note

Tlkrei.

4,

]>.

17.

nole

lusiiu Loc.

p.

H.

viii.

Q.uxst. v.

t, 5.

1^

;
:

Of the Death

Lect. clxvi.

denounced

Adam,

to

203

S^c.

nature of poisons so to assimilate the blood to themselves, as

of it, and to render an infection

to corrupt the Aviiole mass

many

transmitted through

persons as dangerous as at first hand

mad dog, the small-pox, &.c ^

as in the case of the bite of a

6. JO. It is generally supposed that the sin oi Adam not

only brought a curse on the ground^ Gen. iii* 18. (which by the
May Dr. Woodward supposes not to have taken place till the
deluge, and Bishop Sherlock to have been then removed;)
but also, that it brought confusion and disturbance into the
whole frame of nature in our vorld, both in the elements,
occasioning greater inclemencies of weather than would otherwise have been, and also upon the animal creation, who it is

supposed would not otherwise

compare

8.

Isa. xi. 6

Ixv. 25.

liave

devoured

Rom.

viii.

19

each other
22.

in-

It is

deed exceeding probable, that those animals, which are now

dangerous to mankind, had at first such an awe impressed upon
them, as eifectually to secure him from any danger of their
assaults; but we confess it is difScult to conceive, how those
animals, whose present frame shcMs them to have been of the
carnivorous kind, could without a miracle have subsisted upon

Wd.

vegetables''.

Lect. 145. 5.

7. 11. Some have conjectured, that our first parents, in

visible glory , ov
their state of innocence, were clothed with
[x.

which according to these writers was a part

of the image of Gcd in which they wjere created they suppose
that the departure of tliis glory, as soon as they transgressed, was
the nakedness which they were conscious of: and on this principle suppose that the like glory will be restored to the righteous
at the resurrection ; and argue, from those passages which favour

lucid appearance,

that doctrine, the probability of man's being possessed of

Compare Matt.

bis primaeval state.

21.

plain
ii.

6.

4;J.

23. 2 Cor. v.

though not

a Bap.ringt.

Burs. An.

Ess. ibid. p.

all

20

p. 17.

Bom.

this

^."i.

fi.

Note

WooDW.

7.

G:;oVE's

some authors exand even Phil.

Nat. Hist. p. 73

IIammonU and Locke, on Rom.

Bap.riN'T.

H.KM.

vui. U), Sec.

Animal Creation,

oil

Proph. Disc.

I'osih.

Serm.

vol.

10(5.

iv. p.
i.

Ed.

I.

H7 118.

Scnn.

vi. p.

155

170,
WATrs's World to come,
c Mehe's Uialnbe,ap. Opera.

Cun;-!. at Boyle's Lect. vol. n. p. 55

61.
R'cv. exum. vol. i. Diss.i. p. .
Milton's Par. Lost, I. x. ver. fj.il 71;).

Diilisophical Survey of the

^lax.ii.i 1. par. iii. J 2.

in
iii.

viii. 3.

SHERLOCK
note

Oei.any's

X^HiTBV,

5.

it

43. xvii. 2. Fhil.

with equal reason''.

p. ill.

llOLlERE'sLife,

l>

and with reference to

Cor. XV.

Rom.

iii.

xiii.

Ess. p. II

Christol. vol.

Note.

IK

ii.

p.

'Hifi,

& 3oI. with the

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

204

VIII.

LECT. CLXVII.
Of the

Tmpiitatmi of Adavi's Sin.

1
D(f. JL HE actions or sufferings of A, migiit be said to be
imputp:d to B, if B should on the account of them in any degree be treated, as if lie had done or suffered what A has done
or suH'ered, when he really has not, and when, without this
action or suffering of A, B would not be so treated.

The sin of A may be said to be imputed, if B

2. Cor.
though innocent be upon that account treated in any degree as
1

a sinner.
3. 2.

The

4. 3.

A may.be said to be imputed

B, though a sinner, be treated as

righteousness of

B, if, upon the account of

if he were righteous.
to

There may be

it,

real,

when

there

is

not a total im-

putation either of the righteousness or sin of another.

5. Schol. The justice of such imputation, on one hand or
the other, can in the general be neither affirmed or denied, but
is

to

be determined

in particular cases,

by a view of

particular

circumstances, and especially by considering the degree of the

imputation.
6. Prop. The sin o^ Adam is in some diegxeG imputed to
those who descended from him in the way of ordinary ge-

all

neration.

7. Dem. 1. AVe are all born with such constitutions as

produce some evil inclinations, whicii we probal)ly should
not have had in our original state; which evil inclinations are
represented in scripture as derived from our parents, and therefore may be ultimately traced up to the first sinful parent from
will

whom we
8.

descended.
2.

'

Infants are plainly liable to diseases and death,

though they have not committed anv personal transgression,

which, while they are incapable of knowing tlie law, it seems
impossible they should be capable of, Rom. v. 12- 14.

9. 3. Tlie seeds of diseases

and death arc no doubt de-

rived to children from their immediate parents, and from thence

may

be traced up through precednng generations to the

diseased and mortal parent,

i.

e.

Adam.

first

Of the

Lect. CLxvir.

Imputation of A (hill's Sin.

205

10. 4. The scripture teaches us to consider Adam as liaving brought a sentence of death upon his whole race, and expressly says, " that by his transgression many were constituted
sinners,^''

Mom..

V.

i.

e.

12

on account of

it,

are treated as such,

Cor. xv. 22.

9.

1 1. 5. Tiie sin of Adam brought upon himself depraved

incUnations, an impaired constitution, and at length, death.

Lect. 165.

&c.

1.

12. 6. There is no reason to believe, that had man continued in a state of innocence, his offspring would have been
thus corrupt, and thus calamitous from their birth.
Valet propositio

^
3.

Cor.

Hence

it

appears, that the covenant Avas

made

Adam,

not only for himself, but in some measure for his

posterity ; so that he was to be considered as the great head and
representative of all that Avere to descend from him ^.
Avith

14.

2.

It

may seem

damage which Adam's

probable, in consequence of this

was to become liable to by his

would have received some additional
continued obedience; but what those adposterity

transgression, that they

advantages from his

vantages were, the scripture does not expressly say, nor is it
necessary for us particularly to know
in general, we are sure
they must have been such, as would secure the honours of divine
justice in the establishment of such a constitution; but more will
be said concerning this, below,
:

15. Schol. 1. This imputation of the sin of Adam to his

posterity, is, what divines generally call, with some latitude of

expression,

o?\''^za/

from personal
16. 2.

It is

worse for those

power

.ji//,

guilt.

distinguishing

it

from ac^wa/

sin,

i.

e.

Vid. Lect. 164. 23.

plain in

tVict,

that children frequently fare the

faults of their jiarents,

which

it

was not

in their

to help, especially as hereditary' disorders are often

com-

municated, which lay a foundation for a miserable life and a

more early death. If therefore a righteous God does in fact
govern the world, we must allow it consistent with justice that
it should be thus ; nor will there appear anv inconsistence, if we
consider, that justice determines not the manner, in which the
creature shall be treated in any given time, in the beginning of
a

Locke & Whitby on Rom. v.

Edwakds on Grig. Sin, par. ii. c.

^Vesley on Orig. Sin.
b Edwards, ibid, part ii. c. i. I 3.
Watts's Ruin and Reoyv. CI,. 2.

12, Sjc.

Burn, at Boyle's Lect. vol. ii. V. 3805.

Tavl. ofOrig:. Sin, p. 25 64. withJE.NNINGS's
Answer.

Chandl.

Posth Serm. vol. iv.No.

VOL. v.

Tayl. Suppl.

0".

f<j.

iv.

its

Part

LECTURES ON DlVlKItY.

206

existence, but the

manner

in

wliich

it

shall

on the

vin.

'johole

be

a thought, which might be sufficient to vindicate those

passages in which God threatens to punish the iniqnitv of parents
treated

by the

calamities of their children, Exod. xx. 5.

9, 10. xxi. 21
17.

3.

sin reaches

Lam.

22.

It

v. 7.

Matt,

debated how

is

Kings

xiv.

35^

the imputation of Adanis

extends to eternal death,

far

particularly, whether

xxiii.

it

or everlasting misery, supposing that everlasting miser}' is the

consequence of |>ersonal guilt. We do here readily allow, that
God might righteously have put a period to the whole human
race, immediately after the transgression of xldam^ and consequently that we might have been said to be lost for ever by that
transgression: we also allow, that God might, for ought we

know, consistently with

those

who

his

own

perfections, suffer the souls of

die in their infancy to be utterly extinguished,

and
and in that case the transgression of that ancestor which made them mortal, might in a
qualified sense, be said to destroy their souls.
But that one rational creature should be made linally and eternally miserable
for the action of another, which it was no way in his power to
to sink

mto

everlasting insensibility

prevent, does so

agree with our natural notions of divine

(v. g. Ezek.
xviii. 2, 3, 4, 20.Jer. xxxi. 29, 30. Deut.xsiv. I6. 2/u^.yxiv.
6.) and with what God is pleased to say concerning his compassion for infants, Jonah iv. ult. that we must at least wait for the
plainest and fullest decision of scripture, before we can admit
ill

justice and the repeated declarations of scripture,

as true''.

it

18. 4. The most considerable argument to prove the

imputation of Adam's sin, to the eternal condemnation of his
posterity, is taken from those passages of scripture, as well as
those rational evidences, which prove eternal death to be the
wages of sin, compared with those mentioned above, in which it
is said, that all died in Adam: but it is so evident, that death
does not always include eternal misery, and that a person may
for the sins of another, who is not made eternally
miserable for them, that one cannot but be surprized at the stress

be said to die

upon

that has been laid

a Ti'RRET.

Inslit.

Ruin and Recov.

Loc.

ix.

Q.uest.

it ".

diiust. xix. ?20.

iv. p. lOri

iii,

Grove's Posth. U urk^, vol.

Savr. Serm.vol. vii. p. jTi

iv. p.

^^79.

lya

i;i7.

'Ai5.

b RiDGI.. BorlyofDiv. vol. i. p.330,331, 333,33&

fifi.
ot Orig. Sin, p. 42
53, ()1
\VA\TssKuin anJ kecnv. p. 3J0, 331.
c Calv. iaklit. 1. ii. c. i. iii.

Of Adam

Lect. clxviii.

as a Fcederal

Head,

207

S(c.

LECT. CLXVIII.

0/ Ad&m

as a Feeder al

The

Head

Ruin and Recovery of

Matikind.
1. Schol. 5. JL O shew that a constitution, whereby all nunkind should become obnoxious to eternal misery for the transgression of one common head, is consistent with divine justice,
many have pleaded, that in consequence of such an appointment,
we stood so fair a chance for hajipiness, that if we had then
existed, and the proposal had been made us, we must in reason
have been contented to put our eternal all on that issue: so that

God might

reasonably impute that to us as our act, which lie

act, if we had been consulted on the

knew would have been our

But notliing would seem sufficient to vindicate such

a proceeding, unless we were to suppose, (as an obscure writer
has done) that the souls of all the race of Adam were for tliat
moment actually brought into being, and gave personal consent
to that covenant, after which they were reduced to a state of
insensibility, till the appointed moment came for their animatoccasion.

ing their respective bodies'*.

2. 6. As a counterpart to the hardships put upon Adani's

race by such a covenant as has been represented, it has been
asserted, that all his posterity would after his short trial have
been confirmed in a state of inmiutable happiness; and Dr.
GuYSE, in particular, conjectures, it might have been as soon as
the fruit of the forbidden tree dropped off: but all this seems to
be said without any express warrant from scripture. Had any
of tlie race of Adam committed any act of moral wickedness,
we may conclude that such an offender, and probably his posterity, would have received some detriment; and had Cain for

when adult, eaten of the forbidden fruit, the

natural consequences flowing thence to all mankind on Adam^s
transgression must, (so far as v.e can judge) have descended to
the race of Cain alone.
Now that the one of these was possible,
none can denv, unless they suppose that the whole race would
on the obedience of Adam have had such extraordinary degrees
of divine influence entailed upon them, as would in fact have
been an everlasting security to them against every degree of
instance, at least

a Sale'-! Koran,
li

c. vii. n. 135.

wn's
T.'s Works,

vul.

Blackw. Schema

ii.

);.

Sac. p.

Note

'2:-<%
'B?,,

e.

Uh^.
Uj^.

Ui 16S.

VVatts's RuWi and Recov. Quest. 5

EiJWAUiJi>,ibicl. part

Cc

ii. c. ii.

part

iv. c. 3,

temptation:

tliis

such evidence of

an

Part viii.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

208

it

was indeed possible, but we cannot discern

from scripture, as should embolden us to such

assertion^.

^ 3. 7. On the whole, the most plausible thing which is said

to prove the probability of a covenant, in which eternal misery

should be brought upon

we

men by

all

the guilt of the

first sin, is

mankind is brought into such a

state, that every man does, in some instances or other, break the
law of God himself, when he grows up and this, in consequence
this

that

see in fact that

of an original corruption, derived from Adam, as most at le;ist

acknowledge, even of those who deny the total imputation of
his sin; now it is said, that it is as just to punish an innocent
person directly for the guilt of another, as upon account of that
other person's guilt to bring him into such a condition, that he

must

necessarily sin, and then inflict that punishment

own

upon

liim

uecessary act, which was objected against as unjust

in the former case.
It is hard to say how this argument can be

for his

answered, unless we deny that any act of sin whatsoever is necessarily committed
on the other side it is urged, that upon
this supposition, it is a possible thing that any man, even in this
fallen state, may continue perfectly innocent throughout the
whole period of his life. The consequence cannot be denied
therefore it must on the whole be considered, whether it be more
rational to believe, that every man does, in fact, sin, though he
viight possibly in every instance have avoided it, or that God
should plunge the whole race of mankind into perpetual and
necessary ruin for the guilt of one of them''*.
:

a Bero'-Streef Lect. vol. i. p. 189 19(5.

b Bl'RN. on the An. j). 111114.
Burn', de I'ide, p. 141151.

Schema Sac. p. 16.4, 1C5.

Baxt. End of Contiov. c.

* One

Limb. Tlieol.
V. 3-10.
CAr.v. Inst.

I,

1. ii.

EDWABUSon

iii.

c.

i.

c. iii.

20. civ.

311. "c.

57.

Orig. Sin, par. i.e.

i.

x.

omitted throughout

this reasoninjr, viz. That

commission of any sin ; bat tliat there is an
^hypothetical fiecfssity for the commission of every sin, and tliis must be as equally applicable to a state of original jirobation as to the present state of mankind.
The
jwssibility of contiuuinsr perfectly innocent, can imply no Uiore than exemption from
decretive impulse to sin ; and this, in all cases, is the privilege of accountable creatures.
If thereof cause oi the Jirst .s/ of Adam be but well consi;:ered, there will

there

is

important distinction

no decrelhe

be, comparatively speaking, but

posterity.

is

necessity for the

little

cange of sin in his

tlian can be allowbe suggested, which may prepare

difficulty relative to the

This profound subject requires more ample discussion

ed in tiiis place ; but a few leading hints may

the inquisitive mind for further investigation.

While

Adam stood

in

a sinless condition, his being, his well-being, his holiness,

For God
and happiness^ were entirely and exclusively the fruit of sovereign favour.
But to an accountable creature, as such, he oives
os-es to acreatiire, as such, nothing.
the real grounds of accountablcncss

otherwise

his

requjsjtioi)

of accountability

Of Adam as

Lect. clxviii.
4. 8. It

opinion of Dr.

a Fawderal Heady

209

S(c.

may not be improper here to mention thesinfrular

Watts, in his very ingenious treatise on the Jiuin

would be capricious,

and uiv'qn'itablr. The preservation of his hcinsr indeed

be not continued, he ceases also to be accountable. AVliat
God o:r-',v to an to accountable being, as such, is /i/tcllrct, zcill, freedom from impulse,
(or decretive, positive causation) fo sin, and objects smtuhle to his wants exhibited to
his choice ; in short, a crriiacif!/ for enjoying the chief good, and sulficient moral
for nhjecl'.ve) mfnns for that en<]. The exerciseof equily is the giving to all their (V/^ej

is

not his

but

du!-,

arbitrary,

if that

hence the being, or continuance

in being, of an accountable creature, is not a point

cannot be called the creature's c/f/e from the Creator; but
to give him precisely neit': r more nor less than is sufficient to constitute his grounds
of accountability, or moral agency, is to deal with him iu !>"re cqitity.
There are

oi

I'qiity,

because

assis'iab/e reasons,

teal

f!;''o:c7ii{s

tliis

why Adam, even

iu the state

of original probation, possessing the

if dealt with in pure equity, would

of accountability, or moral obligation,

(all.
S'/ieradded sovereign'y, indeed, which is aright to do every thing not
unequitable, and which never can be exercised but in ftivnur of the creature, (otherwise it would be no longer sovereignty, but injustice J might have prevented his fall,
as it has prevented the fall of angels ; but this was not the case.

certainly

The

exercise of we?rc equity, therefore, towards a moral agent, is the rigid opebut the exercise of sovereignty is
j

ration of justice to the erclusion of sovereignty

not incoiu|)atible with equity, though it is with mer.' equitv towaids the same person.
All the possible dealings of the divine Governor with man are reducible lo either
equity ov sovereignly, in different proportions.
Equity engages to bestow all the

we can

rightly claim ; to give I'ss would be injustice.

and positively rigid on the other side, that no
creature should from any source have mire good than is due to him, the operation of
Equity, therefore, never can
.grace and mercy would then be utterly excluded.
distribute more evil or more good than is due to its object; but sovereignty may
Consequently sovereignty may counteract
distribute more good than is due to it.
the operation of justice by giving its objects more good than equity could do.
This

good that

is

But

operation were equally

if its

due to us, or that

Adam was

the subject of passive pozver and defectibility in his perThis consists in that tendency to defection physically as to being, and

being the case,

fect state.

morally as to well-being (when united with fieedom) wliich is essential to all conHe also possessed the g-roM'zrff of moral
tingent or absolutely dependent existence.
If his sin was certainly future, in opposition to absolute
mere chance, there must be an adequate cause of snch an effect.
to the source oi the difficulty, or the Origin of Evil.

obligation before mentioned.

coiitiiigcnce or

This brings us

In this aflair there are three objects of

and Six.

God was a

Tiiat

primary consideration,

sovereign cause, impelling to the act,

is

God Adam
evidently incon-

injustice.
To say that he inters
sake of great consequent good, does
not mend the matter, but is to make him the author nf sin, the " doer of evil that
good may come ;" and implies a vain attempt to annihilate the nature of moral evil,
or to sanctity abomination.
But as all the acts of the moral governor towards a free
agent must be the exercise either of sovereignty or of equity, and as sovereignty

sistent with equity, or

pose<]

by sovereignty

cannot impel to
vention of sin,

it

would have been an act of

to cause the event,

for the

and was not exercised (though it might have been) in the preremains that equity alone was exercised on the part of God.

sin,

it

Tlie next object is Adam, who may be considered as possessing positive holifreedom, and passive pozorr.
His positive holiness was the effect of sovereignty,
and, had sovereign acts been continued, his fall would have been prevented. Hi*

fies?,

order to accountableness was the effect of equity, for if he must account

he miglit claisi it as his rightful due ; yet, abstractedly considered, it
a natural ]K>\\er Capable of being instrumental to the production of moral effects

freedom

in

for his actions

was

either good or evil.

His /lassr^cjioxer, as before hinted, was that which constituted!

2iO

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVIKITV.

VIII.

is, that the sin of Adam has

posterity not onlv to natural death, but to the

and Recmery of mankind, which

subjected

all Ins

one essential (liffercuce between a necessary and contiiic;ent, and independent and
a dependent beinu;, imjilyiiig a tendency to failure ami detection in the use of liberty, except wliile preserved by sovereig-n goodness
and which it is not [)ossibl;
for Pf^.v//;/ to counteract, its nature being not the eficct of tc/// any more than the
;

etenial essences of things are so.

The remaining object is Sin, which must proceed from one or more of the
now mentioned. Positive Uoliness must be out of the question ; for from a

sources

good can come.

positively good cause nothing but

therefdre, neither of which

claim the origin oi moral

is

That

evil.

Freedom and passive yoiccr,

the oflspring of sovereignty, as before shewn,

is, it

has been fairly excluded from every

must
olh.-r

source.

Now it remains to consider whether either of these is exempt. Freedom cannot be exempt, it is plain from this consideration, for were there no freedom, man
yiould not be accountable, and could not be guilty of actual sin.
And passive poicer
cannot be exempt, because its very nature is a tendency to defection, (though it
would never terminate in mural evil without the union of liberty) and it is not capable of being counteracted by equity.
Sovereign favour alone can counteract its inbut that was not exercised, for sin was not prevented. They are therefore
manner and in xdnit proportion"^ Here lies the chief difLet it be recollected, that freedom is a natural power which is capable of
ficulty.
From itself, vmallied to a
jio tmriil effect where it does not terminate on a subject.
and the subject cannot be
subject, no moral effect, either good or bad, can proceed
any othiT than the dnposition of the mind. Freedom terminating on a good disposition. Supported hy sovereignty, produces holy acts a\one , such were those of Adam
while he stood, such are the acts of holy angels, such are those of I'enewed minds,
fluence

both concerned, but in xohal

and such are the acts proceeding from divine freedom terminating on infinite lioliBut a mind or diijiisiiion not supported by sovereignty, but left in equity to its
native passive power, being now the snbjct, and freedom terminating on it in that
Here it may be asked, which of
state, becomes instantly the seat of moral evil.
these two. freedom or passive power, has the greatest pniportion of concern in the
Each of them is en.^ntialty necessary to the effect; but as freeproduction of sin ?
dom is an evil in no sense. /ter se, and passive fnwer is a natural (though not a moral)

ness.

evil per se, it

seem that the

should

hateful progeny,

sin,

claims the

latter for its

more immediul'- parent.

render this view of the origin of moral evil still more plain, let it be well
Liberty is a mere natural instrument ; in itself, unconnected with
that passive power, as
disposition, it is neither good nor evil morally consideied

To

considered, that

befoi-e explained, prior to the action of liberty,

RECTITUDE

passive power, and which

That

which

of disposition,

is

rectitude oi disposition

is

is

that a

remains morally innocent

the effect of sovereign influence counteracting

aniecaderil

to

the exercise of liberty,

antecedent to the exercise of liberty,

is

is

morally good.

plain from the

case of Adam, who was hoii, prior to all volitions ; the tree was good before it brought
The same ought to be concluded respecting angels ; their volitions
forth giiod fruit.
did not constitute thorn holy, but their dispositions being antecedently holy, their
And still more is this applicable to the great
actions partook of the same character.

God who is holii autecedentlj/ to all will, and therefore his voluntary acts are holy.
The absolute lirst cause is infinitely lemoved from passive power and inliuitely secure of (uitrcelent holiness in the highest perfection, his moral a(^ts therefore must be
The holy angels who are absolutely dependent on the
int'aliibly axul infinitely right.
thrice

holy .lehovah,

owe

the continuance of holy ar** to a sovereign

communica-

A suspension of such
tion of antecedent holy influence to secure a holy disposition.
influence would leave them in the state of thtir proper passive poyver ; and this towards a moral agent

is

to deal with hiui in mireeijuil^,

The

cj:o:cijc of equity termi-

Lect. CLxix.

Of Satisfaction or Atonement,

witex extinction of being

those

who

the consequence of which

die in their infancy

exceptincf those

who

are

tlie

fall

211

Kc.
is,

that all

into a state of annihilationy

who by
made with Abraham, and

seed of God's people,

virtue of the blessings of the covenant

the promise to the seed of the righteous, (compare particularly

xxxi. U, 16, 17.) shall, througli the grace

Isa. Ixv. 23. Jer.

and pov/er of Christ, obtain a part in a happy resurrection, ia

which other infants shall have no sliare. It is certain Rev. xx.
12. will not disprove this opinion, because it may refer to persons of all ranks in life, as it often does, Vid. Rev. xi. 18. compare XX. 13. But on the whole, it seems best to acknowledge

that

we know nothing

certain coticrrtiing the state of infants,

and therefore can assert nothing positively, but that they are
in the hands of a merciful God, who, as he cannot consistently
with justice and truth give them a sense of guilt for an action
they never committed, so probably ''''ill not hold their souls in
being, merely to make them sensible of pain for the guilt of a
remote ancestor. Their existence in a state of everlasting insensibility, which was Dr. Ridgley's scheme, seems hardly
intelligible
we must therefore either fall in with the abovementioned hypothesis, or suppose them all to have a part in the
resurrection to glory
which seems to put them all on a level,
without a due distinction in favour of the seed of believers or
else must suppose they go through some new state of trial, a
thing concerning which the scripture is wholly silent^.

LECT. CLXIX.

Of Satisfaction

or Atonement

The

Satisfaction of Christ, a

Scripture Doctrine,

HATEVER

that is, which being done or suf 1. Def

fered either by an offending creature himself, or by another
a Ruin and Recov. Quest, xvi. p.

nated on

Adam; but

passive power;

3?i347.

Edwards on

Grig. Sin, p.

431434-

equity did notcnnsliiiiteh'wn moiallv bad; it only left him to his

however, aeting on this latter, produced moral evil. The

liberty,

certainty of actions morally good is in p-oportion to that influence which counteracts

and this has various gradations from the smallest degree of saving

passive power,

subjective grace, to the highest holy character.

Cor. 1.

The

convftstmi

and

salvation of

a sinner can proceed from no other

source than the sovereign, preventing, holy influence of God,

2.

The fall,

sinful acts

and misery of a creature, are entirely of himself. \V.

pART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

212

VIII.

person for lilm, shall secure the honours of the divine tjfovernment in hcstowing upon the offender pardon and happiness,
may properly be called a satisfaction or atonement iiiade
to

God

for

"^.

him

1. Schol. 1. It is not here our intention to assert, that it is

power of an offending creature to satisfij for his o~j)n sins,

in the

but only to shew what we mean when

we speak

of his doing

it.

Such a sense of the word satisfaction, though not in

in strict propriety of speech amounting to the payment of a debt,
is agreeable to the use of the word in the Roman law ; where
it signilies to content a person aggrieved, and is put for some valuable consideration, substituted instead of what is a proper
payment, and consistent M-ith a remission of that debt or offence,
for which such supposed satisfaction is made
which is a circumstance to be carefully observed, in order to vindicate the
tloctrine we are about to establish, and to maintain the consistency between different parts of the christian scheme
See this
sense abundantly confirmed by citations from Grotius, Caius,
Ulpian, and Pomponius ^.

3. 2.

4. Prop. Christ has mude satisfaction for the sins of all

those who repent of their sins, and return to God in the way of
sincere though imperfect obedience.
a

Watts's Redeemer and

b Chapm. ls.

vol.

ii.

* This mode

p.

2832.

Sanctifier, p.

40(5 112.

BENSON on

Pel.

App.

of expression

is

notalitUe ambiguous;

it

seems to leave the

kind of dependence on the subsequent acts of men. Whereas

the future actions of men, whether faith, repentance, obedirnce, or the like, can have
no retrospective influence on Christ or his work, however they may affect oui-selves.
satisfaction itself in a

The

satisfaction of Christ

and

its

application include the following particulars

Jesus Christ possessed a fvderal perfection, and in subserviency to that, a

moral perfection (required of all moral agents) whereby the breach made by Adam
in the covenant of works was made up.
1.

This foederal perfection was obtained by his obedience nnto death; whereby the
a covenant, and also divincji(i//cc, were satisfied witli liim as the Mediator, and
Surety of his people, and gave him a full right to claim all the ends of such obedience,
2.

laio ass

3.

One

great end of his undertaking wa<;, that on condition of his obtaining

this foederal perfection,

eousness,

life

all

authority and right to give and apply right-

to the objects of sovereign choice.

that he should give eternallife to as

all flesh,

4.

he should have

and salvation

many

He had power

over

as the Father had given him.

In the fulness of the time appointed for their eflectual calling. He gives
life and converting grace to all those whose

himself, and applies his righteousness,

Thus they stand related to a new covenant head, are

and are enabled, as alive from the dead, to perfect holiness,
Repentance and sincere obedience are therefore the fni/t of the
in the fear of God.
satisfaction made by Christ j though rcyiiVfrf of us on the ground of moral goveruncnt. W.
Surety he

is,

but to no others.

justified from all things,

Of Satisfaction or Atonement,

X-ECT. cLxix.

213

Kc.

5. Dem. 1. Although Christ was innocent, neverthehe endured very grievous sufferings both in body and mind,
Isa. liii. 3. Matt. xxvi. 38. and this he did spontaneously, Heb,
less

X. 7, 9.

6. 2. It is expressly asserted in scripture, that these sufferings were brought upon Christ, for the sake of sinful men,

in whose stead
Jiii.

(^a/.
iii.

Eph.

13.

iii.

he. \s sova&time'ii

d\so said to

Matt. xx. 28. Bom.

5, 6, 10.

iii.

have suffered, Isa.

25. v. 6

8.

2 Cor. v. 21.

v. 2. //^^. vii. 27. ix. 26. x. 12. 1

Pet.

24.

ii.

=.

7.

3.

The offers of pardon and eternal

in scripture to those that repent

salvation are

and return

to

God,

made

for the

pake of what Christ has done and suffered, in whom they are
tljerefore declared to be accepted by God, and to whom they
are hereupon taught to ascribe the glory of their salvation, John
iii. 14
11. Jits X. 35, 36,43. ii. 38. iii. 18, l9.Bom.iv. 25.
Col. i. 20
7. Ileb. i. 3. ix. 14.
20. Eph. i. 5
22. 2 Cor. V. 18
X. 4
10, 14. Bev.'i. 5y6.v.9y 10. vii. 13, 14'^.

8. 4. It

is

evident, that according to the gospel institu-

pardon and life were to be offered to all to whom the

preaching of the gospel came, without any exception, Mark
xvi. 15, 16. Acts xiii. 38, 39. 1 John ii. 1, 2. Isa. liii. 6. John
tion,

i.

29.

9. 5. It is plain from the whole tenor of the epistolary

part of the New Testament, as well as from some particular
passages of it, that there was a remainder of imperfection,
generally at least to be found even in the best Christians, notwithstanding which they are encouraged to rejoice in the hope
of salvation by Christ, Phil. iii. 13. Gal. v. 17. James '\\\. 2.
I

John

i.

10.

ii.

1,2.

we can judge, the remission of

without any satisfaction at all, might have laid a foundation for men's tliinking lightly of the law of God ; it is certain,
that by the obedience and sufferings of Christ a very great honour is done to it, and mercy, communicated to us as the purchase of his blood, comes in so awful as well as so endearing a
10. 6. Whereas, so far as

Bin,

manner, as may have the best tendency to engage those who

embrace the gospel to a life of holy obedience
'^.

a RAPHri.li Annot.

in

apuii 0|>. vol.

Rom.

ii.

p.

v. P. (ex

2J3

Emlyn's Tracts, vol. i. p. 235 442,71 74.

Ed. n:il. vol.ii. p. 4350, 80 H2. Ed. I746.
TOMKiNs's Christ Die Mediat. c. i. p. 6 43.
Sutler's Anal, part ii.c. v. pris. p. 207

Xeuoph.)

'23.i.

SYKiiSonKedcm]). part i. c. 5, 6.
A Whitbv Oil John iii. 16. and Epli. i. 8. and on
Heb. X. 14.
Bi'RN. on Art. No. ii, p. 52. 53.
Howe's Works, vol. 1. p. 'i04.
TiLLOJs. Works, vol. i. p. 477487.
Xl'R.ser at Boyle's Led. Serm. viii.
t)

vt>jv.

V.

209. 4to,

Clarke's Posth. Serm.

vol. v.

No.

ix. p.

203.

Oct. p. 125, 126. I2mo.

Stillingfleet's

L'iic.

tion, prajs. if.e pref.

on

Clyist's Satisfasr-,

it

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

214

VIII.

11. Cor. 1. Tt is a very peculiar glory of the gospel, that

gives so satisfactory an account of the method whereby sin

mav

be pardoned, in a manner consistent with the honours of

the divine government
and thereby relieves the mind from
that anxiety, to which, if left merely to its own reasoning, it
;

might otherwise be exposed on that account

sition

2.

'.

From comparing what

2.

with Led. 1C7. 2,

has been said in this propoappears, that on the one hand,

3. it

CUV sins were imputed to Christ, and on the other, that we are
\.hc imputation o^ Clmst'ii righteousyiess to us, i. e.
we, though guilty, on complying with the gospel, are finally
treated hv God as righteous persons, i. e, as if we had never
offended him at all, or had ourselves satisfied the demands of
his law for such offences, out of regard to what Christ has done
or suffered ; whereas we should not otherwise have been so

justifiedhy

Compare

treated.

22. v. 17, 18,

2 Pet. i. I ^

iii.

Isa. xlv. 24, 25.

liii.

x. 3. iv. 4, 5, 6.

li).

1.

Jer. xxiii. 6.

2 Cor. v. 21. Phil.

Rom.
iii.

9.

13. 3. It is plain from 7,8. tliat there is a sense, in

which Christ may be said to have died J or all, i. e. as he has
procured an offer of pardon to ail, provided they sincerely
embrace the gospel compare J(f7/i7i iii. 16. vi. 50, 51. Rom. v.
18. viii. 32. I Cor. viii. 11.2 Cor. v. 14, 15, ly. 1 Tifn. ii. 4, 6.
Heb. ii. 9. 1 John ii. 2 '^.
144. From the scriptures mentioned above, it appears,
liow wrong it is to represent the death of Christ, as merely the
natural consequence of Ins undertaking ttie reformation of
so corrupt an age, in the manner in which he did it nothing
can be plainer, than that Christ came into the world on purpose
to die, Matt, xx 28. John vi. 50, 51.x. 17, IS. xii. 27, 28.
:

^.

a T.El.ANDi^aiiistTind. vol. i. c vi. p. ICS, &,

b TliKRKT. i.oc. xvi. aucast. ii. i 1?.
Is. bi.ASc's'J'hes. tie J ustif. Chrisli Imput. i 13,

A;c;.

BovK"sM otks, vul i. p. 443,455, 456,

Whitby's Cojnment. vol. ii. \>. 'IM'i'in.

HawmnV berni.

t W HITDY

oil

Just. p.

Johu

iii,

2(12'27S.

17. iiid

i.'

I'et. ii, 1.

Ti;r.r,ET. Loc. iv. Q.u.a>st xvii. 2<i31.

I line-Street l.ect.
vol. i. p. +54, 46C.
252.
Utiiii aiid Recov. Utiest. xii. p. '244
Uueit. xiii. p. 'iHS'ivU.
Calv. oil Malt. xxvi. S. Rom. v. 18. 1 Cor. TiSi.
M, 1.!. 1 Joiin ii. 2. Pet. ii. 1.
t' Vi oiUs, vol. ii. p. .50J2.

'i.

How

* Thii mctliod of titating tlie subject seems to imply, tliat " the offer of parsuspended on tlie coiulitioa of " uien siucercly cm'oracing the gospel."

tlon" is
.]3ut

the olTer or proposal

therefore

its

is

made

and
any subsequent conduct of mankind.
indeed affeetcd by the reoeption they give it, but tha

nature eamiot

lie

antccccUnibj to tlie aoceptauce or the refusal

afiected by

Their own participation is

cjfi'r itself Ooe^ not depend on h-iman will.
By tlie death of Christ the means of reconciliation are procured for all, but not the i^ruco of reconciliation.
If he died for
all, in the ;i,reateit latitude of these expressions, it was only in a recinral sense.
Mux. decreliveUj &u<\ faderallij his death respected his elect only, for they only are
ultimately saved.

W.

Lect. clxx.
Acts

ii.

L'3.

Of

Gal

./o/?n iv. 10.

4. lleb.

i.

&c.

14. x. 4,

ii.

Pet.

i.

ly, 20.

is

su fieri ngs shewed, of delivering himself

he pleased

much illusti-ated by the apparent power

and in many circumstances of his life and

wliich

had,

\vhicii Christ

215

the Justice of Christ^ s Sufferings, Kc.

by miracle whenever

"".

LECT. CLXX.
Of the Justice

of ChrisCs Sufferings

Jlis Obedience, Active

and

Passive.

HOUGH

1. SchoL 1. JL
might be afiiicted

by reason

in

the

Christ were perfectly innocent, he

manner

in

which scripture represents,

of the imputation of our sins to liim, seeing

that he voluntarily consented to

made him, Ileb. x. 7. Phil.

perhaps be added Heb. xii. 2 ''.

is

it

appears

and that ample recompence

9. Psal. ex. 7. to which may

it,

ii.

2. 2. It appears from Luke xxiii. 43. John xix. 30. that

the soul of Christ after his death did not go into a state of punish-

ment, but that his sufferings ended when he expired. As for

the argument brought from 1 Pet. iii. 19. it is well know^n there
are many other interpretations of that text ; of which the most
probable seems to be this, that Christ by his spirit in Noah
preached to those who continuing disobedient were destro3'ed
by the flood, and whose separate spirits are now confined, and
reserved to future punishment *.
'^

^ 3. 3. It is greatly debated, Avhethcr we are justified byChrist's death alone, or by the imputation of his active and

passive obedience

but this seems to be a controversy of

a FOST. against TiND.

ToMKiNS's
II

ALi.ET on

p. 3 16 -325.
Christ the Medial. ]i.
Script, vol.

ii.

disc.

i.

4'>

jS.
p. 283

295.

58.

Butler's Analogy, p. 210 214.

BarringT. Essay on Disj). App. No.

Burn on

Art.

ji.

iii.

55

iii.

MORE's Theol. Works,

b Christ the Mediator, p. 119122.

TiND. of Cliristianity, p. 376.
Bates's Harm, of Uiv. Aitrib. p. 2i4 246.

* That the

much

Harris's

soul of our Saviour actually

p. 17, 18.
Diss. p. 73, 74-

descended into

hell, or the

place of tor-

by way of punishment, but of triumph over .Satan's kingdom, was an opinion advanced by Bishop Bilson, In a treatise entitled, " The
Survey of Christ's Sufferings for Man's Rede.aiption'; and of his Descent to Hades orHell for our Deliverance." This opinion, which was supported by Archbishop Whitgift, and was very popular for a time, was attacked by Mr. Hugh Brouchton, ia
Mr. Broughton'
hii " Explication of the Article of Christ's Descent to Hell."
maintained that the word hades no where, either among the Greeks, or in the Scrip-

ment for

the wicked, not

tuies, did properly denote hell, or a place of torment, but only the place of souls,

tke state of the dead, or the iuvisible world.

Dd

K.

Part

viii.

has generally been represented.

All

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

21(5

importance than

less

it

that Christ did or suffered to repair the violated honours of the

divine law, and to secure the ri2;hts of God's government in

the pardon of sin, must be taken into the view of his satisfac-

according to the definition given of it above nevertheless,

forasmuch as his death was a most glorious instance of his
concern for the honour of God and the happiness of man, and
that whereby the divine honour was most eminently secured,
the scripture does in many places ascribe our acceptance to
this.
See the texts quoted before, especially those under l"*.
tion,

4. 4.

Hardly any controversy on

head has been

this

more insisted upon, than that which arises from this question,
viz. Whether such a satisfaction as the gospel represents were
absolutely necessary^ or whether

God might have pardoned

sin

by a mere sovereign act. For the necessity of a

satisfaction, the chief scripture argument is taken from Heb. ii.
10. but it is said on the other hand, that this text only proves

^'ithout

it

actually taken to have been a way worthy of God, not

was the only way that could have been so. It is likewise
urged, that it is never to be imagined, that God would have
subjected so glorious a person to such sufferings, if any other
Avay could have been discovered equally eligible.
On the
"whole, we must acknowledge that we can conceive of no other
method so happily contrived to illustrate the divine glory, and
secure the gratitude, obedience and happiness of the creature.

the

Vi'ay

that

it

Compare Rom.

iii.

26

''.

The prevalency

^(7crz/?C(?5 in the world, although

appears to have been no rational
foundation for them, seems on the one hand, to intiniate an
apprehension in the mind of man, that some satisfaction for
sin was requisite, and on the other may perhaps intimate, that
there had been some tradition conccrnmg an expiatory sacrifice
appointed by God, which the sacrifices of animals were intended to represent. See the references under Led. 150. IS*".

5. 5.

from the

may

of

light of nature there

6. 6. To shew with what propriety the death of Christ

be called a sacrifice, it may be proper more particularly

to reflect on the nature and efficacy of those Jewish sacrifices,

were called sin-offerings, to which there is so plain a

Avliich

Wu TiAMS's Worits vol. iv. p.

Tl nnET. Loc. xvi.

ib

OoriDW.

Kest. of

1927.

Man,

I. i.

c. iv.

ii.

)).

Locke on Rom.
^V

p. 13.

vo!. i. p. '.'+2aO. KJ. 3731,

507'.'. Ed. 17:i6.

tMl.YN's Tracts,
vol.

iT.sil CF.C'jn.

'0K dc Just.

Christ the Mediator, p.

<iu;i'Sl. iii.

iii.

r^d.

24.
I.

ii.

Uiv. 102%

C. viii.

OT 101.

UAl.M.TonScriiil. vol. ii. p ')P 307.

son's Works, vol. 1. Serm. 47. p. 4"P

'I'li.Lii'l

479.

Ou TRAM de Sacrif. I.
bVKES on Sarrilices.
Tav/.or on Deism,
'iAVLOR's

1.

c.

xxi, xxiL

p. '249

'.!51.

Script, iioct. of Atoiiem.

Of the Justice

Lect. clxx.

ofChrisCs Suffe^nngSj

217

5Cc.

reference in the epistle to the Hebrews, and other passages.

Concerning such sacrifices then it may be observed.
7. (1.)

That

the instances in which they M^ere

in all

men were
on which the penalties denounced against such
offences by the Mosaic law were remitted, without which they
could not have been so remitted on any pretence of repentance,
or any satisfaction made to their injured neighbour; and for
this reason, where crimes were declared capitaly no sacrifices
might be admitted at all Psal. li. 16. and on the other hand,
the value of the sin-ofiering was sunk so low in some instances,
that the poorest of the people might be able to bring it.
Lev. V. 11,12.
allowed, they were the terms or conditions on which

pardojied

i, e.

8. (2.) They were standing evidences of the evil and

desert of sin ; and,
9. (3.) Of God's being ready to forgive those
appointed circumstances presented them: but,

10. (4.)

They

who

could not possibly take away sin,

in

i. e.

remove the moral guilt even of the least offence, so as to procure in any instance a remission of any thing more than the
particular sentence pronounced against the offender, by God,
as the

King of the Jews.

11. From this survey,

by the preceding
It appears,

proposition, that the death of Christ was a proper sacrifice,

and much more excellent than any other, in that it takes away
the final sentence of condemnation
fices left the

Jews

still

whereas the Mosaic sacri-

subject to death, and future punishmeiit

too, without such a sincere repentance, as

condition of procuring a legal remission.

II.

and

also .^icts

xiii.

39

made no part of t!ie

Compare JJeb. x. 4,

^.

Dr. Thomas Burnet puts the doctrine of the

satisfaction in something of a peculiar view.

He says, that
the death of Christ has not itself satisfied divine justice, but
only put us into the capacity of doing it, by confessing our
ins, and applying to God for pardon, with an humble dependence upon Christ's death ; which he thinks so necessary
e condition of salvation, that no man can obtain it without
submitting to it he thinks this to be the language of an attendance upon the Lord's supper ; which he lays a very great
12. 7.

stress

upon, to such a degree as to think, that no

a HAtXETon

Script, vol.

ii.

283, '295299, 307JOy.

ut supra.

Taylor,

Disc.

iii.

p.

269

man

Sykes on Redempt. p. 32^352,

Law's TlKory, p. 27*.

has

st

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

218

Part viii.

covenant claim to the mercy of God in Christ, if he does not byengaging in this ordinance declare his trust in Christ's sacrifice,
imd so atone the divine displeasure =**.

LECT. CLXXI.

Of

1.

AITH

Def. JT

him

souls to

Faith in Christ.

IN Christ

is in

general, committing our

way: or more large-

for salvation in his appointed

ly, such a persuasion that

he

is

the Messiah, and such a desire

and expectation of the blessings Avhich he has

in his

gospel pro-

mised to his people, as engages the soul to fix its dependence

upon him, and subject itself to him in all the ways of holy
obedience
''.

2.

Cor.

and includes
moral virtue

Faith in Christ is a very extensive principle,

and inseparable effects the whole of

1.

in its nature

since the precepts of Christ evidently require that

;
should love God with all our heart, that we should be perfect as he is perfect, and pursue whatever things are pure, and

we

and honourable.

lovely, virtuous,

3att. xxii. 37. v. ult.

PhiL

iv. 8''.

3. 2. Those who assert, that under the gospel a man is

justijied by faith, cannot justly be accused of subverting or in-

juring practical religion,

if

faith

be taken in the sense here

defined'^.

4. Schol. 1 If the account of faith here given, should appear to be agreeable to the scripture notion of that faith to
which the promises of gospel-salvation are annexed, then it M'ill
follow, that Dr. Whitby is much mistaken, when he represents
faith as consisting merely in an assent to the gospel as true ; and
says, that upon declaring that assent, a man was justified from
all past sins, without good works ; but that good works were ne,

BiRNET on Redemption.

h Grove of

Rymkr on

Failli, p. 5, 14

Rev. p. 211,

Xjm.o is. Works, vol.

lii.

4^.
'^49,257
261.
86.

Grove on Saving Faith, p.

d SAiR. Serm. vol. ix. p. 24o
c

18.

G80VE ubi

'iV2.

Serm. 173.

p.

supra, p. 61

3.S

4814S3.

* So strange and unsciiptural a notion must owe its rise to a great want of
attention to the very important difl'erencc there is between what Gpd may </o for us,
and what he may r< quire of us. He may require perfect obedience to the moral
law, as well as to particular duties of the gospel, under pain of his displeasure ; thii
kowever does not
ifitioN.

W.

hiniiv-r,

but be

la.iiy

uri^nT beneiita

independeot of such

coii*

Lect. clxsi.

Of Faith

219

in Christ.

cessary in order to continue in a justified state

unless

by

this

he means, that a person sincerely and fully resolved for good

works would have been in a state of salvation, though he had
died before he had any opportunity of putting these pious purposes into execution.

and

clearly,

it

it

according to

faith

be

If this

his sense,

would be very unsafe

his notion of

he has not expressed

in the general to define

it ^.

Taylor

Dr.

o( Norwich, seems to have entertained a

notion much resembling this of Dr. Whitby's, but with this
difference, that his idea of justifying faith, seems to be a faith,
5.

upon

professing which, a person was justly entitled to enter into

the society of those,

sanctijied people of

who were

God,

i.

called the justified ones, or the

into the visible cliurch of Christ,

e.

who receive the visible signs of pardon and favour from iiim, an I
are set apart as his peculiar people, as the Jewish nation in ge*
neral once was.
This is what he calls the first justification, and
on that principle attempts

to explain St. Pau/'j discourse of jus-

Romans and Galatians, there^bv,

seems, sinking the passages in question, and others, in

tifying faith in the epistles to the

as

it

which the apostle speaks of the privileges of believers, far belovr

their original sense.
It seems much more reasonable to say, the
apostle addressed the several churches as consisting of sincere
Christians,

as

most of

members M-ere, without taking

who might be otherwise ^.

their

particular notice of those tew

6. 2.

Some divines have chosen

obedience, essential to true faith,

b}'

to call this

the

name

purpose of holy
oi internal good

works, and the fruit actually produced in life, external : and in

this sense of the words it must be acknowledged, that according
to our definition of faith, compared

vv'ith the following proposimaintain the universal necessity of good works as much
as any can do but it may be questioned whether this is the most
natural sense of the word.
Compare John vi. 29 ^.

tion,

we

7.

3.

We allow that the word faith has various significa-

tions in scripture besides this

is called

a miraculous

viz. It is

i'liith,

i.

sometimes put for what

a persuasion in a person

e.

who

was (Midued with miraculous gifts, that God would perform some
miracle, correspondent to some present impression made on his
mind. Matt. xvii. 20. Mark xi. 22, 23. 1 Cor. xiii. 2. sometimes it signifies only an assent to the truth of the gospel, though
perhaps ineffectual,

in

which sense

of the epistle of James;

a I.OCKi:'s Reas. of Chiistianitv,

Whitby's Pref.
b Taylor oa

vol.

i.

to Gal. p.2S','i'i'T.
tlw Romans.

p.

it is

Vid. Jam.

DoDP.

l& 26.
c

taken in many passages

14
26. Jets \m. 13.

ii.

o?i

Wa rsRL.

Regen. Postacr.
ierui. vol.

ii.

to

2d Ed.

p. 54) :).^

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

220

soractimes an assent to

VIII.

truth of any proposition, M'hether the

tlie

evidence of it were that of testimony, reason, or sense, John xx.

xi. 3

8,25, 29. Heb.

''.

^ 8. Prop. The gospel absohitely requires such a faith as

here defined, of all those who would partake of the benefits of
and also makes a promise of salvation to all those in whoiui

is
it

such a faith

believers,

that faith

Mark

found.

is

Dem.

9.

1. Everlasting life is in the gospel promised to

and appropriated to them, whatever the import of
shall afterwards appear to be, Johnm. IG
18, 36.

xvi. 15, 16. ^f^.yxvi. 31.

^10. 2. That this faith implies a persuasion that Christ is

the Messiah, or a person sent into the world under the character
of the Saviour of fallen man, appears from John xvi. 27. Jets.
viii.

37.

Rom.
1.

3.

22, 26, 27.

iii.

It is

iv.

24, 25. x. y.

John'iv. 15. v. 1.

evidently asserted in scriptui-e, that

believers receive Christy and rejoice in him, that he

1

them, kc. John

to

is

all

true

precious

iii. 1.
1 Fet. ii. 7. and for this
expressed by coming to him, John

12- Fhil.

i.

d-eason believing in Christ

is

and considering the etymology of the word criytj from

and especially the import of irtTivui ev rm, this seems to be
the primary idea oifaith, though necessarily connected with the
view given of it in the last step, and in that which follows, in
order to distinguish a true faith from such a presumption, as
Compare 2 Tim.
"would affront Christ rather than honour him.

m.

35.

crrt>w,

.i.

12^
12. 4.

ior

That no degree of persuasion, desire, expectation,

will be accepted of God, without a firm and

dependence

prevailing resolution of sincere obedience, appears, not only

from James ii. 14 26. but also from all those passages, which

declare holiness to be necessary in order to salvation, and which

pronounce a sentence of final condemnation on all those who

are disobedient to the truth, as

2 Thess.

i.

Matt.

9.

vii.

21

Rom.

23. all

8, 9.

ii.

Heb.

xii. 14.

which would be utterly

inconsistent with those promises made to faith, gr. 1, if faith did

Comnot imply such a prevailing resolution of holy obedience.
Valet proposition.
pare /oAn iii. 36. {Greek.)

13. Cor.
persuasion that

1.

wc

cularly died

ybr

a TiLr OTs.

Senn. 165.

vol.

iii.

b Watts's Div. UUpens.

They who

represent faith, as merely a firm

ourselves are justified, or that Christ parti-

^,

p.

do greatly misrepresent

428

p. 64, 6j.

430.

|
|

Limb.

Tlieol.

liAaIl0^v's

I.

it

and lead

v. c. viii. J 5.

Works,

vul.

ii.

p. 46,47,

their

OJ Faith

jLect. clkxi.

221

in Christ.

followers into a dangerous error: not to insist

upon

tlic

contra-

diction in such a definition of faith, which seems to imply, that

our interest in Christ revealed to us before we can

and yet must believe before it can be revealed to us;
unless that revelation were supposed to have no foundation, or
a person were allowed to be justified while actually an unbeliever, which is directly contrary to the whole tenor of the scriptures mentioned above, and to many more which declare the
displeasure of God against the workers of iniquity, which all un-

we must have

believe,

believers are

*.

14. 2. Those who are received into the divine favour in

the method before described, can have no cause to glory before
God, it being matter of pure favour that such a constitution

should be established for the salvation of sinful creatures, Eph,

ii.

8, y.

Bom.

iii.

a William's Gosp. Truth,

Calv.

Instit.

I. iii.

c.

ii.

Barrow's Works, voL

Baxt. End of Conlr. c.

ii.

27. iv. 2

5. xi. 6^.

Truman's Mor.

c. ix. p. 7279.
15, \6, 19.

p.

xx,

Imjiot. p. 1()2, ^P3.

Grovf. on Saving 1 aith, p. 18 '22.

h DODD. Serm. on Salvat. by Grace, p. 1923.

50,51.
34.

* Faith may be considered

in

two respects, as

relates either to justifying

it

in the former sense is pronot to dart forth rays on its object,

but to recehe them to a hand, not as working, but as receiving a bountj' to the
ear, [hear, that is, believe, and your souls shall live) which does not emit sound,
but receives it to a mouth, not as uttering words, but as receiving food. Such " re-

righteousness, or to moral obedience in general.

perly compared to an eye^ the office of whi;h

Faitli

is,

ceiving" implies an antcced'-nt grant of things received, as the zvarrant for such reception. The favour thus granted is Jesus Chnst, and with him righteousness and
life, grace and glory.
A fallen sinner, as yet destitute of all good because without
Christ,

The

must

either

by unbelief

reject, or

by

conscious reception of such exhibited benefit

thus includes " a persuasion that

we

faith receive this

may

antecedent grant.

be called justifying

faith

and

ourselves are justified," or accepted in the belov-

persuaded of the grant, on the divine testimony, and there is in the

therefore in the very act of
;
Nebelieving unto righteousness, there i? a persuasion of acceptance with God.
Faith

ed.

is

mind a consciousness of receiving the thing granted

vertheless, this definition of faith,

may

fied,"

though

it is

" a firm persuasion

that

we

ourselves are justi-

be taken enthusiastically, and without due caution, ought not

capable of a sound and important sense.

to

be used,

" that Christ particularly died /or 2/s,"

meaning may be no more than what
most serious Chri.stians will allow, viz. That justifying faith is a conscious credence
of the efficacy of Christ's death for my present pardon and acceptance. And, whea
held by Arminians, some such meaning it must have, when they say, " Christ parHowever, it does
ticularly died /cr ? ;" for on their principles he died alike for ail.

The other

definition of justifying faith,

ppears yet mere exceptionable, though

tiie

not fairly follow, because a man may have a false consciousness, that therefore
is not a true.
The consideration which our author imputes to these definitions,
belongs to them ordy on the most obnoxious interpretation of them. For surely
there
there

is

no " contradiction"

usness assuring

me

tliat I

in

am

supposing a conscious reception of a justifying righteBut this is a very diflerent thing from

tlms justified.

Relieving a false proposition, such as our author states.

yo^. v.

Ee

W.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DiVlNlTV.

222

VlII,

LECT. CLXXII.

Law and Gospel

What Articles of

Whether Faith be a Condition of Salvation

Hffw Faith is imputedfor Righteousness
Faith are Fundamental.

At

has been greatly debated, wliether faith he

1.
]. Schol. ..Ithe conditio?! of our salvation. If by condition, he intended some-

thing which

is

a valuable equivalent for a benefit received, or

is to be performed entirely in our own strength,

sometliing which

it is certain that nothing done b}^ us can merit tliat title, considering on the one hand the grea:t and glorious rewards of eternal
happiness proposed in the gospel, and on the other, the weakness of our created, and the degeneracy of oin* corrupted nature: but if condition only signifies, as it generally does, something insisted upon, if we would receive a benefit, and upon the
performance of which w^e shall in fact be entitled to that benefit,

it is

the very thing asserted and jjroved in the proposition, that

faith

is in tliis

sense the condition of our salvation. Nevertheless,

is by many weakly and foolishly imbibed against that phrase, it may generally be matter of prudence
to decline it ; since it can express no more than is expressed by
saying, that they who do believe, shall, and they who do not,
shall not be saved ; which is so scriptural a manner of speaking

since so strong a prejudice

that

it

offends none

^.

2. 2. Much of the same kind with the former, is that

question, whether the gospel consists merelv of promises, or

whether it can in any sense be called a law. The answer plainly depends upon adjusting tl>e meaning of the words gospel and
law : if the gospel be taken for the declaration God Ims made
to men by Christ concerning the manner in which he will treat
them, and the conduct he expects from them, it is plain that this
includes commands^ and even threatenings as well as promisesr
but to define the gospel so, as only to express the favourable
part of that declaration, is indeed taking the question for granted, and confining the word to a sense much less extensive than
it often has in scripture: compare Bom. ii. 16. 2 Thess. i. 8.
1 Tim. \. 10, 1 1. and it is certain, that if the gospel be put for all
the parts of the dispensation taken in connection one with an3 Wrrsii. CEron. Fa?d. I. iii. c. i. i 8, 9, 1215.
UitLiAMs'sGusj). Truth, CTio.

MonRis's

Gruvj;, ubi

Serjn. vol. i.
sujira. p.

No f

aS7o.

Lect. clxxii.

Is Faith a Condition of Salvation,

223

h\c.

may

v/ell be called on the whole a good message,

In like manner, the question whether the gospel be a
law or not, is to be determined by the definition of a law and of
the gospel as above if law signifies, as it generally does, the
discovery of the will of a superior, teaching what he requires of

otI)er,

it

tva.yyi7.iov.

those under his government, with the intimation of his intention

of dispensing rewards and punishments, as this rule of their conis observed or neglected ; in this latitude of expression, it
plain from the proposition, that the gospel, taken for the declaration made to men by Christ, is a law, as in scripture it is

duct
is

sometimes called: James i. 25. Rom. iv. 15. v. \'d> viii. 2. but if
lazv be taken in the greatest rigour of the expression, for such a
discovery of the will of God and our duty, as contains in it no
intimation of our obtaining the divine favour, otherwise than by
a perfect and universal conformity to it, in that sense the gospel
is not a law, as appears likewise from the proposition '.
3. 3. It has been denied, that any who are already Christians can be rationally exhorted to believe in Christ ; and Dr.

expressly saA's, there are no instances of it in the New

Testament. But it is to be considered, that faith is not any
one act of the mind to be performed once for all, but it expresses the temper which a man is to carry along with him
throughout his whole life; compare Gal. ii. 20. 2 Cor. v. 7.
and 1 Pet. ii, 4, 5, 7. and the more lively the impressions and
acts of it are, the more firmly may we be said to believe
or in
other words, there may be different degrees of tiiis faith ; and
consequently it is not an absurd or unprofitable thing to address
to those who have already believed, for the establishment and
increase of tlieir faitii as it appears the apostles did, John xx.
31. 1 John V. 13. compare Joh?i xi. 15. xiii. ly. xiv. J, 29.

Whitby

ph.

iii.

17

*'.

4. 4. Il is further questioned, how far faith can

as Ro7n. iv. 5. to be imputed Jor righteousness, \i it be

be said,
by the

righteousness of Christ imputed to us, that we are justified, as

was asserted before. Prop. 136. Cor. 2. I'o this .some have an-

swered,

tiiat faith is tiiere

the object of faiths as hope

{3ut for

for the object of hope, Jer. xiv. S.

Ueb.

vi.

fear for the object of fear, Ge7i. xxxi. 53,

maintained by Rawlins on Just. p. 209

5.
a

We answer, that any

Wnsii. ulii lupra.

Williams's Uusj). Truth,

thing
b

j>.

I:!3 137,

may

Whitby

.e

and

213.

Grove,

18.

Tim.

i.

1.

is

and

this solution is

Guyse

in

Loc.

be said to be imputed
on the

New Test, vol,

ui)isui)ra, p. 146.

ii,

p,

ggS,^.

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITV.

224-

VIII.

to US for righteousness, or in order to our justification, whicli^

being as

it

were

set

means of our

as the

not by virtue of

down

to our account, serves in

any degree
though

justification, as faith evidently does,

own

merit and excellency, but with regard

on the account of which God is
pleased thus graciously to regard it
or as Witsius states it,
*' faith is set down
to our account in the book of God, as an
evidence that we are in the number of those, who by the righteousness of Christ, according to the tenor of the gospel, are to
its

to the righteousness of Christ,

be

justified

=*."

6. 5. It has been questioned how far the precepts requiring faith in the gospel on the penalty of damnation, can be supposed to extend. As to the Heathens, we shall briefly consider

their case in the eighth scholium. It seems this declaration must

at least extend to those who have an opportunity of enquiring
into the truth of Christianity, and who may by an honest en-

quiry attain to satisfaction in the truth of it. If there be

any adult person in a christian country, who, not by his own
fault, but by the circumstances in which providence has placed

him,

lies

under

to suppose
fants

difficulties absolutely invincible,

God

will allow for such,

it is

as rational

as for the ignorance of in-

but where persons have genius and opportunity to enhard to imagine how their difficulties should be in-

quire,

it is

unless we suppose that God has left the christian

rehgion in such circumstances, that those who enquire most
iully into its evidence, with the greatest sincerity and impartiality, may not see sufficient reason to embrace it, which is
vincible,

utterly incredible

(compare John vii. 17.) so that the case of

most infidels in christian countries must be exceeding dangerous;
and consequently the denunciation, Mark xvi. 16. must not be
limited to those who heard the apostles preach, and saw their
miracles, as some suppose ^.
:

7. 6. The damnator}'- sentence which Christianity pronounces on those who reject it, has been urged as in itself a
most unreasonable thing, since faith depends not upon ourselves, but on the degree of evidence in the things to be beliered.

But

faith

to this

it

may

be answered,

That it evidently appears from Led. 171. 1. that

not merely the assent of the umlersiandiug to a specula-

8. (1.)

is

a WlTsil. CEcon. Faed. 1. iii. c. viii. { 56.

Will. Gosp.Tnuii, c. xii. p. 102 112.
DODD. on Silv. by Grace, p. IJ ly.
liRiNE's

Crovb,

Ffiic. of Chriit's Death.

ubi suiira, p.
]/*().

MU

j
J
|

Watts of

Inficl.

Sect. 3. auest. vii. p.

83 5i51,

Welsif.ad'sCoii. olProv. p. i;31 j;j4.

Barkeu's Senn. No. vil. p. U7 15j,
GROVE on sjiving Kailh, p. HI.
1

Is Faith a Condition of Salvation, Xc.

Lect. clxxii.

225

tive truth, but implies our reposing such a confidence in Christ,

and holding our souls in such a subjection to him, as depends
upon the human will as much as any disposition and action of
the mind, both as to the impartiality of enquiring and the manner of acting, when evidence is proposed and apprehended.

Compare Zyfl.

Dan.

xxix. 13, 14.

11, 12. John

2 Tim. iii. 13 ^

xiii.

iii.

19. v. 44.

xii. 10. 3Iatt. vi.

1

Cor.

ii.

23. xi. 25.

14.2 Cor.

iv. 4.

9. (2.) That there is in general no absurdity in supposing, that a divine revelation may be attended with a sentence of
condemnation against those who reject it since it is certain,
;

God may

contrive an evidence, which he

knows

to

be reason-

ably sufficient for the conviction of every one to whom it is

addressed, and on that supposition may condemn those who
will not submit to it ; which if he has determined to do, it is
wise and gracious in him to add such a threatening ; and indeed
on the whole, it is most probable that this will be the case with

regard to every revelation whatever.

10. (3.) That these general reasonings have peculiar
weight when applied to christianiti/ y considering the representation which scripture makes of the degree of its evidence ; the
nature and circumstances of the scheme itself, bringing the
,guilty creature such important blessings in so extraordinary a
way ; the manner in which it was introduced, and the difficulties it was to struggle with, which required such strong sanctions

''.

11. 7. It is a question of the utmost difficulty, how

of the gospel must be believed in order to salvation,
or in other words, what articles of faith arc fundamental.
To this some have answered, by saying, it is only funda-

much

mental to believe that the scriptures are the word of God,

and all things contained therein are true. But tliis answer is
liable to a double objection
as on the one hand, it supposes if
absolutely necessary that every man should believe both the
plenary inspiration, and the extent of it to all the books of
scripture, which can never be proved to be a thing absolutely
required
on the other hand, such an implicit belief of this
might be consistent with the ignorance of, and mistakes about
many of the most important doctrines of Christianity; and
therefore this will determine nothin<r in rejrard to the maia
;

a Wii

1ST. Princ.

b poHO.

of Rel. Pref.
not founded oa Arj.

Alls. toChrisiiaii.

J-eti. 2.

p.

W/4T1S ou

Inlici. tiue^t^

Taylor

on Rom. iii. 1019. p. 265.

_
Butler's A nal. part ii. c. vi. p. 2'28vJS5i

Grove,

'JH47.
ij,

p. 4'.'-^47v

ubi supra, p. 130

140,
SeriM, vn. NOi 3.

MC'KRisV

226

it

VIII.

thoiinh it may be indeed udniitted, that xvhere a perpossessed of such a belief, and appears not to contradict
gross errors, it may be expedient, to avoid endless disputes,

question

son

pART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.
:

is

by

for christian societies to acquiesce in such a declaration, rather

than to insist upon others more critical. ]\Ir. Locke and many

others with him, maintain, that the ,only fundameiUal of Christianity is, that Christ is the Messiah
Isuthere a question arises
:

concerning the extent of these words perhaps it may be sufficient to answer it by saying, that wherever there appcp.red to be
such a persuasion of the dignity of Christ's person and the ex:

tent of his power, as should encourage men tocommit their souls

to his care, and to subject tiicm to his government, those who

professed such a persuasion were admitted to baptism by the

apostles, and ought to be owned as Christians : and it seems
necessary in the general to acquiesce in some such determination ; for the demand of drawing up a list of fundamentals, i. e.

of doctrines without the belief of which none can be saved,

to be founded on a mistaken supposition, that the same
things are fundamental to c/Z; whereas according to persons'

seems

different capacities and opportunities of enquiry, that may be

fundamental to one, i. e. necessary to be believed by him, in
order to approve the general sincerity of his heart before God,
Tv'hich

is

not so to another

*.

12. 8. It has been much disputed, whether it be possible

that the Heathens should be saved.
Some have absolutely

upon the authority of the texts mentioned in the prowhich universally require faith in Christ : but to
this it is answered, that they can only regard such to whom the
gospel comes, and are capable of understanding the contents
of it. The truth seems to be this, that none of the Heathens will
be condemned for not believing the gospel, but they are liable
to condemnation for the breach of God's natural law
nevertheless, if there by any of them in whom there is a prevailing love
to the divine being, and care in the practice of virtue, there seems
reason to believe, that for the sake of Christ, though to them
unknown, they may be accepted by God and so much the
rather, as the ancient Jews, and even the apostles of Christ,
during the time of our Saviour's abode upon earth, seem to have
had but little notion of those doctrines, which those who deny
the salvability of the Heathens are most apt to iniagine fundadenied

it,

position,

a,

TuRtlET. on ruiulamentals.
LocKH's Reas. of Chrisiian. vol. ii. p. 7492.
Hf.snkt'.s Ircuicum, p. 54
5S.
aXi-. Direct, for I'eaa, No. xxvi.

j
I

Baxt. Saint's Rest, jiart ii. c. iii. { 2.

Chim.ingw. Safe W.iy,c. ii. J l.M. c.

Rymerou
MOBtoii

Rev. I. i. c. x. p. ^^r>S^2jS.
I'undiujieiitals, pass.

iii.

13.

mental.
viii.

11,

Compare Rom.
12. to

ii.

10, &c. 26. Acts x. 34, 35. Matt.

may be added

which

Rymer supposes intentionally

John

ii.

2.

which Mr.

decisive on this question, as to the

application of Christ's merits to

have opportunities of hearing of

i.

227

Concerning Heresy.

Lect. cLxxiir.

all

his

virtuous

name.

men, who may not

also add John

Some

29 ^

LECT. CLXXIII.
Concerning Heresy.

HP O

a brief survey of what seems most,

controversy, especially between Dr,
Foster and Dr. Stlbbing, concerning Heresy *.

1. Prop.
important in

take

the

late

^ 2. Sol. It seems to be agreed on both sides, that Christians

are to be concerned that they may maintain the purity of the faith
as delivered inthe scriptures ; andthat in proportion to the degree

which any particular error is apprehended to be pernicious,

to be discouraged, and by all rational and christian methods
opposed, by private persons and religious societies. Horn. xvi.
17. 1 Tim. i. 19, 20. 2 Tim. ii. 16
18. Jiide ver. 3. 2 Johnver,
in

it is

10, 11.

3. 2. Nevertheless, the frequent exhortations that every

in scripture to maintain mutual candour and love

where occur

towards each other, should teach us to use the greatest tenderness on this head, and will oblige us to put the kindest construction on the different expressions, and even the mistakes of
our f'ellow-christians that we rationally can. See the
quoted at the end of Turretinc on Fundamentals^.
be,

texts.

4. 3. When these two points are allowed, if the question

what those peculiar errors are which are to be discounte-

nanced, so as to refuse acts of religious communion with those

that hold them, the question is much the same with that of the

fundamentals of

Christianity treated of before

i.

Rum.

Baxt. Works, vol. iii. p.84C, 847. vol. iv. p. 959.

Barclay's Apol.p. ISI lyS.
Strength and Weakness of Human Reason, p.

c. xiii. p.

104106,

26t '276.
GOODW. Heathen's Debt and Dowry,

Quist.iv.

Baxt. Saint's Rest, p. 1.

Wede's Works, p. 166.

be, whe-

26:) 268.

c.

SCOTI'S Christian Life, vol.ii.

Owen on liie Spirit, p. 535.
the

if it

p.

a RYMER's Repre'!. of Rev. Rel.

Tayl. Key to
Turret. Loc.

88133

v.

i).

1,2, 17.

* Dean Tucker,

in his

pass.

Ereke'.i's Mentions, No. 1.

b UoDD. on Cluist. Cand. and Unanimity.

c. viii. J 2.

ground with Dr. Stebbi.ng.

"

K.

Two

Letters to Dr. Kipvis," has taken the

same

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

228

VIII'.

thcr persons Censured and avoided as erroneous arc to be called

Heretics, or are so called in scripture, it is only then a debute

concerninfT the particular use of a word, which indeed is the

chief thing that seems in question between the two accurate and

ingenious writers mentioned above

may be remarked,

and with regard

to that

it

5. (1.) That the word ajf^j-*;, from psw eligo, seems to

answer most exactly to the English word r.ect^ and consequently
though it may sometimes admit of an z/zr/f^^/rn^ signification,
is

generally taken in an

ill

sense

so

it

certainly

is

in

(xal.

and though some have disputed it,

yet it seems on the whole most probably to bear such a sense in
I Cor. xi. 19. Actsyix'w. 5, 14. xxviii. 22. but the last instance
seems the most doubtful.
V. 20.

compare

2 Pet.

1.

ii.

seems dubious, whether heresy does in the Ne\r

anv thing diil'ercnt from a high degree of
schism, or breaking the peace of the church by uncharitable
divisions and separations
the chief place where any pretend
to find a difference is
Cor. xi. 19. compared with ver. 18. but
if the word xat in the I9lh verse be supposed an expletive, the
argument drawn from thence is inconclusive, or the two Avords
may only express different degrees of the same thing.
6. (2.) It

Testament

signify^

7. (3.) Nevertheless, we acknowledge that in the early

ages of the church, the word Heretic signified those who erred
in fundamentals, or doctrines reckoned of the greatest impor-

tance, and Schismatics were those

ivith a

who

separated from others

regard to discipline only \

8. 4.

It

is

further questioned, -whether a Heretic in

iii. 10,
II. is one, who contrary to his
maintains any doctrine in debate, or whether it may
take in the case of one, who is mistaken in his judgment.
Dr.

t. Pflj^^'s sense, 7"/V.

cojiviction

Foster, following Dr. Whitby, is of the first of these opinions ;

would infer from it, that as none can ordinarily tell who is

<ind

eelf-condemned without the

this rule
is,

was peculiar

not so

much

eaid to be

gift

of discerning spirits, the use of

to the apostles' time.

that such a person

cx,vloy.alce,-K^i%?,

is

His chief argument

said to sin, but tlxit he is

which he supposes must signify con-

demned by his own conscience. But Dr. Stebbing thinks the

meaning is, that such a person does not, like many other offenders, study to conceal his crime, and thereby oblige others to

prove

it, but that openly declaring and maintaining his sentiments, he is accused and condemned out of his own mouth

a Suic. Ihci. ToL

i.

p.

I'.'O

&

12^

Lect. clxxiv.

Concerning Heresy,

229

Ss.c.

compare Heb. xi. 7. Matt. xii. 41, 42. ^f/.v xiii. 46. Avhere
persons are said to be condemned b}- those, who furnish out
Compare also Job xv. 6.
matter for their condemnation.
Luke xix. 22, It is a strong objection against Dr. Foster's
scheme, that the truth oxfalsliood of the doctrine professed, has,
upon his principles, notiii ng to do with the question of a perbut the most orthodox professor might
this view, if by a secret revelation, or
otherwise, it should be manifested, that he was a deist
whereas, in this case, all the world would own he was condemned
for infidelity, or for knavery, rather than heresy.
son's

being a Heretic

be condemned under

9. 5. Some have urged, that if this text refers to the

case of those wlio actually separated themselves from the church
upon the account of Jewish ceremonies, Avhich the context
favours, they might be said to condemn or pass sentence on

themselves, as by their separation they justified the conduct of

the church in excluding them from their communion ; but ther^

seems no necessity

having recourse to

for

this interpretation

LECT. CLXXIV.

continued Of Human
iitandard oj Orthodoxy*

Concerning Heresy

Forms

as

ii

Schol. 1. iVjLR. Hallet's notion of heresy is, that there

only a gradual difference between schism and heresy, and
that schisms grow up into heresies, when separations are occasioned
all heretics are therefore sectaries, and no doctrine
alone can constitute a person a heretic. Sects in the christian
church are evils, and wherever there is a needless and contenThe only rule,
tious, separation, there is somewhere a guilt.
he says, to determine, which is heresy, in all places and all ages,
is the declaration which God has made in scripture of the terms
of acceptance with him ; and when any thing more than this is
insisted upon, in order to continue communion, there is thq
guilt of heresy on that side which insists on those unnecessary
and unscriptural things. On this foundation, he concludes
that the Pope is the chief Heretic in the world, and others in
proportion to the usurpation of an authority not given by

1.

is

a FosT. and Stebb. on Heresy, p.-vss.

Baxt, onTit. iii. 10, 11.
"W H 11 BY and Hammond in Loc,
XocKE on Toleiation, Leu. i

vol.. v.

Grove's

I
I

Postli.

of Cora.
Bfi^so.s 9D

tlie

Works,

vol. iv.

Epijt TttL

i.

p.

on the Terms

^0117. 2^

ft

pART

LECTURES ON PTVlNITV.

230
Christ

Vllt.

and adds, that wicked men can from him have no

authority in the chnrch at ali\

2. 2. Some have objected it as a defect in Christianity,
that there is no infallible rule, vhereby exactly to judge what
heres}'

though

is,

it

be so expressly condemned, supposing

to signify such an error, as exposes a

of his christian brethren.

doctrine

is

laid

down

It is

man

answered, that a scheme of

which

in scripture, to

all

are obliged to

men may indeed misand how far these mistakes are

assent so far as the}' can understand

take in the sense of these rules

it

to the regular censure

it

important, particular persons and particular societies are to

judge for themselves and though it is a necessary consequence
of this, that some will disapprove the determination of societies,
as well as the opinion of private persons, yet this is an imperfection of human nature for which there could be no imaginable
remedy, unless it were to make every man infallible ; for what:

ever decisions were given, and whatever living judge were to

still be room for putting
various senses even iipon these interpretations themselves.
ind if men do not proceed to hate and persecute those whom
they think erroneous, the consequences of men thus condemning each other for mere mental errors will not be very important
and probably leaving the matter in this latitude, will on
the whole be attended with fewer inconveniences than any
other scheme whatsoever ; and it may deserve serious consideration, whether the way of arguing in the objection may not also
interpret these decisions, there would

Matt. xviu. 15
18. and indeed all other
and laws human or divnne, in the interpretation or application of which it is certain, fallible men may err^.

affect Christ's rule,

rules

3. 3. Some have thought the only remedy for the abovementioned defects would be, to introduce some human form
as a standard of orthodoxy, wherein certain disputed doctrines
shall be expressed in such determinate phrases, as may be
directly levelled against such errors as shall prevail from time
to time, requiring those especially who are to be public teachers
in the church to subscribe, or virtually to declare their assent
to such formularies.
On this head we may observe,

4. (1.) Had this been requisite, it is probable the scriptures would have given us some such formularies as these, or

some directions as to the manner

up, proposed, and received.
a IlAtT.ET's Disc.
praes. p.

vol.

iii.

No.

364, 384

358

ix.

p.

3J84O8.

3;i0.

MANNE'sCriticaJ NoUcsonGal.

in

which they should be drawn

b Letter to Stebbing in Lond. Mng. for IVJ?,

p.

i.

8, 9.

:-,!^'l.

Burnet's Four

Disc. p.

186 191.

Lect. cLxxiv.

Concerning Heresy Kc.

^

231

weak and passionate men,

heated in the very controvers}' thus
decided, should express themselves with greater propriety than
the apostles did.
5. (2.) It

is

impossible that

who have perhaps been

6. (3.) It is plain in fact, that this practice has been the

cause of great contention in the christian church, and such
formularies have been the grand engitie of dividing it, in proportion to the degree in which thc}^ have been multiplied and urged.
7. (4.) This is laying a great temptation in the way of
such as desire to undertake the office of teachers in the cliurch,
and will be most likely to deter and afflict those wiio have the
greatest tenderness of conscience, and therefore (cost, par.)
best deserve encouragement.

8. (5.) It is not likely to answer the end proposed, viz.

the preserving a uniformity of opinion ; since persons of little
integrity

may

perhaps

what they do not

satisfy their consciences, in

suhscribino-

of peace ^ or in
putting the most unnatural sense on the words. And whereas
in answer to all these inconveniences it is pleaded, that such
forms are necessary to keep the church from heres}', and it is
better there should be some hj'pocrites under such forms of
orthodoxy, than that a freedom of debate and opinion should
be allowed to all teachers, the answer is plain ; that when any
one begins to preach doctrines, which appear to those who
attend upon him, dangerous and subversive of Christianity, it
will be time enough to proceed to such an animadversion, as
the nature of his error in their apprehension will require, and
his relation to them will admit
at all believe,

as articles

'".

9. 4. Nevertheless, it is very consistent with what we

have said under the preceding scholium, that voluntary societies
should demand such satisfaction, as they shall on serious enquiry
think fit, of the orthodoxy of one who is to minister among
them nor can this be said to intrench at all upon christian
liberty and the right of private judgment, since every private
Christian has the same right of judging who is fit to teach him,
as every teacher bus of judging for himself what is the true
christian doctrine.
And the like may be said with respect to
ministers^ when desired to concur in any solemn act, by which
they are to declare their approbation of the admission of any
:

particular person to that office

a DusLOPE's

Pref. to the Scoich Confess, vol.

58.

prss. p. 52

Evans's

Script. Standard.
Occas. Pap. vol. ii. No. i.
Hai.es's Tracts, p. 'i8 ^31.
<j

Sergi, No.

Chandler

Bijuset's History of his Times, Conclusion,

.Cci-NYflEAUE's

i.

''.

|
I

ii.

f 2

p. d34.

Hartley
Powel's

of Subscript.

fjl.

on Man, vol. ii. prop. 76.

on Subscript. Confessional.
t. ii. p. 30 60. 3d Ed,

.Serin,

b Confessiooa!,


LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

^34

untierstoocl the nature of

who wrote under

God and

Ijis

PARTVlir^

conduct towards men, and

the influence and inspiration of his Spirit, fre-

quently offer up such petitions to God, as shew that they beand importance of his gracious agency upon
the heart to promote piety and virtue, Psal. li. 10
12. xxxix. 4.
xc. 12. cxix. 12, 18, 27, 3337, 73, 80, 133. 1 Chron. xxix. 18,
19. Eph. i. 16, &c. Col. i. 9
IJ, k sim.

lieved the reality

12. 6. God promises to produce such a change in tlic

hearts of those to whom the other valuable blessings of his word
are promised, as plainly implies, that the alteration made in

temper and character

their

PsaL

J)eut. XXX. 6.

ex.

as his

Jer. xxxi. 33. xxxii. 39,40.

xxxvi. 26, 27. compare Heb.

xi. 19, 20.

upon

to be looked

is

3.

viii.

work,
Ezek.

13.

13. 7. The scripture expressly declares in many places,

that the work oi faith in the soul is to be ascribed to God, and

made

describes the change

in a

man's heart when he becomes

mind to some
John i. 13.
Eph. i. 19, 20. ii.

truly religious in such language, as must lead the

by which

strength superior to our own,

iii.

3, 5, 6.

Jctsxi. 18. xvi. 14. 2 Cor.

1,10.

iv. 24.

18. 2

Twi.

Eph.

Phil.

ii.

25.

29. Col.

i.

To

11, 12.

i.

catalogue

this

it is

3.

iii.
ii.

effected,

12, 13. Vid. Ja7nes

we

i.

scruple not to add,

though some have objected that r'/io cannot refer to

change of genders is often to be found in
the New Testament ; compare j^cts xxiv. 16. xxvi. 17. Phil, i.
28. 1 John ii. 8. Gal. iii. \6. iv. 19. Matt. vi. ult. xxviii. 19.
ii.

JRom.

8.

since the like

fftrsw?;

ii.

14\

The

14. 8.

spoken of
that the

as the

increase of Christians in faith and piety is

work of God which must more strongly imply,
;

beginnings of
cxix. 32. Phil. i. 6. ii. 13.

2 Cor.

first

V. 5.

Heb.

xiii.

it
1

20, 21.

are to be ascribed to him, Psal.

Cor.

vii.

25.

iii.

7. iv. 7. xv. 10.

Pet, v. 10. Jude ver. 24, 25.

15. 9. The scripture does expressly assert the absolute

necessity of such divine influences on the mind, in order to faith

and holiness, and speaks of God's giving them to one while he

withholds them from another, as the great reason of the difference
to be found in the characters of different men in this important
respect, Dent. xxix. 4. Mail. xi. 25, 26. John vi. 44, 45, 46. xii.
39, 40.

Rom.

ix.

1823.

16. 10. It appears probable from the light of nature, and

certain from the word of God, that faith and repentance are ulti9 Eisner's Observ.

vnl.

i.

p. 12s.

fiAl'UEL. Obs. LX liji'jd. iu il^lt.

.-ixviii,

ly.

Gi. vssii Op.

t>'l\ :>".>).

l,

iii.Trict.

ii.

de m. Can.

xvi. p.

Lect. cLxxvi. The Importance ofgracious Influences, Uc.

mately

to

hearts of

235

be ascribed to the work of special grace upon the

Q. . Z).

men .

LECT. CLXXVI.
The Importance of gracious Influences

the Manner mysterious.

E may learn with -what dependence gospel1. Cor. 1.

ministers should undertake their work, and to what they should
ascribe the success of it, l Cor. iii. 4.
xv. lO'',

&

and

2. 2. Those who are finally brought to faith, repentance,

salvation, have great reason to acknowledge the divine

goodness to them, and no room to boast of themselves,

i.

Cor.

29, 30.

some have done,

3. 3. It is a gross mistake, to assert, as

that grace never signifies the operation of

God upon men's

minds, but only intimates his gracious acceptance of their repentance, brought about by the motives and assistances of the
gospel, i. e. as it must here mean, by the discovery of the christian scheme: compare Acts xiv. 26. xv. 40. xviii. 27. 1 Cor. xv.
10. 2 Cor. i. 12. Heb. iv. 16. Gal. vi. 18. in all which places,
and many more, grace makes very good sense, if taken for a
divine operation on the heart, which, on the interpretation opposed, it would by no means do and it may further be observed,
that when grace is used to express vioral virtues and good dis-*
positions in our hearts, they are so called, not merely or chiefly,
as recommending us to the divine favour, but as produced by
divine influence, though still working in a manner suited to the
freedom of our nature. Compare^/)/*, iv. 29. 2 Pet. iii. 18.
2 Cor.Vni. 1, 6, 7^
:

4. 4.

They

who

are greatly mistaken,

assistances of God's Spirit

were peculiar

assert, that the

to the primitive ages

and who interpret such texts as those quoted above, merely of a

miraculous agency on the apostles and primitive christians. See
the scriptures under Lect. 175. 4. and Benson on the texts
quoted above''.
a Lime-street Led. vol. ii. p. 2 W 245.
TILLOTS. Works, vol. ii. p. 80, 81.
LiMB.Iheol. 1. iv. c. xiv. S i, 21.
Brandt's Hist, of the Ref. vo). ii. p. 75.
1)0UD. on Regener. Serin,

JoRTiN's Six

WARiicuT.
^''0:iTP,'s

vii.

p. 221

b SoMES's Fun. Serm.

c

Clarke's

Doct. of Grace.
vol.

ii.

Ko.

5.

for .Mr. Saund. pass.

Eoyic's Lect. p. .'i2S 330.
Posth. Serm. vol. ii. No. xiii, xiv.

Eat GUY'S Senn. vol. ii. No. .xix. pns. p. 361=

369.
Lardner's Serm. No. xiv. p. 297 305.
d Whitby on the New Test. vol. ii. p. 283 23Si

233.

Oisscrt. N'o. 1.

Serm.

Clarke at

'l

215
CZcor.

1st Ed.

Bulk.

iii-

3, 4^

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

'PaRTVIII.

Forasmuch

as gratitude is so powerful a principle

and the obligations arising from the divine
goodness in imparting special grace to believers are so high and
important, it must be the duty of those who preach the gospel,
to lead their people diligently to reflect upon it, and to appear
themselves under an affectionate sense of its value and ex-

in

5.

5.

human

nature

cellency.

6. 6.

On

the principles of the proposition

it

will

appear

proper, that the distinction between the regenerate and unregenerate should be kept up in preaching. And though tliere be
some, on Avhom divine grace has wrought so early, that perhapss
it is difficult

to find a time

from the

first

dawning of reason,

when they

did not appear in the main under the influences of it,"

yet such instances are comparatively few: and as those early

good

dispositions must appear to be in a peculiar manner the

w^ork of God's Spirit, considering the strength of appetite and
passion in children, and the weakness of reason, it w^ould be ex-

tremely wrong to exempt such out of the class of the regenerate^

and to confine the phrase to those who have been reclaimed from
a vicious and immoral courses
7. Schol. 1. As it appears that by the corruption of our
nature the whole symmetry of it is broken, it has generally been
maintained by those who assert the doctrine in the proposition,
that divine grace may work, not only by enlightening the understanding, and awakening the affections, but also by some immediate influences upon the 12)111, in order to restore that harmony
of all the faculties, in which the perfection of our nature consists: and many have thought that the bodij as well as tiie mind
-may be the subject of such divine operations *: compare 1 Thess,
a Sharp's Serm.

* The/c.7.'^/cjof the mind, as

icnnt

vol.

iii.

p.

290294.

tliey are called, ave, properly speaking,

only dlf*

modified I io /IS of one s>piritual, active substance, according to diflerent objects

tn which

it

stands related.

The

will, therefore, is that sj)iritual active

substance as

stands related to good.

Hence, it should seeni, there is no propriety in representing divine influence as terminating on this or the other fucuKij of the mind ; for if it
it

be on the substance of this active being, which is the moit consistent supposition, all
the phenomena are accounted for witliout multiplying causes. The mind itself being
rectified in its moral disposition and temperature, must imply a morally riglit understanding and will. Tlie notion, that the body is ihe subject of divine influence seems
not only destitute of scriptural evidence, but is altogether unpbilosopiiical, except the
system of materialism could be established. For if the soul be an immaterial substance, it is self-evident that it must have a greater affinity to divine influence tha
the body has, and the r>i(/ of imparting such influence must be inure directly, completely and universally attained by making it terminate uu the Uiost ruJicaJ princibte
Ktther than ou a mere tnstrumcnl of actioo,
W.

Of GracCf

Lect. cLxxvii.

237

whether irresistible.

18. 13. Lect. 21. 6. but it is extremely difconceive of the distinction in all its branches, and it
does not seem of so much importance as some have thought^.

and Lect.

V. 23.

ficult to

8. 2. As to the manner in which

upon the mind, considering how little

divine grace operates

it is

we know

of the

nature and constitution of our own souls, and of the frame of

nature around us, it is no wonder that it should be unaccountable to us {John iii. 8.) perhaps it may often be, by impelling
the animal spirits or nerv^es, in such a manner as is proper to
:

mind with a degree of vivacit}^

which they would not otherwise have had
by this means

excite certain ideas in the

various passions are excited

but the great motives addressed
to gratitude and love seems generally if not always to operate
:

upon the

will

more powerfully than any

other,

which many

divines have therefore

delectatiovictrix

chosen to express by the phrase of

compare Dent. "Kyix. 6. Psal. cxix. 16,20,

32,47,48, 97, 103. Psal. xix. 10,

18, 19.

Pom.

11.

Bom.

vii.

22.

John

iv.

v.5^.

LECT. CLXXVII.
0/ GracCy

whether

irresistible^

At

enters into the definition of j/jma/^race, that

never on the whole finally rejected, so as to fail of working
But there is a
faith in those who are the happy objects of it.

l.Schol. 3.
it is

great controversy, whether these operations be in their own

nature irresistible or not ; or in other words, whether it w^as
possible that those who in consequence of it do believe, should
in these circumstances have continued in their infidelity, and
finally

have rejected the gospel. To prove that special grace

the following arguments have chiefly been insisted

is irresistible,

upon.

2. (1.)

That the scripture represents men as by nature i/i

compare Eph ii. 1. Luke iv. 18.

a condition entirely helpless

uicts xxvi, 18. Po7?i.

3. (2.)

That the

viii.

7.

action of God in the conversion of a sinner

Whitby's Comment, vol. ii.
ScouGAL's Works, p. 6 10.

a FosTTEE's Semi. vol. ii. p. 9(^98.

b Le Blanc's Thes. p. 532. i 53.
bup.s. Life olRoch. p. 4:551.

Barclay's Apol.

p. 148.

lK^tT on

Art.

p.

VOL.

V.

IW.

p.

289,290.

Seed's Scnn. vol. i. p. 291.

Ridley on the Sniiit, p. 210.
King's Ori^. of EviU p. 71, 376, 4th

t^

is
Hf.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

238

VIII.

described in such terms, as plainly to shew it is invincible,

g. by raising from the dead, by giving a new hearty by writ-

ing the law of God in the soul, S(c. Compare Lett. 175. 11, 12.
But to both these arguments it is answered, that these are
figurative expressions which are not to be interpreted in the utmost riofour that they do indeed intimate a strong disinclination in men to faith and repentance, and a powerful, but not
:

God upon the mind compare

and other texts of the like import.

therefore irresistible operation of

Ro}}i, vi. 2.

John

iii.

9.

It is said, that if special grace were not irresistible,

would be uncertain whether any would believe or no,
and consequently possible that all \vhich Christ had done and
uif ;red in the work of redemption migiit have been done and

4. (3.3

then

it

suffered in vain.

To

this it is answered, that the event may be certain

not necessary, or, otherwise, there can be no foundation for a certain foreknowledge of future contingencies *,
"which those who maintain this doctrine of irresistible grace do
(generally grant this likewise will answer the arguments brought

5.

where

it

is

from those

scriptures, in which conversion

to

God

is

made

the subject of a d'lv'we pivmise.

Those who are on the other
side of the question allow, that in^so7ne instances divine operations on the niind may be irresistible, as in the case of .St. PauVs

but they say, that to maintain that it is thus in

is to destroy the liberty of the mind in all these
cases, and consequently to leave no room for the exercise of
justice in conferring rewards and inflicting punishments
not to
gay, that the grace of God itself cannot be said to assist us, if
there be no co-opsration of ourown with it.
Compare PA//,
ii. 12,13".
.con^'ersion

every instance,

a TrjiRET. I.0C.
Limb. Theol,

XV. auist. vl. } 121.

I, iv. c. xiv. praes. ill, &e.
CoMat. cum. Jud. p. SJ 65.
I.ime-sir. Lect. vol.ii. p. 251
255.
TlL;.Ols. Works, vol. ii. p. ^71374.

On

Barclay's Apol. Prop,

the subject of grace as

resist il>le

v. vi.

49S

Saubin's Scnn. vol. vii. No. xiii. p. 471

SilAUP'sSerm. vol. iii. p. 2b7.
Will rr.Y s Cora .vol. ii. App. prop. 3d.
Foii.Serm. vol. ii. No. 5.

or

irTcsiHil>l:' it

may be

observed,

that

an impropriety in irsaking grace, or divine influence, the ohjsct of resistence.

Bcsistence belongs to the will, and the will has to do properly with objects, propo-

there

is

iilions and moral means ; but not with grace, whose work it is to ameliorate the
mind. The proper contrast to grace is not a wrong choice hut Jjassive jwzuer. Freedom connected with the former divinely supported in any given degiee, is productive
Qt' proportionable good only ; but connected with the latter it produces evil.
From
the nature of grace, therefore, from its residence, and the relation it bears to the
Rill, it is not resistible. Yet of o/yVc/u-f goodness, of whatever kind, it may be prDperly said, that it is resistible ; and the resistence m ill be in proportion to the want
r the weakness of subjective grace.

The aaswer given

to this third argument,

"

that the event

may

be certain

sufficient y Ke.

Lect. clxxviii. Whether comynon Grace be

233

LECT. CLXXVIII.
Whether common Grace

be sufficient

Conversion

passive in

and

whether
Work

the

the

Mind

instantaneous

be

State of Salvation, and Perseverance.

1.

Schol.

sufficient

JLT

is

also questioned,

and here

some ambiguity.
which is such, as

is

it

whether common grace be

to be observed that the question has

grace alone is to be called sufficient,

it into a man's power immediately
to believe, without any further or higher intiuence on his mind,
it seems that the sufficiency of common grace cannot be proved ;
If that

to put

by which, a man is enabled to take some

which, further grace will be communicated,
till at length, by a longer or shorter train of convictions, special
grace is given, it is difficult to reconcile the denial of such a
sufficiency of common grace with the divine justice in conbut

that

if

on

steps,

sufficient,

is

his taking

and the frequent declarahe does not desire the

death of a sinner, Frov. i. 21
25. Ezek. xviii. 23. xxxiii. 11.
Jsa. V. 1, &c. Ezek. xii. 2. Matt. xi. 2124. xxiii. 37, 38. xxv.'
The most considerable argument for the negative is,
26, 27.
that grace which is always in fact ineffectual, as common grace
is by the very definition of it, cannot properly be said to have
been always sufficient but not to insist upon its being taken

demning men

for their infidehty*,

which God makes

tions

in scripture, that

for granted in this objection, that there

is

a specific difference

by which it is supported, are quite insuffiindeed certain must have some ground of certainty, and whafc
can this be but hypothdkul necessity i What are called " fu+ure contingencies" ar
merely relative tilings ; what is contingent to man is not so to God; nor can thera
be any event which has not some necessity of existence. Nor does a rieccssity of con.~

where

not necessary," and the reason

it is

Whatever

cient.

is

merely hypothetical, * destroy the liberty of the mind

be predicated of an event from the state of the mind
respect of rectitude, while the freedom of the agent is complete, W.

sequence, or that

which

for infallible certainty

then a sufficiency of

Is

ohUgation?
firbt

made

Is

it

;'

is

may

an act of

common

ij;(f<?ce to

nonm

grace a sine qua

condemn men for

ift

the basis of moral

except they are^

infidelity,

the subjects oi grace ? Suppositions these, that in their just consequences

must either discharge men of all moral obligation, or father all their crimes on God,
Surely " grace" whether common or special, introductory or preparatory, to use our
author's terms, is in no sense necessary to constitute the obligation of believing a
divine testimony.

For

if so,

the more

ji^'^ace/ew

man

is,

the less obliged he

is

to

blame would be for a maa

to plunge himself still deeper in wickedness, to stupify his mind and conscience,
a.nd to be as free as possible from the interference of grace by abstaining from th
means of grace, which is absurd. This is far from, being tlie sentimeat of our autboD
credit

what God says

that

is,

the

ia bli excelkat practical writings.

way to become

W.

free of

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

240

VIlI.

the objection seems only

between common and special grace
to be sayinfr m other words, that the mind of man is so formed,
that it could not be determined by considerations by which it is
not in fact determined, which is only an obscure way of denying the liberty of choice for if that be allowed, it must be
owned, that in every crime which has been committed from the
first original of mankind, there have been sufficient reasons
against it, which yet have never in fact prevailed in any one
;

of those instances

This

2. 5.

to

*.

may

teach us in what sense

the salvation of those that perish,

TiDill

i.

e.

God may be
he

wills

it

said

condi-

and determines to do what may be sufficient to effect

be not their own fault ; but he does not will it to such
a degree, as to do the utmost which his almighty power
could effect for that purpose, nor to do any thing more for
their salvation, than he knows in fact will by their own perverseness be overborne. P'act proves that this is the highest
tionally,

it,

if it

sense in which he can be said to will their salvation ; and it

seems that any thing short of this, would not be a foundation
for using the phrase at
as

is

all,

especially with such great solemnity

*.
1

observable in some of the passages quoted above,

6.

3.

moment

of

Whether

its

the

mind be

''

entirely passive in the

first

conversion, or whether there be any co-operation

oi our own together with the influences of divine grace upon

our heart, is a question which has also been very much disputed.

depends on what is m.eant by conversion : if a man is

then only said to be converted, when his heart is in a prevailing

It chiefly

degree really determined for the service of God through Christ,

he is plainly active in such a determination, though there may
liave been some preceding scenes in which he has been passive,
3. e, while God has made those impressions on his mind which
a LiMR. Theol.
Tii.LOl-s.

1.

b Howe's Redeem. Tears, ap. Op.

iv. c. xiii. pflss.

Works, vol

ii.

p. :J80

ubi Supra, i '12 .'>\.

BAxr. End of Controv.c. xiii.
CuvsE's Paraph, oa Malt. xxv. 26,

TiiRRF.

SS'i.

* The

22,

M,

HOWE

V.

&

WA
Note.

toI.

ii,

p.

l!?,

5'.'.

on Prescience,

11, 12, 19.

i-is'sRuin arid RecoT. Qjixsi. iiv. p.
8

%3

319.

distinction of the divine wi/l into absolute and conditional

is

not unex-

rcptionable because a sufficient reason for the terms is not intimated by them. To
.rty, for iiLstancc, that God a,'/'//* the salvation of those that perish on a condition to
he perfoimed by them, leaves us further to seek u;fiy he should so will. The other
distinction into secret and revealed, leaves us to learn zt^fiy one should be revealed and
the other secret, or what is a .sufHcient cause of the distinction. It is presumed that

terms decretivj and rectoral do not labour under anj' such inconvenience. The
one expresses that essential character of God as a sovereign whereby he has decreed
whatever he operates; the other expresses that essential relation he bears to free
tlie

agents as their j^ovemor.

W.

Lect. cLxxviii. Whether common Grace be

have led

to this determination

constitution of our inind,

sufficient, &V.

241

and, as according to the natural

some motives must precede the vo-

it is proper to
to acknowwork,
and
own God as the first mover
ledge that in this sense as well as others we love him because

towards

lition leading

this final

determination,

in this blessed

he has first loved us.

Eph. iv. 30. Rev. iii.
xviii.
iv.

16

Compare

31. Deut. xxx. 6.

Cor.

i.

30, 31

Ezek. xi.
with Jer. iv. 4. Acts

20. Phil.

ii.

13.

Psal. xxv. 7, 8.
19. with Ezek.
40.

ii.

Tim.

4. 7. The question, whether the work of regeneration

and conversion be accomplished in an instant, is nearly akin
It must be acknowledged, there is some one
to the former.
moment, in which there is tlie first preponderancy of religious
impressions and resolution, in the soul but if all that the Spirit
does to bring a man to real religion, is called, (as with some
latitude of expression it may) the work of his converting or
and it
regenerating grace, it is evidently a gradual thing
would certainly have an ill influence upon practical religion, to
encourage men to expect an instantaneous miraculous chiuige
ia the neglect of proper moans ^.
;

We

5.8.

most readily allow, that the

rules

by which

God

proceeds in dispensing his special grace are to us unaccountable for it plainly appears, that it is not always given
in proportion to the use that has been made of common grace,
since many who have been the most abandoned sinners are in a
Tery sudden and surprising manner brought to repentance and
faith, while others of a fairer character go on in impenitence
;

and unbelief: compare I Cor. vi. 9 11. 1 Tim. i. 14, 15, 16.
it would be very unjust to accuse God of partiality
on that account, because in his final judgment he will distribute
rewards and punishments according to the characters of men,
Rom. ii. 6. and dealing justly by all, so far as to inflict no undeserved punishments, he may certainly be allowed to dispense
his favour, as he pleases, Matt. xx. 1315. and if we will not
Nevertheless,

allow

we

this,

shall find invincible difficulties in the dispensa-

tions oi nature as well as of grace, considering the vast

rence which

God

make

diffls-

circumstances of
various creatures, even where there has been no correspondent
difference in their previous character and behaviour <=.
is

pleased to

vol. i. p. 7880.
TiLLors. vol. ii. p. 37 i376".
TuttKE r. Loc. .XV. Q.ussf. 5. vol. ii. p. 591.
Sharp's Serm. vol. iii. p. 2S1 2>i9.

a SAURiN's Serm.

Jb Wiisir. Uicon. Fxd.

JiLLOTS.

vol.

ii.

p.

I.

iii.

c. vl. I

aw3.

S.

in the

c r,E Elanc's Thes. p. 635.

Howe's Works,

vol.

ii.

? 8. p. 634. i 3.

p, 27,

Clarke's Postli. Serra. vol.

374378, 380385. Oct.
Ev.iNs's Serm. vol.

i.

No.

1.

i.

'Z'i.

p,

23^239,

Part viit.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

242

6.9. Some of the Heathens seem to have had a notion

of divine influences on the mind as necessary to make them
and good, and have ascribed their virtues as well as their
endowments to it though others have spoke in a
very haughty manner upon this head S

tvise

intellectual

That

7.

said to

is

be A state of salvation, in which

a person die, he would partake of the future salvation and

happiness promised in the gospel.
if

The

8. Def.
that doctrine

perseverance of saints,

doctrine of the

who have ever believed

according to Dcf. 82. or who have ever been in a state
of salvation, are never suffered finally to perish, but do either
continue in that state to the end of their lives, or if they fall
from it are again recovered to it.

is

which

asserts,

that

all

in Christ

9. Cor. 1. A person may be said to believe the doctrine

of the perseverance of the saints in this sense, who believes
their apostacy to be in the nature of things possible^ provided

he believes

in

it

fact

certain

that they

will

not

actually

apostatize.

10. 2. A person may be said to believe the doctrine of

perseverance in this sense, who admits of a total apostacy ybr
a time, from which the person so fallen away is afterwards
recovered ; but whether this belief be consistent with scripture

or not will be afterwards enquired

''.

LECT. CLXXIX.
Of

the Saints^ Perseverance.

1 Pivp. JL O enquire whether the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, as stated above, be or be not the scripture
.

doctrrne.

2. Sol. Sect. I. For the negative^ that it is not a scripture doctrine, the following arguments are produced.
a Seneca's

Epist.

No. 73.

HiEROcr.Es ap. Lucas on Happiness,

VVirsii. Misc. vol. ii. Ex. 6. { la.

SiMri.ic. in Epictel. ad fin.
M.AXlM. Tyr. Diss. 22. apud
Barrow's Works, vol. iii. p. 331.

Xenoph. Cyrop.
I*
ATO de Kepub.

1.

Whitby
/KRIAN
'Jl'M..

Minuio

on Matt.
in tpict.

vi.

apud

de Nat. Deor.
>'hilos. vol.

ii.

1.

ii.

ad

fiu.

ro!.

i.

p. 112.

p.

212214.

Herin. Trisraegist. ap. Op. TOl.

p. 309, 310.

c. xxi. p. 30<J.

p. 47.

S 1.

./Xi'iii.Eii

vi. 13.
I. iii.

ii.

130DD. on Regen. No. vii.

-^SCHIN. Dial. i. pass.

viii. c. vii. } 1.
1.

c.

^scHiNEs, Max. Tyrius, and Flat. pud

Chapman's Euseb. vol. ii. p. 179. not.

Prick's
I)

Dissert, p.

Mahkii Medulla,
iLRRiir.

vol.

ii.

302306.
c.

xxvii. J 2.

Loc, XV. Q^xst. 16^

? 7, 8.

ii.

Lect. cLxxix.
jii'g.

I.

Of the

243

Saints' Perseverance*

There are various threatenings denounced against

the Old Testament and

who do apostatize, both under

under the New, which the patrons of

those

the doctrine of the perseverance allow to have contained the same covenant of grace,
V. g. Ezek. iii. 20. xviii. 24. Heb. vi. 4
8, 29. Psal. cxxv.
To this it has been answered, that some of these texts
3, 4, 5.
do not so much as suppose the falling away of a truly good man ;

and

to all of them it is said, they only shew what would be the

consequence, j/'such should fall away, or at most prove it in
the nature of things possible, but cannot prove that it ever in
fact happens.
Compare James \\. 10. Matt, xviii. 8, 9, 22.
Luke-aviu 4. xvi. 26. 31 ^

Arg.

3.

II.

It is foretold

true Christians shall

Matt.

xiii.

fall

some

20, 21.

To the first

4.

as a future event, that

awa}', Matt. xxiv. 12, 13. John xv. 6.

of these passages

it is

answered, that their

might be said to wax cold, without totally ceasing ; or there

might have been an outv,'ard zeal where there never was a true
faith.
To the second, that persons may be said to be in Christ,
only by an external profession
see John xv. 2. compare
Bom.vm. l. Gal.'m. 27. As to Matt. xiii. 20, 21. it is replied,
that this may refer to the joy with which some may entertain
the offers of pardon, who never attentively considered them,
nor cordially acquiesced in the method in which that and the
other blessings of the gospel covenant were proposed''.
love

away,
19, 20.

Arg. III. It is urged, that many have in fact fallen

David and Solomon^ and those mentioned 1 Tim. i.
2 Tim. iv. 10. compare Phil. iv. 3. Col. iv. 14. Philem,

5.

as

ver. 24. 2 Pet.

To

ii.

18.

those instances

it is

answered,

6. 1. By some, that v/ith regard to David and Solornon,

there might be soaie habits of grace remaining in their hearts,
even when they were overborne by the remainders of corruption.

7. 2. By others, that /)zj^W and iSb/owonv,'ere recovered,

and that Demas might possibly be so and as to others, that
there is no proof of their ever having been sincere Christians and
truly good men, which is particularly applicable to Alexander
and Hymeneus. As for I Tim. v. 12. which some add to the
above-mentioned instances, it is answered, that \\\^\x first faith.
;

a Limb. Theol. 1. V. c. Ixxxi. ? 1 S, 10 19.

TiLLOTs. Works, vol. ii. p. 490.
OwN on Ajiost. p. a 10.

I
I

WAiRiCE'sSerm.
b L,imb.

N'o.

Tlieol. ibid. I

i.

59.

244

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

VIII.

might be a mere ineffectual assent; or that it may mean only

their promise given to the church that they would continue
widows
='.

8. Jrg. IV. It is urged, that the doctrine of perseverance

supersedes the use of means, and renders those exhortations
and motives insignificant, which are so often to be found in

Luke xii. 5. Rom. xi. 20. 1 Cor. ix. 27. Heb. iii.
Rev.W. lu. iii. II. 2 Tim. ii. 12. To this it is replied,
that these admonitions and exhortations have their use, being
the means by which God continues his saints in their holy course,
it being still true, that continued holiness is absolutely necessary
scripture, v. g.
12. iv.

1.

in order to their salvation, with

vation in that

Jets xxvii. 22

way

is

24,

which the certainty of their salnot by any means inconsistent. Compare

31

^.

9. Arg. V. It is urged, that the doctrine of perseverance

gives great encouragement to carnal security and presumptu-

ous

sin.

We

1.
allow that it may be abused, but that
prove it to be false, though it is a reason against admitting it to be true without clear evidence ; but the free pardon
of the greatest sins upon repentance and faith, though so certain
a truth, is also liable to as fatal and obvious abuse.

10. Ans.

will not

11. 2. None can assure themselves of their own perseverance, (allowing the doctrine in general to be true,) any further
than as they have an evidence that they are already true be-

who are in any doubt with regard to the

sincerity of grace in their hearts, the argument taken from the
Jievers: to all therefore

fear of eternal

condenmation and misery must have

its

full

weight.
1 2. 3. As for those wlio are true believers, and know
themselves to be such, allowing the doctrine of perseverance,
they may nevertheless receive great damage by sin. There is
on this very principle so much the more reason to believe that

God

he remarkably did in the instance oi David)

and the diminution of future glory in
;
proportion to the degree in which sin prevails, will still remain
as a consideration of great moment wiih the most excellent
will visit

it,

(as

Avith ^^W7/)ora/ afflictions

saints.

13. 4. If the motive taken from the fear of everlasting

misery be weakened, that from love and gratitude, which is the
a RORERTSON's Clavis BIblica, p. S6, 87.
J 1M8. ibid. 1. V. c. Ixxxii. i 5.
IJammokd trn 1 Tim. V. 12.

I
I

b Limb. Theol.

Sal

1.

v. c. Ixxxiii. ?

ki.n's Serin, vol. ix.

^o.

110.

J.

Lect. cLXxx.

Arguvients in favour of Perseverance.

245

most powerful and acceptable principle of obedience, is greatly

strengthened
so that upon the whole this doctrine is not likely
to prove a snare to a man, except when he is in so ill a siti'w'.tion
of mind, that nothing but the fear of imme<lia*:e damnation will
:

him from the commission of &in ; and the proliability of

^ying tmmediateli/ upon the commission of sin, before there is
room for renewed acts of faith and repentance, is so small, that
few persons w.ho do not believe perseverance will be restrained
from guilt merely by that fear. Aod to conclude, before a man
can with any plausible appearance draw an argument fiom this
doctrine to encourage himself to sin, he must be sure he is a believer
but how can he know it? if by a pretended revelation,
strong proof must be demanded ; for it will seem in theory very
improbable that such a favour should be granted to a wretch
disposed so vilely to abuse it
if by rational evidence, what past
impressions which he may have felt can give a stronger evidence
restrain

of true piety, than arise to the contrary froni so detestable a dis-

now supposed

to prevail

position as

is

whole

possible this doctrine

it is

So that, though on the

may be

abused, the probability

and the absurdity of it much greater,

of such an abuse is less,

than persons on the other side the question have seemed generally to apprehend ^

LECT. CLXXX.
Arguynents in favour of Perseverance.
Sect. II. JL
of the doctrine.

It is

1.

O enumerate the principal

arguments

m favour

And,

argued from the promises of persevering grace, Jer.

iv, 14. vi. 39. x. 28. x^. 26.

To the first of
answered, that the clause on vhigli the argument
turns, may be translated, <' that they may not depart fro::i me :'*
but it is replied, that the apostle quotes this text, Heb. nu. \o.
in a manner not liable to this ambiguity.
As to the other
passages, some understand them merely as a conditional )romise, expressing the safety of believers while they adhere to
Christ: but the relation of a shepherd, professed in some of
them, intimates a care to prevent a seduction of the flock, as

xxxii.

these

3840. John

it

a Limb. ibid.

"I'oi..

is

II-

v.

JI h

Lirae-street Lect. vol.

ii.

p.

34334C.


LECTURES

216

DIVIXITY.

OX^

PaRT

Vllf.

To these texts some add

owns such a relation to his
church, and expresses such a care of it, as must in fact be a security to every true member
as when he calls himself its head,
defend them from violence.

Avell as to
all

those passages, in which Christ

husband, Saviour, &c^.

2. Arg. II. The doctrine is argued from the cheerful
hope and persuasion which the apostles often express of their
own persevering, and that of their fellow saints, as will appear
from consulting the following texts.

Rom.

3.

39.
Ans. The apostle only expresses
none of those evils should hurt them, while

33

viii.

his confidence, that

they continued stedfast to Christ. But this is sinking the sense

very low it could never have been imagined or suspected, that
calamities alone should alienate the love of God from good men,
especially when a regard to the cause of God brought on those
calamities; but it was very important to assure them, that God
would so strengthen them under their trials, that they should be
:

enabled to bear them without

Ans.

4. Phil. i. 6.
rather than certain.

It

final apostacy''.

expresses what appeared probable

It is replied, that,

admitting the answer,

it

must be granted that the perseverance of good men is at least

probable, and the reason insinuated, which is God's having'
begun a good work in them, is applicable to all behevers; as the
it is through the divine inspecwork, that they are secured,

following words intimate, that

tion

and care to

finish his

Ans. The apostle speaks of their hav 5. 1 Pet. i. 4, 5.

ing been kept hitherto^ but does not assert that they shall still
be kept. But this does not seem to amount to their being kept
to salvation.

Object. This refers to the confirming

6. 1 Cor. i. 8, 9.
of the saints ir> a state of perpetual holiness at the last day.
Ans. It would not he so proper to say, they were then confirmed unto the end; and there may be (as our version supposes) ai>
ellipsis in the expression, q. d. " He shall confirm 3'ou even to-

the end, that ye

may

he blameless," &c*^.

Thess. V. 23, 24. The turn of phrase here is so much

the same with the last text, that the same objection and the same
answer may easily be applied ; as there is indeed a remarkable,,
7.

resemblance between the two texts.

I.IMB.

ibi'i.

I.

V. c. Ixxxiv. ?

Liinc-gticet Lcct. vol.

LIMU.

ibid. J 10, 11.

ii.jj.

35.

J3l336.

c
J
J

Whitbv \n La
lle/A iu Luc.
OoDi>. ia Lot.

Lect. clxxx.

247

Ai'gumenfs in favour of PersevcraJice.

S. Arg. III. Those passages are pleaded, in wliich this

doctrine is said to be expressly asserted, v. g.

Rom.

y.

viii.

28

Dr.
30.

phrase, wlio are called according

Whitby

to his

understands the

purpose^ of their

beiiisr

and b}- being glorified, their

receiving the Spirit of God, av hereby a very considerable glory
ivas conferred ujoon them
compare 1 Pet. iv. 4. But it is certain this is a very uncommon sense of the word ; to which we
may add, that the called are spoken of as lovers of God; not to
insist upon that part of the argument, which is taken from the
mention of God's purpose and predestinaf ion concerning them.
called to a profession of christianit}-,

Jns. E r^vvarov only implies the ex 10. 3Iatt. xxiv. 2t.

difficulty, not impossibility of the case^.

ceeding

11.1 John
of sin

is

iii.

9. Object. It

is

onlv,

q. d.

an allowed course

inconsistent Avith true Christianity.

Ans. Such an explication will by no means suit the phrase

of the seed abiding in such, (compare 1 Pet. i. 23.) even though
it should be fjranted that abiding sijTnifies no more than is in
theni'.

12. Matt.

vii.

25.It

is

answered, that by storms and

tempests are to be understood persecution, or the final

God

arc to expect from

and

in either sense the

trial all

meaning

will

only be, that he who does the will of Christ shall have a secure
foundation of hope and confidence under this txial. Compare
Prov. iv. 18. Job xvii. 9. Psal. xcii. 1215. Isa. xl. 31. to
which texts nothing can be answered, but that they express
either the happiness of good men, or Avhat is generally their
character.

Arg.YV. There are many passages in which it is

who have fallen away from their profession
were never sincere in it, which plainly implies that those who
13.

asserted, that those

are sincere do never

fall

away.

They

are such as these,

Johnn. 19. compare Z)czf^. xiii. 13. Object. The

apostle speaks of what would probably, though not certainly
14.

have been the case

or, considering the peculiar evidence which

attended Christianity, he might have peculiar reason to say, that
no sincere professor would be ashamed of the gospel: but even
this must only be on supposition that there is a certain degree
of wickedness, into which no one who had once been good could
fall,

which few grant who deny perseverance.

a Limb. Tlieol.

1.

t. c.

Jxwiv.

J 3.

h 2

b Limb.

Matt.

ibid, i 12, 13.

vii.

23.


PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

24S

VIII.

Object. Clirist might say this concerning mayiy tliousrh not all
and if ir migl)t be said of the greater part, it would justify such
a general representation , as it inav be only of the greater
part of sinners he speakb, \vben lie describes all at tlic left hand
as condeained for unrharitablencss, Matt. xxr. 42, 43.
Luke
Tiii. 4
15. where only those who brought forth fruit to perfection, are said to have received the word in an honest heart.

only a circumstance of a })arable, therefore not

to be strained too far.
Ans. It h a verv material circumstance,
Object. It

is

and not merely

by "a}' of obbe called good ground ^

who receive it with an honest heart, and bring forth fruit, even
though their fruit should wither and they themselves jjerish.
incidental.

It is

further urged,

jection to this argument, that they

But

is the very case of the stony ground

nor can those be said to bring forth fruit to perjectiony
never attain to more than an imperfect state, and at last

who

replied, that this

it is

hearers

from

fall

may

that,

5.

and incur aggravated guilt and ruin

Cor.

There

is

*.

on the whole reason to believe, that the

is indeed

doctrine o{ perseverance as stated and limited above,

the scripture doctrine,

LECT. CLXXXI.
Whether Jpostacy may

0/

he total, though not final

Christian Perjection,

I.

Schol. 1.

JMLOST

of those

who

believe that the saints

finally fall awa}', so as actually to perish, do likewise

believe that they never totally apostatize, even for a time ;
shai!

i-\ot

and consequently allow that David, under his greatest guilt,

in a sta^e of favour and acceptance with God, as
still
having a secret principle of spiritual life, though at that time
overborne by the prevalency of sin. The chief stress of the
argument lies on Jleb. vi. 4, &.c. and it is urged, that if this
text be allowed to speak of those who fall short of real piety,
was

as the patterns of perseverance generally suppose, yet in pro-

nouncing their recovery impossible,

ly conclude
fall

away.

it

must much more strong-

against the recovery of a true saint,

But we answer,

a I.ime-slr. Lect. vol. ii. p. 284 311.

Baxt. End cf Controv. chap. xxvi.
ot Persever. pass.

if it

I
I

if he should
be allowed, as perhaps there
^Virsil. CEcop. Txd. 1. iii. c, xiii.
Act. Syn. Dordt. partii. p. 40l', ice


Whether

Lect. clxxxi.

Jpostacymay

be total,

2t0

^<^-

may

be reason to allow it that i\\Q/aUing axvay, here spoken

such a total apostacy from Christianity, as implies the
sin agiiinst the Holy Ghost, then it will follow, that whatever
argument tliere is to prove final perseverance, will prove that
of,

is

true believers shall not be suffered to fail into that sin ; and
be supposed only to express inferior deforces of apostacy,

if it

must be n;ranted that ainvalov only siirnifies cvtremely

difficult ; and so on either 'iiipposUion, no certain conclusion
29 \
can be drawn from this passage. Com)>are Heb. x, 26

tljen

it

2. To this it has been added by some, that if several

of the texts urged above have any weight to prove perseverance
comat all, it must be a total as well as -d final perseverance
pare particular!}^ 1 John ii. 19. iii. 9. 1 Pet. i. 4, 5 ''.
:

3. 2. Perseverance is owing to the continued influence

of ihe Spirit of God upon the hearts of true believers, Vid. Led.
175. 13, 14. and this seems to be the foundation of that
metaphor, by which the Spirit is said to dwell in thm,iin(\ they
are described as his temple, Rom.
Eph. ii. 22. John vii. 37 i^^ ''

viii. P.

Cor.

iii.

16.

vi.

19.

4. 3. The preceding scholium may serve to explain the

foundation of that metaphor, by which Christ is represented as*]
the head of the church, which together with him makes up one
mystical body.
For his created nature being thus inhabited by

Holy Ghost, and the influences of that Spirit bemg communicated from him to believers, to animate them to the same
great end of cultivating holiness and glorifying God, it is
evident that such an ailegory as we have mentioned ai)ove is
just and beantifLd
since t^be several parts of the human body
are actuated by the same mmd, and have sensation and motion
the

communicated to them by virtue of their union with the head.

Compare John i. 16, xvii. 21. xv. 5. 1 Cor. vi. 17. xii. 12, 13.
Eph. IV. 15, 16. Col. ii. 19
'^.

5. 4.

From

those texts, in which

God engages

to cause

things to operate for the good of his people, such as Rom.

viii. 28. V. 3. 1 Cor. iii. 21, 22. many have inferred, that God

all

will order all events in such a

manner, that the good of every

particular believer shall in fact be advanced and promoted

thereby and some have carried this so fiir as to say, that even
;

though some
be for th.e believer's advantage
have contradicted themselves again, by adding, that to have

sin

itself shall

a WiTSli (Econ.
I)

Fsed.

1.

iii.

c IIo^'E'SLIv. Temple, spud Op. vol.

Limc-.str. Lect. vu.. ii. ) . 33t>, &c.
ubi supra, i 'I'ci.
Lime-sir. Lect. \ oi. ii. p. 33 1, &:e.

c. xiii. ? 10, 11, 26.

Lime-str. Lect. vol. ii.p. 9.\ri2':i9.

LJMB. Theol. 1. V. c. Ixxxv. i 4, 3.

Hale's Gold. Rem.

p.

1291^3.

Wnsn

i.

p. 215n

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

fJO

VIIl,

Lut it;
resisted the temptation -would have been muoli more so.
seems that the design of those texts will be sutticicntly answered,
if we allow that God's dispensations are so adjusted, that good
men, if thcv are not wanting to tliemselves, may receive some
good from all, and probably in general do so %
6. 5. It seems from some of the texts enumerated, Lecf.
164. 3. that none have made such a progress in piety, as to
be entirely free from the remainders of indwelling sin, and
Jxoni. vii. 14, &c. is often urged as a confirmation of this doctrine.

answered, that the sevenih chapter to the liomans

It is

The arguments
describes the state of an unregencraie vian.
on both sides ma}^ be seen in the comimentators ; but on the
whole, itseemsmost probable, that thecontexttliere describes the
tateof a good vian under the impeifection of the Mosaic dispensation, and therefore is not so much to the purpose of the present
question as some suppose. It iscertain St, iVz// sometimes speaks

when he means to represent the circunibtan0.

ccs and sentiments of a?!o/Af?', Jiom. iii. 1, 8. I Cor. iv. 4
and perhaps upon the whole, the true key to this much contro-

in the Jii'st person,

St. Paul first represents a man

verted passage may be this
tis ignorant of the law, and then insensible of sin, but afterwards
becoming acquainted with it, and then thrown into a kind of
despair, by the sentence of death which it denounces, on account
:

of sins he is now conscious of having committed: he then

further shews, that even where there is so good a disposition, a?
even to delight in the law, 3'et the motives are too weak to maintain that uniform tenor of obedience, which a good man greatly
desires, and which the gospel by its superior motives and grace
does

in fact

produce^.

prove the perfection of am/ man,

most evident experience, the perfection of a// believers
and whereas it is said, the precepts of the
gospel require us to aim at perfection, it is replied, they may
aris\ycr their end b}- exciting us to press after it, though in the

7.

John

iii.

9.

would prove, contrary

if it

to the

it be not actually attained

and as for those who
are said in scripture to have been peifect, such as Noah and
Job, it appears from the nifirmitles wiiich attended their charac-

present state

the most which can be

ter, that

meant bv

not only sincere in religion, but had

it.

On

that they

the whole, none can pretend to say, that

lutely impossible for us to

a Ti'RP.F.T.ro!.
1

it is,

made eminent

ii.

Loc. xv. Cluaist. xvi.

Tayi OR on Uom.

vii.

were

progress in
it is

abso-

do our best, or that God now requires

? IS.

Dorr), in foe.
SiAi-touD's bcnn.on Rom.

vit.

Of Assurance of Salvation,

Lect. cLxxxii.

251

&(c.

of us to do better than ive possibly can in present circumstances ; nor can we certainly say, that no one has ever exerted
the utmost of the capacities God has given in any particular
but we find in fact those who seem the best of
act of duty
rnei, gencrallv most ready to acknowledge their own remain *
ing imperfections ; and the perfection that some have talked of,
seems only to be a freedom from known, wilful, deliberate sin,
^vhich it is to be hoped many have attained for some consider:

who yet lament numberless imperfections attendmg

the best of their services.
ChrUtians would in general be
better employed in- seeking greater degrees of perfection, than
in disputing in a subtle and abstruse manner the nicety of such

able time,

questions, as liave somctnnes

been

started

upon

head.

this

And we may
is

add, that where the progress towards perfection

greatest, the remembrance of past sins, only pardoned by

God in Christ, and of our continued dependance upon the aids of God's Spirit for every step we take in
our holy course, may be sufficient to keep us humble ; and it
is certain, that pride in our religious attainments, is one of the
comgreatest of the imperfections to be found in good men
pare Job ix. 20 \

the free grace of

LECT. CLXXXII.
Of Assurance

of Salvation

extraordinary Impressionsparti-

ciilar Revelations,

X.Schol. 6. JL ITE Spirit of God produces in the hearts of

good men the hope of eternal life, which in vanous persons and

circumstances prevails in various degrees. Some who are fully

persuaded of the doctrine of perseverance, and have a clear
evidence that they are true believers, grounded on extraordinary
attainments in piety, or approved fidelity in some great and
remarkable trials, may have an undoubted certainty of their
own salvation and it appears in fact that this is the case with
many, if we may credit the living and dying testimony of some,
on their own experience, who seem to have been among the
:

best persons of their age.

It is

probable, that in times of

culty and persecution, this persuasion

than

in

persons of equal attainments in religion, in more peace-

BADCr.. Apol. Prop. viii.

Besse's Def. of .U.uak. p. 193202.
JLCCAS'B Enq. vol. iii. j>. II 4'-- ii. ii.

diffi-

may be more common,

Cr.ARKE's Postli. Serm. vol. Ik. No.

Law of Perfection, p. 1 9.
JiiHN W.'iSTLEy's Serm. on Perfect.
Uoi>I>. Ex^os. oa I Jotia. iiu 9.

e-

! c.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVIKITY,

(252
ful circumstances

which

may be one

reason,

why

it

VIH.

some-

is

times spoken of by the apostles as so common a case in their

days: Vid. \John ii. 5.iii. 14, 1'^ 21. v. 13. lleb. vi. 11. x. 34,
35. 2 Pet. i. 10. 1 Thess. i. 4. Rom. viii. 16, 17. and somethinw hke this may be traced in the writings of our first reformers. Where there is not such a full assurajice, there may
nevertheless be a chcarful and prevailing- hope ; and this even
in those, who do not apprehend the doctrine of perseverance

to

universally true

l>e

since the^i

may

see, that there

is

at least

a degree of probabilitv, that everv particular saint, whose case

may be under consideration, will in fact finally persevere,
though the conclusion mav be attended with some degree of
uncertainty.
How far full assurance is to be ascribed to the
is a question difficult to
can by an immediate impression
reveal sucli truths to the soul bevond all possibility of doubt,
and cause us to apprehend it as his own voice speaking to us ;
but this is a thing, the idea and evidence of which can be communicated to none it seems therefore improper to lay a stress

immediate testimony of the

decide

it is

allowed that

Spirit,

God

upon
hope

it,

as absolutely necessary to a well

grounded comfort and

on the other hand great rashness, universally to deride all pretences of this kind, especially when coming from persons of wisdom and piety. That the generality of
Christians are exercised with so many doubts about their own
state, is generally to be ascribed to the imperfection of their
attainments in religion, to their entertaining wrong notions of
it,

though

is

it

especially their laying too great a stress

and regarding the

steady determination of the

by which

to

upon present frames,

more than the

lively exercise of the passions

judge

=>

will,

which

is

the only sure standard

*.

There are a great variety of

2. 7.

which the work of religion

is

methods in

different

carried on in the hearts of believers,

and their improvement in

Sometimes certain texts of scripture occur with such

in order to their final perseverance,

piety.
a

UowK's Works, vol.

* On

i.

p.:H2

^348.

the (Inctiiiie of ass'/ranci^

we may remark,

ings have arifcn, for want of distinciuishina; the

Mason's Sermons, vol. iv.

oh]''cls

that frequent misunderstandof which the

mind

is

assureif.

of ) Jie truth in general revealed and testified in the gospel,

is the
assurance of faUfi, A full persuasion of the reality of future <rood thintcs promised
as suited to our wants, with a conscious desire and expectation of them, is the
A full persuasion of the meaning and design of the gospel in the
assurance o[hope.
most essential parts is assurance of um^rnlnndirti^. And each of these may be called
But a full persuasion of a personal interest in Christ and salvachj'^cttve assurance.

full per.<iuasion

tion

by him,

siihjvcHvi'

is

assurance of salvation

assurance,

W.

and

to distinguish

it

from

all

the preccdiiij,

Lect. cLxxxii.

Of Assurance

of Salvation,

25S

i^c.

power and efficacy to the mind, as at otlier times they have

never had
and these scriptures are not alwaysapplied in a sense
most agreeable to the context, but rrequentlyaccordingto themost
obvious sense of the words, considered as alpne, and compared
vith some present occasion on which they are given: sometimes
a strong persuasion arises in the mind oF a Christian, as to the
answer of some particular request, whicii takes off a heavy and
ahnost overwhelming burthen which before lay upon his heart
;

and

in a variety of other instances,

consolation

sometimes so

is

upon their minds from principles before

known, considered and believed, yet not attended with any
such sensible effects, that all who believe the fact must acknowstrongly poured in

ledge it an extraordinary phyenomenon; and considering the great

usefulness of such experiences for establishing Christians in tlie
way of piety , it seems reasonableto suppose, that these impressions

may

frequently at least be the extraordinary

work of -the Holy

observable, that these peculiar experiences are most frequent, where persons' natural faculties are
Spirit

on

weak

their minds.

or that

if

It is

they are imparted to persons of higher genius

and stronger reason, it is generally when under the pressure of

some uncommon calamity, or when called out to any service
which requires an extraordinary share of courage and resolution.
3. From considering these things, it appears, that all,
especially christian ministers, should be cautious how they

deride and expose such impressions as mere enthusiasm. If it

be asked, how they can be distinguished from those which are

indeed so, (as many warm impressions no doubt are) it may bo

answered, that in order to prevent any dangerous mistake here,
the tendency of them is by all means to be regarded it would
be very dangerous to venture on any thing, which in other
circumstances would be evil, from the apprehension which
some have entertained, that the common rules of morality are
to be dispensed with, in consequence of such a supernatural
impulse ; for no impulse in such cases is to be believed, without
stronger evidence than can commonly be given
but where
they lead only to a more chearful acquiescence in the divine
care, and a more zealous discharge of certain duties, they may
safely be regarded as coming, whether in a more or less natural
:

way, from God

gested, which
a

HowEjs
)'

75,

Life, p.

is

unless any medium of argument be thus sugevidently absurd and ridiculous ^

229231. Oct. ap. Op.

vol.

i.

/ti.

Goodwin's Works,
liAxr. Cure

VOL.

vol. iv. Pref. p. 0.^,9(5.

of Church iJiv. Dircci. 'il 23.

v.

Watts on Prayer, c. iv. { 3. Caut. 3:

BENNEi'sfhristi.iii Oiat. vol. i. p. 3S8391.
Kr.EM. of t'uUil. Script, pass. pris. p. 1972li.
atis's Kvjng. Mmh. >y. xii. piaes. p. -iSlV64.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

254

VIII.

4. 8. Besides these particular revelations, which seem

intended only or chiefly for the use of the persons to whom they
are made, some have thought that there may still continue in
the church, something of what was before called an inspiration
of elevation, (Lect. 137- 8.) chiefly imparted to those who
are to lead the devotions of public assemblies but how far iu
any given instance uncommon enlargements are supernatural,
:

it is

impossible for us to discover,

constitution of our

own minds, and

who know

so

little

of the

of the degree in which they

may

sometimes be influenced by something peculiar in the state

of the brain and animal spirits but as for those gifts and
powers which attended the apostolic ages, Lect. 141. 2. they
seem to be so generally ceased, that none pretending to them
ought to be believed, without the most clear and convincing
proof
;

*.

LECT. CLXXXIII.

Of the

Unpardonable Sin

the

Case of Paul.

enquire into the scripture doctrine

1. Prop. JL
'unpardonable sin.

and Dem.

2. Sol.

Was

1.

The

scripture declares, that tliere

at least in the^;'^^ ^igcs of Christianity, a sin,

not be forgiven y Matt.

xii.

of the

Mark

31.

iii.

28,

that should

29.

compare

which has been interpreted by some as referring

to the cure of diseases by prayer but there seems to have been
no note given, by which a sin could be known to be to death,
in that sense
it seems therefore more rational to refer it to
those cases, upon which God had so expressly decided
and
t!ie refusing upon any occasion ever to pray for one who had
committed it, might be a proper expedient to keep up a due
horror of it, and care to stand at the greatest distance from it
1

John

V. 16.

''.

3.2. This plainly appears to have been some sin of the

by which a particular aff'ront and injury was oifered to
the Holy Spirit, and therefore it is called by way of eminence,
the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost ".
tongue,

4.

3.

littered the

DODD. Answ.

It is plain that the occasion on which our Lord

words referred to above, was the Pharisees ascribing

to Christian, uot

No. iii. p. '.'4, '>7i.

1Jarci.av'ii.\;io1. I'lop.

founded, &c.

Horberry

Water LA^D'*Ser^J,

CliAPM.

iii.

p.

b'J 91,

of future Puo. p. 130

Kiis. vol.

ii.

132.

453.
p. 448
vul. ii, p. 167176.

; ;'

Lect. cLxxxiir.

Of the

Unpardonable Sin,

255

i^c.

those miracles to the devil, which he wrought b}' the power of

the Holy Ghost: and undoubtedly, an}-, who under the mi-

Holy Ghost, on

nistry of the apostles, after the effusion of the

the day of Pentecost, had ascribed the miraculous operations

of the Spirit in them to Satan, would have incurred an equal
guilt.
But we cannot certainly say, that this last
was the oiily case in which it could be committed, and that
what our Lord said, gr. 1. was only a caution addressed to the
Pharisees, lest they should in time come to be guilty of it
though Dr. Whitby has advanced some considerable arguments

degree of

support
weighed.

which deserve to be attentively

this hypothesis,

to-

5. 4. If any in these latter days manifest an obstinate

enmity to the truth, so far as to contradict a degree of evidence,
on the whole equal to that which those persons had, who in the
primitive ages were said to have committed the sin against the
Holy Ghost, there is reason to believe, that the guilt being
equal, it would be equally fatal and unpardonable ; but how in

present circumstances this can be,

it is

not easy to conceive

6. Schol. 1. Many have defined this sin to be a malicious

opposition to known truth, or as others have expressed it, to

truth as truth

but

it

may be doubted whether

human mind

the

nor does the former enter into the

account of this sin as given in scripture nor can we imagine
that every wilful opposition to truth is absolutely unpardonable,

be capable of the

latter,

since every
guilt,

known and

Joh?!

i.

6.

The

7. 2.

John

reason

deliberate sin seems to carry in

iii.

it

this

20.

why

this sin is

declared unpardonable,

seems to be, that persons who commit it cut themselves olF

from the very possibility of being convinced by other arguments
for the truth of Christianity, and can never be brought to conviction, without such a miraculous influence of God upon the
soul, as in righteous judgment he sees fit universally to deny
to

all

such.

texts Heb. vi. 4

6. x. 29. refer
from Christianity, and such an impious contempt of Christ and his gospel, as one can hardly imagine any
one in the primitive ages could be guilty of, who did not ascribe
the miracles wrought in confirmation of it to some evil spirit

8.

Those celebrated

3.

to an apostacy

a Whitby's fourth Append, to Matt.

Turret. Ljc.

Savrin's

Lo

ftuxst. xiv. 4.
vol. ii. p. 46, \.c.
vol. i. No. xvii. pass.

ix.

Howe's Works,
Tli.LOTS. Seim.

B.

Serin, vol.

Theol.

1.

p. 354. b.

i.

No.

V. c. iv. i

Baxter's v\orks,

vol.

vi, vii.

'24 W-

ii.

p.

!i"J9~30j.

&

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

256

VIII.

this indeed seems intimated in tFic phrase of crucifying

Christ afresh, and judging his blood an unholy thing, which
they must surely do, who esteemed him a magician, and conand therefore
sequently by the Jewish law worthy of death

and

these texts

may perhaps be

purpose with those

9. 4.

It

unpardonable

is

sin

considered as referring to the same

in the proposition

said, that according to the account of the

given above, Paul must have committed it,

could not witli any consistency have opposed the christian

cause, unless he believed the miracles wrought in confirmation
of it to have been of an infernal original. To this it is an-

:ivho

sv.ered,

10. (1.) That possibly, not being an eye-witness to any

of them, which we are not sure that he was, he might make a
shift, with a great deal of artifice and prejudice, to disbelieve

the facts. Or,

II. (2.) That if he believed tiiey were miraculous, he
might think, as Bishop Fleetwood plainly did, that miracles
Avrought in the cause of falsehood, might be wrought by God,
and not the devil, and might expect that, as in the case of the
Egyptian magicians, God would at length visibly interpose to
overbear them, ard turn the balance on the contrary side and
that text Deut. xiii. 3. might be so interpreted by him as to
favour this hypothesis or possibly he might have recourse to
;

some

hypothesis of the influence of the stars, the power

of imagination, a secret charm in the name of God, or the like,
foolislj

which we know &oxx\eJews have acquiesced in, when they could

Vid. Led. 112. 9.
not dispute the facts of Christ's miracles
:

This

is

something

gives of Solomon's
tional art

which he

by the account which Josephus

dispossessing Demons and the tradi-

illustrated
skill in

left

behind him, of which see below''.

12. 5. Though perhaps this sin cannot be committed now,

at least by any who continue to retain an external profession,

yet

it is

of great importance that the strictest care be taken to

keep at the remotest distance from all the appearances of it

and perhaps it was ex[)ressed the more obscurely in scripture,
on purpose to promote such a caution. But in dealing with
those dejected souls, who fear they have committed it, it is
;

generally the safest way to assure them, that such a tender conlest they should have been guilty of it, implies such a revc-

cern
a

Maurice

in Loc.

JoiKi'lius'si Antiq. B. viii.c.

ii.

J 5,

Lect. clxxxiv. Predestination and personal EkctiorifKc. 257

rence for Christ and the gospel, atul such remaining operations
of the Spirit on tiieir hearts, as plainly proves they have not ^.

Water LAND

^ 13. 6. Dr.

whether the

sin in

thatJt/yToy signifies

might

seems to intimate a doubt,

question be absolutely unpardonable, pleading

only exceeding

difficult

and

afford another solution for the difficulty

but it seems the texts

fourth scholium
determinate to admit of these softenintrs

this if

granted

started in the

in the first step are too

^.

LECT. CLXXXIV.
Predestination and personal Election

Of

The Supralapsarian

and Sublapsarian Schemes.

1.

HOSE

Def. JL

whom God

did

are said to be

from

all

predestinated to life,
to make

eternity intend actually

partakers of the gospel salvation in a future state

and those

predestinated to death, whom God did from

purpose finally to condemn.

are said to be
all

eternity

2. Cor. It follows from this definition, that if, as many

grant, an event may be allowed contingent, though it will cerdivine predestination, as stated above,
tainly in fact happen
;

does not imply the necessary salvation or condemnation of any *.

3. Schol. It may perhaps be questioned whether this be
the scriptural sense of the word ; but considering that the ruin

of sinners

is in

scripture charged not

of God, but the abuse of their

it is necessary, in order to
itself,

as

we

shall

a Baxt. Works, vol. ii, p. 30 37. b.

Reasons of Relig. part i. c. 10.

The. distinction

necessitating act

afterwards see, to suppose that this

precise sense in which the word

upon the

own liberty, Vid. Lect. 178. J.

make scripture consistent with

between

is

is

the

No. ix.p.

177

to be taken.
b

Waterland's Serm.

vol.ii.

i.sj.

contingent, certain,

and

necessary,

is

often

made by

our author. If by a co/////jg-e?2^ event he here mean that which has no assignable,
infallible cause of its existence, it is demonstrable that there is no such thing.
If by
a certain event he means that which will ui fact happen, but for which there is no
necessity of consequence, the sentiment is totally unphilosophical.
And whatever he
means by " necenity'" in this corollary, the term is either abused or the sentiment
erroneous. It is first assumed that some events are contingent as opposed to all

and then it is inferred, that neither salvation nor condemnation is necesBut is it not more consistent to say, that salvation is from decretive necessity,
and condemnation only certain or hj'pothetically necessary ? And this seems best
necessity ;

sary.

to agree with the doctrine of the following proposition.

W.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

258

4. Prop. All those

who do

by the gospel, were from

finally

VIII.

partake of eternal
unto it.

life

all eternity predestinited

5. Dem. 1. God from all eternity did foreknow all events,

and consequently the salvation of every particular person who
is

or shall finally be saved.

6. 2. God from all eternity willed the salvationof those who

are finally saved, in the circumstances in which he saw they
would then be for it is by his act they must be made finally
:

happy, and whatever determines him

to will their happiness

accomplished, must on the same principles have determined his volitions, upon a full view of the case,
even from all eternity.
in the

moment when

it is

7. 3. The light of nature assures us, that all those who

are finally happy were predestinated by God to eternal life.
4.

8,

The

scripture frequently asserts the doctrine

laid

Vid. Matt. xxv. 34. Rom. viii. 29, 30.

Eph. i. 36, 11.2 Tim. i. 9. 2 Tliess. ii. 13. 1 Pet. i. I, 2.
John vi. 37. xvii. 2, 9, 10, 24. Rev. xiii. 8. compared with xvii.

down

in the

proposition

Valet proposition.

8.

9. Cor. 1. It evidently appears from hence, that they who

represent the election and predestination spoken of in scripture,
as relative only to nations, and not to particular persons, are
greatly mistaken

several of these scriptures

lie

directly against

such a notion, particularly those in the epistle to Timothy, and

the Revelations : and whatever arguments could be brought
to prove that God had a respect to nations as such, or indeed
that he before the foundation of the world foresaw any thing
concernino; the idolatrous Gentiles under that character, would
certainly prove on the like principles a regard to particular

persons, since

we cannot suppose

the views of

God

to

be merely

general and indeterminate*.

a

Burnet on Art. xvii.

WHITBY

* One
tination,

pass.

vol.

Arclibisliop

King on Predest.

Account of Holland,

in Loc.Cit.

SAURlN'sSerra.

i.

of the

p.

202218.

most strenuous defenders of the

philosophical and christian

both upon

3336.

p. 1S9.

Lime-street Lect. vol.

i.

p.

162205.

Calvinistic doctrine of predes-

principles,

is

Mr. Jon.\th.\n

his" Enquiry into the freedom of the Will," and his " History of the Work
of Redemption."
Mr. Toplady, in his " Doctrine of absolute Predestination stated
and asfierled," in his " Letter to John Wfsley," in his " More Work for Mr. .Tohn

Edwards,

in

in his " Scheme of christian and philosophical Necessity," maintains

same sentiments which are contended for by Mr. Edwards. Sir Richard
Hill, in his " Review of Mr. Wesley's Doctrines," in his " Logica Wesleiensis,"
Mr.
:uid in his " Strictures on Mr. Fleichfr," is another defender of Calvinism.
Whslev, in his ' Predestination calmly considered," and m other parts of his

Wesley," and
the

;
:

259

Lect. CLxxxrv. Predestination and personal Election, Kc.

181. relating to the

10. 2. If the reasoning of Lect. 175
special indaences of divine grace, and to the perseverance of
the saints, be admitted, it will follow, on the same principles

with those in the proposition, that all those who are predestinated to life, are also predestinated to receive special grace,
and to persevere in a holy course ; and on the other hand,
that all those who are predestinated to holiness, are also predestinated to perseverance and

life.

11.3. From hence it will further appear, that the reason

of God's predestinating some to everlasting life, was not fetched
from a foresight of their faith and obedience, considered as

independent upon any communication of grace from him, but

that it is to be referred into his sovereign mercy and free grace ;
which is also the language of many other scriptures, Tit. iii.
4,b. Eph.n.9,,9.
12. 4. It further appears, that if any represent divine
predestination, as a determination to save such and such per-

what it will
and on the other hand, assert a corresponding purpose of making such and such finally miserable, Mdthout any regard at all
to their temper and behaviour, they greatly misrepresent the
scripture doctrine on this head
but this is by no means the
sons, let their temper, character, and behaviour be

Calvinistical scheme,

which always teaches that the means

the end, and that God purposes to save

are decreed as Avell as

none but such as bv his grace he shall prepare for salvation by
sanctification
and it is very remarkable, that though this
doctrine of predestination is expressly asserted and often referred
:

to in scripture, which shews that the apostles esteemed

it

of

considerable importance, yet the process of the final judgment

is described, as turning, not upon the secret decrees of God,

but upon the actions and characters of men.

13. Schol.
perish, may be

compare Prov.

1.

On

said
xvi. 4.

who

the same principles, those

to

have been predestinated

John

x. 26.

Rom.

ix. 17.

to

finally

death

Pet.

ii.

8.

On

the whole, comparing one part of scripture with

the other, there seems to be this remarkable difference between
the predestination to life and to death, that in the former case,
God determines by the influence of his grace to w^ork such a

Jade,

4.

change in the hearts of his elect, as that their salvation should

on the whole be ascribed to him, and not unto themselves
:

Writinsjs, vindicates the Artninian tenets.

and advocate, Mr, Fletcher,

several additional publications.
K.

friend

in his

This, too,

" Checks

is

the case with his great

to

Antinomianism," and

io

260

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY,

VIII,

whereas he determines to bring others into such circumstances,

that though their ruin should in fact happen, yet they themselves should be the authors of it, and the blame lie as entirely
upon themselves, as if it had not been so much as foreknown.
Yid Rom. ix. 22, 23. Matt. xxv. 34, 41.
14.
electing

2.

some

The

Remojistrants genevaWy believed that God's

was only a purpose of making

to everlasting life,

believers finally happy, and of giving

came,

all,

to

whom

the gospel

means of faith and that predestination to death

was only a purpose of making all unbelievers finally miserable ;
that God did not purpose the happiness of one more than another, and that neither of these predestinations could properly
sufficient

be said to be personal, wherein their notion evidently diflered

from that stated above. It is indeed answered, that this predestination of

all believers in general, implies a predestination of

every particular believer, on condition of his faith and on the
principles of the proposition and scholium, it may be allowed,
that none are chosen but on this condition, provided we further
add, that every particular person who does believe, was chosen
freely by divine grace to receive those assistances, which God
saw would in fact prevail to bring him to faith, and so by consequence to salvation^.
;

15.
it

3.

tends to

The

make

life careless,

chief objection against this doctrine

that

is,

who believe themselves predestinated to

make others desperate. It is replied, that

those

and to

as those only are in scripture said to be predestinated to life,

who are also chosen to be saints, there can be no reason for any
who do not find a prevailing principle of holiness in their hearts,
to conclude they are in that

number

and on the whole,

this

jection nearly coincides with that against perseverance,

ob-

more

largely considered. Led. 179. 10, &c. and if persons will venture to argue themselves into negligence in matters of everlasting importance, from principles, on which (though they are

equally applicable to them) they will not neglect their lives or

their secular business, it is perverseness, for Avhich they are
As to the second part of the ob)ustly responsible before God.

be granted, that suffi.cient assistances are given to

have reason to despair, nor will any have an excuse to plead before God, in consequence of his secret purposes,
which will not be made a rule of his final judgment. If it be

jection,
all,

if it

none

will

said, that nevertheless those

arc

left

who

are not predestinated to

life

under a necessity of perishing, and an impossibility of

a LiMr-

Tl.cv).

1.

iv. c.

I,

J3H-

Lect. cLxxxv.
salvation;

it

Of the Covenant of Redemption^

must be owned, that

tion

but

this

difficult to say,

it is

by some, can be freed from

doctrine, as explained

261

H^c.

how

the

this objec-

consequence does not necessarily follow from

it above ^.

it,

as Ave have stated

The Supralapsarian and

Sublapsarian schemes
but with this
difference, that the former supposes, that God intended to
glorify his justice in the condemnation of some, as well as his
mercy in the salvation of others; and for that purpose decreed
that Adam should necessarily fall, and by that fall bring himself
16. 4.

asjree in asserting the doctrine of predestination,

all his offspring into a state of everlasting condemnation

the latter scheme supposes, that the decree of predestination
regards man as fallen, by an abuse of that freedom which Adam
had, into a state, in which all were to be left to necessary and

and

unavoidable ruin,
nation.

The

who were

not exempted from

chief difficulties which

it

by predesti-

may be urged

against the

former, do likewise attend the latter; but the scheme stated in

the proposition does properly agree with neither ^ ^.

LECT. CLXXXV.

Of

the Covenant of Redemption

Eternal

Extent of Chrises Death-^

Justification.

HE

mutual stipulation between Christ and the

1. Def. JL
Father, relating to the redemption of sinners by him, previous
to any act on Christ's part under the character of Mediatory
generally been called by divines the

lias

Covenant of re-

demption.
2. Schol. That there was such a covenant, either tacit or
express, we may assuredly conclude, considering the importance

of the work undertaken by Christ, and the expensive rate at

it was to be accomplished
and the scriptures afterwards

which
to
ft

be produced, relating to the particulars of

Lime-Street Lect. vol. i. p. 241244. Note.

Ruin and Recov. Quest, xiii. p. 278 2^1.

* Of these two schemes

ages, which give

tlie,

this

b Le Blanc's The.ses,

p.

covenant, will
121158.

supralapsarian divested of

some needless append-

a harshness that does not properly belong to it, appears to claim

the just preference ; as better calculated to harmonize with undoubted facts, ta
display sovereign mercy and equitable government, and satisfactorily to account for
that awful part of the divnie dispensations, the introductiou of moral evil into our
?rorld,

it

and our deliveraoce from

VOL. v,

it

by a Mediator.

W.

262

PaRT vm.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

consequently prove the existence of

as indeed
it in the general
those prophecies, which relate to what was to be done by the
IMessiah on the one hand, and what benefits and rewards were
to be conferred tipon him and his people on the other, may pro:

all

perly be considered as intimations of such a covenant, supposing

("hat has been already proved) the existence of Christ as a
distmcf. person from the Father, in the philosophical sense of the

word, and

his interposition in the suggestion

of those prophecies,
vi. 37.

Tit.

2.

i.

Pet.

2 Tim.

To

3. Prop.

i.

y.

i.

and promulgation

compare John

11.

Rev.

xiii. 8.

xvii.

5, L'4.

Psal. Ixxxix. ly, &c.

enquire into the tenor of the Covenant of

redemption,

to

t.

Sol.

become

and Dem.

I .

By

this

covenant, Christ undertook

incarnate, to dwell a certain time

not onl}' to the

laAV

of the

human

upon

earth, subject

nature, but likewise to that of

Jewish dispensation directing the whole of his conduct

he should continue here, in such a manner as most effectuall}' to promote the honour of his Father and the salvatior*
of his people: that at length he would voluntarily deliver himself to sufferings and death, and remain for a time in the grave;
and also, that after his resurrection and ascension into heaven,
be would employ his renewed life and extensive authority ia
the mediatorial kingdom to the same great purposes, which engaged him to become incarnate. See Psal. xl. 6 9. Heb. x.
6
10. Isa. Ixi. 1
3. Luke iv. 18, &c. Isa. 1. 5, 6 ^
tiie

^vhile

5.2. God

the Father on the other hand stipulated, thafe

miraculous power produce Christ's human body
in the womb of the virgin, that he would strengthen him by the
gifts and graces of his Holy Spirit for the extraordinary work
before him, that he would raise him from the dead, and set him

he Mould by

his

giving him a universal

at his right-hand,

whole created world,

appear;

in

command

over th

judge of which he should at length

the mean time, that he would send forth the inas the

fluences of his Spirit to confirm his doctrine, so that hereby

it

should be established even among the Gentile nations ; and that,

besides all the advantages which others might receive, they whp
were predestinated to life, and were in a peculiar manner given
to him, should in fact be regenerated by divine grace, and

strengthened even to the end, and after death should be made

completely happy in their whole persons in his heavenly king-

dom

forever.

* PXiRCB on

Ilcb. I. 5.

See, (besides the scriptures quoted Lect.

Notf

r.

JiKNiwetV

Jevridi Antiq.

vol

185,.

u, p. 'jUl.

Lect. clxxxv.
2.) Isa.
1

12.

16, 17.
V. 22

Of the

vii. 1-k xi. 2,

Covenant of Redemption,
&c.

Hi. 13, 15.1iii.

23

5Cc.

10 12.

Iv. 4, 5. xlix.

compared with LiikeW. 32. 2 Cor. vi. 2. and Rev. vii.

P^a^. ii. 79. ex. 1. Micah. v, 1. Zw^:^ xxii. 29. John

29

6.

As we before observed, Lect.

Co;-.

185.

2.

that the

covenant would follow from the distinct personal

existence of Christ, and his interposition in the prophecies, so
on the other hand, from those scriptures here enumerated, which
more directly prove that covenant, we may draw another argu-

feality of this

ment

for the pre-existence of Christ, as a distinct philosophical

person from the Father, distinct from and independ\?iit upon

those arguments urged Lect. 155. 1, &c''.

7. Schol. 1. This may seem a proper place to enquire into the extent of redemption, or that celebrated question, /or
xvhom Christ died; but all that is important on that head has

been said under the preceding propositions, Lect. 175.

6, &^c,
to pre184."
relating
those
If
Lect. 179. 1, &c. Lect.
4, &c.
destination and special grace be allowed, as also those concern-

ing the divine prescience and decrees in general, tiien it evidently follows, there was a sense, in which Christ might be said
to die for all ; as all men partake of some benefit by his death,
and such provision is made for their salvation, as lays the blame
of their ruin, if they miscarr}", entirely upon themselves but it
Avas in a very peculiar and much nobler sense, that he died for
:

the elect f intending evidently to secure for them, and only for
and it seems, that
everlasting blessings of his gospel

them the

the scripture uses such a latitude and variety in the sense of th

phrase ; otherwise it will be very difficult to make one part of it

agree with another; compare on the one hand, the texts quoted, Prvp. 136. Cor, 3. and on the other, John x. 15, 16, 26.
xvii. 2, 9, 16,

8. 2. It is objected, that if Christ did in any sense die for

then forasmuch as all are not saved, the purposes of Christ's
death are in many, and probably in most instances, frustrated,
all,

9. Ans. Were we to say, that the only end of Christ's

death was, that all men might actually obtain eternal life, the
objection might be just but it may be said, the purposes of
Christ's death are various, and the ultimate end of it was, to
:

glorify

God

a Berry-Street

in the actual salvation of all believers,

Lect. vol. i. p. 232241.

WiTsii. CEcon. Feed 1. ii. c. ii. iii.
Rymkr of Rev. Rel. part i. c. lii. p. 3762.
Flavel's Fount, of Life, Serm. ui.

Harris's Observ. p. 184186.

Burnet on Kedempt. p. 1115.

'l

b
|

Kk

and the

i;53^.

giv-.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

664-

VIII.

ing others such advantages, as should silence them, and justify

God in their condemnation and punishment, for wilfully rejecting his mercy. It plainly appears, in fact, that this matter can
be carried no further, for the h^-pothesis of the actual salvation
of all at last, is so contrary to scripture, as to be entirel}'^ insupportable, as we shall shew in the progress of this work
(Vid.
Led, 171. 3.) and indeed, the granting this great absurdity
would not thoroughly relieve us from the difficulty here mentioned
for the coming of Christ into our world is represented
as in prosecution of a design to prevent the condemnation of
men, not to rescue and to recover them from the final sentence
of the judgment day, 1 Thess. i. \0. John'in. 16
18. v. 24.
:

urged, that instead of magnifying it rather

asperses the divine goodness, to say, that he appointed Christ to
bring those into a salvable state whom he certainly knew would
never be saved ; since this instead of being any favour to them,
lays a foundation for tormenting reflections at last.
It is an 10.

3.

It is

swered, that on these principles it is unkindness in God to

bestow any advantages of genius or circumstances, M'hich he
knew men would through their own wilful folly abuse to their
but God is to be considered as dealing with rational
detriment
creatures in a way suitable to their rational nature; and if they
will turn the gifts of his providence or grace to their own disnor will they find
advantage, they only are responsible for it
either their refuge or comfort in an ungrateful denial of the
reality or importance of the mercies they abuse'.
:

11. 4. There is perhaps a reference to this covenant of

redemption in Heb. vii. 22. and Christ is commonly said to have
been the surety of the elect, as he undertook for them that they
should through the influences of divine grace, be in fact brought
compare 2 Cor. i. 20. from hence some
to faith and salvation
have inferred, that they were tUciwdWy justified from eternity^
and consequently are in a justified state, even while they are
going on in a course of unrepented sin but this seems most
directly contrary to the whole tenor of scripture ; and it is certain, that on the same principles on which they may be said to
be justified, they ma}' also be said to he glorified from eternity.
If the expression be intended to signify no more, than that God
purposed to justify them, it is not denied ; but it is a most improper Avay of speaking, and the arguments drawn from thence
:

a Lime-Street Lect.
446,45.^462.

vol.

i.

p.

395,

i%, 400,

403,

B axt. End

Wnsn.

of Controv.

Uicoji. Fo:d,

c. xi. xii. 1

1. ii.

c, ii.

5,

Lect. clxxxvi.

Of the

265

Intercession of Christ.

favour of any kind of licentiousness are utterly incon-

in

clusive^*.
12. 5. Some have thought that the whole human race
would have been destroyed by the death of Adam, immediately
on his first transgression, if God had not purposed by Christ to
bring them into such a state, as should make necessary provision
for their deliverance from those evils, to which they were sub-

jected

by

his sin,

Rom.

12

v.

21.

LECT. CLXXXVI.

Of

Prop. JL

1.

the Intercession

of Christ,

O lay down the scripture doctrine

relating to the

intercession of Christ.

2.

Sol.

and Dem.

\.

Christ

places of scripture to intercede^

of his people,

Rom.

viii.

i.

e.

is

expressl}' said

to plead with

34. Ileb. vii. 25.

John

God
ii.

in

many

in

favour

1.

3. 2. The appearance of the high-priest among the Jews

in the presence of God, on the day of atonement, when he pre-

sented before him the blood of the sin-offering, is at large referred to by St. Paul, as illustrating the intercession of Christ,

Heb.ix. 1114,2226.

x.

1921.

4. 3. The appearance of Christ in his Father's presence,

in that body wherein he suffered on the cross, though with such
alterations as are suited to the heavenly state,

may

be consider-

ed as a virtual intercession, as the appearance of the high-priest

on the day of atonement, referred to above, seems to have been;
for we find no form of words prescribed on this occasion, as
there are upon some others, where they might seem less necessary, considering the manner in which the mind would be over-

awed

in circumstances of such unparalleled solemnity: Vid.

Lev. xvi. pass.

5. 4. Nevertheless, it does not seem proper to take upon

us positively to assert, that our Lord does never verbally intercede for his people ; that being a point which scriptui'e does
not appear to have absolutely determined either way.
'

a Williams's Gosp. TruthjC.i.

* Recent
^re

divines,

who have gone

K.

Mn Brine and Dr. Gill.

to the height of supralapsarian Calvinisi^,

266

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

PaRT

VIII.

6. 5. However it be that our Lord expresses his fixed

and determined desire and demand in favour of his people, we
may assure ourselves, that on the one hand, it is in a manner consistent with that dignity and authority to which he is now advanced
and on the other, tliat it is always successful for the
vindication and preservation of his people, and the acceptance
of their services
(compare Zech. iii. 1, 2. Bo7n. viii. 33, 34.
Jiev. viii. 3, 4.) with reference to which, he is described as an
;

advocate or patron of his

court of heaven ^

own people

continually residing in the

7. Cor. 1. It must be the duty of Christians, to maintain

frequent regards to the intercession of Christ in their addresses
to God, and to comfort themselves with the thoughts of such
a guardian and advocate, in the midst of those dangers to which
they are here exposed ^,

8. 2.

gagement

The

consideration of Christ's intercession

to serious

har to the christian

9. Scliol. 1. If

humihty,

faith,

dispensation"-'

and fervor

is

in prayer,

an enpecu-

there be any thing verbal'm the intercession

no reason to believe that he is actually

of Christ, there is
speaking to God at all times without intermission, which would
be inconsistent with other things which the scripture tells us,
relating to that state of majesty and authority in which he
appears. There is a sufficient foundation for saying, as the
apostle does, that he makes continual intercession Jor us, if,
perhaps at some stated seasons of peculiar solemnity, some express declaration be made of his habitual desire, that his
people may receive the benefits purchased by his death, and
of his readiness to appear under the character of their Mediator

and Advocate,
require

in

or even

any particular

instances, as occasion

may

appearance in the body in which he suffered be intended as such a virtual declaration, though words
should never be used. Compare Luke ii. 37. I Thess. i. 2, 3.
ii. 13. V. 17. Exod. xxix. 39, 42. 2 Sam. ix. 7. Job i. 5.
;

if his

10. 2. It may be questioned, what end the intercession of

Christ can answer.
It cannot be intended to remind the divine

being of any thing which he would otherwise forget, nor to

persuade him to any thing which he is not disposed to do ; but
it may serve to illustrate the majesty and holiness of the Father,
Hopkins's Serm.
Christ

ilie

xv. p. 525,526.
Mediat. p. 73, 74.

co 's Christian Life, vol. iii.

OwtNoii tlie Spirit, p. 445.
IKu^c. X Serm.

iNo.

iii.

p.

p.

757

765.

6.^Si. Ed.

Eerry-street I.ect. No. xviii.

Harris's OUserv. Diss. i. p.
b Lardn. Senii. vol. ii. No. '2.

c
2.

Law

496^

oJ Chjistian Pcifccu p. 257, 35^

Lect. clxxxvii. Objection

to the

Mediatorial Scheme,

S(c.

26T

and the wisdom and grace of the Son, not to say, that it may
have other unknown uses with respect to the inhabitants of the
invisible world
it is certainly a great comfort and encouragement to believers under their many infirmities ; and indeed
it is impossible to enter into the beauty of the gospel scheme
jn general, without observing how it is accommodated to the^
nature and circumstances of fallen imperfect creatures ".
:

LECT. CLXXXVII.
Objection to the Mediatorial Scheme considered Of Christ**
Priestly Office, S(c,

1.

Schol. 3.

JLt

scheme

rhristian

has been urged as an objection against the

it appoints our worshipping

in general, that

God through a Mediator; which (say some) derogates from

the divine goodness, leads us into a neglect of God, is a sort
of indecency, when we consider that we are always in hi?
presence, and may lay a foundation for many superstitions, as
it is

said in fact to

it is

replied,

have done

the

Roman

church.

To

this

2. (I.) That the goodness of God is most eminently

displayed in that constitution, by which his guilty creatures
may be most effectually emboldened in their addresses to him,

same time reminded in every approach of their

and unworthiness, and of the displeasure of God
which is consequent upon it ; which ends seem to be excellently
answered, by appointing his Son to be the mediator of our

and yet

own

at the

sinfulness

approaches.
3. (2.) The christian scheme directs us not to terminate
our regards in the Mediator, but to address our petitions to
God through him, and every Avhere represents it as his office
to brins: us to God.

4. (3.) It is so far from being an indecency to approach

a sovereign by the person he appoints to introduce us to him,
that if such an appointment be made, (for which in some cases
there may be an apparent reason) it would be a great indecency
to come directly and immediately to him.

5.

(4.)

The propensity of mankind to make use of

own chusing and inventing, which appeared

mediators of their

a Bexry-Su-eet

Lect yoL L

p.

381582.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

?65

among

the Heathens, and

plainly shews

how

still

viti.

appears in the church of RomCy

is suited to the
apprehension of mankind ; and it seems that no wiser
provision could be made, to prevent their multiplying such
mediators, than appointing one such illustrious person as the
scripture exhibits under this character, who consequently would

well the notion of a mediator

common

be wronged by such a supposed multiplication

^,

6. 4. It is to be remembered, in all the christian doctrine

relating both to the atonement and intercession of Christ, that

we

him as a person graciously appointed by God

which, if it be duly attended to, vill prevent
the apprehension, as if God were the less gracious, or our
obligations to the Father at all diminished, by those we are
under to the Son, 1 Cor. i. 30. 2 Co7\ v. 18. JSph. i. 36, 9,
are to consider

to this purpose

11, 12.

Pet.

i.

25.

Ileb. v. 4, 5^.

7. 5. The priestly office of Christ has generally been

explained, as executed in his offering himself as a sacrifice to
God for us, and interceding with God upon this sacrifice
but Mr. Peirce, and most of the Socinians, suppose it only to
consist in the latter : and Mr. Peirce argues from Ileb. viii. 4.
it begun upon Christ's entering into heabut the text in question only proves that Christ, being of
the tribe ofJudah, could not, according to the 3fosaic law, be
a priest to minister in the Jewish temple, which none can reasonably maintain that he was compare Heb. vii. 14. Never-

that the execution of

ven

he is a priest of a.
done and suffered to make atonement for the sins of men, may, according to the most common
acceptation of the word, be called a series of sacerdotal actions ;
as it is certain there were many acts of atonement performed
by Mosaic priests, besides that which passed on the great days
of atonement, and sacrifices were sometimes offered with acceptance by those who were not regularly priests. Compare
Judges vi. 2.5, 26. xiii. 16. 1 Kings xviii. 33, 38 ^
theless, as the apostle often assures us that

higher order,

8. 6.

all

that he has

Some have thought

the comparative smallness

and

appears upon the justest

principles of astronomy, to be something mconsistent with the
system of doctrines laid down in several preceding propositions,

meanness of

in

this earth

of ours, as

it

which so great and glorious a person

a TlNDAl.'s

Christianity ns old,

LliLAND against T inu.

vol.

kc.
ii.

c.

p.

7375.

xv.

p.

SW

represented as dying

b Doddridge on Education,
ubi supra, p. 175

Bourn,

Blount's Oracles of Heason, p. S9.

BlTLER's Anal, part ii. c. v. p. iiS4)

Note

Serm. No. xvi p. 32(j

Christ's Priesthood.

i'i'i.

Essay on

Tll.r.fiiS.

Serm.

vol.

Sci'ia. vol.

i.

ii.

No.

\lvi. p.

p. IbO.

Ow Ev's

Dissertation ou Hell,

fc'y.l.Y-^'s

2S").

4<Jb i72.

p. IS.

180.

viii. 4.

c Pf.iuce on Hob.

53K.

Cut'RN'ti

is

SVKES

in Loots.

v. 5,

rt.

Zi

Lect. clxxxvii. Objection

and suffering so much
be answered,

to

to

Scheme ^ ^c.

the Mediatorial

But

promote our happiness.

it

269

may

9. (1.) That we know not what influence the history of

our redemption by the death of the Son of God, and salvation
by his continued care may have throughout all eternity upon
the rest of God's rational creation, to whom it may be made

Compare Eph. iii. 10. 1 Pet. i. 12. The monuments

of God's displeasure against sin, and compassion to shiners,
will no doubt for ever remain, and perhaps the happiness of
all the redeemed from among men may bear a very small proportion to the whole sum of happiness arising to other beings,
known.

from the knowledge and remembrance of

11

it

compare Rev.

v.

14.

10.

(2.)

That

if

we

consider,

as

we

shall

afterwards

endeavour to shew, that the appearance of God's own Son in

the flesh is a glorious victory, which he has obtained over the
prince of darkness ; the meanness of those creatures, who are
made finally triumphant through Christ, as the great captain
of salvation, may render the power and grace of God in him
more illustrious than it could have been, had the creatures so
redeemed and delivered been originally of a nobler order, and
fixed in a more considerable state and abode.
11. (3.) That if, (as may hereafter be shewn) the
angelic order of beings are by this means confirmed in a state

of indefectible happiness, and incorporated with the glorified

one holy and triumphant society, (Eph. i. 10. iii. 15.

22 24.) it is an important circumstance added to
both the former to obviate the objection, and seems to have
proceeded on the same principles, which determined God to
chuse that the Redeemer should appear in the form of a poor
and destitute infant, and that of a mean man, rather than of
saints in

Heb.

xii.

some mighty
a Baker's

prince, Avhile here

Reflections on Learning, p. 97, 98.

p. 58. 53.

WiiisT, Theory, Introd.

VOL. V.

upon

earth

Taylor's Key

Clarke

to

Rom.

131133.

at Boyle's Lcct. p. 271.

p. 59, 52.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

270

PART

PaRT

IX.

IX.

A SURVEY OF THE CHIEF DUTIES WHICH THE GOSPEL REQUIRES ;

AND MORE PARTICULARLY OF ITS POSITIVE INSTITUTIONS;
IN WHICH THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH, THE
SACRAMENTS, AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH ARB
PARTICULARLY CONSIDERED.
,

LECT. CLXXXVIII.

Of the

Covenant of Grace

HE

the Abrahamic Covenant.

is made between God and

whereby they declare their subjection to him, and he declares his acceptance of them and
favour to them, is commonly called by divines the covenant
OF GRACE.

Def. JL

V.

those

covenant which

who beheve

the gospel,

2. Def, Any covenant whereby God requires perfect

obedience from his creatures, in such a manner as to make no
express provision for the pardon of offences to be committed
against the precepts of it, on the repentance of such supposed

upon them, may

be called a covenant of works, whatever the particular

offenders, but pronounces a sentence of death

by

duties required
3. Cor.

1.

it

The

above, Led. 165.

4. Cor. 2.

Israel at

mount

may
1,

be.

covenant made ^vith JdarUy as described

&c. Avas a covenant oi works.

What was peculiar

to the covenant

made with

Sinai, seems to have been, at least in a great

measure, a covenant of works ; for though it made some provision for purification from ceremonial pollutions, and for the

pardon of the offender, i. e. for his restoration to the privileges

of the Jewish republic, upon his offering the appointed sacrifices for sins of ignorance and inadvertency ; yet it pronounced
sentence of death on all that prcsiimptitoiisly offended, appointing no sacrifice at all for such, but declaring the curse of God
to be upon all that continued not in all things which were

Lect. CLxxxviii.

Of the

Covenant of Grace,

271

Sic.

written in the book of the Jaw to do tiieni, Numb. xv. 30, 31,
Deut. xxvii. 26. Gal. iii. 10 12. lioin. x. 5 *.

5. P7op. To enquire into the constitution of the covenant

of grace, or the mutual stipulations of it.

Dem.

God

promises to believers the full pargreat and ag<^ravated soever they

may have been ; the influences of his Spirit, whereby they may
be enabled to resist temptations, to discharge the duties of life,
and to persevere in their christian course to the end of it. He
also engages to dispose all the affairs of life for them in the
6. Sol.

don of

U,

all their

1.

past sins,

how

most gracious manner, and

at death to receive their departed

a state of happiness, till at last their bodies be raised,
and their whole persons made completely and eternally blessed,
ZT^^. viii. 10
40. Ezek, xxxvi. 25
12. Je?\ xxxii. 38
27.
spirits to

Rom.
vi.

28. Psal. Ixxiii. 24. Rev. xiv. 13. Tit.

viii.

i.

John

2.

40.

7. 2. They on the other

assistance of his grace, they will

vour

to render sincere

hand engage,

make

it

that,

their care

and universal obedience

by the

and endea-

to all the dis-

coveries and intimations of the wili of God, with regard to their

to God, to the Redeemer, to their fellow-creatures, or to
themselves, not making a reserve in favour of any sin whatsoever ; and they engage to make this their main care even to

duty

the end of their lives

christian

profession,

difficulty

may

arise,

faithful services

may

and that the}' will openly maintain their

whatever circumstances of danger or
and how expensive soever such a series of
prove ; on the whole, depending for their
;

acceptance with God, not upon the merit of their own complete obedience, but on the riches of his free grace manifested
1
in and by Christ, Rom. vi. 13. xii. 1. Ueh. xii. 9. Tit. ii.
14. Matt, X. 32, 39. xvi. 24
26. L\ike xvii. 9, 10. Gal. v. 4, 5.
The demonstration of most of these particulars may be found
in the preceding propositions, or will be more particularly
exhibited in those that follow and the whole tenor of scripture
1

does so plainly run this way, as to render it less necessary to

attempt a full enumeration of all the passages, Avhich may be

brought to

who

illustrate

what has been asserted.

8. Cor. They misrepresent the nature of this covenant,

consider it merely under the notion of an absolute promise

on God's part, Nvhich indeed can, properly speaking, be no

a Berry-street Lect.
VViTsil. (icon.

vol.

i.

Serni. xiii. p.

I'sed. J. iv. c. iv. f

oi

274276.
si.

EMLYh's Tracts,

LI

vol.

i.

p. 127.

covenant at
that

all

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

272

upon

all

(compare Led. 69.

we have

do,

to

as

ix.

and who represent

2.)

ourselves

casting

consistincj in

and passively leaving ourselves to God,

that promise,

to do what he pleases with us, in sul)serviency to his o\^n

Compare

gracious purpose concerning us.

9. Schol. 1. There have been various dispensations of

covenant to the people of God in different ages of the
church.
Obscure intimations were given to the patriarchs,
and to Israel by Moses and the prophets, as was shewn above ;
and it seems to have been gradually opened, till at length it
this

was

of the

fully revealed to the apostles, after the effusion

upon them, and was probably the word of wisdom iii

their mouths.
Vid. Led. 141. 3.
Perhaps the gradual
openings of it are no where better represented tlian in
Spirit

''

10. 2. It has been debated, whether the covenant made

with Abraham, of which circumcision was the appointed token,
were that covenant of grace, or merely a temporal covenant,
relating to the land of Canaan, and other secular blessings to
be conferred upon his seed. It seems most reasonable to con-

clude, that
11.

it

comprehended

(l.)

spiritual \i\es^\n^s.

Because otherwise there would not have been

a proper foundation for God's calling himself their God, which

must import being

and most important
12.

(2.)

their friend with regard to their highest

interests,

The

Matt.

xxii. 32.

Heb.

xi, 16.

apostle seems expressly to have decided

when he calls circumcision a seal of the

Rom. iv. li (/. e. the token of Abrabeing accepted with God as righteous, upon his believ-

this question, both

righteousness of faith ,

ha n''s
ing ;) and
o/

also, wiien

Abraham,

iv. 11

he declares that believers arc the children

as heirs of the blessings promised to him.

Gal.

17.

iii.

9, 14 17, 29.

compare

Bom,

GeJi. xvii. 4

12. which contains the greatest and most excellent promises

any where made to Abraham and his seed, and consequently
must include spiritual blessings, if such blessings are any where
included, as we have shewn they are ^.

We readily allow, that there

were temporal proof the multiplication of his seed, of an

inheritance in the land of Canaan, and the deliverance of his
13.

mises

3.

made

to

Abraham,

descendants from the Egyptian bondage and some of those

promises were undoubtedly sealed to them by circumcision, on
;

BosTocK on tfte Covenant.

Kamsay's Princ. vol. i. p. 307.

OODD. Ri>e ;iiid Vmg. c.

b WATTS'i Harm, ot UIv.

xvii. p.

Taylor's Scheme

161 1P3.

Uu>pciis. pai>.

of Div.

son's Tracts, vol. i. p. S

tEcun. Fx>(i. 1. iv.
lAYLOR's Gov. of Grace.

V\ rrsii.

c.

ii.

iii.

in

Wat-

\'i.

c.

iii.

1023;

Of

Lect. clxxxix.

275

Christian Dalies.

condition that tliey submitted to the particular statute law given

by God to the Jewish nation but it seems reasonable to sup:

pose that circumcision, considering the view

in

which

it

was

ori-

ginally instituted, did likewise import, that the infants circumcised siiould be considered, not as under a covenant of works,

but that, on their believing, as their father Abraham did, they

should also be entitled to those spiritual blessings which he by
faith received ; as the seeming rigour of the Sinai covenant
might be intended to awaken their minds, to search for those
intimations of gospel grace which were given ; (though with
such degrees of obscurity as suited ti)e gradual openings of the

grand scheme) and to endear to them any such discoveries,

when they were convinced of the necessity of seeking justification and life, in that way of humble faith, in which Abraham
their father found it
and in this view they are likewise a lesson
to all Christians: Rom. iv. and Gal. iii. 24, 25. Rom. v. 20, 21.
and the awful solemnity with which the Mosaic law was pro:

mulgated from mount Sinai, might not a

great purpose, Heb.

xii.

18

little

subserve this

29^.

LECT. CLXXXIX.

Of

Christian

Duties.

enquire into the principal heads of christian

1. Prop. JL
scripture.
duty, as they are laid down

m
We do not intend a large enumeration

2. Lem.
tures on each head,

of scrip-

might easily be shewn, that all

the most considerable particulars mentioned above in our ethical
lectures^ as branches of tiie law of nature, are recommended in
the Old and New Testament: we shall here content ourselves
with a general survey only hinting, that it might not bean unprofitable employment to add such texts of scripture in their
proper places to this lecture, to which purpose the collection in
Dr. Gastrel and Dr. Wright may be very serviceable.

by which

it

and Dem. I. With regard to God, we are evidenthim above all, to consecrate ourselves entirely to his service, to submit in all things to his will, and to
imitate his universal holiness, which must necessarily imply all
^

3.

Sol.

ly required to love

Watts'*

Harna. on

fliv.

Dispeni

c. ti. p.

40

3^.

S74

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

those brandies of divine virtue, mentioned Prop.

37.

Rom.

vi. II. xii. i.

Ileb. xii. 9

1.

Matt,

1.

IX.

Matt. xxii.

Eph.

v. 48.

v. 1.

With

regard to the Lord Jesus Christ, we are required not only to receive liim by such a faith as has been before
4. 2.

described, but to maintain such habitual regards to him, as our

instructor, atonement, intercessor, governor, guardian, strength,

example and forerunner,

as are correspondent to those relations

which he is represented as standing to us in the scriptures

urged under preceding propositions, to which may be added
John X. 27. Phil. iii. 3. Gal. li. 20. 1 Pet. i. 8. Heb. xii. 2. 1 Cor.
xvi. 22. Eph. vi. lilt.
in

we are required to pray for

behave ourselves in such a manner as that we may not offend it, and forfeit his influences, but
on the contrary, may engage a. fuller communication of them,
5.

to

it,

Luke

3.

As

to the

endeavour

xi. 13.

6. 4.

Holy

Spirit,

at all times to

Thess.

v. i9.

Towards each

Eph.

other,

iv. 30. v. 18.

we

Gal,

v. 25.

are required not only care-

and inoflensive conduct, but to

take all opportunities of doing good to the bodies and souls of
our fellow-creatures; and as a foundation of all friendly offices
towards them, to love our neighbour as ourselves, and to do to
others as we would, they should do to us, and this universally to
all our fellow-creatures, not excepting even the worst of our
fully to maintain a harmless

enemies, Phil.

43

48.

Horn.

ii.

Gal.

4.

xiii.

vi. 2, 10.

10. Col.

iii.

Matt. xxii. 39. vii. 12. v.

12
14. Eph. v. 2. Iio??i.

xii. tilt.

7. 5. With regard to oz^?'.ye/t;ei', we are required to mortify

our corporeal appetites, and so to regulate our passions, that we
may not be transported into any degree of intemperance, unchastity, rash anger, excessive grief, or any other disorder of
mind ; but may keep ourselves in such a posture, as to be always fit for the service of God in the duties of our respective
stations and callings, in which we are to employ ourselves therefore with diligence and vigour, always maintaining an humble
opinion of our own abilities and improvementi, arrogating nothing to ourselves of merit before God, nor seeking among men
applause and honour, dominions, or possessions, but
^\illingly giving place to others, and in honour esteeming them
better than ourselves and, as such great prospects are opened
upon us in another life, we are cautioned against being excessively attached to the things of the present world, and urged

our

own

fo set our affections on those of a better,

G.

Rom.

xiii.

il 14.

Matt.

v.

2730.

Eph.

LuU

v.

x:i.

18. Col.

35.

iii.

Rom.

5,

xii.

Of

Lect. cLxxxix.
11.

Matt,

iO.

Mat.

Phil.

xviii. 3, 4.

Christian Duties.
3,

ii.

VI, 19, 20. CoLi'ii.

&c. John

275

Luke

xiii. 14.

xvii.

1,2^

S. Cor. Such an evident agreement between the moral

part of Christianity, and the law of nature, as deduced in the
preceding parts of this work, is a great confirmation of the divine
original of the gospel, especially^ when compared with its exter-

and makes it apparent, that neither good mert

nor angels would have published such a system of morality, in
connection with a fraud, most contrary to many of its fundamental branches

nal evidence

''.

U. Schol.

1.

As Image-worship was expressly

forbidden;

to the Jews, in numberless passages of their law and prophets,

so

was charged as an immorality upon the Gentiles, Jer. x.

25. 1 John v. 21
&c. Jets xvii. 29. Rom. i. 21

it

2, 3,

10. 2.

James
but

Many have

v. 12. that oaths

it is

common

"".

inferred from Matt. v. 33, 34.

and

forbidden to Christians

in all cases

a.r(i

evident this prohibition can only refer to swearing in

conversation.

1 1. (1). Because otherwise Christ must have charged all

swearing as an immorality in its own nature, for he says,
whatsoever is more than this comesof evil : now as swearing was
in some cases expressly required by the Mosaic law, Vid. Lev.
V. 1. NtO}ib. x\x.. 2. Exod. xxii. II. we cannot imagine that
Christ would have condemned it universally in such terms a
these.

12.

(2.)

Because Christ answered when interrogated

upon oath. Matt. xxvi. G3,

Mark

64.

xiv. 61.

Paul, who must, no doubt, be instructed in the will of Christ, does in several of his writings
13. (3.)

make
ittore
2'3.

Because

St.

much

use of expressions equivalent to an oath, at least

than

(lal.

i.

3/fa

and

7iay,

20. Phil.

i.

Bom.

8. 1

9.

i.

Thess.

ii.

Cor. xv. 31. 2 Cor.

i.

18,

5.

14. (4.) Because the lawfulness of oaths on great and,

important occasions seems to be granted, Ileb. vi. 13 17. compare Bev. X. 5,6. Deut. xxxii. 40.

15. (5.) There are other passages in Christ's sermon on

the mountain, which in order to make a rational and consistent
sense must be interpreted in as great a latitude, as we here supa WRjGHT'sgreat Concern and subsequent
Chri-rtiau Institutes,

Gaston's

b UoDD.

Treatises; pass.

Castuel's

c.

vi ii.

x.

Moyle's

Script.

SerA.

Account,

c.

14)*fC.

p. 2n,--!l'2,^iO, '22l.Oct.

Fosth, VVoilu, vol.

ii.

p. ISl.

pose

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

276

ix.

passage, on which the arfriimcnt against swearing

in that

isbnilt, Matt. v. 39

42.

compare

Tim.

v.

8\

debated whether those sorts of falshoods,

which arc called o^f/ow^ lies, i. e. such as seem in their immediale consctinence to tend to the advantage rather than the detriment of inaukind, be forbidden in scripture. To prove them
iinhnvful, the following places are urged, Col. iii. 9. Eph.
iv. 23. Rev. xxi. 8. Rom. iii. 78.
On the other hand it is urged,
that some instances of such falshood are mentioned in scripture with approbation rather than blame, Exod. i. 19, 20. Josh.
iv. 18, &c. compared
ii. 5. compared with Heb. xi. 31. Judges
with V. 24 26. 2 Kings vi, 19.
But it may be answered, that
wheri' there does evidently appear to have been a falshood in the
preceding ca.'^es, which perhaps in the last there was not, it is
by no means plain that the falshood was approved by God,
though tlvsj'aith with which it was mixed, and which was the
leading principle in the main series of action referred to, be
applauded. That in some instances, persons are allowed not
to have been bound by their oaths, is readily confessed, i. e.
where the things which they sware to do were in themselves
unlawful, or when the oath was taken by those who were not
regularly in this respect sui juris, or where the oath was made
on a false supposition, occasioned by the fraud of those who
expected to receive advantage from it, 1 Sam. xxv. 22, 2'i.
Num. XXX. 4, 5. Josh. ix. 7, 14, 15
16.

It

3.

is

''.

LECT. CLXXXIX.
Of Divorce, Polygamy, and

Incest

Obedience

to

Magistrates.

1 Schol. 4. JLJ'IVORCF, except in cases of adultery, appears to be so expressl}- forbidden by Christ, Alat. v. 32. xix.
3
9. compare 1 Cor. vii. 10, 11. that it Is strange it should

To say, as some
ever have been disputed among Christians.
have done, that m^vtiot, does in the general signify any great
crime, is very arbitrary ; for though it is frequently put for
idolatry in scripture, it is then plainly used in a vietaphorical
it is represented as a breach of something analomarriage covenant between God and Israel : com-

sense, in which

gous

to a

Grot, de
Til.i.oTs.

Jure,l.

Serm.

ii.

c. xiii. ? 2!.

vol.

i.

No.

xxii. p.

212?15,

uf Cluak. p. 20221'.'.
Pyi>t). I'am. Lxpos. voLi. ^yj. doi. h,

Kekbe's

b Grot, dc.liirc,!. ii. c. \iii.Ji.

Tl RRET. vol. ii. I.oc. xi. Quxot. xx.{8
Shi'Ckf.

DL-f.

i,

k.

LiiLAM)

Ilisl. vol.

li.

p.

212-216,

a;iaiiiil Tiiwial. vol.i. p.

248

18
250.

Lect. cLxxxix.

Of

Divorce, Pohjgannj, and Incest,

ii^c.

277

pare Ezek. xvi. S, 15, &c.

Nevertheless many divines of
great note have maintained, that in case of obstinate desertion
in one of the parties, the other is thereby set at liberty, since
the very primary end of the marriage covenant is defeated ;
and have thought the case to be expressly determined by St.
Paul, 1 Cor. vii. 10 15.
But it is to be remembered, that
this determination can only be applied, when it is not in the
power of the party injured to procure the return of the other
by any legal process. It may be alledged, it is so difficult to
reconcile this interpretation with the decision of our Lord, and
with what Paul sa.ys, ver. 11. that perhaps it may be more
advisable to understand the liberty spoken of, as relating to a
liberty of coutinuing to live apart, without eagerly soliciting
a return to the party, by whom the Christian had been on a religious account thus injuriously dismissed. But it may be replied,
that ^er. 11. above, determines on the case of the believing wife
having voluntarily uithdrawn, and not on that of her being divorcedhy her husband. If the party that had co?;2?n2V// the injury
married another, as that >vas adultery on Christ's decision, there
could be no doubt, but in that case the injured party was at

marry again \

liberty to

It has been debated, how iav polygnmy was allowed

Old Testament, or whether it were not rather condemned
Mai. ii. 14 16. has been urged in that view, and some
have apprehended this to be the sense of Lev. xviii. IS. But
it may be answered, that the precept of marrying the brother's
widow, which was not limited to the case of the succeeding
brother's being a single man, might require polygamy in some

2. 5.

in the

and that the providing for it so expressly in others,

Exod. xxi. 10. plainly shews the law is not to
be interpreted in this sense and indeed one can hardly imagine,
cases,

J)eut.-s.x'i. 15.

that had

polygamy been regarded

as adultery in the sight of

God, he would have favoured the patriarchs who

with such intimate converse and friendship
argument from 2 Sam. xii. 8. seeing ver. 1
ficient

The

reply.

lived in

it

not to insist on the

1,

may seem

decision of Christ, Mat. xix.

a suf6.

and

does indeed plainly shew that

it was not to be practised by Christians, and Matt. xix. 9.
especially intimates it to be a kind of adultery, i. e. some
breach of the seventh commandment. Compare Matt. v. 28.
Nevertheless, it is no where expressly declared, that if a person,
that of the apostle,

a Milt, of Divorce. I.
Puff. de Jure,!, vi.

VOL.

1.

V.

Cor.

ii. c.

xvii. xviii. p.

c.

i.

BUCER of Divorce. .ipud

LiMB.Tlicol.

v.c.lx,

43

vii. 2.

Gai.eacils Caracciolus's

47.

XXV.

9J, 24.

CALVisinLoc.

Milt, p, \Ci2, 163.

?

J9,

Mm

Life, c- xxi.

x^v.

PaRT

LECTURES ON PIVINITV.

678

who

before married several wives, \vcre converted to

IX.

christianit}'-,

he must be obliged to put away a44 but the first it seems that
the Holy Spirit judged it sufficient to discountenance polygamy
by such intimations as these above-mentioned,and also by declaring those who practise it, incapable of the ministerial office,
which was certainly a proper brand of infamy set upon it,
;

Tim.

iii.

2.

Vid, Lect. 72. prces. 15. note

^.

3. 6. That incest was condemned under the old law as aft

immorahty of the heathens, Lev. xviii. 24 27. and is also in
one instance spoken of by the apostle with great abhorrence,
13. is evident
but there is a great deal of room to
J Cor. V.
fJebate, how far those degrees of affinity and consanguinity,
within which it was imlawful for the Jews to contract marriage,

1 ,

The

are to be a rule for us.

chief question

about the law-

is

fulness of marrying a brother's wifcy which the express precept

for doing it in some cases proves not to be a natural immorality,

though

may

it

were forbidden

in others

yet from Lev.

xviii.

18.

it

marrying two sisters

though where
successively were by the Mosaic law forbidden
the civil law of a country forbids such marriages, it is certainly
well be questioned, whether

the

much

better to avoid contracting

4. 7. It
to goi-ernors,

is

them

*'-

most evident, that scripture requires obedience

Rom.

xiii. 1

6. Tit.

iii.

1.

Pet.

ii.

13, 14, 17.

has been the subject of great dispute how far these precepts extend.
All grant that they cannot oblige us to do any
thing in obedience to the magistrate, which is contrary to the

but

it

divine law: compare v^c/.y iv. 19. but many have maintained
unlimited passive obedience, and the unlawfulness of resistance
The controin subjects upon any consideration whatsoever.
versy is too large to be fully examined here, but the following
general remarks may be of use, when enquiring into it.
5. (1.) That it is in itself very unlikely, that so benevolent
^ scheme as that of the gospel should be so calculated, as necessarily to destroy the civil rights of mankind, and to enslave free
nations, depriving the subject of those privileges which express

contract had given them, in those countries, where either a

or aristocracy was limited by law ; so that it may

monarchy

reasonably be expected, that very strong proofs be brought of

before a thing so improbable can be admitted *.

this,

a OwKN's Theol.

Bower's

I. v. c. x.
Hist, of the Popes, vol.

i.

p.

381,38?.

Whitby on Mark

x.

1 1.

Note

c.

# There can be no doubt that

Baxt. Works, vol.

Reflect,

Note.
j

on Polyg.

iv.

p.

yi.

122.

7 13, 29.

Diss. iv. r.

X;

b Grot. deJure, i.ii. c. v. J 13, 14.

Blou.nt's Oracles of Reas. p. 133

civil rights, liberties

151.

and privileges are great

Polygamy, and Incest,

Of Divorce,

J.ECT. cLxxxix.

279

S(c.

6. (2.) That there are many general prohibitions in scrijjture, which common sense requires us to explain with some

Vid. Lect. 188. 10, &c.

limitations.

7. (3.) The apostles did no doubt intend to teach Chris^

that they ought to be very cautious how they disturb a

tians,

government ; and if any circumstances arise, in -which it appears probable, that resistance will occasion more evil than good
to the public, then the texts quoted above enforce the obligutioa
which Christians are under, by the general laws of the gospel,
as well as those of nature, cautiously to forbear
8. (4.)

Jlom.

The

it

*.

chief argument on which the apostle insists,

not infer unlimited passive obedience.

xiii. will

9. (5.) Christianity

was

in the apostle's

time in so weak

might be under some obligation to further submission than in all cases can now be required;
and it Avould have been a hazardous matter, and perhaps liable
to great abuses and scandal, if the apostles had entered nicely
into various circumstances, and stated the case when resistance
is, and when it is not lawful
which, under so unrighteous and
tyrannical a government as the Roman, might easily have been
interpreted as sedition it w-as therefore prudent to rest in such
general advices and cautions to obedience, as to be sure, do commonly though not universally oblige.

state, that Christians, as such,

10. (6.) Nevertheless, if it should on the whole be acknowledged, that subjects are in all cases bound to submit to
the supreme power, which is not by any means proved from
and therefore ought to be secured by

ilessings,

question

is.

Whether

more than other

it

becomes the

all fair

and

But the
any
Christians are to be

la:vful

means.

christian character to secure these things

by

desirable enjoyments

destructive violence?

numWould the

thankful to Providence for blessings, and so are they for sufferings too as of that
ber,

when endured

in

the

way

of righteousness.

It is

but a

fair question,

Christians have done right, supposing it had been in their power to dethrone Nero in
favour of another more promising emperor, while the probable sacrifice of lives iu
the atchievement, including both sides, were less than the number of innocent Christians
xiii.

who should be
1

5.

sufferers

by Nero

be read and well considered.

But before the decision

is

made,

let

Rom,

W.

* To make the public good to consist in civil rights, freedom from slavery, and
by express contract ; anl then to make the y;roiai/e advancement of such public good to be the rule of conduct at all events, may pass for good
doctrine with secular politicians, but surely spiritual christians have not so learned
Christ.
IMndeed any kind of considerable improvement could be effected without
inflicting anj' real i?ijury, as voluntarily to deprive men of life is, it is plain that no law
either of nature or of Christianity prohibits it.
Even coercive measures in the way oi
disciplinary corrections, and the prevention of social mischief, are not only iiiaocentf
.but to be comraended, and encoui'aged by suitable rewards,
W.
privileges promised

Um

the texts iibove quoted, yet

that

Part

LECTURES ON DiVlNlTV

280

where the supreme

ix.

would not follow from thence,

power is, asamongus, dividthe other branehesof it, and all the
it

legislative

ed among manj/ persons, all

people subject to it, must therefore universally submit to him,
in whom the supreme executive power is lodged ; i. e. that the
King is to be obeyed, without and against the consent of his
Furliamenls. Vid. Led. 19. pnes. I h. note ^.

LECT. CXCI.
0/ the Lawfulness

War Magistracy Fersecutim,

of

EW

christians have (juestioned the lawfulness

I. Schol. 8. Jl;
of war^ but the Quakers deny it, and urge Matt. v. 38
41.
21. and Matt. xxvi. 52.
For an answer to the
Horn. xii. 17

first of these texts, see Lect. 188. 10, &c.

it is granted that revenge is there forbidden,

stances shall arise, in which

we

As

to the second^

but if any circumare persuaded, that by resisting-

and endeavouring to punish the aggressor, the public good

will be promoted, resistance may be made, and punishment
executed, without any degree of malice against the offenders*.
And as to Matt. xxvi. 52. our Lord cannot be understood, q.d.
*' they that have recourse to
the sword, shall perish by the
righteous Judgment of God,'^ since war had been so often undertaken, and prosecuted in its greatest rigor, by an express divine command in the Old Testament
it must therefore be
considered, only as a determination on this particular case, to
which our Lord seems to have applied a proverbial expression
among the Jews, that those who are readiest to meddle Avith
weapons of war are often the first that fall by them, and prove
evil

own

the occasion of their

destruction.

On the other hand, the

following scriptures are often referrred to, as countenancing,

a Atierbi'ry Concio ad Clerum.
HoADi Y's Lett. 10 Alterb.
oil

Government,

Bl.ACKW. Serin, ^k>. iv.

llOAULEV's Tracts, No.

p. 1S2

104.

Br.ACKW. Ans.
llOADi.EY's Reply.
GROT.de Jme.l. i.e.

Sachevk.

iv. J 7.

No.

8 15.?

if

[^

Trial.

Trial otUie Seven Bishops.

vi.

* Nor is it necessary tliat a Judge, even one appointed to pronounce the deathsentence dictated by a black intjuisitorial court on Uie innocent, sliould have
" any degree of malice'" against tlie injuivd victim; it is effccted according to a cerBut oufrhi he to be
tain legal process, and private revenge is out of the question.
tlius employed, because tiie higher |K)\vers appoint him, or because the " public

Jful

good requires

it ?

The

previous qucition with

iiiakmg such appointment

siateiil witli

the Jaws ol

and

C'iffist

is

that public

W.

him

sliould be, are

good trhich

reijuirt-s

Uiey right

this of nie

in.

toa-

Of the Lawfulness

Lect. cxci.

of War, Kc,

281

not vinclicatinf; arms, Luke iii. 14. Matt. viii. 10. Acts x, 1,
&.C. But it is an argument of much greater importance, that the
doctrine we have here been opposhig would make every despe-

and consequently would give up all the

property and lives in a city or j)rovince to one such person ;
and this, even though the person, denying resistance or war
should allow of magistracy ; for the degree of the magistrate
against such a one could nut regularly take place, till he has
been brought to a trial, which, on this hypothesis, he could not
be, or till he proceeded for want of such appearance to an
outlawry, aud then it could not be executed, Avithout such a
forcible attack upon that person as this principle opposes.
The common law' therefore of benevolence to society requires
an assault on such a person, which does not imply any such
malevolence to him, as is inconsistent with the christian temper

rate villaiu irresistible,

in

its

greatest heights^ *.

a Grot, de Jure,

I.

i.

c.

2710.

c. iii. I i.

Eesse's Def. of CUnk.

p.

212224.

* This representation gives but a very confined and partial view of the subject
It leaves no alternative between deathfiil force and the most infantile or
idiotic helplessness.
But is it a fair inference from the doctrine of the unlawfuhiess
of war, that it " would make every desperate villain irresistible, and consequently
would give up ail the property and lives in a city or province to one such person ?"
Nothing less ; though he were a Goliah in arms, era Polypheme for human victims.
He must have food, he also must have sleep ; and, though a sword, a pike, or a bullet,
might save time, trouble and money, yet were there a thousand guineas reward for
taking him a living pri^oner, depend upon it, we should soon behold many a courageous champion equipped with helmet, shield and habergeon
and soon should we
find him safely lodged in a prison.
An argument so improbable deserves not a more

ill

debate.

serious reply.

He who would disallow of wr.'^/.y/racy, must be strangely inattentive to the want.s

of humtin nature, the necessity of subordination, and the real welfare of marikmd,
as well as the whole tenor of revealed religion. Eut cannot " the decree of the magistrate against a desperate villain regularly take place, before ie has
to trial, Sec." consistently with the principle of the unlaufidness of war

been brought

Why

not

May

not a magistrate on the pacific system, which all Christian* expect will one day
take place of the martial one, decree that every desperate villain, as well as every disorderly pt^rson, should be apprehended ?
May he not decree, that those whose im-

would be, should have flw/j/e rewards in securing them without injury
hntnone if they killed them in the attempt ? Lives might occasionally be lost, but always by an w/z/nic/;;/ hand; and all rezvardable courage would
be in savins; of men's lives, not destroying them. After all, the number of human victims, if the sacriiicers of such victims v.'ere branded as ilL^aal and dishonour able, and
also deprived of all selfish interest, would not in all probability be one in a hundred
of those who fall on the current system.

mediate

office it

to their persons,

But the most formidable objection to that system which opposes the necessity of
war, a system which consistent christians expect will be put in practice at some distant period, and which therefore it may reasonably be expected ought to begin witli
individuals,

is

the diHiculty of keeping free from the insults of extern;l foes.

present state of society pacific

mea form tut

a small poitiuii of any state

In the

much

les.s

5S2

PARriX,

LECTURES ON DIVINITV*
2. It

mast indeed be allowed, that ma-ny of the Primitive

Christians scrupled the hnvtulncss of war,

but they Avere not

have they the formation and direction of public arrangements. Thej', therefore^
have fiiveii no provocation, their advice is neither sought nor vahied ; thej' may therefore consistently say, Let those who war upon the principle of utilitj", abide by the
consequences ; and let those who act on the pacific principle from conscience, prepare for the result with undaunted furtitude^ yet with huinble dependance on Almighty Providence and All-sufficient Grace. But when in any future period the
principle in question is adopted by a majority, and the rulers of a state ; war wilLbe
shunned as worse than a pestilential contagion, the attention will be turned to a revision of existing laws, moral and religious education will share largely in the national
encouragement and bounty, and evangelical virtue will be set up as the national
good.
Wisdom, a soft answer, prudence, moderation, an appeal to the universe in
a cause of importance, will generally preserve the neutrality of any state w'lthout
further insults.
But suppose the worst, shall wc suppose the adventures of Huns,
Goths and Mahometans, to be repeated ? The fury of conquerors are evermore directed more against the warlike and wealthy, than the peaceable and moderate. An.
instance or two will tend perhaps more efiectually to illustrate this remark than s
Volume of abstract reasoning.

Among

furious conquerors of ancient,

one more

middle, or modern times,

humanity than

it

would

be

This warrior, after having

brought into subjection all the northern nations, began, as his ambition had no
bounds, and his arms had been hitherto attended with wonderful success, to entertaia
thoughis of reducing not only the Golhs, settled in Thrace, but the Romans themWith this view, having
selves, and making himself master of the whole empire.
difficult to select

lost to

Altila.

drawn together a vast army, without any regard to an existing treaty which his uncle
Ronas had entered into with the Emperor Tieodnsins II. he passed the Danube, and,
entering Thrace, put all to the sword, without distinction of sex, age or condition.
Elated with the success of conquest, he sent to Tkeodosiiis a messenger with haughty
claims, addmg, that there was no time to be lost, since he could no longer restrain or

moderate the ardor of

his troops thirsting after blood

and

spoil.

Thcodosius at first

chose rather to try the chance of war, but afterwards more wisely concluded a peace
with Atllta. According to Priscus, no Prince ever subdued such numerous countries

insosliorta time. His authority was acknowledged by all the states and princes
from the Rhine to the most northern boundaries of the Persian empire. What views
he had of his own superiority may be gathered from this contemptuous observation of
his, ' That the emperors had slaves for their generals, whereas his generals were
upon a level with the emperors themselves." He had a passion for war; but depended more upon his council than his sword, employing not only force and menaces, but frequently craft, and sometimes low artifices, and even falshood, to obtaia
his end.
He was constantly forming new projects, and vast designs, aspiring at no-

He was so elated with his great power

however clear and evident. The pride and
haughtiness of his mind appeared in all his actions and motions, in his gait, eyes and
looks; insomuch that no one could behold him without concluding that he was sent
thing less than the

and success,

monarchy

of the universe.

as not to hearken to reason,

His presence, joined to the reputation he had

in stature, with small eyes) with.
SMcli awe and terror, that very few ventured to approach him, or speak to him.
are told, however, that an ambassador sent to him by Valentiniau III. appeared quit?
unconcerned befoie a man who made the world to tremble. As the ambassador had
justice on his side, he was not intimidated hy his wild and menacing looks; but, in spite
of the rage to which he abandoned himself, answered all his complaints without beinto the world to disturb

acquired, struck

all

its

repose.

who beheld him (though low

Uaying the

lea>t

fear,

leaung him

at Lis departure,

calm, and capable of reason.

Of the

Lect. cxci.

Lawfulness of IVar,

283

S(c.

it
and if they iiad, no certain
See wliat
have been drawn from thence.
MoYLE and King have written upon this subject, in the carious
controversy about the Tliundermg Legion *.

uniform

opinions about

in their

ar^Tument could

""

MOYLE's

Postli.

Works,

vol.

ii.

p. 81,

&c.

though he had found him quite outrageous and untractable. Let those who have to
do with an Atlda, follow the example of this illustrious ambassador of Vdlentinian.

Whjle the Romans carried on a war against the Vo/sci, under the generalship of
aud L. Funus, military Tribunes, they made themselves masters not only
of the field of battle, but of the enemy's camp. Among the prisoners were discovered
some Tusculam, who confessed that they had aided the Volsci by order of the public,
and the authority of their magistrates. The senate, on this report, thoui,'ht it necessary to declare war against Tusculum, and charged Camilhn with that expedition.
The Tasculana opposed the Roman arms by a method entirely new, that made it imWhen the troops entered their country,
possible to commit hostilities against them.
the inhabitants neither abandoned their places upon their march, nor desisted from
Ca?nilh/^

cultivating their lands.

out to m-^et the generals.

great nujnber of citizens, drest as in times of peace, came

Camillus having encamped before the gates, which were

open, and desiring to know whether the same tranquility prevailed within the walls
All the houses and shops were
as he had found in the country, he entered the city.
open, and all the artificers were intent upon their trades* The schools resounded
with the voice of children at their books ; the streets were full of people going backwai-ds and forwards on business:, without any sign of terror, or even amazement, and
Camillus surprized
not the least trace of war. Every thing was tranquil and pacific.
at such a sight, and overcome by the enemy's patience, caused the assembly to be
summoned by the magistrates. Tusculam, said he, you are the only people ivho till
no-s) have found out the true armi and forces capable of securing them agavist the anger

of the Romans.

Such probably

en

will

be the conduct of

intorduction to the glorious Millennium

futtire christians,

the empire of

on gospel principles, as

univei'sal tranquility,

the spiritual government of the true Solomon, the Prince of Peace.

* The excellent Cyprian

" quibns occidi-re non

Christians,

enemies.

Epist. 58. Ed.

these words; "

Hoc

Fell.

when shewing

saith expressly,
lic-'t,"

The

that

it

under

W.

is

the obligations of
not lawful for them to kill their

Christians of his day are further described in

ncc repu^nare contra
;

ipso invictos esse, quia mori non timent

cum occidere innocenlibus nee nocenlem liceat ; sed prompte et animas et

sanguinem tradere," They are invincible, because they dread not death ; and tliey
make no warlike resistance, because though innocent it is not lawful for them to kill
an aggressor. Ep. 60. Tertullian, in his " Apolc.gv for the Christians against
the Gentiles," says, <' Christianus etiam damnatus gratias agit Aristoteles familia-

impttgnanles,

rem suum Hermiam

Icfdit.'"

turpiter loco excedere

Christian though

fecit

Cfiristianns nee

condemned (and we may be

innnicum strum-

sure unjustly) gives thanks

Aristotle behaved haughtily to his intimate friend Hermias ; but a Chiistian does
not injure even his enemy. Cap. 46. And again, '' Male enim velle, male facere,
male dicere, male cogitare de quoquam, asquo vetamur," to wish ill, to do ill, to
ipeak ill, or even to think ill with respect to any man we are justly prohibited.
Cap. 36. "Si inimicos jubemurdiligere, quem habenius odisse? Item si Isesi vicem

quem possumus laedere ?" If we are

commanded to love our enemies, whom have we to hate ? In like manner, if when
injured we are prohibited a retaliation, lest we degrade ourselves like them, whom
can we injure ? Once more " Cui bello non idonei, non prompt! fuissemus, etiam
referre prohibemur, ne de facto pares sjinus,

jinparcs copiis, qui tan; iibenter trucidamur,

si

non apud

istaui discipliaam mag^is

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

284

IX.

3. 9. Tlie office of magistracy appears so absolutely

necessary, in order to preserve the peace of society, (Vid.

Lect. 76. 3. Led. 81. 1.) that it may justly be wondered,

especially considerini^ the passages quoted, Scbol. 7. that any

should have imagined

it

unlawful for a Christian to bear such

The

chief texts urofed in defence of so absurd a notion

are Matt, xx. 25. Mark x. 42. Luke xxii. 25. but it is plain

an

office.

our Lord there only intends to discourage the ambitious temper

among the apostles, v/hich inclined them to contend
about that secular power which was not designed for any of
them. Were the interpretation here opposed to be admitted,
it would follow, cither that there must be no magistrate at all
in christian countries, which would he their utter dissolution

prevailing

and ruin, or else that magistrates who are not Christian must
be established among them, which is in itself very absurd, and
directly contrary to the whole of the apostle's reasoning, 1 Cor.
vi. 1, &c. compare Isa. xlix. 23^.
4. It is plain that the genius of the gospel leads so strongly
to the exercise of love and benevolence, that we can never
believe ihvit persecution for conscience sake, which seems in the
nature of things so irrational and so mischievous, (Lect. 87. 1.)

should make a part of that scheme, unless it were very exbut this is so far from being the case, that
pressly asserted
hardly so much as the shadow of an argument for persecution
:

can be produced from the whole New Testament, and many

passages of it are most directly contrary to it, Luke ix. 55, 5Q.
2 Tim. ii. 24 26. 2 Cor. x. 4. Isa. xlii. 3. see also Matt. xiii.
30. and it is no contemptible argument, which is drawn from
the silence of the New Testament, as to any use which might
be made of the secular power, to enforce the truths of christiafor though it may be objected, that in the apostles' time
iiitv
few Christians were possessed of such poM-er, y;'t it might have
been convenient, that some provision should be made against

the time
a

when

that

Atterb. Serm.

vol.

power might come

ii.

y.

S9 91.

occidi liceret qiiam occiderc ?"

iinetjiial

the

wai' are

Limb. Theol.

1.

v. . Ixiii. I

we not prepared

118.

for,

though with

we

are in the habit of cheprfully meeting death, were it not

of our rehgion that we should suffer ourselves to he killed rather than

forces, since

affiiius

What

into their hands, since

to kill others.

ORTGF.^f saj's in reply to Celsus,

aSi

fictv9xyo[jLiv

E^^

"TroXtjxiiyf

Ovadi, XajujSavojusv st

yivofxvjot

hx

rov

longer take the sword against any nation, nor do

made by Jesus

the sons of peace.

\Y.

Irjcray

wt

learn

vioi
tlie

eSvoj
ftpnvrg

fj-ocx^ifoiVf
',

We

no

art of war, bcln^

Of the Lawfulness

Lect. cxci.

of

War

2S5

Kc.

there would otherwise be apparent danger of abusing

it.

To

we may add, not only that Sergius Paulus was a magiswhen converted, but that the power of masters over their

wiiicli

trate

was so absolute, that they might on what penalties they

pleased have obliged them to profess their own religion, yet
there is not the lea:,t intimation, that christian masters were to
slaves

take any such advantages.

5.
xiv. 23.

On

the other side, the arguments

(compare Zu^e xxiv.

29.)

drawn from Luke

and John xxi.

15.

not to

arc so ridiculous, as hardly to deserve a

The chief argument from the New
particular examination.
Testament, is that drawn from the corporal severities which

mention

y/f^.y X.

13.

were sometimes exercised by the apostles see I Cor. v. 5.

Acts V. 5. xiii. 11.1 Tim. i. 20. but it is evident that punishments mil aculously inflicted on those that opposed the gospel,
had, in their own nature, such a tendency to convince men's
understandings, as those inflicted by the magistrate in an
From the Old Testament,
ordinary way cannot possibly have.
penal laws of Moses,
the
from
taken
argument
besides tlie
(which was considered above, Lect. 147. 22.) some have
:

urged Isa.

xlix,

23. but this can only intimate, that christian

princes should by all regular methods endeavour to promote

the gospel, and can never prove persecution to be one of those
methods. As to the argument from Job xxxi, 28. it may be
granted, that Job mtimates by this, that there was in his time
in Arabia a law which punished idolatry, and that he approved

he should have approved it, if such a law had

been enacted but it will not by any means follow from hence,
that if there were such a law, it was of divine authority, or
that, if he approved of it, it was therefore right ; for it is plain,
that in some instances Job had expressed himself in a very improper manner, and is not to be considered as under a plenary
As to Zech. xiii. 3. which indeed is one of the
inspiration.
it

at least, that
:

repUed, either that the

land of Israel shall still
continue after the restoration of the Jews, God being still their
temporal king; or else, (which I should rather think) that
some converted Jews, warmed with a zeal for the gospel, but
not thoroughly instructed in the gentleness of its nature, shall

strongest texts of

its

kind,

it

peculiar law against idolatry

may be
in the

be ready w ith their own hands to put to death their own children, if they should oppose it, upon a mistaken notion that
Deut. xiii. 1, &.c. would be a warrant to them in so doing
but that these converted Jews should be under an infallible
n
VOL. v.
:

286

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

IX.

guidance in all their judgments and actions, is no Avhere intimated in scripture by any argument, which would not as well
prove the infallibiUty of the whole christian church. Vid.

Led.

and additional Note \

87.

LECT. cxcir.

Of the

Obligation of

Blood

Obedience

Prop.

I.

New

Testament Precepts

Anointing the Sick Imposition

to

MagistratesSupererogation.

HE

JL

the Eating of

of Hands

Passive

obligation of the precepts contained in the

New

Testament continues so long as the reasons on which they

are founded continue, and ceases when the observation of any
particular precept is inconsistent with another of a more general
nature, or of greater importance for promoting the essential
branches of virtue.
2. Dem. 1. Many precepts are delivered in such a manner, that they must necessarily admit of some exception, in

order to reconcile them with each other, and with the natural
law of God, founded on the mutable and immutable relation
of things.

Vid. Lcct. 189. 10, &c.

3. 2.

The law

and universal a

of Moses^ which

is

delivered in as general

the precepts of Christ, was in some instances violated, without any crime, by those who were still in
stile as

general under the obligations of that law, 2 Chron. xxx, 17

19.

(which seems not so proper an instance as some have thought,

see ver. 20.) 2 Sam. xxi. 9, 10, 14. compared with Deut. xxi.
23. Matt. xii. 1
6. John v. 8, 9. Luke xiii. 15. Hos. vi. 6^.

4. 3. When two precepts become inconsistent, one of

them must necessarily lose its force and it is plainly fit that
the more particular precept should give way to the more general, and that which is of less to that which is of greater moment,
;

i?077i. xiii.

F alet propositio "

8, 9. Matt.-&'\\. 17.

5. Cor. Precepts, which depend upon reasons peculiar

to one age or people, do certainly lose their force in other ages,

and where other people only are concerned.

a STEPirENs'i Calculation, p. 280.

Limb.

'Jheol.

D0J)1).

Scrm. on

1.

vii. c.

XX.

23

27.

Pei-secut. p. "iiid.

Emlyn's

Life,

Append. No.

b Siii.t.iNCFr-. Orig. Sac.

c VVirsii

..iig)'ptiaca,

1. ii.

7.

l.ii. c. vii.

c.

xvi.

}3.

i 5.

Of New Testament

Lect. cxcii.

Precepts,

287

S^c.

6. Schol. 1 To this head we may properly refer tlie

eating of blood, which was forbidden to Noah, and to his de.

Gen. ix. 4. (to which some have added ver. 5.

without reason, compare Exod. xxi. 2H. and E.zek. iii. 18.) and
by Moses to the Israelites, Lev. xvii. 14. which prohibition in
both instances seems to have had a view to the use of sacrifices
in divine worship, and to have been intended as a mark of
respect to the altar, at which the blood of every victim was
presented before God, as a solemn acknowledgment that he was
scendants,

the Lord of

1012. The eating o^ fat was also

of the same words, and on the same prin-

life, ibid.

forbidden in several

ver.

compare Lev. iii. 17. vii. 22 27. Blood was also forbidden to Christians in the apostles' days, Acts xv. 2y. not
merely as Lord Barrington, and after him Dr. Benson have
supposed, to those who before their conversion had been proselytes of the gate, (a distinction, by the way, on which these
authors lay a very disproportionate stress) but to all Christians
whatsoever ; because the Jews had so strong an aversion to it,
that they could not have been persuaded to hold civil or religious communion with those who used it, Acts xv. 20, 21.

ciples

so that it seems even in those days, (at least by any thing wo.
can learn from any apostolic decree) had there been any christian nation, among whom there were no Jews, since the institution of sacrifices ceased, the use of blood would have been an
indifferent thing: compare Rom. xiv. 14. 1 Tim. iv. 4. Matt.
XV. 10, 11. and should a considerable number of Jews be now
kept out of the christian church by that alone, it would still be
the duty of those Christians among whom they dwelt to forbear

on the principles stated by the apostle, 1 Cor. viii.

Many have indeed thought, that
22.
there was a moral evil in eating blood, supposing that it tends
to make men savage, and pleading from its being joined with

the use of

per

tot.

it,

Horn. xiv. 15

fornication,

that

mpua

which
is

is

certainly an immorality.

by many supposed

those degrees of consanguinity or affinity

by the Mosaic law

it is

But not

to say,

marrying within
which were prohibited

to signify,

plain there are

some things

in their

own

nature indifferent, from which Christians in the Jerusalem

decree were required to abstain. As for things strangled, they
seem to stand much on the same foot with things that died of
ihemselvesj from which the blood could not be taken, while it
could properly be called the life, yet the Mosaic law expressly
allowed strangers to eat f these, Dcut. xiv. 21. Avhich surely
would not have done, if there had been an}' natural immorality

it

n 2

in

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

2S8

But

it.

decree

it is

IX.

yet more important to observe, that this verythe list of

in question joins things sacrijiced to idols, in

what it prohibits, together with fornication, though the apostle

expressly allows these, wiien they might be used without giving
ofFence,

Cor.

viii. l

which blood has

The argument, from

9.

the tendency

make men savage, may be allowed

as concluding against eating raw flesh but that does not seem to be
referred to in the apostle's ])recept under consideration, though
to

it is in
To say, that this
the precept to Noah.
abstinence from blood is a liitle instance of mortification, which
God enjoins to all Christians, in order to shew his supreme

some think

their enjoyments, as he forbad one tree to Adam

merely an arbitrary assertion
since there is not
the least hint in scripture of its being forbidden for any such
reason, but other reasons are assigned, which are of much less
general concern and obligation.

power over

all

in paradise,

is

7. Spencer says, blood was forbidden in reference to

some heathen superstitions, in which, as he largely proves, it was
often not only offered, but tasted by Idolaters ; and that the
prohibition ceases now, there being no further danger of them:

but it seems the apostles themselves did not think of this reason,
or lay so much stress upon it, as on the probability of offending
the Jews, Acts xv.

15.

21

8. 2. T\\Q anointing the sick, commanded James v. 14,

in the apostles' days a symbol of miraculous healing,

was

Mark

vi.

I3.

and therefore the reason of the precept ceasing,

obligation must cease with

its

it"".

9. 3. The imposition of hands in ordination seems also to

depend upon the same foundation. It is certain that it was in
the ajjostles' time the means of conveying some extraordinary
gift, ^c/j viii. 18- 1 Tim.iv. 14. but as those gifts are now

ceased, the chief reason for observing this rite ceases with them.
Nevertheless, as it has beep an ancient rite of blessing, where

no extraordinary

gifts were conferred, {Matt. xix. 15. Gen.

and seems a natural way o? designing or pointing
out the person prayed for, it may innocently be retained as a
thing indifferent, but it is by no means to be imposed, or represented as of so important and essential a nature, that the validity

xlviii. 14.)

a Hooker's Eccles. PoVity, 1. iv. 1 ].

Barring. Miscell. Sac. vol. ii. Diss.
1

Bens

Hist. vol.

ii.

p. 58

Rev. exam, with Cand.

67.
vol.

and Vindicai. i)ass.

Spenc. Diss. aji. Leg. Heb.
prxs. c, iv. |>. 4<^i ^c.

ii.

vol.

p.

Diss.

i.

188190.

iv.

i.

&

ii.

p. 435, &c.

Jensings'5 Jewish Antiq. vol. i. 143,

Lardn. Kem. on Ward's Dissert.
Works, vol. xi. p. 305.
b BlRN. on ,\rt. XXV. p. y6.=) 269.
Cassani). Consult p. 192194-

ice,

V\

HIST, tile, vol. iL p. 473

& 6535$.


Of New Testament

Lect. cxcii.

Precepts^

289

ii^c,

and usefulness of man's future ministry should be supposed

depend upon it in any degree\

to

10. 4. Some who have -apprehended the precept, Rom.

i. did require unlimited passive obedience to magistrates, have thought it was not intended for a rule to Christians
in all ages, but was peculiar to the primitive times, when the
xiii. 1

Christians were few and weak, and idolatrous princes

would

gladly snatch at any opportunity or excuse for inflicting punishments on the whole body of them, and would have been ready to
strain any passage in the apostolic writings to make them speak
It must be allowed, that
the language of sedition and treason.
at least

of the primitive Christians did imderstand the text

but that will not prove that the

many

as forbidding all resistance

it being very easy to find instances

mistaking the original sense of scripture, and putting
some far more unnatural constructions upon it than this in
question''.
Vid. Lect. 79. 14. Note.

apostles did really

of

mean

so,

it

tiieir

II. 5. Dr. Clarke thinks the cautions which our Lord

gave against carefulness, in his sermon on the mount, Matt. vi.
25, &c. belonged only to the apostles, and were intended to incline them to cast themselves entirely upon an extraordinary
providence, without any care of their own. But there is no
sufficient reason to admit this interpretation, since,
(1.)

It

probable

is

sermon was

this

the apostles were chosen.

(Vid.

first

preached before

Dodd. Fam. Expos,

vol.

i.

53. note (a).

(2.)

Phil,

The same

iv, C.

Pet.

(4.)

is

elsewhere given to all Christians,

connected with things of universal concern.

(3,) It is
It is

caution

V. 7,

common

enforced by arguments

(5.) It is inferred

to

all

and

from the impossibility of serving

God

and Mammon.
(6.)

The

12. 6.

were not to neglect proper

where providence gave
compare Luke xxii. 35, '36. Acts

apostles themselves

means of providing
them an opportunity
XX. 34^

Though

a Clarke's Annotat. on Matt.xix.

MoriRiCE's Dial, on Social Rel.

for themselves,

for

it

there can be no
15.

p. 1C3

TERTirr.T Apol.
Notes.
.

165.

Baxt.

120, kc.
Savage's Disc, at Mr. Ford's Ordin.

4th Ed.

]i.

KlPPls's Disc, at Wilton's Oidin.

Geot. de jiBre, I. i. c. iv, i 3. with Gronov.
Wotes.

good works of super ero-

Life, vol.

c.

i.

xxxv
p.

xxxvii. with Reeves'*

36H 372.

DAir.r.E's Use cf the Fathers, part ii. p. 4959.

Savaoe's Serm.at the King's Accession.
Clarke's Posih. Serm. vol. iii. p. i 16, &c. Oct,
Blair on Christ's Serm. on the Mount, voU
1.

Diss,

ii, lit.

290

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

IX,

i. e.
Avhich no law requires, because we are always required to do our best in religion, [MatU v. 48. xxii. 37. 2 Cor.
vii. 1.) yet there are some rules given in scripture, which admit of so many exceptions, that it was not convenient to deliver
them in the general form of precepts, so that they are rather to

gation,

be considered as counsels, particularly such as relate to a. single

life, Mail. xix. 12. 1 Cor. vii. 26, 36, 38. yet to those Avhose
circumstances such passages suit, they are as obligatory as any
of the most express and universal commands; (compare Matt.
xix. 21, 22.) to others they are not obligatory at all: {Acts v.
4.) ever}'^ one must therefore judge for himself in the sight of
God, as to his own particular concern in such precepts ; and on
this principle 1 Cor. ix. 16

may well

19.

be explained.

LECT. CXCIII.

Of the

Scriptural

Means of Virtue

Intercession of good Men

Fasting.

Images, Saints, and Angels

1 Prop. JL O enumerate the most considerable means of virtue recommended in tlie scripture, or deducible from principles
.

which are

2.

laid

down

there.

Lem. Several

be regarded merely

of the particulars mentioned are not to

means of

thembut they are here introthe view of that influence they have upon other things,
very great.
as the

virtue, but also as in

selves essential branches of our duty

duced
which

in
is

3. Sol. and Dem. \. A familiar acquaintance not only

with the doctrines and precepts, but likewise with the historical
part of scripture, will be very subservient to our improvement
in virtue, Acts xx. 32. Rom. xv. 4. 1 Cor. x. U. James i. 21.
2 Tim. iii. 15, 16. Col. iii. 16. 1 Pet. ii. 2.

We

are cautiously to avoid, not only those things

4. 2.
Avhich are in themselves evidently sinful, but those which have

the appearance of evil, and

snaring us or others.

may be

Thess.

v.

the probable means of en^

22. Proi*. xxiii. 3J.

Matt.

vi. 13.

and
1

5. 3. Fervent and constant application to God in secret

social prayer. Matt. vi. 6. vii. 7. Eph. vi. IS. Phil. iv. 6.

1 hess.

V. 17, 18.

Tim.
a

ii.

8:

GnovEon

llcb. iv. 16. xiii.

Secret Prayer.

V5\

Lect,

Of the

cxciii.

Scriptural 3Ieans of Virtue^ Kc.

291

6. 4. Christians are to assemble together for the public

worship of God, that thereby a solemn profession of religion may
be made, that their aflbction to each other may be testified and
cultivated, and that such instructions may be given as may tend
t,o improve their minds in knowledge and holiness, Heb. x. 25. to
which may be added the scriptures quoted under the following steps
"".

7.

It

5.

will evidently

tend to render such assemblies

more useful than they could otherwise be, that there should be
some persons appointed statedly to preside over them and who
;

for that purpose should apply themselves with greater diligence

than others to the study of divine things, and take pains to cultivate a habit of speaking concerning them in public in the most
instructive and edifying manner, as well as to investigate and
state the evidence of Christianity, the sense of scripture, and particular difficulties which may occur, and occasion scruples in
men's minds, cither of a speculative or practical nature: not to
insist upon the great advantage societies may receive by the inspection of such officers, and their fraternal admonitions, as particular occasions

may require''.

proper that such persons should in a solemn

and recommended to the divine assistance and blessing, in their entrance upon any place
in which they intend to labour, not only by the private Christians
of that societv, but by neighbouring ministers, as there may be
opportunity, and especially by some more advanced in life and
experienced in the work ; which is warranted by various passages in the apostolic writings, whereby the preceding heads are
See Bom. x. 13
17. 2 Tim. ii. 2. Tit. i. 6
also confirmed.
9.
113.
Tim.
iii.
^cls xiv. 23. xx. 28. Matt, xxviii. 19, 20.
1

8.

6.

manner be

It is

set apart to this Avork,

Col. iv. 17.

9, 7. It will conduce to the advancement of virtue, that

on the one hand, great care should be taken to enquire into the
character and abilities of those who are chosen to such offices,
and to exclude or remove those who behave in a vicious and
scandalous manner; and on the other, wlien any are chosen to
them, and while they behave well in them, they should be treated with all due respect, and a decent provision made for them
and their families; partly as an equivalent for their labours, and
for their resigning those secular advantages which learned and
able men might promise themselves in other callings, and also as
an encouragement to them to pursue their sacred work with
a

Hu)

A.Nn'i $srm.

on Heb.x- 2/.

Lkecuman

oiube Character of a Minister.

292

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

chearfulness, beintr freed from those distracting cares, to

ik.

which

they would otherwise be exposed, and animated by that token

of respect and affection in those committed to their eare
Phil.
:

iv.

10,

1, 17.

nor are ministers to be blamed or despised,

who

accept such maintenance; especially since ordinarily, if left

destitute of it, they would be unable to contribute to the relief
of the necessitous, which they of all men, ^cof/. j^ar.^ ought to
be most ready to do, Ads xx. 34, 35. 1 Cor. ix. 4 18. Gal. vi.

6.

Thess. V. 12, 13.

10. 8.

Tim.

v. 17, 18.

As the maintenance of

Heb.

xiii.

7, 17

ministers, and the relief of

who belong to every society, and therefore are to be

peculiarly regarded by them, Mill necessarily require some care
and attendance, it is plainly fit that there should be some in
the poor,

christian

assembnes, whose peculiar business

and with regard

this

should be:

to these officers, as well as those in a superior

betaken that they may be persons of blameand that they have such capacities as may fit
them for the discharge of their office respect is likewise to be
shewn them, proportionable to their usefulness to the societies
they belong to, and to the circumstances of life in which tliey
are, Jets vi. 1, &c. 1 Tim. iii. 8
12 ^
station, care should

less cliaracters,

11. 9. Hardly any thing can have a happier influence

the improvement of a virtuous and religious life in all its

upon

branches, than a due regard to the mediatorial offices of Christ;

and we are encouraged by the example of good men in scripture, as well as

to

pray to him for those

his

mediatorial character

by other considerations,

which we are sure he

commissioned and impowered
bIessino;s

60. 2 Cor. xii. 8. Phil.

ii.

is

under

to grant

(compare Acts vii. 59,

Heh. i. 6. Pev. v. 12,

10. Johji v. 23.

1 3.) and in all our addresses to the Father, we are habitually to

regard him as dwelling in Christ, and manifesting himself to
his people in gracious dispensations through him, Johnxv'i. 23,
24. but to address ourselves to Christ onli/ in prayer, omitting
the mention of the Father, is contrary to the precepts and example of scripture, and indeed to the whole tenor of it ; and is
indeed overthrowing the whole mediatorial scheme, while the
greatest zeal for it is pretended
*'.

12.

provement

10.

It is also

in religion,

a Barclay's Apol. Prop.

x. p.

of great importance in order to our imthat we should maintain an habitual

3JJ.

329

bEssE's Vind. il. p. l'J7 14fl.

Rek's Rislit of Maint. pass.
MaM)K\ 15 l.i;'s Free Thoughts, p. 27(>2S0.
)) ViA'ixs oi\ ilie Coiisiit. of the Christian CTiuich,
A pp. bisc. No. li.
e Ti.bjUlT. Loc. a V- Qusst. xviii. {7,Q8.

Emlyn's

Tracts, No.

lloYSE's Works, vol,

BuusETon

ii.
ii.

tlie Art. p.

p. 27,28,31. Ed. 1731,

p. 30
4i.

4%

4!).

Cl.ARKE on the Trin. partii. Prop. 53,

Bu R NET'S .Script. Uoct. Trin. p. Vo.
SHUCKF. Connect, vol. i. j). 291294.
DODD. Fain, txf OS. vol. i, Pref.

54.

Lect.

cxciii.

Of the

Scriptural

Means of Virtue

Kc.

293

we have of the influences of the Holy Spirit

are to be sought in earnest pra3'er, attended with

sense of the need

of God, which

a sohcitous concern to cherish those good impressions on tiie

mind, of which we have reason to believe he is the author, Ilom.
And though
viii. 11, 13, 14. Eph. iv. 30. Gal v. 16, 18, 25.
the worship
concerning
precept
there be indeed no example or
characpersonal
distinct
under
a
scripture,
Spirit
in
the
Holy
of
ter, yet if the preceding propositions relating to his divinity be
allowed, there

is

evidently a foundation for

Compare Matt,

things.

it

in the

nature of

xxviii. 19. 2 Cor. xiii. ult^.

11. So far as the divine image appears in any creaare to express our veneration for it, as a means of promoting virtue in ourselves, as well as an immediate exercise of
it; and we may allowably ask the intercession of other good

13.

ture,

we

men for u^ but as we do not certainly know that any invisible

being whatsoever, excepting God and the great appointed mediator, Christ Jesus, do hear our prayers at all times and in all
places, nor can be sure of it with regard to any particular time
or place, it is proper to address our prayers only to God in and
:

through Christ, and not to any inferior invisible being, how

great and excellent soever, 1 Kings viii. 3y. Rev. li. 23. Col. ii.
18. Judges yixu. 16. Rev. xix. 10. xxii. 8, 9^.
worship of images has been recommended
means of raising devotion but images
proper
by many, as a
representing God do naturally tend to debase our ideas of him,
14. 12.

The

and images of Christ may easily lay a foundation for idolatry in

weak and ignorant minds. The worship of saints and angels
by images is superseded in the preceding step and most of
those apologies, which the Papists make for their image worship, seem to have been borrowed from some of the more intelligent of the heathen writers, who could not be stupid enough
to imagine that the images themselves were divine, though they
did suppose the extraordinary presence of some invisible agent
;

them or near them, and apprehended that the peculiar favours

of that invisible agent would be conferred upon those who
in

honoured the image

15.

13.

As natural reasons mentioned above recommend

9 Evans's Christian Temper,

I)

for his sake'^.

Erevint's Saul and Samuel at Endor,

S.ilters' Mali Serm. vol. ii. No. 1.
c MORE'sTheol. p. 4-0423.

i. p. 329343.
53, 54.

vol.

Clarke on the 1 rin. part ii.

Turret Loc. vii. Quist. ix.

17.

Tennison of Idol. c. X. p. 22'3, 223.

Burnet on the Art. p. 223231.

Bl- rne r on the Art. p. 20^219.

Tennison of Idol. p. 2rt'j:-275. part ii.

HUTCHINs.SeriTi. p. 265.
LOWMAN on Kev, p. 2J!1, 232.

old Whig,

VOL.

v.

vol.

1.

No. 27.

c. iv.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

291-

IX.

fasting in some circumstances and on some occasions, so, many

passages in the Old Testament expressly require it, and that on
principles

common

to all nations, Joel ii. 12, &c. Jon. iii. pass.

favoured by Matt. vi. 16. where Christ seems to
for granted that his disciples would practice it, as also

It is likewise

take
1

it

Cor.

vii.

LECT. CXCIV.

0/ the Lord's Prayer

Special

Fuitli

in

Prayer

Liturgies.

HAT

form of prayer, commonly called the

1. JL
Load's prayer, seems to have been given in our Lord's sermon
on the mount, Matt. vi. as a directory ^ whereas in Luke xi. 1.
Christ seems in compliance with the request of the disciples to
have given it as a. form. Some have urged that the second and
fourth petition of that prayer, could be intended only for temporary use but it is most evident, that such a sense may be put
upon those petitions, as shall suit all Christians in all ages;
X.Schol.

it is alwavs our duty to pray, that Christ's kingdom may be

advanced in the world and to profess our daily dependence on
God's providential care. Nevertheless, there is no reason to
believe, that Christ meant to enjoin it so absolutely upon all his
disciples, that they should be obliged constantly to use this
and that
form, or even to dispose their prayers in this method
great zeal which is to be found in some Christians, either for,
or against it, is to be lamented as a weakness, and it will become
us to do all that we can, to promote on each side more modeThe omission of the name of
rate sentiments concerning it.
Christ in that prayer, compared with John xiv. 13, 14. shews
that this pra3er is not to be ordinarily used alone, without either
introduction or explication.
If the conciseness and variety of
the expressions be, as some have thought, an objection against
the use of it, this objection might have taken place from the
beginning nevertheless, it is a good argument why those who
use it, should attentively study it, and why it should be often
reviewed and explained perhaps it can no where be viewed to
greater advantage, than in the pious Archbishop Leighton's
explication of it, or in the Assembly's catechism, in proportion
to the number of words used

for

**.

a Benset's Christian Orat.

vol.

ii.

p. 18

Law on Chrisiian Fcrftclion, t, vii.

b llEBPEN'a Diss, on the Lord's Prayer.
M EDE's Diatribe on .Malt. vi. y.
it i^ib's

Eni.

1.

ii.

c.

ii. i ii.

25.

J
t

Watts on

Prayer.
GuY.si;'s Paraphr. and Not. on Matt Ti. 13.
"
Uali tT's Notes, voL tii. p.'JO.

WEb r on LoidV Prayer.

Lect. cxciv.

Of the

Lord's Prayer,

&(c.

295

is evidently reasonable and important, that wlien

should bewithafirm persuasion of the goodness of
God, as well as his power, and with a dependence upon the^truth of
his promises
but as for that firm persuasion of obtaining the

2. 2. It

we

pray,

it

we ask, which some have called a special

faith in prayer, it might indeed be an essential condition of the
miraculous eiTccts of prayer in the early ages of Christianity
;
but it is very difficult to determine, how far it may now be
particular blessings

and well grounded, when w^e are asking for blessings,

which are merely of a temporal nature, and which God has not

rational

by

the tenor of he covenant of grace obliged himself to orrant

f

cannot be matter of universal dutv,

correspondence to some extraordinary impressions made on the mind, the nature and kind of
which is perhaps intelligible only to those who have experienced
them. Vid. Prop 140. Schol. 7. and the references there.
Vid. Markx'i. 2k James]. 6. 1 Tim. ii. 8 ^
to all his people

at least

and can only take place

it

in

3. 3. It is debated v/hether public Liturgies ought to be

established for the use of christian assemblies *.
Some have

pleaded for it as necessary, and urged Christ's ooncurrino- in

those forms of prayer which were offered in the Jewish synagogue, as an argument for men's submitting to them. To what

was said above, Lect.

86. 3.

we

iD.iy

add the following remarks,

appears in fact, by the manner in \vhich the

worship of God is discharged in those christian congregations
where liturgies are not used, that it may generally be expected,
through the common assistance of the Spirit of God, in consequence of proper care and application on the part of ministers,
that the church is never like to be destitute of teachers, Avho
may carry on that part of worship in a decent and edifying

4. (1.) It

manner

especially

when due care

of those that are intended

is

taken in the education

of the sanctuary.

for the service

5. (2.) Nevertheless, as it may so happen, that some

may be employed in the ministry, who may not have a

persons

and capacity for extemporary prayer, it is not at all improper that some forms should be provided for the use of such,
if they chuse to have recourse to them.
talent

Calamy's Life

m.

of

Howe

ainuJ Op. vol.

i.

p.

S6

Ocden's Sermon on Prayer

aiid Iiitcrceaion.

* See on this subjocf Dr. Taylor's " Scripture doctrine of Prayer," and " A
Letter to a Dissenting Minister on the Expediency of Forms," with Mr. Bbekyl's
answer. Edition 2d. C.

,Oo 2

 6. (3.)
ministers,

all

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

S96

IX.

But to impose any particular form of prayer upon

and upon all congregations, without regarding

one hand, or their sentiments on the other,

both on ministers and
and those who do it had need produce
private christians
strong evidence that they are the appointed legislators in the
church of Christ, if they expect unlimited submission to them.

their abilities on the

certainly putting a great hardship

is

7. (4.) To confine ministers to a form, so as to exclude

their offering any prayers but those prescribed, is so apparently

absurd, that
[

it

has not, that I

know

of,

been practised, at

least in

any protestant church.

8. (5.) As for the Jewish prayers now used in the synagogues, there is no reason to believe they are so old as our
Lord's time, and it is certain^ that some of them are such as he
could not concur in, even though ^ve should grant him to have
been present in places where they were used and all that can
be inferred from hence seems to be this, that the use of a form
of prayer is not alone a sufficient reason for Christians to separate from such assemblies, which will be readily granted
and
it is very hard, if no allowance is to be made for a more abun*
dant effusion of the Spirit of God under the gospel, than under
the Mosaic law. Bo7n. viii. 2 ^.

9. 4.

Bishop Bull, and some others, have urged the

probability of liturgies being of apostolic institution.

Tim.

produced very weakly for this purpose, since it may

so well be interpreted as a genera^ direction for prayer, and
quotation from Prosper cannot prove the
it is certain the
What looks most specious for this purpose, is the
contrary.
agreement of many ancient liturgies in the sursum corda, the
exhortation to give thanks to God, with the responses, and
the doxologies to Father, Son, and Spirit, together with what
he calls the prayer of oblation of the christian sacrifice in the
ii.

1, 2. is

holy Eucharist, the

9rola|K

world and the devil

in

s Ives

or renunciation of tiie flesh, the

baptism, with the o-yvl|*f , or joining our-

to Father, Son, and Spirit;

there could not have been,

if

which harmony it is said

some general foun-

there were not

dation in apostolic appointment.

But

to this

it is

answered,

That the antiquity of all these liturgies is very

nay, several of them are most evidently spurious ;

10. (I.)

dubious

Bull's Works, vol. 3. p. 558 5G4.

Bennet, Robinson, and Clarkson on Li'

ii

turg. pass.

Pf.irce's Vindicition, part iii. c. iv.

P^iDEAOJL's Connect, vqU i. p, 374379,

pcc.is.

Paper, vol.

Le Cr.KRC on
Limb. Theol.

iii.

No.

Matt. vi.7.

BA.XTEn's Works,
1.

iii.

ami IIam.

vol. iv. p. 168. b.

v. c.

ixv^

i UH.

ibid.

ItCT. cxcT.

0/the Church of Christ,

S(c.

597;

and it is certain, if they were forged, many of them might come

from the same hand.
11.

not so

That the agreement

(2.)

entire, as

many

in

of these things

is

here supposed.

is

12. (3.) That where there is indeed an agreement, it

might be derived from primitive custom, though there were no
liturgies.

13. (4.) That the extraordinary degree in which the primitive Christians were assisted by the Spirit, made it less neces^
sarv there should have been any.
14. (5.) That several directions given by St. Paul to the
-Corinthians, 1 Cor, xi. 14. make it probable there were none,

and that he did not think

15.

That the

(6.)

tant fact, supposing

it

it

necessary there should be any.

silence of the apostles as to this impor-

were a

real fact,

is

surprising.

16. (7.) It is highly improbable that a diversity of liturgies should have been made in the ancient church, if they had

any composed

the apostles,

b}"^

That many passages

in ancient writings seem

to intimate the contrary practice to have prevailed earlv, particularly the expression of lirn Svyccjjttc, and sine monitore, and

17.

(8.)

Basil, to whom a liturgy Avith a prayer of consecration for the

eucharist has been ascribed, declares that no such form was or

ever ought

to

be composed

^.

LECt. CXCV.

Of

Church of Christ

the

JL

^ 1. Def.
of^ll those

HE

who

CHURCH of Christ

2. Schol.
is

is

Officers,

a society, consisting

him as a teacher sent from

worship and conduct according to whafc

profess to believe

God, and to form their

they apprehend to be his
which

Public Church

1.

institutions.

The church

commonly

smaller societies,

in

all

of Christ here defined, is that

the catholic, and consists of many
agreeing in the general profession of sub-

called

jection to him, though greatly diversified as to the particular

forms of worship and discipline,

3. 2.

Bull's Serm.

The word

vol.

J4yiiisso.N'g Abs.

iii.

No.

xiii.

toBENSEr,

ik-aKyitm,

558.
p. 541
p. '297J54.

used to express church both ia

|

CLARESOSOnLiturgiesi

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

29S

PaRT

IK.

the I.dUn and Greek languages, does in the genera] signify any
assembly of nuMi, and sometimes is applied even to such assemblies, as were not in a regular manner called together, though

etymology expresses being called out from others, as indeed

arc, either more or less expressly. Acts
xix 32, 39, 41. It generally signifies in the New Testament
** a number of Christians
met together in one place," and sometimes ''the whole body of the faithful," Matt. x\\. 18. xviii.
17. ^a'^ viii. 3. ix. 31. xx. 28. Eph. v. 23, 25, 29, 32. Rom.
its

asseml)lics generally

Xvi. 16.

Cor. xvi. \9^.

Divines have often distinguished between tlie visible

All those, and only those belong to
the visible church, who submit to the christian institutions,
4. 3.

and the

invisible church.

worship in christian assemblies, profess their faith in Christ, or

are descended from such as do, and are yet in their infancy ;
though upon this foundation it must be allowed there are various degrees of visibility in church-membership but the invi:

church consists only of those who are true believers in

Christ, according to Led. 170. ^ 13. or, as perhaps some would
rhuse to state it, who have such habits and dispositions, as are

sible

necessary

order to their preparation for future happiness,

in

ivhether they be or be not regularly gathered into the church.

5. 4. It evidentl}^ appears i'rom the preceding definition
and scholia, that the supposition of a visible head, with whom
alHhe members are to hold communion, is by no means neces-

sary in order to constitute such a unit]/ as

church of Christ

abend of
living
it

unit\',

man couM

Prop.

essential to the

their professed

be, and

is

evidently to depend, Eph.

6.

is

union to Christ is as real

as a professed union with and subjection to any
:

To take

Vittds o^ public officers,

that
iv.

a more

upon which the apostle makes

16. Col.

ii.

19. Gal.

iii.

28.

particular survey of the various

which are, according

to tlie institution

of Christ, appointed in his church.

7. Sol. and Dem. 1. It has generally been acknowledged,
and was more particularly proved, Prop. 148. gr. 5, 6. that
Christ has aj)pointed certain officers, whose business it is to
instruct his people, and to direct them in their spiritual affairs ;
with respect to which oiiice they are fre(}uently caWed pastors
or shepherds, /JctsKX. 23. Eph. iv. 11,12. 1 Pet. v. 2, 4.

8.

2.

These officers are frequently called Elders and

Jews used to call those who presided in their

Presbi/ters, as the
a Old Wh'5, No. Kxiii.

<^.'oLLlNsoii Ireeliiinking.p. 93.

j
)

BESTLEY's Remarks on

Ditto, No.p.5.

Of the Church of

LpcT. cxcv.

ecclesiastical or civil assemblies

seeing

name

people, the

tlic

and from their

of

.299

Christ, ^c.

office of over-

or Bishops^ was alsa

E-icrxorot

and whatever alteration might afterwards be made

word, and whatever distinction might early
be introduced between bishops and presbyters, as signifying
two diiTerent ranks of ministers, of which hereafter it is certain
that in the New Testament the words ave vised promiscuouslj/ *.

given them

in the sense of that

Tim. iii. I, kc. compared with Tit. i. 57.

Vid. Phil. i. I.
Pet. v. 1,2, Bishop Ho able y and Dr.
Jets XX. 17. with 28.
Hammond do both of them allow this and it is Dr. Hammond's opinion, that there were only presbyters, or bishops,
1

and deacons, in each church at first, i. e. one overseer called a

Presbyter in each, to whom assistants and inferior officers were
afterwards added, who in process of time took the name of
deacons, while the presidents were by way of distinction called
But this does not agree with Acts xiv. 23. xx. 17.
Bishops.
Tit. i. 5. which proves there were ^everfl/ elders in a place ; and
this indeed has been generally granted to have been the case at
first

but

has been asserted, that the apostles, in their last

one of the presbyters or bishops of a place

it

visitation settled

but whether they at that time or ever at all estabnames and offices, as had not before
been known, will be afterwards enquired ^.

over the

rest

lished such a distinction of

appears that another kind of

9. 3. It

officers, called

by the appointment
of the apostles and a parity of reason, at least in some degree,
wilt require that the christian church should have some such
officers among them still, whether they be or be not called by
the same name, which plainly signifies servants of the church.

deacons, were used in the christian church,

:

Matt.
vi.

xxii. 13.

S.

John

ii.

Tim.ui.8

9.

Greek.

Vid. Lect. 193. 10. Jets

13.

10. 4. There were some circumstances in the primitive

church, which made it peculiarly proper, that there should be
some women appointed to take care -of the entertainment of
strangers, to attend the sick, and assist at the baptizing women;

11. and seem

1 Tim. v. y
Rom. xvi. 1. Greek. This
needful now as it was then and whe-

these were, generally at least, widows,

to have been

called deaconesses,

office is not altogether so

ther the office or name should be retained,

a RovsEs's Works, vol. i. p. 81,83.
IIOADIEY of Episc. c. ii. p. 3S3 iOi.

* See on

Alwav.

C.

this subject Dr.

is

to

HAMMO.sDon.VctS

be referred to

si.30.

Stevenson's Sermon at

tlie

orUination of

Mr, Mosts

900

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

the judgment of particular societies,

circumstances

pART

IX.

upon a view of their own

"",

11. Schol.
christian church

1.

There were

many new

in the succeeding ages of the'

officers

introduced into

whose

it,

rery names were unknown in the most primitive times

such
were, for instance, patriurchs, exarchs^ archbishops or metro"
:

archdeacons, subdeacons, acolyths, (a kind of vergers

to the bishops) exorcists, calechisis, singdrs, doorkeepers, the
copiata orJossarii, who had the care of fimerals, the parabolanif

politans,

took care of the sick, the de/e?isores and oeconomi, a kind of

church-wardens, of which the first took care of land and houses,
the latter of money appropriated to charitable uses
to which
^^ho

we may

add the cellulaniy scandalous as their original was.

Concerning most of them see Lampe's Eccles. Hist. 1. ii. c. iv.
10. King's Constitut. 1. i. c. v. 2, 3. Bower's Hist, of Popes^
vol. ii. BiNGH. Antiquities, 1. iii. c. ii, iii, iv, vi, vii, viii, ix, xi^
also

xii.

12. 2. Of the manner in which the Hierarchy was formed

under Constant ine, during the pontificate of Sylvester, agreeable to the civil polity then established in the empire, and the
civil dioceses into which he divided the/our prefectures, see

Bower's

Hist, of the Popes, vol.

i.

p. 99

110

''.

13. De/. Those are said to maintain the divine right of

DIOCESAN EPISCOPACY, who assert, that Christ has appointed
an order of ministers in his church, superior to the pastors of
particular congregations,

who

are to exercise the highest acts

of jurisdiction, especially, ordination, excommunication, and

confirmation : these they suppose to be, properly speaking, the
successors of the apostles, in such a sense as no other ministers
are ; to whose authority therefore neighbouring churches wittv
their pastors are to submit themselves, in all matters

not apparently contrar}- to the

will of

God

which are

'^.

14. Schol. Those who hold every pastor to be so a bishop

or overseer of his own congregation, as that no other person
or body of men, have by divine institution a power to exercise any superior or pastoral office in it, may properly speaking be called, (so far at least) congregational : and it is by a
vulgar mistake, that any such are called Presbyterians ; for
the presbyterian discipline is exercised by synods and assemblies, subordinate to each other, and all of them subject to th^
authority of what is commonly called, a general assembly^.
k Neal'S

Hist, of

New Engl Append.

vii. S 2.

CO!

I.INS of Free-Think. p. 93.

UlscH/.M's .XmiiiUilica, I. ii. i.

No.

iv. c.

b Geddes's Tracts, vol. iv. Ess. 2d.

c BiSGIl. Oiig. I. ii, c. iii.
i>co;<*li Coii&;i>. JJijectoiT, c. xxxi.

(1

x.\ii~

Lect. cxcvi.

Of

Diocesan Episcopacy.

301

LECT. CXCVI.

0/ Diocesan

Episcopacy.

I Prop. JL O propose and consider the principal arguments

which are brought in defence of diocesan episcopacy y both from
the scriptures and the primitive fathers.
.

I. The arguments from scripture.

Some argue that tlie nature of the

2.
1.

office

which the
would

apostles bore was such, that the edification of the church

require they should have some successors in those ministrations

which are not common to gaspel ministers. It is answered,

was such, as to require extraordinary and

miraculous endowmen'^s for the discharge of manv parts of it,
it is impossible that they can have any successors in those services, who are not empowered for -the execution of them as
and it is maintained, that so far
the apostles themselves were

that as their office

and excommunication may be

performed without miraculous gifts, there is nothing in them
but what seems to suit the pastoral office in general, unless
further arguments can be brought to prove, that Christ has
limited them to some superior order of ministers.
Vid. Lect.
confirmation,

as ordination,

141. 2,

&c\

3. 2. It is pleaded, that Timothy and Titus were bishops

of Ephesus and Crete, whose business it was to exercise such
extraordinary acts of jurisdiction, as are now claimed for

diocesan bishops,
Tit.

i.

5, &c.

iii.

Tim.

10.

i.

'6.

pass. v. 19

iii.

22. 2

Tim.

ii.

2.

(not to mention the postscripts of these

which are evidently spurious.) To this it is answered,

Timothy and Titus had not a stated residence in these
churches, but only visited them for a time, 2 Tim. iv. 9
13.
Tit. iii. 12.
It also appears from other places, in which the
journeys of Timothy and Titus are mentioned, that they were
a kind of itinerant officers, called Evangelists^ who were assistepistles

that

ants to the apostles

for there

is

great reason to believe the

Timothy was written prior to those from Rome

in the time of Paul's imprisonment, as some think the second
was also. To which we may add, that it seems probable at
least, that they had very extraordinary gifts to furnish them

jirst epistle to

a BOTSE of Episc.

VOL,

V.

p. 27,

r p

BARReWi

Wgrks, vol

i,

p. 595.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

302

for their superior offices,

Tim.'w.

And though Timothy was

iv. 5.

14.

Eph.

ix.

2 Tivi.

iv. 11.

with Pauly when he took his

tl)e Elders of Ephesus, (Acts xx.) the apostle gives

not the least hint of any extraordinary power with vhich he
was invested, nor says one word to engage their obedience to
Jiim ; which is a very strong presumption, that no such relation
did subsist or was to take place
at least it is a certain proof,
that Paul did not think it was necessary to leave a bishop in
a place, when making his last visitation to it for that he at
least thought that this would be his last visitation at Ephesus,
is undeniably plain from Acts xx. 25,
38. Compare Rev.

leave of

ii.

4, 5

4. 3. Some have argued from tlie mention of angels, i. e.

as they understand it, of diocesan bishops, in the seven churches

of Asia, particularly the angel of Ephesus, though there were

viany ministers employed in it long before the date of that
epistle, Acts xx. 17, IS.
But it is certain, that for any thing
Mhich appears in our Lord's epistles to them, (Rtv. ii, &. iii.)
they might be no more than the pastors of single congregations,
with their proper assistants. Some have urged the use of the

word a,TTo;d>M, 2 Cor. viii. 23. (Greek) compared with Phil. ii.
-3, (Greek) but it so plainly refers to their being sent by some
churches upon a particular occasion, that it is strange any
stress should be laid upon it.
Compare 1 Kings xiv. 6.
Septuagint
^

5.

formed

^.

4.

It is

urged that some of the churches, which were

large cities during the lives of the apostles, and

in

especially that at Jerusalem, consisted of such vast numbers,

one place compare Ads

answered, 1. That the word juup;^^^? may only
signify great numbers, and may not lie intended to express
that there were several times ten thousand in an exact and
compare Luke xii. 1. (Greek). 2. That no s\ifliteral sense
ficient proof is brought from scripture, of there being such
numbers of people in any particular place as this supposes ;
for the mi/riads of believing Jews, spoken of in the preceding
text, as well as the numbers mentioned. Acts ii. 41. iv. 4.
might verv probably be those who were gathered together at
those great feasts from distant places, of which few might have
as could not possibly assemble at

xxi. 20.

It

is

their stated residence in that city:

a Wttsii Vita Timnlh. apud Melctemata.
WiliTBY's Pref. toTit. p;iSK.
Bl NS. Prop, of Cliiislijii. vi'I. ii. p. 167170.

ttWEN's

aciipi. Oicjin. c.

ii.

p.

3'j.

compare Actsvih.
Pearson's Op.

Postli.

Diss.

1.

3.

c. ix.

i.

p. 758 1.
Ilf.wE's Episcopacy, p. 15.
h UOWJi's Episcopacy, p. 45, &-c.

If

59.

Lect. cxcvr.
the

Of

number were

might be,

Diocesan Episcopacy.

so great

303

as the objection supposes,

there

any thing which appears in scripture, several

the same city, as there are among those who do not
for

bishops in

allow of diocesan episcopacy several co-ordinate pastors, overseers, or bishops

and though Eusebius does indeed pretend
:

to give us a catalogue of the bishops of Jerusalem ,

it is to be
remembered, how the Christians had been dispersed from thence
for a considerable time, at and after the Roman war, and removed into other parts, which must necessarily very mucli
increase the uncertainty, which Eusebius himself owns there
was, as to the succession of bishops in most of the ancient sees ^.

6. II.

The
1.

Arguments from

assertors of

antiquity.

Diocesan episcopacy plead,

That Clemens Romanus intimates this, when he reto the Corinthians the example of the Jewish churchy

commends

where the High-priest, ordinary priests and

and observed their respective offices. To this
that the high-priest

may

knew

Levites,
it

is

answered,

would

signify Christy else this parallel

rather imply, that the christian church must be subject to some

one visible head as the Jewish was, and then presbyters and
deacons may answer to priests and levites.
This interpretation
the more probable, as Clement never expressly mentions
presbyters and bishops as distinct, nor refers the contending
Corinthians to any one ecclesiastical head, as the centre of
unity, which he would probably have done, if there had beea
is

any diocesan bishop among them ; nay, he seems evidently to

speak of presbyters as exercising the episcopal office see the
:

39th section of his epistle

'.

7. 2. As for Iren^us, I meet with no passage produced

from him, to prove that bishops and presbyters were distinct.

The word

presiding presbyter is evidently used to signify the

highest officer in the Roman church, in a noble fragment preI. v. c. xxiv.
He does
p. 248.
indeed mention the succession of bishops from the apostles,
which is reconcilable with the supposition of their being parochial, nor altogether irreconcilable with the supposition of
joint pastors in those churches

served, EusEB. Eccles. Hist.

'=.

8.

witness.
a EusEB.

3.

Ignatius

It is

Eccles. Hist.

Grot, on Acts
Reeves's Apol.

is

much

allowed, that in
1. ii.

c.

xxxv.

xvi'i. 17.
vol. i. Pref. p.

1. iii.

insisted

upon

many places

BovsE of Episc. apuf] Op.

JENK. olChiistian. vol. ii.

c, iv. v.

21 34.

as a most express
he expressly distinvol.

ii.

p.

289299.

p. 49j.

b Howe's Episcopacy, p. 107 116.

c IREN. 1. iii. C. lii. p, i*32. Howfi, ibid.

Original Draught, p. 37, 38.

P p

p. 132,

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

304

IX.

guishes between bishops and presbyters and requires obedience

to bishops from the whole church, (presbyters not excepted)

but as he often supposes each of the

churches to which he wrote to meet in one place^ and represents
them as breaking one loaf, and snrrounduig one altar, and
charges the bishop to know all his flock by name, not excepting
even the servants of it, it is most evident that he must speak of
2i parochial and not a diocesan bisliop^.
in very strong terms

PoLYCARP exhorts

9. 4.

the Christians at Philippi to b^

subject to the presbyters and deacons ; lie urges the presbyters

to impartial judgment, &c. but says not one word of any
bishop as being then at Philippi, nor gives an-y directions about
chusing one so that it sh(nild seem this church, as well as that
at Corinthj was governed by joint presbyters or Copastors.
:

10.

5.

Justin

Martyr

certainly speaks of the /?rf^;V/^/,

whom we may

allow to have been distinguished from the presbyter, though Justin does not mentior) that distinction ; but be
represents this president as present at every administration of
the eucharist, which he also mentions as always making a part
of their public worship, so that the bishop here intended must
have only been the jiastor of one congregation.
II, 6. Tertui.lian speaks oi approved elders, as presiding in christian assemblies, and glories over the Marcionites,

that they could not produce a catalogue of their bishops in a

continued succession from the apostles, as the orthodox Christians could

but

diocesan, since

bishop

all

it

cannot be proved that he speaks of a

might be applied to a parochial

that he says

*'.

12. 7. Clemens Alexandrinus says, " that the order

of bishops, priests, aiul deacons is according to the rank and
dispensation of angels :" but as he mentions only angels and
archangels without descending into any more subordinations,
it is not easy certainly to determine how far he intended to
assert the power of the bishop over the presbyter ; much less

can it be inferred from hence, that the bishops of

speaks were an}' thing more than parochial.

whom

he

8. Origen speaks distinctly of bishops and presbybut unites them both as it seems under the common name
oi priests, saying nothing of the power of bishops as extending
beyond one congregation, and rather insinuates the contrary,

13.

ters,

when he speaks
to be

judged by
a

Howe,

of olfenders as brought before the whole church

it.
ibid, r-

122 I'J2.

Howe

ibid.

p.

136139.

Lect. cxcvi.

Of Diocesan

Episcopacy.

305

14. 9. The /Apostolic Constitutions do indeed very frequently distinguish between bishops and presbyters, and assert
the subjection of tlie latter to the former, as a matter of divine
institution: but not to insist upon the evidence there is, that
these Constitutions were at the earliest a forgery of the fourth
century, (Vid. Prop. 103. Scliol. 5.) there are many passages in
them, wliich shew that the bishops there spoken of could not
stand related to a great number of churches; for they expressly decree, " that the deacons give nothing to the poor without

the bishop's consent," and

"

that the bishops should see to

it,

same person did not receive charities twice in a week,

uidess the case were very urgent:" they also refer continually

that the

to the bishop's assembling with his people in acts of joint devo-

and the liturgies contained in these constitutions generally

suppose the bishop present, and assign him some peculiar office
in each service, and especially in the celebration of the Lord's
tion

supper.
15. 10. Cyprian does indeed speak of the bishop as
joining with and presiding over the bench of presbyters, in

giving judgment in cases in which the church was concerned:

but though he himself was a person of such distinguished sense,
and though we have so many large epistles, wherein he gives
directions about the manner in which the church under his care
was to be managed in his absence, as well as relates several occurrences in which he was concerned while he was at Carthage
3'et it is I'emarkable, that he gives no intimation of his having
had the charge of more than one congregation he speaks of two
readers whom he alternately employed, which were capable of
being heard by the whole church, and he expressly mentions his
people as joining with him in acts of communion and discipline,
not by representatives but \n their own person.
:

16. 11. It is allowed that in succeeding ages the difference

between bishops and ])resbyters carrie to be more and more

came under the care of the

Jerome does expressly speak of

magnified, and various churches

same bishop

nevertheless,

bishops and presbyters as of the same order ; and Gh.egory

Nazianzen speaks of the great and affected distinction made
between ministers in prerogative of place, and other tyrannical
privileges, (as he calls them) as a lamentable and destructive
things.

17. Cor.
9 King's

1.

The

distinction

iv.
Constit. of the Churcli, I. i. c. ii
Episc. c. ii. ap. op. vol. li. p. 205

BOVSE of
iijb.

I
I

between bishops and presOriginal Draught, c. ii.

Mil, ton'* Prose Works, p. 285
Memoirs ol Linlyn, No. 6.

394.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

'^06

IX.

bytcrs does not appear of earlier date than the time of Ignatius, 6, 7.
18. This distinction does not
institution, and Dr.

appear to have been of

Hammokd

divi?ie

in effect allows this, as

was observed, Led. 195. 8.

19. There was little or no conformity between primitive
episcopacy, even as it was in the. second and M^V^ centuries,
and that diocesan episcopacy, which is established in the church
of England, and in Popish countries.
20.

diocesan,

Those reformed churches abroad which have not

may

notwithstanding retain the (rue primitive epis-

copacy: nevertheless it is to be observed, that they have supertniendents, and some of a still superior order, nearly answering
to gur bishops and archbishops, but with this difference, that it
is not pretended their authority is of divine original, nor their
existence by any means essential to that of a church but they
are acknowledged to be akind of officers, set over the church by
the civil magistrate: and indeed the constitution of the church
of England is such, that its bishops are properly the King^s
officers, aiid it is not in the power of any number of them to
make another, without him='*.
;

21. The
to episcopacy,

main and most important controversy relating

that which concerns the extent of the bishop's

is

charge.
22.

To

assort in the general, that diocesan bishops

such a right to determine

all

have

indiflerent matters in the church,

that private Christians and ordinary ministers must in conscience

submit to their dictates, how contrary soever they may be to

their own relish and sentiments, and that none may preach who
are not authorized by tiicm, is building a vast superstructure
upon a very weak and precarious foundation.
23. The dissenting churches in this realm are to be justified in the liberty which they take, of forming themselves into

separate congregations, independent on the authority and jurisdiction of that diocese wiihm whose province they live } cspea

TowGOOD's

* T!)at body of protestant

A))pcnd. Xo

tlis.^onteis

his

LcUer to White.

who go under

the denoiiiiiiation of "

Ge-

neral baptists," have three distinct orders in thfir churches, answering to bishops,
priests

and deacons. They are scpaiately ordained. To the highest order they
name of " Mes.sengers ;" and (o the second that of " Elders," The tliird
that (.f " Deacons," in the sense of the word as used in the New Testament.

give the

order

is

See " Memoirs of the Life and Writin-s of Mr.

466.

K.

William Whision,"

part

iii.

p.

Lect. cxcvii.

Introductmi of Diocesan Episcopacy^ Kc.

307

when submitting to them must in effect be attended with

important additional circumstance, of owning them to be
instituted by Christ, as well as with a conformity to certain rites
and ceremonies, and forms of disci|>Hne, which in themst^lvcs
considered, separate from any supposed authorit}'' appointing
them, appear less expedient^ though they should not be urged

ciall}'

this

as absohitely unlawful^.

LECT. CXCVII.

Of

1.

the

Introduction of Diocesan

Episcopacy

Elders Uninterrupted

Schol.

1.

IIERE seems

JL

Succession.

reason for saying, (as in the last

corollary) that the established church of

owned

the diocesan bishops should be

Presidents-

England i\e,m-MM\s,

that

in effect as officers insti-

tuted by Christ: for though this be not asserted in the articles

of the church of England, yet in the book of ordination, (to
which as.sent must be declared, as well as to the common prayer)
it is expressly said, " that it is evident to all men diligently reading the holy scriptures, occ. that from the apostles' time there
has been this order in Christ's church, bishops, priests, and deacons, as several officers;" and it is sufficiently plain from the
whole system of ecclesiastical government, that bishops must
here signify diocesan bishops, and not merely pastors of a parti-

cular congregjation

2.

2.

*'.

easy to apprehend,

It is

how

episcopacy, as

in the primitive church, with those alterations

which

it

it

was

after-

wards received, might be gradually introduced. The apostles

seem to have taught chiefly in large cities ; they settled ministers there, who preaciiing in country villages or smaller towns
increased the number of converts: it would have been most
reasonable, that those new converts, which lay at a considerable
distance from the large towns, should, when they grew numerous, have formed themselves into distinct churches, under the
care of their proper pastors or bishops, independent on any of
their neighbours
but the reverence which would naturally be
paid to men who had conversed with the apostles, and perhaps
some desire of influence and dominion, from which the hearts of
very good men miglit not be entirely free, and which early be;

a Howe's

Episcopacy, p. 148.

b Calamy's Life ol Baxter,

vol.

i.

p. '222~22i.

LECTURE* ON DIVINITV.

308

PaRT

IX.

gun

to work, (3 Joknver. 9. 2 Thess. ii. 7.) might easily lay a

foundation for such a subordination in tlie ministers of new erected churches to those which were more ancient ; and much more
easilj'

might the superiority of a pastor

to his assistant presbyters

which we
own was early made, and probably soon carried to an excess.
And if there was that degeneracy in the cliurch, and defection

increase,

till it

at length

came

to th;it great difference,

from the purity and vigour of religion, which the learned

Vitringa supposes to have happened between the time of Nero
and Trajan^ it would be less surprising, that those evil principles, which occasioned episcopal and at length the Papal
usurpation, should before that time exert some considerable
influence^
3. 3. It might he very expedient, upon the principles of
christian prudence, that, where it can be accomphshed, every

pastor of a large congregation should still have assistant ministers; and some presidents di\non^ the pastors of different congregations, when they are meeting about an}' public business,
is

what common sense dictates

in

such circumstances

and

if

instead of a chairman chosen for that particular time and oc-

some person of experienced, approved fidelity and

should be appointed to exercise some stated over-sight
over a few of the neighbouring congregations, it might perhaps
be attended with such consequences, as would render such a sort
casion,

ability,

of discipline not only tolerable, but eligible. Something of this

kind was projected in arclibishop Usher^s plan for the reduction
of episcopacy, by which he would have moderated it in such a
manner, as to have brought it very near tue. presbyter ian government of the Scotch church ; the weekly parochial vestry answering to their church-session; the monthly synod, to be held by
the Chorepiscopi, answering to then presbyteries ; the diocesan
synod to then provincial, and the national to their general as-

The meeting of the dean and chapter, practised in the

church of England, is but a faint shadow of the second, the
ecclesiastical court of the thirds and the convocation of the
fourth
sembly.

''.

all

4. 4. It seems there was not a perfect uniformity among

the primitive churches in this respect the power of the
:

bishops seems to have prevailed early in

Rome,

that of the pres-

hytery at Alexandria, and at Carthage, such a discipline as

comes nearest
a Vjtrj>;a' Obsery.

to that

I.

which

iv. . rii. yiii.

is

now
I

called congregational.

Hist, of

Nonconf

p. 3:^:)344.

Lect. cxvii.
5. 5. It

Intrcduction of Diocesan Episcopacij,Kc.

seems

to

be solidly aro;ncd from

some

there were in the primitive church

Tim.

v. 17.

309
that

elders, wlio did not use

:
nothing very express is said concerninf^ them ; only
seems to be intimated James v. 14. that they prayed with the
sick.
It may be verv expedient,. even on the princii:!les of human prudence to appoint some of the more grave and honour-

to preach
it

able

members of the

sight of

society to join with the pastor in the over-

who may

it,

constitute a kind of council with him, to

deliberate of affairs in which the society

is concerned, and prepare them for being brought before tlie church for its decision,
to pray with the sick, to reconcile differences, &c. but there
does not seem any sufficient warrant for making them a kind of
judicatory^ to whose decisions the rest of the society is to submit ; and those rules relating to presbyteries, classes, provincials, and general assemblies, which are determined by the
constitution of the church o'i Scotland, vno%t evidently appear
to be at best merelv matters of human discretion, and to have
no express foundation in the word of God nor can we trace the
existence of such ruling elders higher than Constantine' s time ^.
;

6. 6. It is a very precarious and uncomfortable foundation for christian hope, wliich is laid in the doctrine of an U7iin-

terrupted succession of bishops, and which makes the validity

of the administration of christian ministers depend upon such a
succession since there is so great a darkness upon many periods
of ecclesiastical history, insomuch that it is not agreed, who
;

were the seveti first bishops of the church of Rome, though

that church were so celebrated
and Eusebius himself, from
whom the greatest patrons of this doctrine have made their
catalogues, expressly owns, that it is no easy matter to tell who
succeeded the apostles in the government of the churches, excepting such as may be collected from St. Paul's own words.
See EusEB. quoted Lect. 196. 5. Contested elections in almost all considerable cities make it very dubious which were
the true bishops, and decrees of councils, rendering all those
ordinations null, ^vhere any simoniacal contract was the founda,
tion of them, makes it impossible to prove, at least on the principles of the Romish church, that there is now upon earth
any one person, who is a legal successor of the apostles, and
;

renders hereditary right as precarious in ecclesiastical, as

certainly

is in civil

a Maurice's Social Re!. Dial.

Whitby on 1 'iiin. v. 17.

BiOND. de Jure Pkb.

Thorsd.

liide|)c!)(i.

VOL,

iii.

p.

v.

CHANDr.F.R's Serm. against Pop.p. 3437, ag.

Salt. Hall Led.
Def. of Nonconf. vol. i. p. 162.
Howe's Ei/istop. p. 174 IbJ.,

143 14S.

Cai.
97.
p. 13'.' 134.

c. iv. p. 9fi,

Life of Baxtf.r, vol.

Whig, No. vii. \,iii.

i.

it

''.

pass.

of Eel. Asseml).

b Cai.amVs

affairs

'|

Qq

310

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVimXY.

IX.

7. 7. Mr. Jones has undertaken to prove at large, that

the ordination of our English bishops cannot he traced up to the
church of Borne as its original ; that in the year 668, the suc-

Monk who came over A. D. 596, being

almost entirely extinct, by far the greatest part of the bishops
were of Scottish ordination by Aidan and Finan, who came out
of the Culdee monastery of Columbatius, and were no more
than presbyters ; though, when the princes of the northern
nations were converted by them, they made them bishops, i. e.
gave them authority over the clergy, and. took other bishops
from amongst their converts. So that denying the validity of
cessors of Justin the

Presbyterian ordination, shakes the foundation of the episcopal

church of England^.

LECT. CXCVIII.
Of

the

Sabbath-Day.

1 Prop. JLT is the duty of Christians to observe one day in

seven, and the^r.s^ of the week, as a day of religious rest, and
.

public worship,

2. Dem. 1. Natural religion requires, that there should

be certain seasons of solemn public -worship, universally agreed
upon among the members of the same society but it does not
determine how often they should occur, nor what proportion of
our time should be employed in them. Lect. 85. 17.
3. 2. Were there no intimation from the word of God
upon this head, it would nevertheless be decent to pay some
regard to the laws and usages of our country, so far at least as
to abstain from such public labours as they forbid, and to assemble at some place of public worship and {cat. par.) at
times so recommended rather than at other times
which will
afford one evident reason for the observation of the Jirst day of
;

the

week among us ^.

^ 4. 3. God appointed for the Jews the observation of a

weekly sabbath, Exod. xvi. 23. xx. 8
11. and the ?'f^^ there
appointed, is said to be in commemoration of God's having
rested the seventh day from his work of creation.

a JONES on the Heart,? 9 *.

Bede's Eccles. Hist. I. iii. c. iiiv. pras.p. 26b',&c

*See

'*

An Account of the Churches

the Bishop of St. Asaph,

b WRiGHTonlhe Sabbath, p. 165 1C!>.

in Gieat-Britain," in

answer

to

Jonks, by

Of the Sabbath-Day

Lect. cxcvrir.

Sll

5. 4. This may be considered by us as an intimation of

the proportion of time to be given by us to a religious rest, and
so much the rather, as the observation o^ one day in seven seems

have been appointed to. Adam in innocence. Gen.

it is unnatural to understand by way oi prolepsis.
pare Heb. iv. 3, 4 ^
to

ii.

Vv'hich

Com-

3.

6. Nor is it improbable, that this might lay a foundation

for dividing time into weeks, as so many of the ancient nations

Compare Gen.

did.

viii.

10, 12. xxix. 27.

10.

1.

rences to Grotius and Selden. Lect. 126. 2

See the refe-

7. 5. The peculiar place which this command had in the

Mosaic law, as being a part of the ten commandments delivered
by God's own voice from mount Sinai, and written as with his
own hand on tables of stone among moral precepts of the highest importance, may further recommend it to some distinguish-

ing regard.
8. 6. It seems expedient, that we in this country, and
other Christians, should observe one day in seven to the religious
purposes above mentioned ; and so much the rather, as our en-

gagements to the service of God are so great, and we are excused from those solemnities which the Jews observed at the feasts
of the passover, pentecost and tabernacles, besides other
sacred times.
9. 7. The apostles, who bore such eminent offices in the
church, and were the appointed interpreters of the will of Christ,
though they did observe the Jewish sabbath, resting, that
they might not give offence, as well as for the opportunity of
meeting and preaching to the Jfav attending in their synagogues, ActsxVu. 14, 15, 43, 44. xvi, 13. xviii. 4. did also observe

day as a day of religious worship, which, (waving John

XX. 19, 26. appears from Acts xx. 7. 1 Cor. xvi. 2. hence this
was called the Lord's day. Rev. i. 10. as it might very properly
be, since on this day Christ rose from the dead, and the Spirit
probably descended on the apostles. Dr. Whitby also contends
thejirst

argument from Ileb.

seems not convincing.

for that

but

it

^
agree

10. 8.

The most

3.

(Vid.

Whitby

WoTTON's

Misc. vol.

k Strai'chii Chronol.
Allix oq Script vol.

i.
1.

p.

191193.

li.c.

ii.

i. c. viii.

H3.
p.

in Loc.)

ancient writers in the christian church

in assuring us, that the observation of the first

vailed early and constantly in

a

iv.

3543.

it.

Ignatius

W^tts of

Ke.snico

Qq

day pre-

calls this the

Holy Times,

Sic. p.

it's Dissert, No.

ii.

queen

510.

Part

LECTURES ON PIVINITV,

;i2

ix.

of days : Melito wrote a book concerning it. Justin Martyr

and Tertullian, in their apologies^ speak very expressly of
not to mention
stated christian assembhes held on this day
Clemens Alexandrinus, and many more and Pliny likewise speaks of it as the sacred day of the Christians, a very few
years after the death of St, John. Now we can hardly imagine
that such an observation slioiiid so early and so universally have
prevailed, (for we find not tliat it was ever disputed) had not
;

the apostles directed to

it '.

New

Testament
11, 9. There is no command in the
Christians are obliged to observe the seventh day, but

whereby

on the contrary, the apostle plainly intimates that

lished,

Col.

There

10.

12.

sabbath

now

abo-

is

it

16.

ii.

is

reason to believe,

to be observed

Compare

day but the^r^^

by Christians,

3.

weekly

that the

is

not the seventh

Valet propositio

*.

LECT. CXCIX.
Of the

Patriarchal and Jcu'ish Sabbath.

x\gAINST

the fourth step of the preceding

1. Schol. 1.
demonstration it is pleaded, that we do not find that the sabbatb
was observed by the patriarchs ; and some have thought that
"when it is mentioned, Exod. xvi. 23. it is intimated that it was
27.
before unknown by the Jsraelitish nation, ibid. ver. 25
It is answered, (1.) That the texts quoted above will not prove
that the Israelites knew nothing of the sabbath, but on the

contrary

the}- rather

Bcem

to refer to

it

known.

as a thing

2. (2.) That if the Israelites in Egypt had neglected

sabbath, as it is probable (through the oppression of their
enemies) they were forced to do, yet the patriarchs might
tlie

have observed it, though that circumstance in their lives be not

mentioned ; and the Israelites might remember it, and esteem
J r.AXT. Works, vol. iii.
Wkight on tlie Sabb.

Waits

ibid. p. 7.i

p.

145

b >l0RER on ihe Sabb. Dial,

Dial.

ii.

150.

i,

RICH r on the Sabb.

Sri;ALCUII Chron. 1.

\\

p. ii) 54, 56.

p. lOii, ^M^, '206.

4.

Barcl. Apol. Pro]), xi. }

BvRH. on the Art. vii. p.

* There

Barrow's Works, vol.

768775.

p.

76.

lOJ, 104.

IlAi

i.F.r

on

i.

509.
p. .^04
i 4. 5. p. 24

35.

c. i.

c.

ii.

Script, vol.

ii.

iii.

II.

Diss.

ii.

Dr. Owen on the Sabb. passim.

Sh EPAiiD's Theses Sabbaticae, part

p. lt>6-

ii.

are <?ome fw Christians, chiefly of the Antipa2dobaptist persuasion,

who contend

for the

this doctrine

was published by Mr,

obligation of observing the seventh day,

CoRNTHW^n e,

i 1740.

A
K,

tract in supjiort of

Lect. cxcix.

Of the Patriarchal and Jewish

Sabbath.

rj 1

it a circumstance peculiarly grievous in their oppression, that

they Avere forced to work on a sacred day, a consideration
which would tend to perpetuate its remembrance, if it were
ever known.

3. (3.) The observation of the sabbath is said by some

to have been one of the seven precepts of Noah ; though the

authority of those from whom the account of these seven, precepts is derived, must be acknowledged so dubious, that no
great stress can be laid upon them, especially as some do not

reckon the sabbath among those precepts

^.

The

sabbath might be observed as a day of some

(4.)

extraordinary f/d^w^wn, though not as a day of such strict rest

as was afterwards enjoined to the Jexvs.
4.

5. (5 ) Supposing the silence of Moses, in the very short

account he gives us of the ancient patriarchs, to be ever so
entire upon this head, no certain argument can be drawn from
thence
for upon this principle we might argue, that the
patriarchs had no stated time for the worship oj God, which is
very incredible ; and also that the Jexvs did not observe the
sabbath from Moses to David, since in the history of all that
time, there is no mention of that day as in the fifteen hundred
years between the birth of Seth and the deluge no mention is
made of sacrifices, and yet we have reason to believe they were
;

practised in that period.

6. (6.) If it should be granted, that the observation of
the sabbath was disused among the antediluvian patriarchs, it

cannot be argued from thence, that it was not instituted at

the creation ; the heads of the Abrahamic family were so re-

markable for

their devotion, that the strict observation of the

sabbath in their days might be the less necessary *.
''

7. 2. Against the argument drawn from xhe. fourth comLect. 198. 7. some have argued, that the pronouncing those words from mount Sinai wath an audible voice

mandment,

was no proof of

and universal obligation,

have intended to have spoke the whole law
in that manner, had not the terror of the people prevented,
Exod. XX. 18, &:c. Deut. v. 23 28. But it is answered.
since

God seems

their extraordinary

to

a SEi,n. de Jure, 1. i. c. x. p. 116.

Owen on Heb. iv. 2. Exer. ii. i 9, 10, 1316.
MOREP.'s Dial. ii. p. 10'.', 103, 14S Ijd, 162

1>

167,

206208.

Patriarchal Sabbath, pass.

s Hist, of the Sabb. part
WOTTON's Misc. vol.i. No. iv.

Heymn

Watts on Holy Times, &c.

p.

i.

c.

i. ii. iii,-

1016.

* See Fleming on the fourUi commandment, and the same author's " Plaiw
Account of the Lord's Dav," K.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

31

IX.-

^8. (1.) That God's beginning with those precepts was

some intimation of their importance, especially as he well
knew the fears of the people would prevent his going on to
utter more in this audible manner
and indeed Deut. xi. 22.
intimates a pause immediately after the uttering those words
otherwise there would have l)een no decent room for the people
;

to have spoke as they did.

9. (2.) His engraving those ten commandments on tables

of stone in a miraculous manner^ and ordering them to be laid
up in the ark, is a plain intimation of their peculiar weight,
and a singular distinction worthy our regard. 3. The con-

nection in which this precept stands with others, which all

allow to be of the highest moment and universal obligation, is to
be considered as an argument that it is not merely ceremonial =,
10. 3. Nevertheless we allow, that the observation of the
sabbath is not to be urged as of universal obligation, merely
because it is to be found in the Jewish decalogue, and that its
place there only obliged the Jews since in the preface to those
ten commandments, their deliverance from Egypt is urged as
;

a reason for observing them, and the fifth commandment is

enforced by promises peculiar to the Jews : not to insist on the
addition, Deut. v. 15. which

the words of Moses, not of

commandment,

is

probably to be considered as

God, and a comment on the fourth

rather than a part of

it''.

11. Mr. Joseph Mede conjectures, that the day of the

Jewish sabbath was changed in the wilderness ; which he endeavours to prove, by shewing that they travelled on the
seventh day before the first of those sabbaths which we find
they observed compare Exod. xvi. 1, 22 26. and some have
taken occasion from hence to assert, that the patriarchal sabbath was different from the Jewish, supposing Monday to be
the day on which God begun the creation ; which, if it were,

is now the
answered, (1.) That the
sixth day spoken of in the forecited text is not the sixth from
the fifteenth of the month, but from the day on which the

the patriarchal sabbath will be the same with what

christian*.

But

to this

argument

it is

which might be the^ri"^ in the week;

might signify the sixth of the week, whenever the manna begun to fall and, (2.) That allowing it were
(as Mede supposes) the sixth from their journey on the fifteenth,

Manna begun

to fall,

or in general that

it

a Hallet on

Script, vol. i. p.
161 174.

ibid. p.

t>

152 IfiO.

Baxt. Works,

vol.

iii.

p.

778 781.

See Dr. CH.'v.vDLEa's two Disconjocs on

tlie

Institution of the Sabbath.

C.

Lect. cxcix.

Of the Patriarchal and Jewish

315

Sabbath.

will not prove a change in the sabbath; but only that before
the giving the law on mount Sinai^ a greater liberty of travelling
on necessary occasions was allowed on the sabbath not here to

it

on the possibility there is, that the jourr^ey they took on

the fifteenth day of the month might be only the beginning of
their march from Elim to Sinai, and perhaps no more than
would after the giving of the law have been allowed nor to
urge, that upon the signal given by the cloud, they might have
marched on any future sabbath ; as by special command sacrifice

insist

Was

offered in places not generally allowed

by the law\

12. 4. That the sabbath is an institution peculiar to the

Jews, some have argued from Deut. v. 15. Exod. xxxi. 13
17.
Ezek. XX. 20. Neh. ix. 13, 14. Dr. Wright has endeavoured
to prove from Luke xiii. ult. that it was also intended to oblige
Christians ; but he seems to forget that the persons spoken of

there were then Jews'".

3. 5. The rigour of the Jewish sabbath is by no means
be brought into the christian constitution, since there is such
a silence in the New Testament upon that head''.
1

to

14. 6. Some have insisted on an observation both of the

seventh znA the first day; as imagining that the fourth commandment, in its most literal sense designing the particular

time as well as the proportion, is obligatory upon all Christians.

But it has been answered, that in arguing thus they are but little
consistent with themselves ; since that commandment requires
six days of labour, as well as one of rest.
Compare 10, 11.

and Lect. 198. 11

'^.

15. 7. It signifies little at

one day be

if

allotted to

it.

what hour the sabbath is begun,

from Jerome, that some

It is plain

ancient Christians, (as some foreign protestants

ed

now

do) return-

employments and diversions on the evening

of the Lord's day ; but then thev began their sabbath on the
Saturday evening : and we are the less to wonder if the primitive Christians took some liberty this way, since they had public
worship three days in the week besides, viz. Tuesday, Thursday
and Saturday ^.
to their secular

16, 8. As it is impossible certainly to determine which is

the seventh day from the creation, and as (in consequence of the

spherical form of the earth, and the absurdity of the

a

Mede

on EzeU. xx. 20.

p.

55.i7.

Sal)l). p. S3
S5. apud
WOTl'ON's Misc. vol. i. p. 21 1, 212.
HALr.ETon Script, vol iii. p. 105 lOS.
L'ENFANT's Iritrod. to the New Test. p. 152

Patriarch.

Jo9.

Jrenchp. r^S 1J4.

b
c

Wright on the Sabb. p.

Watts ibid, p 2024.

d Baxt. Works, vol. iii.

e Wright on the Sabb.

Mcrek's

Dial.

li.

King's Enquiry,

p.

scheme

29. Ed, 2.

p. 803, 8O4.
13.
p. 10

233

238.

Lii.c.vii. i

U.c.

viii. J

2.

316

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

which supposes

IX.

one great plain) the change of place will nesome alteration in the time of the beginning
and ending of any day in question, it being always at the same
time, some where or other, sun-rising and sun-setting, noon and
midnight ; it seems very unreasonable to lay such a stress upon
the particular day, as some do, or to require any stronger arguments t!ian those assigned above, Zxct. 193. 9
11. for the
change of it from the seventh to the first : it seems abundantly
sufficient, that there be six days of labour, and one of religious
rest, which there will be upon the christian as well as the Jewish
it

cessarily occasion

schemed
17. 9. One reason, why the abolition of the sevaith and observation of the^'r^^ day is no more plainly declared in tlie New
Testament, might be out of regard to the Jewish Christians,

who could not without great difficulty and inconvenience have

come immediately into a total change, or. strictly have observed
both; and this may answer the argument from Matt. xxiv. 20'',

LECT. CC.

0/

Christian Baptism,

1. T)ef. JL HOSE rites of the christian institution, which

were intended to be solemn tokens of our accepting the gospel
covenant, peculiar to those who did so accept it, and to be considered by them as tokens of the divine acceptance, on that supposition may properly be called seals of the covenant.
2. Prop.
tlie

The law

of Christ requires that all who believe

i. e. should be separated from un-

gospel should be baptized i

and joined to the visible christian church, by being

solemnly washed with water ; which washing is on the one hand,
to signify their faith in Christ and resolution of holy obedience,
and on the other, to confirm their faith in the gospel-promises of
pardon, sanctification and eternal life.
believers,

N. B. The proposition is to be understood only as speaking of persons as yet unbaptized; and and it will afterwards he
enquired, whether it extends to those to M'hom this rite in its
main parts at least has been already administered, whether in
infancy or upon a false pretence of faith at riper years.
a

Watts ibkl. p. 4938.

Waij is on the Sabb. p. 7P85,
rAHRjj:. UibUulh. Qixc. vol.

ii.p.

b
(J09 GlO.

WniGHT ibid. ? 2.
Waits ibid. p. .iH 62, & 6571.
llAliTMuNUin

iuc.

Lect.

Of Christian

cc.

Baptism.

317

3. Dem. 1. Our Lord expressly appointed that believers

should in a solemn manner be washed with water, Matt, xxviii.
19. Mark \v'\. 16. to which there may also be some allusion,

John

5. this is further

iii.

confirmed by Actsn. 41.

viii.

12, 37.

xxii. 16.

4. 2. That this is to express faith in Christ in those who

are baptized, and solemnly to declare their resolution of openly
professing his religion and cultivating real and universal holiness,
(their obligation to

which

is

hereby confirmed) appears from

Rovi. vi. 3, 4. 1 Pet. iii. 21. Eph. v, 2G. and Tit. iii. 5. has generally been added to this catalogue, as referring to baptism,

but of that more hereafter.

5. 3. That God did hereby give to believers a token of
the forgiveness of their sins, according to the terms of the gospel

covenant, does also appear from Actsn. 38. xxii. 16. Tit.

iii.

47.
6. 4. It appears that Christ instituted such an ordinance
as baptism, for the purposes mentioned in the proposition, to

who should

those

believe his gospel.

7. 5. There is no reason to apprehend, that this was peculiar to the apostolic age; since the reasons on which it is

common to all ages ; and our Lord seems to intimate

perpetual continuance in the church. Matt, xxviii. 20^.

founded are
its

Valet propositio.
8. Cor. 1. It is evidently a prostitution of the ordinance
of baptism, to administer it to any adult person, who does not

make a

credible profession of his faith in Christ and subjection

To the gospel.
9. 2. It is the duty of those by whom baptism is to be
administered, to make diligent in(juiry into the character of those
whom they admit to it; whether they have a competent knov/-

ledge of the gospel, and give reason to believe they will behave
in a manner becoming members of the christian church.
10.

3.

It is fit that

by the teachers and

baptism should be administered only

ministers of the church, where their assistance

it appears that these were the perwas administered in the New Testament, but
because (cat. par.) they must be most capable of judging who

can be had

are the

not only because

whom

sons by

fit

it

subjects of

Inf. Church Memb.

Eakci. Apol. Prop. xii.

a Eaxt.

VOL.

V.

p.

it.

Vid. Cor.

3413*3.

Ben-Y-street Lect. vol. ii.p.

|
I

2.

J9320.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

318

IX.

11. 4. There is a sense in ^vhich haptism may be called a

seal of the covenant of grace ; for though the benefits of the co-

venant arc secured to every believer by the death of Christ,

which was the great foundation of it, yet baptism plainl}' appears by the proposition to answer to defmition 94, which is the
sense in which circumcision is called the seal of the righteousness
offaith by the apostle, Ixom. iv. J 1. and GoiVs covenant in the
Jiesh, Gen.-s.\n. 13

12.

5.

Baptism

is

initiation into Christ's

not to be repeated, since

church

and though

it

a right of

it is

will afterwards

appear, that vicious members are to be cast out, yet there is no

liint in scripture, that when re-adniitted they are to be baptized
Nevtutheless, consistent with
again compare 2 Cor. ii. 6
8.

this,

those persons might be baptized in the

who had

the Messiah already come,

John and

his disciples into the

6.

3.

Though

it

of Jesus, as

by

general expectation of a Messiah

Compare Acts

shortly to be revealed.

name

before been baptized

xix.

5*'.

be allowed not essential to baptism, that

the names of Father, Son, and Hoi}' Ghost should be expressly

pronounced, since sometimes mention is only made of baptizing
into the

Matt,

of Christ, as above; yet considering how express

19. is, it seems highly expedient these names

name

xxviii.

should generally be used; and the forecited text Ads six. 2, 3.

seems plainly to prove, that the name of the Spirit was gene-

mentioned in christian baptism and it

seems essential to the ordinance, that every adult person receiving it should be instructed in the distinct characters of each of
these sacred persons in the work of our redemption, and should
solemnly profess a correspondent regard to each <.
rally at least expressly

The naming

14. 7.

any part of

the h!L\^t]zed person

and when

by no means

is

to be considered as an address to the person, calling him by his name,

though it is
rather than as the manner of giving a name to him
very probable, the custom of naming a child at baptism might
arise from the practice of the Jews at their circumcision , Luke
this institution,

it is

used,

is

i.

5963.

a Baxt. and

ii.

21.

Bedford's Letter, ap.

Bens. Pmp. christian,

BaXT. of

Church Mem. p. :i4.7Jliti.

h Bi'nN. on the Art. ixvii. p. T.S. 27C.

Wail of

Inf.

Limb. Thcoi.

Bapi.j
1.

an

ii.

1 00s on taptism.
c WiTSII (Kcon. Feed. 1.
Tlil.oTs. Works, vol.

c. v. } 5,ti,

v. t. I'.Lx.j 0,8, ll.

Hookek's Ecdss.

vel.

ii.

p. 1.V2, 14.^.

iv. c. Xvi. ? 16.

i.

roJity.

Serm.
I.

Ixx. p, S\i.

v, J58,h"l

Lect.

Of the

cci.

Continuance of Baptism,

319

y^c.

LECT. CCI.

Of

Continuance of Baptism How far Necessary Not

Regeneration.

the

1. Schol. ]. JL HE Quakers assert, that water baptism Avas

never intended to continue in the church of Christ, any longer
than while Jewish prejudices made such an external ceremony
necessary ; which they argue from that passage, in Avhich one
baptism is spoken of as necessary to Christians, Eph. iv, 5.
which say they must be a baptism of the Spirit. But from
comparing the texts mentioned above, it will plainly appear,
tliat water-baptism was instituted by Christ in more general
terms than will agree with this explication. That it was administered to all the Gentile converts, and not confined to the
Jews, appears from Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. compare Acts x. 47.
that the baptism of the Spirit did not supersede water-baptism,
appears to have been the judgment of Peter, and those that
were with him: so that the one baptism spoken of seems to be
that of water, the communication of the Holy Spirit being only
As for any objection which
called baptism in a figurative sense.
could be drawn from 1 Cor. i. 17. it is sufficiently answered by
the preceding verses, and all the many texts, in which, (in
epistles written long after this) the apostle speaks of all Christians as baptized ; and argues from the obligation of baptism,
in such a manner as we can never imagine he Avould have done,
had he apprehended it was the will of God it should be disconCompare Rom. vi. 3, &c. Col. ii. 1 2.
tinued in the church.
Gal.

iii.

27

^.

Mr. Emlyn, and several of the Socinians have

maintained, that baptism was and is only to be used by those

who are converted to Christianity from a different profession,
.the pollutions of which are considered as washed away by it:
and they assert, that though the children of such converts were
2.

2.

to be baptized with their parents,

after they

were

all

from them
church were to be

that descended

initiated into the christian

considered as baptized in them ; and the practice of proselyte

baptism among the Jews is urged, as what must direct the
apostles to such an interpretation of the words of Christ, Mait.
xxviii.

\[).

It is

answered,

3. (I.) Tijat the antiquity of this practice of proselyte

baptism among the Jews is a matter of considerable debate yet
:

a Eesse's Def. of Quak. ? 15.

GALE'.sSerni. vu!. ii. No. viii.

Letteis

on

Rr

between Bp.

Kaplisin.

CLAYTON

and W. PE>->i

S20

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

IX*

upon the w hole, there

is so much probability on the side of the

from the tenor and genius of the Mosaic law, as well as from
some incontcstible passages in very early Jewish writers, that
tliis answer is Jiardly to be supported.
4. (2.) That supposing it to be oldc'r than our Saviour's
time, the apostles might not know all the rules relating to it,
any more than common mechanics amongst us know the laws of

fact,

the naturalization of foreigners

afflicted state of the

Jews

especially

at that time,

considering the

which was such, as would

nut be likely to invite strangers to incorporate with them ; so

that perhaps instances of this seldom occurred ; and the many

washings among the

proselytes

less

Jexi's

might make

taken notice of

this rite as

especially as

it

applied to

might seem so

very inconsiderable, when compared with the circumcision of

nudes, which also necessarily attended their proselytism. What
the Babbles say of the extraordinary solemnity witii which this
rite was to be administered, is far from being authentic evidence.
5. (3.) It is probable some of the rules of proselyte baptism did not prevail

which supposed that

It

may

among them
all

so early, particularly that

natural relations were cancelled

therefore be difficult certainly to determine,

by

it.

what was

exactly the custom in this respect ; and if we Avere to allow it

to be such as the Rahbies in after ages describe it, then it can
never be imagmed that our Lord would direct his apostles in
respects to conform themselves to it ; and if not in all^ Avho
can say exactly in how many ?
6. (4.) Though it is acknowledged, that we do not meet
"ivith any instance in the earliest primitive antiquity, in which
the baptism of any child of christian parents, whether infant or
adult, is expressly mentioned ; yet it is certain, that Christians
in general have always been spoken of, by the most ancient
fathers, as baptized persons ; and the apostles, when writing to
christian churches planted many years before the date of their
respective epistles, argue with the members of them from the
obligation which their baptism brought upon them, in such a
manner as would lead us to conclude, that they were baptized
in their own persons: and it is also certain, that as far as our
ktjowledge of primitive antiquity reaches, no unbaptized person
received the Lord's supper which yet Avas an ordinance, none
Dr. Benwill deny that the descendents of Christians received.
son adds, that on this supposition genealogies would be of great
all

importance in rtligion, contrary to what St. Paul intimates ;

can we reasonably think, God would put our right to christian communion upon a f.ict, the evidence of which might some'

Jior

Lect.

times be so
cestor

Continuance of Baptism^

Of the

ccr.

obscure, as the baptism

of

321

S(c.

some remote an-

'.

7. 3. Mr. Joseph Mede supposes, not without some considerable appearance of reason, that baptism has a reference to

washing a new-born infant from the pollution of the birth.

Compare 1 Pet. iii. 21. 7 2V. iii. 5. compare Ezek. xvi. 4, 5
8. 4. As to the necessity of baptism, some seem to have
laid too great a stress upon it, as if it were absolutely necessary
in order to salvation, gromiding their argument chiefly on John
''.

5.

iii.

Mark

xvi. 16. nevertheless

it

will

be readily allowed, that

from baptism, when he knows it is an institution of Christ, and that it is the \vil\ of Christ that he should

for

any

to abstain

subject himself to

such an act of disobedience to

with true faith

it, is

rity, as is inconsistent

his

autho-

*'.

9. 5. Some have supposed, that God has connected with

the administration of baptism some certain degree of the effusion of his Spirit, Avhich the person baptized {c^t par.) would

not otherwise have received, and which always remains with

till forfeited by some act of wilful sin
but
the proof from scripture seems very deficient on this head.

the^baptized persons,

The

effu.sion of the Spirit on the baptized seems chiefly, if not

only to refer to some miraculous gift conferred upon them,
not always attended with saving grace and all that we can
reasonably promise ourseh-es from such an institution is, that on
complying with this, as with any other evangelical precept, we
:

may more chearfully ex ect the blessing and presence of God

with us in our christian course nevertheless, God does not seenii
to have bound himself to this or any other ordinance whatsoever,
iu such a manner that extraordinary immediate influences should
necessarily and inseparably be connected with it
;

''.

10.
.so

6.

Mr.

DoDwELL

carried the notion mentioned above

far as to suppose, that there goes along with the administra-

tion of baptism, if the person administering it be duly ordained,

a certain immortalizing Spirit ; whereas persons dying unbapand though Mr. Hallet does not intized are not immortal
sert it in express terms, he seems to intimate something very
like it, when he expressly says, ' that circumcision w^as that
which gave the infant a right to immortality and eternal life,
:

a Emlyk's Previous

c Wai,(, on Inf.

Q.ueslion.

Hooker's

Gale's Serni. vol.ii. No. ix.

Br.NsONon 'Jl'im. p. 134 136.

WHIST. Life, vol.

CORNtSH on B:l]it.

i.

CAI.V. Inst

1.

iv.c.

CORN'ISH,

p. bi.

d Cr.ARK's
63,64.

part

Xw.'i

on Gen. xvii

p. 367, 'iOS.

Jennings's Jewish Antiq. vol. i.p. 133.

b Mbpe's UiaiiibeonTit. iii. 5. apudOp. p.

B.ipt.

c. vi.

ii.

F.ccles. Polity,

1.

v.

59, 60.

-i'i.

14.

ibid. p. HI).

Es=.

on Bjpt.

p.

BENNKT'sCliiislian Oral.

11 IS.
vol.

i.

p,

326339,

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

322

ix.

and that baptism in this very respect comes in tlie room of circumcision 3'et that no infants are miserable in a future state =".'*
;

11.7. Upon the

principles of the third and fifth Schol.

maintained, that baptism is the christian
urging for that purpose yo/i/z iii. 5. Tit. \\\. 5.

many have

above,

regeneratmi
and the use of the ^vord
',

is

certain

it

it

but we answer,

That if by regeneration, we are

makes a man a child of God, and an

12. (I.)
that which

where

in primitive christian authors,

has that sense

to understand

heir of eternal
according to the promises of scripture, is is certain from
the whole tenor of scripture, fVid. Prop. 137 ^ 145.) that bapand it is plain in fact,
tisn) alone is not sufficient for this purpose
that persons may be baptized, while they continue unrenewed
life,

and

liable to divine

can signify,

condemnation.

That the utmost, which the

13. 2.

is,

forecited text in

that a person in order to being a regular

John

member

of the christian church must be baptized, having received the

and if \if\pv vuyjyfsvta-nx.? in
purifying influences of the Spirit
Titus, he rendered of the laver of regeneration, d^wdi explained of
baptism, it can only signify the laver in which the regenerate
and it would be as absurd to say. Christians
are to be washed
:

are regenerated by that, as it would be to say. Christians are

generated or born in the water, with which the pollution of the

womb is

washed away.

14.

persons

is

holiness

is

(3.) That on this principle, regeneration in adult

a necessary prep^iratory to baj)tism, as it is certain
bv the argument in the proposition and therefore must

be somexh'mg different from

(4.)

That

it.

nevertheless, as in the earliest days of the pri-

mitive cimrch, persons being brought to embrace Christianity

were immediately baptized, the time of their baptism and that
of their conversion being spoken of as one, and as the time when

they wore as it were born into a new world, and joined to the femily of God's children, it is no wonder that the action,hy which
they testified x\\:i.\.ch2iUgQ so lately made, should sometimesbe put
that change itself: and thus illuminati also signifies the
same with ba})tized persons not that they were illuminated by
baptism, but because they were generally baptized as soon as
and it is plain
enlightened with the knowledge of Christianity
that the word zcx.'kiyUvKTM is often put for any great change ".

for

a DODW. Script. Ace. of Rewards, 24,^"MAI.LETun Srript. vol. iii. p. 2i)!) j1 5j 333.
1

SuicF.n"s Thesaur. in verb. ^'aXiy'sv.

illumiiint.

Cici^iio ud AUiiuin,

1.

vi.

Let. vi.

iSc

WATERl.ANDon

Repcn.

p.iss.

XJor.n. on Rc-gen. Scrm, i. p.

script to ilie Pref. Kil. '.'.

BEKiiKvohHegfn.
1Ji;EK;,i Lcn Rt-gta.

'.'9,

30,

&

Post-

Of the Mode of Baptism,

Lect. ecu.

323

LECT. ecu.

Of

Mode of Baptism.

the

enquire whether the immersion of the wliole

^ I. Prop. JL
bod}^ be an essential circumstance in baptism, or whether it

may

be administered by sprinkling or pourinp^ on water.

2. Sol.

word

In favour of

1.

bemg

$a.rrli^u},

immersion

derived from

pleaded, that the

properly signifies to

it is

/97r7w,

plunge : on the other hand it is urged, that in this diminutive

and derivative form, it may signify any method of washingy
and is sometimes used in scripture for washing things which were
not dipped in water, but on which it was poured compare
Luke xi. 38. Mark vii, 4. and those scriptures in which the pouring out of the Spirit is called baptism
Acts i. 5, 8. xi. 15, \e,
5C sim. to which some add i Cor. x. 2. and observe that ^ccttIu is
:

never used for baptism

It

3. 2.

*.

pleaded, that plunging alone represents our

in baptism, and consequently that this

is

being buried with Christ

ceremony
Ans.
to that

is

essential

compare

7/owi. vi. 4. CoZ,

ii.

12.

allowed that there is in this passage an allusion

of baptism, which then generally prevailed but in

It is

mode

no declaration that it
was chiefly designed to represent this and persons were baptized, before it was generall3- known that Christ should die and
arise from the dead.
Our being cleansed from sin seems the
thing primarily intended
which may well be represented by
pouring on water
and as this more naturally represents the
pouring out of the Spirit^ the sprinkling us with it^ and tlie
sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, it may answer as valuable purposes as that mode, which more expressly represents a death and
the institution of that ordinance, there

is

a resurrection.

The most

considerable argument in favour of imwas practised in the prnnitive ages. Several

texts in the New Testament plainly declare this, Matt. iii. 6, 16.
John iii. 23. Acts viii. 36 39. and it appears by the Fathers,
that this was at least generally retained, till c/i'nzc.baptism, i. e.
4. 3.

mersion

is,

that

it

a baptism of the sick in their beds took place.

To this it has
been answered, M^aving Mr. Maurice's a;id Mr. Hebden's
a Dr. Dan. Scott on Mitt. Txviii,

I?,

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

324

PaRT

IX.

attempt to prove, that baptism by immersion was never cerused in anyone instance.

tainl}-

That though immersion might generally be used,

some cases in which it is dubious, whether the person

5. (I.)

there are

were plunged or sprinkled such great raumbers were converted and baptized at the day oi pentecost, tliat some think it would
have been almost impossible to have plunged them all nor can
it be supposed, that being many of
them strangers, and far
from their own habitations, they had that ciiange of raiment
with them, wliich decency, conveniency, and safety would have
required on that supposition. The Jailor and his family were
baptized in the night compare Acts xvi. 33. x. 47.
:

6. (2.) As some circumstances attending the institution

of the passover, not being essential, were afterwards varied,
xo(l. xii. 11. and as some who insist on immersion, allow a
change in some circumstances as to the administration of the
eucharist, both as to time and gesture, and the form of the ele-

ments, we may on the same principles allow of some variation

here from what was generally practised at first, especially as
tlie coldness of the climate, and the general disuse of bathing
among us seems to require if.
7. Cor. 1. It M'ill appear from hence, that they who
practice baptism' by immersion, are by no means to be con-

demned on that account ; since on the whole that mode of

baptism is evidently favoured by scripture examples, though not
required by express precept.
S.

what

2.

Nevertheless, considering

how

little stress is laid

on

merely ceremonial and circumstantial in the christian

dispensation, considering how effectually the main ends of the
ordinance may be secured without immersion, and how weak
some of the arguments for its universal obligation are, those
who approve and practise it ought at least to be candid towards
those who differ from them ; and act without sufficient warrant,
if tiiey separate from such acts of communion with them, as
they might otherwise esteem proper expressions of mutual love,
is

and of their common hope

9. Schol. In

in the gospel.

answer to the argument hinted at above, from

it has been urged, that, till
within

the coldness of our climate,

a Wirsil CEcon. FtI.

Wai

L of

Gale

Inf. B.ipt

j^irisi

iv. c. xvi. i 13, 14.

!.

partii. c. ix.

Wai. I.,

i.ctt. iii. iv. V.

WAM.'agaiiisI (rAi.K, p. Wi
auEREf. Loc. xix. Quxit. xi.

* See Mr,

Ml.
i

I'i.

Tow good's

I
1

Eerry-5treet Lect. vol.

ii.

p.

Shaw's Tiav. Prof. p. 4.

GuYsE's Par. on ilie New
KooT's Lett. onBapl.

TOWGOOD

patnplilet on the

on the Mode of

Mode

205207.

Test. vol.

i.

P.apt.

of Baptism.

C.

p. 12*.

Lect.

325

Of Infant Baptism.

cciir.

these few centuries, baptism by immersion was the general

and
it is to this day in Russia
where any particular case required such a precaution, warm
water might be used instead of cold *.

practice here in England, as

LECT.
Of Infant

CCIII.

Baptism.

Prop. JL O give a brief view of the chief arguments for

1
and against infant baptism, i. e. applying that external rite

described Pro/7.
receiving

2.

152. to infants, so far as they are capable of

it.

Sect.

I.

The arguments /or

it

are chiefly these

Arg. I. The precepts of Christ concerning baptism were

be explained, by the custom prevailing among the Jews in
now, as when proselytes came over to the Jewish
liis time
religion, the children were baptized with the parents, the
apostles would naturally conclude, that children were included
to

in the general

commission, Idatt. xxviii. 19.

It is

answered,

3. 1. That there is some uncertainty, whether proselyte

baptism were used by the Jexvs in our Saviour's tmie. On the
whole, if infant baptism were used in proselyting persons to
Judaism, it might be natural for the apostles to tliink of it in
making proselytes to Christianity ; and though it should be acknowledged, that at first they might not certainly know, whether
the children born after their parent's baptism should or should
not be baptized, (it not being a point wherein their duty was
immediately concerned) it miglit nevertheless be afterwards
revealed to them, as contained in that commission they then
received, as we know the preaching the gospel to the Gentiles
Avas, though they did not at first know that their commission

extended

to

it.

That if it did prevail, on the principles of the paedocould not be intended as an entire model for baptism ;
since it would then dissolve the nearest relations contracted before baptism, aud would render it unjustifiable to baptize the
It is replied, it
children born after their parent's baptism.
might be a model in the leading circumstances, though not ui

4. 2.

baptists,

it

others of a more minute kind.

a WAl.i.s Defence, p.

VOL.

v.

1^
s

l-ij;

403

408.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

326

IX.

5. Arg. II. The apostles are said to have baptized wJwle

families, Acts xvi. 15, 33. 1 Cor. i. 16. and therefore probably

among

infants

6.

the rest.

That it

is

It is

answered,

not certain there were any infants in those

famiUes.
7. 2. If there were, it is reasonable to believe, that when
whole families were baptized, it is only meant, that the

said

it is

ordinance was administered to those of the family, that werA

and it is the more reasonable
to acquiesce in this interpretation, because whole houses also are

the proper subjects of baptism

said to believe, Acts xvi. 32, 34.

8.

of such

Arg.
is

the

Our Lord says, Markx. 4. speaking of infants,

kingdom of heaven : which some understand, q. d.

III.

the rights and privileges of the christian church belong to such.

It is

answered, the word

roiyluv

there used

position of their

who

may

signify, not those

temper and dismind resemble the simplicity and innocence of

that are infants in age, but persons

in the

children, which the connection seems to favour

''.

9. Arg. IV. Circumcision, as applied to Abraham, was

a seal of the righteousness offaith, Rom. iv. 1 1. or a token of
his being accepted of God as righteous upon his believing ; and

confirmed a covenant, b)'^ which spiritual and eternal blessings

were promised to him, as our Lord argues. Matt. xxii. 31, 32.
and the apostle, Heb. xi. 16. in both which places it is strongly

God o^ Abraham, Isaac

providing for them the blessings of a
future state.
The apostle does also expressly assert, that Christians are the children of Abraham, as they are heirs of the bles17. GaL iii. 6
18,29.
sings promised to him, Rom. iv. II
was by God\ excovenant
this
Now forasmuch as the seal of
4. it not
press comn)and to be applied to iiifanis. Gen. xvii. 1
only shews, that there is no absurdity in supposing the seal of
the covenant of grace to be so applied, but lays a foundation
declared, that for

God

and Jacob, implies

to call himself the

his

for a strong presumption, that the children of believers

under

the christian dispensation should not be cut off from this conditional, though not absolute token of the divine favour to them,
at least Avithout some express declaration in the New Testa-

ment

for that

purpose

ii.

39. and

Rom.

Gentiles as

Jews
a

xi. 17,

&c. where the apostle representing the

the stock of the Jewish church, and the

grafted upon

as hereafter to

UAi.rxTon

we are so far from finding any deseems to be strongly intimated, Acts

yet

claration, that the contrary

Script, vol.

iii.

p.

be grafted on their own stock, seems

i'j.2,

^323.

JIk.sry on Christ's Favour to

little

Children,

likej^^issim,

Lect.

Of Infant

cciii.

Baptism.

327

wise further to imply, that the privileges of the seed of believers

still the same.
Some also urge Jer. xxx. 20. and Isa. Ixv.

jvere

23. as expressly declaring that children should be put

same foundation under the gospel

as

under

indeed the passages do appear to intimate.

swered,

upon the
which

tlie

law

'To

this

it is

an-

1. That circumcision was to the seed of Abraonly a seal of a temporal co^e .unt: but this is sufficiently confuted by wliat has been already observed.
So that
on the whole it appears, that as circumcision sealed to Jewish
infants their inheritance in the land of Canaan, and title to the
peculiar privileges of the Jewish nation, on condition of their
observing the Mosaic law ; so it likewise assured them, that if
they imitated the faith oi Abraham, they should, though they

10.

ham

no perfect righteousness of their own, be finally accepted

of God, as their father Abraham was; which was not a promise

liad

of the Mosaic law, (though as the apostle justly argues in the

above-cited, Gal. iii. 17.) that law could not abrogate it.
See

John

vii.

22.

11. 2. It

is

pleaded, that the Jewish dispensation, being

more imperfect, is not to be made the model of the Christian.

But it is replied, we ought to have strong reason to believe the
latter less favourable than the former, before we grant that ia
any article it is so. If it be objected, that infant baptism is no
benefit,

it

will

be considered afterwards.

12. 3. To the
plied, that the words

argument drawn from Acts ii. 39. it is remay be understood, q. d. " your seed in

every generation shall on their believing receive those spiritual

which are now by the gospel offered to you and
your sons and daughters shall at present receive the extraordinary communications of the Spirit, foretold in Joel and disBut the latter part of this paraphrase does not
plaj-ed in us."
seem to suit with what is added, to all those that are afaroff\
which some would explain, " even to all those (i. e. of your
descendants) that are at the remotest distance:" though I should

blessings,

rather think

it

signifies,

"

to those

among

the Gentiles wliich

be converted, as well as to you." It is also to be considered, what interpretation a Jew would naturally put on these
words. Much the same reply and remarks may be applied to
the other texts.
Some urge Gal. iii. 28. as a further illustration
of this argument supposing it a clear proof that baptism came
directly 2W the room of circumcision j that being the only in-

shall

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY'.

32S

IX.

Stance, except the priesthood, (from wliicli women are b}' the
gospel excluded, 1 Cor. xiv. 31.
Tim. ii. 12.) in which there
1

was a

distitjction

sexes, and

Col.

made by
ii.

12.

11,

asserting that baptism

the law between persons of different

is

has also been urged, as expressly

christiaji circuvicision:

but

it

may be

only signifies that baptism obliges us to that mortification, wliich is the true christian circumcision ^*.

replied,

it

13. Arg. V. The words of the apostle, 1 Cor. vii. 14. are
pleaded, as having a direct reference to infant baptism; sinceholy often signifies tiiose that might be admitted to sacred rites,

and unclean those that were to be excluded from them, E.rod.

Ltv. xxi. 6, 7. 2 Chron. xxiii. 6. EzraxK. 2. 1 Sam,.
compared with Exod. xix. 1,5. Lev. xi. 24, 25. and tlie
sense will be, q. d. " were not the matrimonial converse of a
believer and unbeliever lawful, the church would not encourage
xix.

fi.

xxi. 5.

the bringing such children to be baptized, which yet we know

But other interpretations are brought; particularly

it

does."

14.

That holy may

1.

signify legitimate, and unclean

it is an unusual sense of the

words, would make the argument very weak, and be almost
proving idem per idem.

bastards.

^15.

I5ut this,

That

2.

it

besides that

may

intimate the prospect of the conver-

sion of the unconverted parent, and consequently of having the

children bred up Christians.

But they might be so educated,
even though the heathen parents were not converted, which
would entirely enervate this answer''.

LECT. CCIV.
Infant Baptism proved

from

Antiquity.

1. Arg. VI. kj)OME have apprehended, that they have been

able to trace such intimations at least of infant baptism, in the

may to a high degree of probaan apostolic, and consequently divine institu-

earliest ages of the church, as

bility

prove

it

tion f.
a Watts's Uarm. of Div. Disp.

c. iv. p.

2934.

this

this subject, (besides

fants a reasonable service," p. 30

C.

')

Hallkt,

vol.

iii.

p. 3<.'532P.

argument Dr. Taylor on the covenant of grace.

* See on
\ See on

Mr. Brekyl.

C.

AVall and Gale) Towgood's " Baptism of in48. with the controversy between Dr. Gill and

 2.
to all:'

1.

329

Infant Baptism proved from AntiquitJj.

Lect. cciv.

IIermas

says,

"

the baptism of water

is

necessary

Ans. The pastor of IIermas is a visionary book, the

genuineness of which is far from being certain; but allowing it
to have e\'er so much weight, this will only prove, that baptism
is necessary to those who are the proper subjects of it; but cannot determine that infants are so^.
3. 2.

Iren^us

[adv. Heret.

fants among the regenerate,

i,

e.

I. ii.

c.

xxsix.) mentions in-

the baptized, as the

word ge-

nerally signifies in his writings.

We

have only a Latin translation of this work, and

this passage spurious: or allowing it
to be genuine, it will not be granted, that to be regenerate always in his writings signifies baptized; nor is it certain, how
far the fathers extended the period of infancy: but this last
answer can be of no avail, as he distinguishes infants from/?ar-

Ans.

some critics have supposed

vuli

dLX\(S.

pueri^.

Justin Martyr speaks of some, '* who had been

from their infancy:" but this may only refer to
their having been early instructed in the principles of the chris

made

4.

3.

disciples

tian religion'^.

There
and Answers

5. 4.
tions

is

to

indeed a remarkable passage in The 2iies^

the Orthodox^ (2uest. Ivi. p. 424-. J which

most evidently mentions

infant baptism in as express terms as

possible, enquiring into the different states of those children,

who were and who were

not baptized, at the general resurrec-

But though these questions are ascribed to Justin"

Martyr, and are no doubt of considerable antiquity, there is
no evidence that he was the author of them, nor can their age be
tion.

so exactly ascertained as, on

could desire.

this

occasion and

many

others,

one

6. 5. It is allowed there are many passages in Origen,

but they are chiefly to
that expressly refer to infant baptism
:

Greek works which were

done by Ruffinus and Jerome, who made some very bold alterations according to their own judgment and taste but this is
not applicable to all the passages brought from him. And it is to
be remembered, that he was born of christian ancestors, and his
be found

in those translations of his

father having been martyred in the year 202,

a Walt, of

Inf.

Bapt. parti,

MosHEiM. Comment, de
prim.
'

Wat.!

ibid. c.

c.

i.

Kebus, kc. Sacul.

Gaie

iii.

against Wall, Ep. .xii.

c. xii. p. I'S'i 2B8

WALL'/oef.
c Just.

54.

when Origen

Mart. Works,

KeEVEs's Apul.

vol.

i.

p.

f>2.

p. 39.

B.

&

315356,

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

330

IX,

himself was 17 years old, the remoter Christians of his liimily

must probably have been nearly cotemporary with the apostles.
It

may

am

be added, that the translations of Jerome, which

often referred to on this occasion,

those of RuFFiNus^.

were by no means

so lax as

7. 6. Cyprian is allowed by all to speak expressly of

infant baptism, as generally used in the church
but it is justly
:

answered, that he speaks as expressly of infant communion in

the eiicharist ; and consequently that the divine original of the
latter may as well be argued from him as that oi the. former
yet almost all pa?do-baptists allow that to be an innovation,
8. 7. Tertullian advises parents to defer the baptizing
their children, except where their lives were in danger ; which

This the anti-psedoit was used in his time.

and suppose the practice arose first in Africa^ and
then came generally to prevail elsewhere, from the mistaken
apprehension that baptism was absolutely necessary to salvation.
plainly shews

baptists allow,

9. 8. In the Apostolic Constitutions, which are allowed

be an ancient though not divine book, there is express mention made of infant baptism as commanded by Christ, in Matt.

to

xix. 14''.

10. It

ed

in this

thority

is

replied, that so

book, that there

and that

is

many

superstitions are introduc-

no reason to rely much on

in the ritual

of ba])tism,

viii.

/.

au-

its

8. there

is

no

rubric for infant baptism, nor any form to be used in performing that office but it is answered, this being only the rubric for
:

weekly worships there

is

no rule for baptizing any, the prayers

relating only to those already baptized ; and those words of the

deacon, 12. Let the mother receive the infant, makes it plain

communion, as well as infant baptism were then

which indeed enervates any arguments that are brought
from the supposed antiquity of these Constitutions".
that infant

used

ft

Wall's Append,

Jacks.

p. 13.

Ddciice, p. 37'2 3S3.

b Aposl. Const. 1. vi.J Ki. p. 36+.

t CilAi'M. Manner of Bapt. p. 'J7
Peirce on the Eucli. p. 7781.

*See
ancl his

','(;.'.

Cieil. of Script.

ap. (Jp.

Limb. Theol
Tayl. I'ract.

40,
i

also on this subject FtEMixs's

Defence. C.

'J'OWGOOd's

Plea

I.

!.

ii.

I. ii.

c. V. vol.

J I. c. v. p.
i.

p.

25<3

lyo lys.

v. c. Ixviii.

Disc. p. 'ititiInf. llapt. a reasonable

for Infants,"

Service*.

with the Appendix

Of Arguments

Lect. ccv.

against Infant Baptism.

33i

LECT. CCV.

Of Arguments

I.

Sect.

II.

against Infant Baptism.

/ARGUMENTS flf^a^'/j^Hnfant baptism*^.

Arg. I. It is pleaded, that infants are incapable of

complying with the terms required in order to baptism, i. e.
repentance and faith, and of receiving those instructions which
Christ directed as previous to it, Matt, xxviii. 19. compare Pe^

ill.

2.

21.

3. It is answered, that those instructions and conditions

thus,
"were onlv rc^quired of those who were capable of them
:

had Christ sent his apostles to proselyte men to the Jewish religion, he might have said, *< go proseh'te all nations, circumcising: them in the name of the God of Israel, and teachins:
them to observe all things w^hich Moses had commanded." As
for the w^ord /xa^Jilsuo-al;, which some understand of preaching
previous to baptism, it may signify, tnake disciples ; and that
infants may be comprehended under that name, some hava
argued from Acts xvi. 15
''.

any
is

4. Arg. II. It is said that infants are incapable of receiving

benefits by baptism and consequently that the ordinance

exposed

to

contempt by applying

it

to them. It

is

answered,

5. 1. That it may be on many accounts both useful and

comfortable to the parents, for whose sake it might perhaps be
chiefly ordained.

6. 2. That it may la}' a foundation for serious and aflecting addresses to the children, as they grow up ; compare Deut.
xxix. 10, 11.
And by the way we may observe the difference
between the expression there, and those used Neh. x. 28.
Avhich seems to have its foundation in the particular engagements relating to marriage, and in those relating to the one

seemed voluntarily to impose

an annual tribute, on which account it was

third part of a shekel, which they

upon themselves

as

natural to assemble the adult only.

^ 7. 3. That being thus entered into Christ's visible cliurch,
they have a share in the prayers offered for that church in
general to which some have added, that it is proper the
:

Gate against Wam.,

Tp.

vii. viii.

Whitby on

* See BuRRoucHs's two discourses oa poitive

Matt, xxviii. 19. with his Dissert.

institutions, Nuii.

C.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITV.

J32

ix.

ministers and elders of each respective society should maintain

some particular inspection over the children belonging to it, to

being baptized may give them some

by a very particular turn of thought,
that Mr. Maurice, in his dialogues, argues, that such a relation to the church may bring them within the reach of its ce7isures, in case of gross misbehaviour, which if allowed may be a
but perhaps it may be urged, that the
considerable benefit
counter-part to this is admitting them to the Lord's table, if they

which inspection
additional

title.

their

But

it is

do nothing

to deserve censure.

as a seal of the
argument would
preceding
this
and
the
both
covenant of grace,
have lain as strongly against applying that, as applying baptisyn
And indeed it is plain from that institution, as also
to infants.
from Christ's being baptized himself, that an ordinance may be
4.

8.

That considering circumcision

sometimes administered to those, who are not capable oi' all

the purposes for which it was originally instituted, and which
it may answer to some others ".

^rg.

9.

III.

The

silence of the

New

Testament upon

this

head, is further urged as an argument against infant baptism

it being said to be improbable, that if Christ had intended it,
he sliould not have commanded it as expressly as Moses com:

manded

circumcision.

10. It is answered, that consequential arguments are to

be allowed their weight, as appears from our Lord's proof of a
And it has been pleaded on
resurrection, Matt. xxli. 31, 32.
the other side, that had Christ intended to have cut off the. infant
seed of believers under the christian dispensation from any privileges, which they enjoyed under tiie Mosaic, he would have
expressly declared it, or at least have guarded against any
thing, that looks like an encouragement to expect and claim
them, which from Sect. I. it evidently appears he has not
''.

11. Arg. IV. Tiie silence of the primitive Fathers upon

and it is said, that some
head has been much insisted upon
passages in them strongly oppose infant baptism, particular!}^
that of Justin INIartyr, in wh^c'i he says, that a profession of
faith is necessary in order to baptism ; which notion gave occasion to the use oi' sponsors , when infant baptism was introduced.
this

It is

a r.AXT,

Cai.v!
'1

Inst.

I.

Pr.ict.
!

cE

'(>

Justin speaks of the adult, or may con-

vol. ir. p. 135 13S.

iv. c. xix. I 4Disc. p. '2i7 "500.
social Kcl. Dial. viii.

Works,

Avr.

MAL R

replied, that

TowGOon'.S
b i'AY. ibid.

Foul's

'Jd

ji.

Inf. R.ii-t. p. 43, &-c.

'iSi ynfi.

L'uuiicut'Lelt.

'i

4-

Lect. ccv, OJ Arguments against Christian Baptism.

ZZ?>

tlie child's, being made in

which is the more probable, as subsequent Fathers
use the same language, long after infant baptism was confessedly

sider the confession of the sponsor as

his

name

the prevailing practice

"".

Tertullian

2.

is

known

have declared against infant

to

baptism, except in case of danger. Gregory Nazianzen

Basil blames his audiadvises to defer it till three years old.
tors for delaying it, which implies there were then many unbaptizod persons among them
but those might not perhaps have
:

been the children of christian parents which answer may also

serve to the argument brought from the case of those, who like
Constajitine, deferred baptism to their death, on a foolish apprehension that all sins committed after it were unpardonable.
;

indeed surprising that nothing more express is to be met

upon this subject ; but it is to be remembered,
that when infant baptism is first apparently mentioned, we
read of no remonstrance made against it as an innovation ;
and that as we have no instance of any persons expressly asIt is

with in antiquity

serted to have been baptized in their infancy, so neither of any

children of christian parents baptized at years of discretion ;
for it is certain Coiistantine's father did not profess himself a

Christian,

till

a WAj.L'aDef.

p. 401.

long after he was born

*.

WHrsros'sprim.
Gale's fc;)>i3t. ix.

lIOPKER's tcdes. Pol. I. V. ? C4. p. 335340.

b ti s. VU. Const. 1. i c. xvi. xix. 1. iv. c. Ixii.

"^

W all

?ji>t.

ot Inf. liapt. part

i.

c. viii.

& xi.

* The question concerning

infant baptism bas continued to be a fniitful sourcft

consequence of which ii, tliat many references may be added to
the numerous ones that have already been made. We shall subjoin a list of sucli
In defence
u-orks on the subject a have fallen within the sphere of our knowledge.
of the practice of infant baptism, we may mention Dr. Fleming's ' Plea for Infants," and the appendix, and hit defencej Dr. Taylor's " Covenant of Grace, and
Baptism the Token of it, explained upon Scriptura Principles ;" Mr. BiiEKKLL.'s
" Poedo-baptism," and " Poedo-baptism defended ;" Dr. Addington's" Christian
Minister's Reasons fur baptizing Infaaits, and for administering the Ordinance b^

of discussion

tiie

" Summary of the Christian

'< Account of the Occasion
and Design of the positive Institutions of Christianity;" Mr. Robin's edition of Mr.
Matthew IlE:<RY'fl Manuscnpt Treatise on Baptism j and Dr. Edward Willi alms's ' Antipcedobaptism examined."

sprinkling: or pouring of

Water

;"

the

same

author's

Minister's Rea.sons for baptizing Infants 3" Mr.

Amner's

side of the question, recourse may be had to Mr. Buurough'r

Discourses on positive Institutions;" Dr. Gill's " Answer to Mr. Towoood's Baptism of Infants u reasonable Service ;" the same writer's " Antipccdobiptism, or Infant Baptism an Innovation i" Dr. Stennett's '< Remarks on the
Christian Minister'.-! Reasons for administerinjr Baptism by sprinkling or pouring of

On the opposite

"Two

Water;" Mr. Jenkins's

'

Inconsistency of Infant Sprinkling with Christian Bapby Christ alone ;" Mr. Richards's

tism, with religious Usefulness, and with Salvation

"

Hiatory of AntLebrlst, or Free Thoashts on tha Corruption* pf Christianity j" Mr.

VOL. V.

334

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.
13. Since there

is

IX.

so great an obscurity on the question,

and so many considerable things maybe advanced on both sides,

it is certainly very reasonable that Christians, whose persuasions
relating to infant baptism arc different, siiou]d|maintain mutual
candour towards each other, and avoid all severe and unkind
censures on account of such difference ^

further question, distinct from

14.
arise concerning baptism, i. e. whether it

any yet handled,

is to be repeated,
if it have been received by those who were not the proper
subjects of it.
It seems that it should not ; since it is evident,
that when persons have been cast out of the christian church

may

in the directions he gives

concerning their re-admission on repentance, does not direct
their being re-baptized ; nor does Peter\\\nt any thing of that
kind to Simon Magus, Acts viii. 20, &.c. and perhaps had the
contrary principle been admitted and encouraged in scripture,
difficulties might have arisen, M-hich it was best to avoid, and
too great a stress have been laid on what was merely ritual.
As for the argument urged from Acts xix. 1 5. it is certain
it cannot authorize the repetition of christian baptism, since
that o^ John could not be so called ; and it is certain that the
person there spoken of had not been baptized so much as by
John the Baptist himself^ or in a manner agreeable to the exact

for their immoralities, the apostle,

tenor of his baptism

^.

a nerry-street Lect. vol. ii. p. 206203.

Drieberg. de Bapt. e. iii. pr:ES.J 13, 14.
See Wale, Gale, Reks,.Stennet,R(;ssei.
Baxter on this Subject, passim.

&

Drieberg de Rapt. S: Cm. c. iv.?' 'J.

WnisiON'b Life, vol. ii. p. 4Sj W~-

Booth's " Pccdobaptism examined, on the Principles, Concessions, and R,easoning-s

of the most learned Pcedobaptists ;" Mr. Robinson's " History of Baptism j" and
Mr. Ashdowne's " New and decisive Proofs from Scripture and Reason, that Adults
only are included in the Design of the new Covenant, or the Go.<spcl Dispensation,
K.
in the Apostolic Age."

and were Members of the Church of Christ

De Courcy's " Letter to a Baptist Minister;"'

Reply toParmenas;" and "The Rejoinder." Mr.
Booth's Defence of Poedobaptism Examined." Mr. W. Miller's " Catholic BaptisniExamined,"and his "Poedobaptist Mode of administering the baptismal Ordinance
defended." Mr. Peter Edwards's " Candid Reasons for Renouncing tlie Principles
of Aiitipocdobaptism;" Dr. Jenkins's Answer in " A Defence of the Baptists, &c."
Mr. Edwakd.s's ' Critical Remarks on Dr. Jenkins's Defence of the Baptists." V/.
To

his

these niitcht be added, Mr.

" Word

to

Parmenas;"

<'

Lect. ccvi.

Of the

335

Lord*s Supper.

LECT. CCVI.
Of

the Lord's Supper.

JL HE law of Christ requires, that Christians througliout

ages of the church should in a solemn manner eat bread and
drink wine in their religious assemblies, as a commemoration of
his death, and a token of their engagements to him, a pledge of
the blessings of his covenant to be imparted to them, and a badge
^

\.

all

of their mutual affection to each other.

2. Devi. 1. Christ did in a solemn manner set apart
bread and wine after the paschal supper, distributing each to
his disciples for the purposes afterwards to he mentioned, Matt.
20. 1 Cor. xi.
xxvi. 26
28. Mark xW. 22
26. Luke xxii. 14

20, &c. compare

Ads

ii.

42, 46.

3. 2. Matthew, Mark, Luke and Paul in the forecited

places agree, that this rite was intended for a commemoration

of Christ, and a representation of his body broken and his blood

shed ; which must intimate, that we are hereby publicly to own
that

we

ashamed of avowing ourselves the

are not

crucified Master, and that

we

disciples of a

desire to impress our

minds with

a scene of such great and awful importance.

4. 3. As the above-mentioned writers agree, that Christ,
in delivering the cup, declared it to be the new covenant of his

and representation of that covenant which Avas

this must imply, that those who
-would attend the institution aright must consider the nature of
this covenant, must consent to the demands of it, and in so doing may chearfuljy expect the blessings communicated by it.
blood, or a token

established

5.

and

as

by

4.

his sufferings;

As eating and drinking together is a social action,

step eating and drinking in this or-

by the preceding

dinance represents our common relation to Christ, it does by

consequence remind all Christians of their intimate relation to
each other; and the apostle also represents it in this view, 1 Cor,
X. 16, 17=.

^ 6. 5. That this rite was intended for contiJiued use in the

church of Christ, appears from the early testimonies of Pliny,
Justin Martyr, Ignatius, and all the oldest M-riters, which
a Elsner's Observ.
\\

HiiBY

vol.

ii.

p.

106108.

in loc.

Gcyse

CiiAND/.En's Serm. vol.

in loc.
iv. p.

3J!,

336

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

Part

ix.

it was in fact practised even from the jipostles'

time; as also from St. Paul's dec\iii-\n(r, that hereby wc sheiu
forth the Lord's death till he covie, 1 Cor, xi. 26. And it may
further be argued, from the ends of the ordinance specified

assure us, that

above

for

were necessary-

if it

or lived in the age

when

for those

who saw

Christ suffer,

that great transaction past, thus to

commemorate

his death, and in this solemn manner to renew

engagements, when the assistances and evidence arising
from the extraordinary communications of the Spirit were so
peculiar; if it were necessary by this token to express and
cherish their mutual love, when there were such peculiar bonds
of endearment, arising from their being a little number so severely suffering in the same cause, it is certain that we, who do
not enjoy any of their advantages, must much more need it for

their

the like ends.

Valet propositio

".

7. Cor. 1. There cannot be a change of the elements of

bread and wine into the substance of Christ's body and blood,
because, waving all the absurdity with
as the Papists maintain
which such a doctrine is pregnant, and the many instances in
which a thing is said to be, what it is only intended to represent,
(see Gen. xvii. 10. xli. 26. Ezek. v. 5. Dan. vii. 2'i. John xv. 1,
X. y. 1 Cor. X. 4. Bcv. xvii. 9.) if these elements were the very
body and blood of Christ, they could not be the commemoration
of it, which nevertlieless wc have shewn above that they are''.
;

8. 2.

God

in this

There cannot be a propitiatory sacrifice offered to

ordinance; because it is the commemoration of that

sacrifice,

which

Jlcb.ix.

2628.

9.

freqiieytly said

be offered oncejor

to

ally

X. 10, 14".

Considering the ends for which this ordinance was

plain that it ought to be approached with great

3.

instituted,

is

it is

solemnity and serious consideration and though the charge of

examining themselves given to the Corinthians, 1 Cor. xi. 27.
does ifidced refer peculiarly to the gross immoralities which pre:

vailed

among them

in this respect

yet the words are expres-

but the gospel lays down no directions

as to the time to be spent in preparation, which to be sure in
sive of a general duty

may and ought to be different; nor does

appear that any Christian, who in the general behaves agreeable to his profession, need scruple to use this ordinance on a
few minutes recollection, when he has an opportunity to doit''.
diilerent circumstances

it

a EAlicr. Apol. Prop.

Bkssk's Apul. p.
Jiis

IN

Walk's

yi*V

Martyr,

.i'i'2.

Posth. 'Jiacis, p.

Uo.^UI.EY'i> pl.liu

WiiisT. Prim. Eucliarist.

b HiiAuuiiY ibid. p. V4 31,

xiii.

p. 97,

&.s.
:j9, Arc.

Ac<.'ui.riit,

yjM.

Bre r

ibid. p.

47

57.

Moadley, p. 6989.
d iitR.s. four Uiiic. p. ^flyj'i.
aijaiust

Lect. CCVI.

Of the Lord's Supper.

who are guilty
we cannot reasonably

10. 4. Those
ralities,

that

337

of such scandalous

immogood

believe tliey are in

earnest in their christian profession, oug'it not to be encouraged

to approach this ordinance, till they have discovered the sincer^ity

of their repentance by the reformation oi their lives \

II.

5.

who behave

It

follows from the preceding corollary, that those

a manner, as to bring a disgrace

ought on proper conviction to
be excluded by the society to which they belong, from the participation of this holy ordinance, till they give sufficient proof
of their repentance: by this means the}- may perhaps be reformed, others warned, the honour of religion secured, and a friendly

upon

in so profligate

their christian profession,

communion of
ue nnd

Christians in this institution promoted.

Accor-

among the

churclies

that this has been customary

d.nglv,

from their earliest foundation: and is evidently countenanced,

and indeed in effect required by the following scriptures, 1 Cor.

37,

y 13.

2 Thess. in. 6, 14. 1 Tim.'x. 20. 2 Joh?i v. 10,

allowed indeed, that the delivering to Satan mentioned 1 Cor. V. 5. may probably refer to some diseases inflicted
by. a miraculous power j (compare Lect. 141. 12.) but the
apostle's general rule in the concluding verses of that chapter,
V.

11.

It is

must by a parity of reason

power is ceased''.

where the extraordmary

prevail,

12. 6. Any constitution, by which any

christian church, how great soever his rank

member
may be,

of the

be
rendered incapable of being excommunicated if he behaves
and any constituamiss, is inconsistent with the scripture plan
tion, by which ^e?/7ora/ punishment shall be inflicted upon those
who fall under the censure of a church, in consequence of such
censure, must in like manner be an incumbraoce, rather than advantage for the proper exercise of discipline ^.
shall

13. 7.

The

Lord's supper

is

?i.

grace, in the sense stated, Lect. 200.

the above demonstration ^.
a Blrm. on the Art.
LiMti. Theol.

p. 2S9, 290.

V. c. Ix.Nii. i 16.

1.

HuMPilRiEs's Free Adiniss. and DRAKE'S Bar,

j)ass.

i-iMH.

lIOOKBR's

I'heul.

xviii. ftuist. xxxii. } 15.

1.

vii. c.

svui. ? 27, 2S.

compared with

Eccles. Polity,

371. 1. viii. p. 410.

c Dis-senting Gentleman's
first

b Turret. Loc.

seal of the covenant of

1.

v.

Answer

6?, p.
to

Letter.

Memoirs uf Emlyn, App. No. 8.

d HO.^BLEv's Plain .-Ycc.p. l(jl 172..

4.

of

368

Wmrj's

33a

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

ix.

LECT. CCVII.

Of the Abuses

of ike Lord's Supper.

HE

Cor. 8. JL
church of Rome has been guilty of a most
1
sacrilegious usurpation, in denying the use of the aip to the
.

laity in this ordinance^.

2. 9. Solitary masses, i. e. the celebration of the Lord's

in secret by the priest alone, are to be condemned, as

supper

inconsistent with one part of the design of this ordinance,

i. e.

being a pledge of mutual love among Christians, (Vid. Led.

206. 5.)
Nevertheless, if a few should join with a sick
person in receiving it in private, in some cases it may be very

its

allowable, as not liable to this objection

3. 10.
tion of

To make

''.

the receiving this ordinance a qualificaoffice in or under the civil government,

admittance to any

evidently a profanation of the ordinance itself: not to insist

is

upon the

natural iniquity of excluding peaceable and loyal

subjects from places of trust and profit, merely on account

of their religious opinions

''.

4.11. The custom of administering the Lord's supper

condemned criminals just before their execution, is both
absqrd and dangerous as there is generally little room to imagine they can be suitably qualined for it and it is natural for
them to consider it as a token that they are ah'eady in a state of
pardon and acceptance, which may prevent their employing
the few remaining moments of life, in a manner suited to their
circumstances, and may harden others in such vain and presumptuous hopes ^.
to

It plainly appears, from the most credible

5. Schol.
account of the primitive church, that the Lord's supper was
used much more frequenth' among them than with us, and that
it made a part of their public worship every Lord's day.
1

Some have objected against our translation of J/(ff//.

(compare Mark xiv. 22.) where we render ivXoyriaca
blessed it, Avhereas they suppose it signifies Christ's 'giving
thanks to God when he brake the bread
compare Luke xvii.
6.

2.

xxvi. 26.

a Burr. View of Poii. p. 7(583.

b Cass. Consult, p. lilo '2y5.
c Abeiise HY'.s Reasons lor the Repeal of llie
Test, will) his Discourse on its Nature and
I

Coiiaei|Ucnces.
Occas. Pa)), vol. ii. No.

Old Whig,

vol.

i.

No.

iv.

xli.

ci

OM

\Vl\g, No. Ixv.

Peirce on the F.uoh. p. 174 '"V.

KnsKiNE on frequent Cominun. pass.
Baxt. vol. i. y. 470. I).
CAtv. Inst. 1. iv. c. xvii. 2 44 46.

N\ iisil (Jicon. Faed.

1.

iv. c. xvii. ?

33.

Of the Abuses

Lect. ccvii.

339

of the Lord's Supper.

22. 1 Cor. xi. 24. whence they infer, that the consecration of
As
the elements has no foundation in the original institution.
for the text in question, it must be allowed to be ambiguous ;

but

as the

word

[it]

must be understood

after [brake]

though

the less reason for censuring our

it
translation ; especially since the apostle so expressly speaks of
our blessing the sacramental cup, 1 Cor. x. 16. which cannot
without great violence admit of Bishop Hoadley's interpreta-

be not expressed, there

is

" the cup over which we bless or adore God." That

with
great propriety in the language of scripture be said
may
to be blessed^ which is in a solemn manner set apart from a
tion, q. d.

common

to a sacred use, Gen.

bless it,

when we solemnly pray,

ii.

and we may be said

3.

that

God may

attend

it

to

with

such influences from above, as may make it the occasion of ediCompare Mark xi. 9, 10, 1 1 ^.
fication to our souls.
7. 3. It is greatly to be lamented, that Christians have
perverted an ordinance, intended as a pledge and means of
their mutual union, into an occasion of discord and contention,

by laying such a disproportionate

which

it is

stress

on the manner in

administered, and the posture in which

it is

received.

seems most eligible, as having

and being peculiarly
apostles,
his
been used by Christ and
suitable to the notion of a sacred feast, in which as chitdren wc
are invited to attend the board of our heavenly Father, arid
feast as it were upon the great sacrifice: ?a\A kneeling which

As

to the latter, a table posture

was never introduced into the church till transuhstantiation

was received, may prove an occasion of superstition. Nevertheless, provided it be not absolutely imposed as a term of communion, it will be the part of christian candour to acquiesce in
It appears that
the use of it in others by whom it is preferred.
standing v/as at least frequently used in the christian church,
always on the Lord's daj/, and between Easter and

viz.

Whitsuntide

''.

8. 4. Whether the Lord's supper should be administered

at noon, or in the evening, is a question of very small imporIt is true our Lord instituted it in the evening, but
probably later than our assemblies are ordinarily held. The

tance.

primitive Christians often communicated in the morning before

day ; the reason of which probably was, that they made it the
last act of their Avorship, and assembling by night for fear of
Hoadley's Plain Ace. p. 32, 33BUET against HOADLEY, p. Ii)27.

HmvE's

CiiA;sDi.Er,'s Serin, vol, iv.

b King's Enq. part ii. c. vi. J 7.

Peirce's Vmd. of Diss, pari ii.c.
Bi'RNEl-'s tour Disc. p.

Episcop. p. 167.

No. 1%

Hooker's

x.

p.48950!.

321327.

Eccles. Polity, 5 6S. p. '2i4-

340

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVIKITY.

IX.

and spending most of the night in reading,

preaching, prayer and singing, the celebration of the Eucharist
would naturally be driven off till morning. This shews however, that they did not lay any great stress upon the time.
their persecutor?,

Some urge

that dinner-time being our chief meal answers to

supper among tlie Jews. Perhaps the evening suits best
with the convenience of religious retirement immediately after
tlje

it.

But

it

is

most reasonable

to refer

to the

it

ministers and people of particular societies

judgment of
it is very

and

absurd to contend eagerly on cither side the question

^.

9. 5. IVIr. Peirce has at large contended for the admission of infants to this ordinance pleading the use of it
even unto this day among the Greeks, and in the Bohemian
:

churches till near the time of the reformation but especially from
the usage of the ancient churches, as it appears from many
passages in Photius, Augustin, and Cyprian his proof from
the more ancient Fathers is very defective.
His arguments
;

from scripture

chiefly depend upon this general medium, that

Christians succeeding to the Jews as God's people, and being
grafted upon that stock, their infants have a right to all the

privileges of

which they are capable,

till

forfeited

by some

immoralities, and consequently have a right to partake of this

ordinance, as the Jewish children had to eat of the ])assover

and other sacrifices besides this, he pleads those texts, which

speak of'the Lord's supper as received by all Christians.
:

10. The most obvious answer to all this, is that which

taken from the incapacity of infants to examine themselves^
and discern the Lord''s body. But he answers that this precept
is

is only given to persons capable of understanding and complying with it, as those which rec\\nrc faith in order to baptism,

are interpreted by the pa:do-baptists.

As

for his

argument from

the Jewish children eating the sacrifice, it is to be considered,

that this was not required, as circumcision was ; the males were
not necessaril}' brought to the temple till they were twelve

years old; (compare Luke ii. 42.) and the sacrifices which they
eat of were chiefly peace-offerings, which became the cojmnon

food to all that were clean in the family, and were not looked
upon as acts of devotion, to such a degree as our Eucharist is;
thonglj indeed they were a token of their acknowledging the
divinity of that God to wliom they had been offered
compare
1
Cor. X. 18. and even i\\i^ passovcr \\'<xs a commemoration of a
nor is there any reason to believe, that
'^temporal deliverance
:

a }Va'1T's Jlolissst

(>f

Timet

itni

PUces,

p. $3.

Lect.
its

The Eucharist how far

ccviii.

341

necessari/y S^c.

reference to the Messiah was generally understood

by the

Jaws.
11. On the whole, where mfant baptism appears dubious,
ought certainly to be an argument against infant communion ;
because the objections that are made to the former, lie with yet
greater weight against the latter; and because the disuse of
it

communion prevents many of the inconveniences that

be apprehended from the practice of baptizing infants.
It is certain there would be more danger of a contempt arising
to the Lord's supper, from the admission of infants, and of
confusion and trouble to other communicants: so that not being
required in scripture, it is much best to omit it. When children are grown up to a capacity of behaving decently, they
may soon be instructed in the nature and design of the ordinance ; and if they appear to understand it, and behave for
infant

may

trial in a manner suitable to that

would probably be advisable to admit them to
communion, though very young which by the way might be
a good security against many of the snares to which youth are
exposed ^.

some competent time of

profession,

it

The

foundation of the practice mentioned in the

scholium,
seems plainly to have been a mistaken
preceding
apprehension of the absolute necessity of this ordinance in
order to salvation ; which doctrine was built upon an erroneous
12.

interpretation of John

vi.

53. which, with the precedi;ig

and

we have

not quoted above, for the explication of the scripture doctrine of the Lord's supper, since they
will make so good a sense, if we suppose them only to relate

following passages,

to believing regards to Christ, as the great support of the

spiritual life.

Compare John

vi.

63.

LECT. CCVIIL
The Eucharist how far

necessary

Of Sacraments.

1
Schol. 7. JMLaNY have stated the doctrine of this ordinance, so as to represent it, as if it were a kind of charm, and
have supposed that some extraordinary communications of
divine intiuence are universally annexed to it, or at least to a

Peirce's Essay on the Eucharist,

171183.

&

VOL. V.

p.76 146,

Witsii CEcon. Feed. 1. iv. c. xrii. ? 3032.

Taylor's worthy Coimaunic. p. 147157.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

342

regular and serious attendance upon

it

i?r.

has been ground-

ivhicli

ed in a great measure on John vi. 54, 55. together with some

very high things which the Fathers have said of the efficacy of
it.
But if we follow scripture alone, it will only appear to be
an instituted means of our communion with God, in a regular
attendance on which, we may hope that God will meet us and
but canbless us, as in other ordinances of divine institution
not say that he has invariably tied himself up to it, nor does
experience agree with such a notion. Vid. Z^c^. 201. 9*.
;

2. 8. It must be allowed, that it was an ancient usage in

the christian church, to mix water with the sacramental wine,
in commemoration of the water mingled with blood which came
out of Christ's side, John xix. 3i. and it is urged, that the

Jews mingled water with the cup of wine wfhich they drank at
Yet this circumstance does not seem essential to
the passover.
the ordinance, more than the particular hour or posture used
by Christ and his disciples aad the blood of the grape is mentioned alone, as that to which the institution refers, tliough
there might happen to be some water then mingled with it ^.
:

3.

9.

When

the scripture doctrine relating to baptism

is attentive!}^ considered, it will appear,

and the Lord's supper

no foundation for drawing any objection from them

since the rites themselves ar&
so simple, and their natural tendency to promote good imand it is greatly for the
pressions on the mind so obvious

that there

is

against the truth of Christianity

credit of the gospel, that these in their scriptural simplicity

should be compared with the rituals of other religions, as delivered to us by the most authentic writers
(Led. 108. 25.)
as it is also to the credit of the proieslani cause, that they should
be compared with those numerous, perplexing, absurd and
:

idolatrous additions, which the church of Borne has

them, whereby each

itself

them

of

made

to

rendered the least part of

*=.

4.

The

be used by
(Led. 200.

5.

a Letter

ordinances which were instituted by Christ, to

all Christians as seals of the covenant of grace,

1.)

may

properly be called sacraments.

and the Lord's supper are sacraments.

Led. 206. 13.

Cor. Baptism

Compare Led.

200. 11.

to a Lord, p. 1012.
ihree Di&c. Essay

CLARKLf

ii.

c.

vii.

1.

150 1?4.
Taylor's worthy Communic. p. 47, 48, 59
62.
j Whist. Prim. Euch. Obs. 17. p. 97 too.
,

is

p.

WITSJI CKcon.

JEffil. 1. if. c.

xvii. i

S 12.

Whist. Life, p. 433, 4S4.

c PiCART's Religious Ceremonies of
vol.

i.

p.

.i'ii

all

vol. iv. p. '201225.

LEr.Ar<D against

T isn.

FosiER

against

Nations,

34'J.

Gerdes's Misc.

iivo,

vol.
c.

i.

V.

c. iv.

p.

310314,

Lect.

ccviii.

The Eucharist haw far

necessary, Kc.

343

C. Schol. 1. The controversy, whether there be any more

sacraments than these, is evidently a question about words.
If our definition of it be admitted, it is certain that neither
holy orders^ (as they are called) nor matrimony, nor extreme
since all allow, that at least
unction, are christian sacraments
the two former Avere not intended for all Christians, and there
is no proof that the anointing the sick was to continue longer
than the gifts of healing ; nor was that properly speaking
extreme unction, which is a ceremony merely of human device.
The cross in baptism, as some have stated it, seems to have
much of the nature of a sacramenty only that it wants a divine
'

institution

7. The definition of sacrament which some have given,

" an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual

i. e.

is very obscure ; unless it supposes some divine influence of an extraordinary nature inseparably annexed to the
outward sign ; and if this be the meaning of it, there is reason

grace,"

to question whether there be any sacrament at

Lect. 201. ] 1, &c. Lect. 208. 1 ^

all.

Compare

8. 2. When the doctrine of confnnation, as stated by

the church of England, is compared with their definition of
n sacrament, it must be acknowledged to be one, distinct from
baptism and the Lord's supper for the laying on the hands
of the bishop upon a person professing to take his baptismal
:

covenant upon himself, is a visible sign of his receiving the

Holy Ghost, which must be an inward and spiritual grace
and it agrees with all the parts of our definition, excepting
that it is not an institution of Christ ; for the imposition of
the apostles' hands, by which the visible gifts of the Spirit
were communicated, f/icts viii. 14 18.) is something of so
different a nature, that it can never be made a just foundation
for continuing this rite in the view in which it is practised ".

9. 3.

The

popish doctrine oi penance depends entirely

upon a supposition, that there is a certain order of men, who

by virtue of an authority derived from the apostles, and so from
heaven, may efficaciously absolve men from the guilt of sin,
appointing sur.h a punishment to satisfy the divine justice as
they shall think proper, on the penitent's submitting to which,
the sentence of absolution is passed, and the favour of God
a Hooker's fxcles. Polit. 1. v. S 65.
b LiMn, Theol. 1. v. c. Ixvi.
C Ci AHKE's Essay on Coiifum. p. 40
Cat-AMY's L.fc of HAXr. p. 'Wi.

HoADLtY'j^Keas. ofCoiif.

j).7i, 75.

Cai amy's

Def. vol.

ii.

p. 258, 269.

PiCAKT's Religious Ceremonies, Uc,

56.

HuoKFK's Kctles. Pol. 1. v. 8 66.

Answer lo \\ hue's soeoncJLctt.
UuWii S i.piiOJi). p. 167.

Uu

p- 14.

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

544

lit.

sealed to him, as his repentance has been expressed by it. This

would indeed be a sacrament, were it of divine institution :

but

it is built chiefly on absurd interpretations of Matt, xviii.

and John XX. 23. of which see Led. 142. 1,6. And
by what authority such absolutions are pronounced, as the E77glish liturgy prescribes, it becomes those who venture to act

IS.

upon it very seriously to consider as also how such a practice

can be reconcilable with theessential principles of the protestant
:

religion

10. 4.

Some have thought

that Christ, in washing his dis-

a christian sacrament, taking the

ciples' feet, instituted

word

our sense, but in general for a religious

15. as
rite instituted bv Christ, and have urged Johyi xiii. 1:5
but they maybe fairly understood,
express words of institution

sacrament not

strictly in

as a general declaration of the obligation which Christians are

under

to

And

condescend to each other.

it is

to

be considered,

that in cold countries the washing each others feet would be a

troublesome rather than friendly office ; norareany tracesof such

a religious rite among Christians to be found in the New Testament, or the most primitive writers compare l Tim. v. 10.
which plainly intimates this office was not performed by all, iot
then it would not have been made a distinguishing character,
:

LECT. CCIX.

Of Types

1.

Def.

VJ'NE

the

Mosaic Law.

person, or event, or institution in the diviiTe

is given us in the word of

be typical of another and greater person,
or event, afterwards to appear, when there is a remarkable
resemblance between the former and the latter, whether that resemblance be or be not known by the manifestation of the latter.
This may be called the theological sense of the word, and ti^tto;
though it is there
has sometimes that signification in scripture
used in some variety of senses, sometimes expressing a model
of a thing exhibited before the thing itself whose type it is, and
sometimes the copy made from thence, and sometimes simply a
resemblance, without determining it to either of the former sen-

dispensations, of which an account

God, may be

said to

AnswertoWniTE,

ibid.p. 14

17.

bcuDDER's Christian Daily Walk,

p.

42

16.

OsTEnvAi.D's Exerc. Min. p. 303, 304.

Ma.ndsv. Free Thouglits, p. 14i>, U9.

Lect. ccix.

Compare /o^n

ses.
iii.

Of

21.

Tjjpezthc Mosaic Law.

xx. 25.

Cor. x. \\. Ilcb.

Rom.

v,

k Acts

vii.

345
43,44.

Pet.

17.

viii. 5. P/t//. lii.

2. Cor. It evidently appears from the reasonincr of the apostle

in his epistle to the Hebrews^ and from comparinj^ the liistory and

oeconomy o^ Moses with

tlie

whole

New

Testament, that there

many

things in the Jewish dis,oensation which were in this

sense typical of Christ and gospel blessings how far the resemTV'ere

blance might be revealed to some saints under the Old Testatament, we cannot certainly determine
hut the observation of
that resemblance may be a confirmation of our faith, as it is a
proof of the unity of design running through the Old Testament
and the New, as was observed above, Lect. 109. 7. Lect.
;

132.

1.

3. Schol. 1. It may be an agreeable employment to the

pious mind, to trace out the resemblance between Christ and
several persons mentioned in the Old Testament, and to observe

how

the deliverances brought to the people of God by them are

exceeded by those brought by Christ
though there should be
no apprehension at all that any of the Jews were before Christ's
appearance taught to look on such persons as {ijpes of him '.
;

4. 2.

Holy Ghost

Considering how expressly

St.

Paul

says, that the

by some of the ceremonies of the il/o^fl/6" law, Ileb. ix. 8. and comparing it witii
sev^eral of those passages in the writings of Moses, Isaiah, and
other prophets, which refer to the Messiah, and the spiritual
blessings to be obtained by him, it will appear probable, that the
evangelical references of several Old Testament types might be revealed to them, which might probably be one great foundation of
that exalted pleasure which they found in their public ordinances
and scriptures. Compare Psal. xxv. 14. cxix. 18. 1 Pet. i.
10, 11. compare also Johi viii. 56. which will be to the present
spiritual blessings

signified

purpose, whether Dr.

Warburton's

the words hinted at Lect. 147.

.5.

Prop.

No

one

is

by the

2.

peculiar interpretation of

be or be not admitted

christian dispensation

^.

obliged

obey anv part of the Mosaic]cL\v, as such, any more than he

would have been if that law had never been given.

to

6. Dem. 1. The greatest part of the Mosaic lavv appears

to have been of a temporary nature ; part of it being intended
to typify the Messiah and his kingdom
2, 4. many of its'
precepts being of a local nature, which could not be observed
;

a DODD. X. Serm. No. i. ad fin.

b Scorr'sChristhn Life, vol.

SYKE6

of Christian, p. 201.

V.

]).

ia3?0I.

Ltmb. CoIIal. Script. Jud. iii. Qusest. i. No.

Resp. iii. Que.?t. i. c. ii iv.
JenkinGS's Je\vish Antiq.vol. ii. p. 3.

i:'.

LECTURES ON DIVINH

'316

PART

V.

IX.

any longer than the temple of /(?rM5fl?em was standing, and the
Jexes inhabited their own land ; partl)^ as a great multitude of
their laws were peculiarly suited to their particular circumstances, and intended as was observed before to ])revent the
danger of idolatry, which they might otherwise have learnt
Led. 150. 2, &c. to all which we
from their neigiibours
nuiy add, that it would have been impossible that all the nations
of the earth, or even such distant nations as those already constituting the christian church, should -bey some of the Mosaic
precepts, particularh^ those relating to thew yearly feasts, to
vhichsome have supposed the apostle refers, Gal. iv. 26, 27 '.
:

7. 2. The ancient prophets foretold that the Messiah,

when he appeared, should introduce a new dispensation and

and should abrogate that of Moses com13. Dan. ix. 27. Jer.
32. with Hcb. viii. 6
31
To which we may add
19.
iii. 16. PsaL ex. 4. Heb. vii. 11
all those texts which declare, that under the Messiah the Heathen nations should be incorporated with the Jews, and live
which could not possibly
under the same gracious institution
as was
"be effected without an alteration in the Mosaic law
25. Jer. iii. 17. Mic.
observed ^r. I. compare /ya. xix. 19
iv. 2. Mai. i. 11. to whicli we may add that celebrated text
Tieut. xviii. 1<S, 19. which seems to express that a new legislator

more

perfect law,

pare Jcr, xxxi.

should

arise.

8. 3.

The

apostle expressly asserts

tlie

abolition of the

Mosaic law. See the whole epistles to the Galatians, Romans and
Hebrews, as also, ^o?;i. xiv. 14. 2 Cor. iii. 9 11. Eph. ii.
Tim. iv. 4. and Christ also intimated
17.
J4, 15. Co/, ii. 14
conTipare Matt. xv. 11. Jo/miv. 21, 23, 24.
it

y. 4. The destruction of the temple, and its lying so

many hundred years in ruins, whereas even the Babylonish
captivity was in comparison so short, and the worship at Jerusalem even \.hev\ not totally interrupted, while the temple con-

compare

tinued desolate;

Isa. xli.

5.

Kings xxv.

with 2

together with the loss of the Jewish genealogies, and their

ignorance of the signification of some words in their own law,
especially the names of some of the unclean animals, may afford
8, 9.

a probab'e argument that their law

iio

# SYKFSof Chrisaanity, c.

xiii.

p.

179205.

l.iii. c.xiv.J 117.

.scfum, p. VaJ.

Valet proposi-

abolished.

Wrrsii CEcon.
|

Wirsil -Isypt.

Schema

\\

is

Ar.HVET.

\ CoM.iss's

J'liian.
I.Ker,il

H(.>iiKF.K'tKv;tk*s.

Sclicme,
I'olii.

I.

ni.

p.^il267.
ni.

Fsed.

1.

iv.

BoYr.E'sTheol. V\orks,
Loc^E on Kph. ii. l.i.

c xiv. ? 754.

vol.

iii.

p.

14<'.

i;rr.RiM. at Boyle's Lect. Serin- xi^xxi.

Limb. ColU.kesp. iii. Guim. iv.c. v,
SuuiU'sScim. vo!. li. p. JDJ, i;f

 the Mosaic Law,

Of Types

Lect. ccix.
10. Cor.

Those precepts

f?47

were delivered by th
kinds of positive laws insti-

uliicb

Jewish prophets, andperljaps also

all

tuted before the gospel, are as much abrogated as the law given
by Moses himself. Vid. Aiatt. xi. 1 3.

11.

Schol,

To this

Old

scriptures of the

multitude of the like

objected, that there are several

which the perpetuity of the

terms v. g. Gen. xvii.
21. xxxi. 16, 17. Deal. xxix. 29. and a
texts ; to which may be added Jcr. xxxiii.

Mosaic \-^sv is asserted

13. Exod. xii. 14, 17,
,

it is

Testaa^ient, in

in the strongest

1722.
that

12. To this it is replied, that the Jews must and do allow,

tlie phrases there made use of and renderedybr ever often

signify a limiled duration; v. g. 1 Sam. i. 22. (compared with

Numb. iv. 3, 23, &c.) Dent. xv. 17. and Exod. xxi. 6. (compar-

ed with Lev. xxv. 41

.)

Jer.

ii.

20. (ccuipare

some think CD^y? may be rendered yi?*'

Mac.

'he age,

i.

xiv. 41.)
e.

and

so long as

this age ov dispensation shall continue, supposing it distinguished from the age to come, or the Messiah's kingdom
compare
3latt. xii. 32. Lleb. ii. 5. to which we may perhaps add/j<2. ix.
It is certain the Jews themselves cannot vindicate some ctf
6.
these prophecies as true, without having recourse to such solutions as may be sufficient to answer this objection
compare
:

Mai.

i.

11

1 3. It has also been objected, that Christ directly declares

against a purpose of abrogating the Mosaic law, even in its least

precepts, Matt.
It is

v. 17.

answered, that the law and the prophets sometimes

signify the moral precepts; (compare Matt. xxii. 40.) and as to

the rest, Christ could not properly be said to destroy those in-

which he so (ully answered, us to set the purpose and

M'isdom of them in the most advantageous light ; though, having
/ulftlled thtm, they were of couvne superseded",
stitutions,

14. 3. The apostles indulged the /e::^'^ in the observatioa

of the Mosaic law, and thought it proper themselves in some instances to conform to the institutions of

it ; but they did it

considerations, not allowing the necessity of it
in order to salvation, but strongly contending for the liberty of

upon prudential

26. compare

Christians in this respect, see .dcts xvi. 3. xxi. 20

To

which we may add, that while the temple.

continued standing, and before the destruction of Jerusalem,^
the ceremonial and political law were so interwoven with each
Acts XV. 29.

a BiiRRIM.

ai Boyle's Lect. vol, U.

Scm,

xviii.

b Limb.

Collat.

Resp. ad Script,

iii.

ftuast,

i.


Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

i548

ix.

that It was undoubtedly expedient for converted Jerc'Sy

dweJling in Judea, to comply with and observe those institutions ; and the apostles' compliance with sacrifices in particular
might be owing to this view of them, as a kind of tribute paid to
God, under the character of their king ; and was perfectly consistent with what the apostle so often declared, concerning the
freedom of the Gentiles from this 3"oke, and the absolute necessity that Jews and Gentiles should seek their justification and
So that the great clamour which
salvation by Christ alone.
Morgan raises upon this head, as if Paid and Barnabas on the
one side, and all the rest of the apostles on the other, preached
a different and inconsistent gospel, seems very unreasonable.
Both maintained the Mosaic law to have been of divine authority,

otlier,

and recommended a prudential regard to it in some instances

and degrees but neither maintained its absolute necessity, nor
directed to a dependance upon it for righteousness, as appears
from the whole tenor of the epistles '.
;

15. 4. The precepts which Christ gave Matt. v. 21, &c.

are a part of God's natural law ; and were contained in those
precepts of Moses, which our Lord there sets himself to explain
and vindicate so that they are not in general to be looked upon
:

as institutions peculiar to the christian religion, as appears

from

manner in which they

pare Rom. vii. 7

com-

the

are introduced, Matt. v. 17

20.

''.

BlEN.ontlie Art.

MORC. Mor.

p. 100, 101.

Phil. vol.

Leland's Answer
PUAi'M. Euseb.

vol.

to
ii.

p. 5481,36], ^-c.
Moig. vol. i. c. xiv. p.

i.

c.

ii.

p. Vi9,

&c

Jemnincs's Jewish Antiq. vol. i. p. 26.

b GR' t. dc Jure belli & Pacis, l.i. cii. j&

Grondv. Not. ii> Loc.

Docs. Fain, lupos. in

Lm,,

Of Angds

Lect. ccx.

349

in General.

PART

X.

COKTAINING THE SCRIPTURE DOCTRINE OF GOOD AND BAD AN*

GELS, AND OP A FUTURE STATE, WHICH CONCLUDES THIS
WORK.

LECT. CCX.
in General.

Of Angels

HE scripture

Prop. JL

1.

assures us, there are

many

created

from men, who have a permanent existence, and

who from their office are called angels ; some of which are and
will continually be holy and happy, whereas others are in a state
of apostacy and misery.
2. 1. That there are many spirits, who have a permanent
existence, and from their office are called angels, appears from

Spirits distinct

Matt. xxiv. 36. xxvi. 53. Acts xxiii.6

3. 2.

human

That

souls,

8,

these spirits are distinct

appears from Job xxxviii.

from men, or

7.

PscU-

viii. 5.

frorai

Heb.

xii. 22.

4. 3. That some of these spirits are and will continue in

a state of holiness and happiness, appears from Matt, xviii. 10.
XXV. 31. Luke ii. 13, 14. xv. 10. xx. 36.
5. 4.

misery,
viii.

44.

is

That others of them are

evident from Matt. x.

James

ii.

19.

2 Pet.

1.

4.

ii.

in a state of

apostacy and

Mark v.

xxv. 41.

Johnni.

8.

Jude

8, 9.
6.

John
Valet

proposition.

6. Schol. 1. As it was observed above, Lect. 98. 4. that

the heathens had among them some notion of the existence of
benevolent spirits superior to men ; so it seemsj from some
passages cited there, that they were also persuaded of the

existence of evil demons; and indeed

many

which they worshipped, were, according to

a

Casman'ni Angelographia,
iii.

c.

i.

? 4. p. 23. c.

?3.p. 51.

Farmer's Divert, on

VOL.

V.

own mytho-

Ancient Univer. Hist. Intrgd. with

TEN'S Suppleraeat.

Miriiclei.

of those deities

their

BAOMGAR^

PaRTX.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

350

logy, so vicious and so malignant, as to resemble devils rather

than good angels. See the references under the scholium quot-

d above.
7. 2. It

certain that the

is

ment does not always

angels^ but that

word

ayuxo; in the

New Testa-

s'gnify one of those beings which

we

call

frequently imports no more than messenger,

it

account applied to men^ James ii. 25. Luke vii.

many comnnentators think Actsy.\\. \B.
should be added
and Mr. Gough contends that the word is to
be taken in this sense in that celebrated text, 1 Cor. xi. 10.
which he supposes to refer to the spies which were sent into
christian assemblies by their enemies, who would severely expose any indecencies observable among them^.

and

is

on

this

24. ix. 52. to which

:

8. In like manner the word otx!3o\oi does sometimes signify

a false accuser, or a u icked person of the human species, 2 Tim.
iii. 3.
7 ii. ii. 3. John vi, 70. to which may perhaps be added,
] Tim. iii. 7. but Jude 6. is by no means to be added to the instatices above, as some have supposed''.
^ 9. 3. It is a singular notion of Mr. Lowman, that, according to the Hebrew language, not only intelligent beings or
spirits are called angels, but every thing that either notifies any
message from God, or executes his will, and in particular, all
visible appearances in material symbols, as five, air, winds, and
storms: Psal. civ. 4. compare Exod. iii. 2, 4. xiii. 21. xix. 19.
whence by the way he observes, that it is not necessarj' to suppose, that Jchovak and the angel of Jehovah mean two distinct
spirits, the one, God, the other, a ministering spirit
compare
Gen. xlviii. 15, 16. but the last of these texts very ill agrees
for surely Jacob would not pray that the
with his hypotiiesis
fiame offire might bless his grand children and the apostle's
quotation of Psal. civ, 4. in Heb. i. 7. determines it to a sense
:

dilTerent

from what

this

learned writer would

2:ive it

very peculiar conjecture of Mr. Fleming,

but it seems bv no means to be sufficientlv supported, that all
the good angels, who have ever been employed as messenoers of
God to the inhabitants of earth, had been the spirits of departed
saints ; and particularly, that the angel which appeared to the
shepherds, Luke ii. 3, &c. was the spirit of Adam, attended by
all those of liis race who were then in a state of glory, which
constituted the heavenly choir there spoken of, which sung that
10. 4. It is a

GifCH's Dissert,

^ JIUTCIllSsof

in r.oc.

\\iuiicr;itt,p.

252-25*.

JStHJJJK uf bpuils, p. 7ii 87.

Lowman's

V'V^I

CiT. Cot. of ihe Heb.

Append.p.

Lect. ccxi.

Of good and

evil

351

Angels.

sublime anthem on the Redeemer's birth. It is true that the

Jews had a notion among them, that the departed spirits of good
men officiated as angels, which may perhaps be referred to in
the forementioned Acts xii. 15. (Vid. Philonis Jud. Oj). p. 12.1
& 286. and Fam. Expos, vol. iii. in Loc. and Waterland's
Serm. vol. ii. p. 90, 91.) But Heb. i. 14. compared with Matt.
XXV. 31. where all the angels are so expressly distinguished from
the Avhole human race, then brought to their final judgment,
plainly demonstrates this author to be in a great mistake,

he carries

this peculiar

when

thought to such an extravagant heights

^11. 5. The scripture does not particularly inform us,

what was the sin, by which Satan and his confederates fell from
their original state of holiness and happiness: some have conjectured, that it might be their aspiring to some higher dignity

God had assigned them, and think that on that account

they are said, in the place cited above, 720/ to have kept the state
or principality they were under ^ nv a.fx'^v lavluv, and for this reason pride may be called the condemnation of the devil, supposing
than

And forasmuch as
1
Tiyn. iii. 6.
be imagined, that they would dispute the throne
with God, some have conjectured, that their crime might be refusing that homage to the Logos, which God required of the
angels
[Heb. i. 8.) and they have pleaded, that this supposition illustrates the harmony and beauty of the divine conduct,
in making use of Christ as the great agent in destroying Satan's
kingdom among men, and finally in condemning Satan to that
the devil there to be signified,
it is

hardly to

punishment, to which he and

his confederates are reserved''.

LECT. CCXI.

Of good and

1.

Prop.

mentioned

JL

evil

enumerate the chief properties of good angels

in the scriptures.

2. Sol.

and Dem.

They

pagate their species, Luke xx. 36

3. 2.

even

They

and glory, Psal.

a Ft.EM. Chiistology, vol i. p. 78 SI.

b BOYSE's Works, vol. i. p. 'Jdii, 267.

Milt.

of Aw^_.

Pir. Lust,

1.

p.

Hunt's

v. ver.

man,

viii. 5.

H'st. Div.

Rev. p.

312-317.

Law's Spirit of Prayer, Part i. p. I4, &c. Ed.

c B.^xr. W'oiks, vol. ii. p. 18i>, b.

14

are immortal, and do not pro'^.

are in a state of being superior to that of

in his original dignity

Reynolds

Angels.

^2s.

377710.

Xx

352

LECTURES

0!J

Part

DIVINITY.

x.

4. 3. They are endued with extraordinary degrees of

knowledge and wisdom, which are no doubt continually improving by their long experience, 2 Sam. xiv. 20.

endued with extraordinary power, Psal.

compare Gen. xix. 11. and 2 Kings xix.
(which is strangely interpreted by Sir Isaac Nkwton, as re

ciii.

35.

5.

T||icy are

4.

20. 2 Thess.

i.

7.

Vid. Newt. Chron. p.

other instances of the like kind mentioned in

ferring to TirsliakahlAn^ of Ethiopia.

282.) besides

many

scripture.

6. 5. They have not such gross bodies as ours

xxiv. 39. with Heb. i. 7. 1 Cor. xv. 50. compare

compare
Dan. ix.

Luke

21, 23.

There are various orders of angels, Jude 9.

Dan. x. 13. -^tfv. xii. 7. compare Eph.'i. 21. 1
Co/, i. \6\
7. 6.

22.

Thess.

iv. 16.

Pe-/.

iii.

8. -5*(c/io/. I. Mr. .fo?EPH Mede argues from Zech. iv. 10.

Rev. i. 4. iv. 5. v. 6. viii. 2. that there diVe seven archangels : but
the passages referred to rather aft'ord an occasion of conjecture,
than a fouudation of clear and convincing argument.
Compare
Job xii. 15. Zech. vi. 5^.
9. 2. Whether angels be or be not entirely incorporeal,
a question which we are not capable of determining: many
have thought, that it is the prerogative of the Divine Being
alone to be wholly separate from matter; and some have urged,
is

that the

manner

edly united to

which

in

it,

Chrit^t, the

Lord of angels,

is

confess-

affords a probable proof that they have

bod}^: the offices assigned

them

at the

judgment day do

some
like-

wise favour this hypothesis, and especially the forming the blessed after the resurrection into one society with them compare
:

2 Kings

ii,

11. vi.

17"*.

Baxt. Works, vol. ii. p. 192.

Burn. Aichsol. p. 410, 41 1.
Bi LkLEY's

b.

Gosp. Disc. iv.

MicHAELis' Epistola de 70 liebdom.
CEcoii. of the

* From these arguments

b Mede's Di.itiibe on Zecli. iv. 10.

4043.
Pneum. ? U- c. i.
Burn, de SUt Mort. p. 170172.

of probability that

aiic:els

have

bodies,

added to the

consideration that these blessed beings minister to the heirs of salvation,

fer, that all bodies

ap. Op. p.

c Ci.Er.ic.

are not gross and palpable

that

we may in-

the light and darkness of this

world have no power over angelic botlies to make them more or less manifest that
the glorified body of Jesus Christ may be as present with us as that of an angel, without being visible or palpable that the secondary qualities of hot and cold, or the
like, as felt by animal bodies, are unknown to them ; angelie bodies can feel neither

that after the resurrection the

the sun hot, nor ice cold

spiritual bodies of the saints

tbem) may be invisible to animal bodies j for they will be like imto
Christ's glorious body
that as the new heavens and new earth wherein dwelleth
(as St. Paul calls

righteousness will be a

fit residence for glorified .saints, it will be of a quality similar

to those bodies, which, as our Lord declares, will be " like the angels of God"-~that,

Of goml and

Lect. ccxr.

353

evil Aitgels.

10. 3. It is exceeding probable, that angels were created

before the earth; whichseemsstronglytobeintiiTtated,Jo6xxxviii.
4,7. the arguments brought to prove the contrary from Gen. ii. 1
and Exod. xx. ll. are sufficiently answered by observing, that

the heavens there spoken of

may

be supposed only to signify

the atmosphere , or at most the luminaries of the firmament.

is

are represented as eternal

eternal

is

It

done before the creation of our world

also urged, that thincrs

but the limited sense of the word

Compare

a sufficient reply*.

Lect. 209. 11

^.

11. Prop. To enumerate the chief properties of wicked

angels^ which are mentioned in scripture.
12. Sol. K Bern. 1. That they are spirits of a very
impious and malignant character, and the inveterate enemies
of God and mankind, appears from the whole series of scriptures relating to them, particularly those enumerated above.
13. 2. Nevertheless, that they retain some considerable
traces of their former knowledge, appears from 2 Cor. ii. 1 1.
xi. 3, 14.

Eph.

11.

vi.

ii. 24. and no doubt their skill in

and mischief must be vastly improved

Bev.

all

the methods of deceit

by

so long experience.

14. 3. They are likewise possessed of considerable degrees of power, though still under a divine restraint, Matt. iv.
5-8. xii, 29. Mark v. 4 13. Eph. ii. 2. vi. 12.

appears there are various orders of evil angels,

who are united under one head, from the rnalignity of his
nature, called Satan and the devil, Matt. xii. 24. xxv. 41.
Eph. ii. 2. vi. 12. Col. n. 15. Rev. xii.7''.
15. 4. It

Tiiere is great reason to adore the goodness

such bounds to the operations of these potent
and malevolent spirits, as to prevent their doing that mischief
to which they are naturally inclined, and which might otherAvise soon turn earth into a chaos and field of blood
compare
Job i. &. ii. Matt. viii. 31.
16.

of

God

Cor.

1.

in setting

a Casmanni Angelographia, c.
Whist. Theory, p, 9 IJ.
Bull's Serm. vol. ii. p. 447

i.

2.

p.

4*^,

49.

454.

Law's Spirit of Prayer,

Bauj^arte.s's

parti, p. 15, &c. 7lh Ed.

Sui)plein. vol. i. p. 214.

Fawcett's Dial, on the other World, Dial.i?.

b Gilpin on Tempt, part i. c. iii. p. tt, 20.
Oct. Ed. p. 101:3.

Bulkley,

ibid. iv.

2.

consequenUy, when the elements are mejted, and

this earth is hurnt ii/i, the refined

residence as well as the bodies of the saints will not be gross, palpable, visible ; no
more the subject ofelementary ligh and darkness, heat and cold^ cohesion, expan-

sion,

and gravitation

and

therefore, that the materiality of the future world

different in its properties from the present,

* For a general dissertation on the nature and condition

Bishop Newton's Works, vol, iii, p. 533 568. K.

is

totally

W.
of angels,

see

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

354

x.

n. 2. Seeing there is sometliing in the thought of such

agents as these, which tends to impress the imagination in a
very powerful manner, great care ought to be taken, that
chiUhrn^ from the first notice they have of the existence of such

beings, be taught to conceive of them as entirely under the

controui of

God ^

We

may infer, that they are most certainly

J 8. 3.
mistaken, who maintain that all the texts relating to the devil
are to be interpreted in so figurative a sense, as to signify
merely the irregular propensities of men's minds, denying the
real existence of any such malignant invisible beings as are
commonly supposed
temptation

to wliich hypothesis the story of Christ^s

;
alone an apparent and sufficient answer ; not to

is

mention the many

presented as

pare Wisd.

ii.

texts, in

which opposition to Satan

great design of Christ's appearance.

tlic

ult

is

re-

Com-

''.

19. Schol. 1. Bishop Sherlock thinks, that the design

of several passages in the book o^ Job, is to assert the superiority
of God to Satan, the great principle of evil ; and thus in particular

lie

beautifully explains JbZ'xii. 16.

the Sept nag int.

'rxrforccyiJ^x'li

^s

sGavalwcrE

and xxvi.

^paKovla a7roja7)v

13.

compare

'^.

As to the manner in which God cast the devils

is no express account of it in scripture.
What is said, in the preceding passage of Daniel and the
Eevtlations, of an opposition between angels, particularly those
of Michael and the Dragon, has led some to imagine, that God
made use of the agency of good angels in expelling the evil
but if be did so, t\'e cannot imagine any such resistance on the
part of evil angels, as would occasion any pain or terror to
those w!io on this hypothesis were the executioners of divine
vengeance upon them *.
20. 2.

out of heaven, there

''

a Watis's Catechism, p. 10:), 110.

b IJODD. Fain. Kxpos. v.i.?35. not. h. p. 211. Ed. 1.
c sHiiUi.ocK on I'roph. p.
'A7.
W ARBURr. Otc.is. Remarks, jurt i. p. 6t! f)"y.

'..'i.'-'

Warburt. Div. Leg. vol. ii. p. 531.

PathiCK on Jdb, p. 88.
d Clarke's Posth. Serin, vol. i. p. 223-.2JI.
Oct

p.

UO

14'.'.

I'.'mo.

is a moral chanjre, the previous question is, should we

expulsion similar to that of an enehiy being expelled. />.)> place In placr?

* Since the full of angels

admit of

<//!//

Loes not the cliangc- refer to state rather than place? It is of some importance to
observe, that holy angels arc in lu-aien, and yet are among men in tliis wurld; that
devils are i/i hell, and j'et are among men on earth ; eonsequently heaven and hell
are not removed from us as to Lncal distance, but consist in the relative stale of happy
and miserable intelligent beings. 1'hev<iiu\ti, going into, or coming out of heaven and

and not of a local movement,

by any arbitrary appointment
which must have given them a hellish consciousness

hell niust be expressive of

we may infer, that

and force, but by their ozvn

angels

llenct;

relative wajiifestation only,

act,

became

devils, not

of misery iudcpendeut of any change of .^ituati(tn.

W,

Of Good Angels

Lect. ccxii.

355

S^c.

LECT. CCKII.

Of good Angels Guardian

Prop.

in

human

JL

enquire

how

far

Angels.

good angels are concerned

affairs.

2. Sol. &( Dem. 1. They are in the general the holy

ministers of divine providence with regard to the children of
men,.3'ecA. iv. 10. i. 10. (compare Rev. v. 6.) Dan. x. 13, 20.
xi. 1.

Thess.

iv. 16.

They are in a peculiar manner the guardians of the

are
not only the means of preserving them from
saints ; and
danger, but likewise the instruments of conferring many blessings upon them, Ileb. i. 14. Fsal. xci. 11, 12. xxxiv. 7. to

2.

3.

which add many

ment, see^7\ 4,

historical passages in the

Old and

New

Testa-

5.

4. 3. It seems that the care of angels over good men

extends beyond this mortal life, and that they are appointed
to conduct their separate spirits to their seats of future glory,
Luke xvi. 22 *.

5.

4.

ments of

Fsal. Ixxviii.

n.

often been made use of as the instrujudgments upon wicked men, Ge7i. xix. 11.
49. (compare 'jro^. xii. 23.) 2^aw. xxiv. 15, 16,

They have

inflicting

Kings

e. 5.

xix. 35. Acts xii. 23.

The Old Testament gives us an account of the appear-

ance of angels to Abraham, Lot, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, Mancah^

David, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, aiid other prophets. In the
New Testament, we read of their appearance to Zachariah,
Joseph,

Mary,

and the other

to the shepherds, to Christ, xn

women

at Christ's

sepulchre

Mary Magdalen,
to Peter,

Paul,

Cornelius, John, &c. in most of which cases they seem to have

presented themselves and disappeared on a sudden: but the

they now interpose in human affairs is by an

agency and perhaps much may be done by the changes they produce in the weather, and by the impressions they
may be enabled to make on our nerves and animal spirits.

manner

in Avhich

invisible

* From what has been

it follows, that this lan^ uase

_^
For a holy soul to leKe the body, is the same
as its entering into heaven in company with angels. To be absent from the body, is ta
he either present with the Lord, or present with satan, according to the previous state

is

said in the preceding note,

not to be extended Ui local distance.

of the soul.

W.

356

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

.PaRT

X.

whereby such thoughts may be suggested, and such affections

excited or moderated in the mind, as may greatly promote the
happiness of good men, and subserve the schemes of divine
providence \

seems to be intimated, that they are present in

Cor. xi. 10. to which some add 1 Tim,
l
V. 21.
Some also argue this from the representations of angels
in the ornaments of the tabernacle and temple, Exod. xxvi. 31.
1 Kings \\. 2326, 35. and from Eceles. v. 6. compare Uike
XV. 10. and Eph. iii. 10. but this last text may much more properly be understood of the observations which angels make on
God's dealings with the church in general, than on what they
can be supposed to learn from the discourses of those that ofIt

7. 6.

christian assemblies,

ficiate in its public offices*'.

8. Cor. 1. It appears from hence, that angels must have

a very extensive knowledge of human affairs; but we cannot
conclude that they are capable of certainly discerning our
thoughts : it seems the peculiar prerogative of God fully to

know them.

Nevertheless, angels may, from external circumand perhaps in particular from the alteration of the
countenance, if not a view of what passes in the brain and animal spirits, be able to form very probable conjectures'^.*
stances,

9. 2. It appears, from comparing this proposition Land

Leet. 210. 1. with several passages in Plato, Strabo, Tully,

Seneca, Plotinus, Maximus Tyrius, Hierocles, JambliPlutarch, besides some other heathen writers, chiefly

cus, and

of the Platonic sect after Christ's time, that the heathens had a
notion of the nature and offices of their inferior deities, very
nearly resembhng the Jewish and christian doctrine of angels;

and indeed the name of angels, and even of archangels, sometimes occurs in their writings.
And it seems probable, that the
a Bl'Rset on Art. p. 32.

BodD.

JiAjj.ETon

Script, vol. ii. p. 253264.

BISHOP Bum's Serm. vol. ii. p.4S5 491.
Jennings's Abridg. of Dr. Mather's Life,
1'-

10.1 1

?FEDs

11.

Guyse

11.

p. I4i. 147

347.

vol.

ii.

p. 1.57.

in loc.

olfii Cuix Pliilol.

GiLP. on Tempt, t. iv. p.
'^

\\

|
I

.serm. vol.

Bun si-.'s serm. on Minist. of Anpels.

b MkliE on F.cclcs. v. 1. apud. Op. jj. 315

in Loc.

Tu.LOTS. Works,

{.

o-.

Goodwin's

252S. Od.

p.
'

23.

Child of Light, p. 6567.

* To make the knowledge of nixgels, respecting human affairs, to consist in

artsing from corporeal appearances, seems too degrading a representa-

forijecliires,

tion of these exalted intelligences.

Angels, it should seem, are likely to feel inteiest in, and to understand the moral te?idcncies of the human mind, more
than anyspeculative thought.'?.
A r^pnilini; sinner is recognized with joy. As the Jrsire of

the mind

is its lifo

than the desire,

W.U' LoiUcs.

W.

jt

morally considered, and the body

seems that our

desires

must be

is

probably more unlike an angel

at least as well

known

to .nngels as
>.

Lect. ccxir.

Of Good Angels

Guardian Angels.

Aviserpart of their pliilosophers,

God

one supreme

who

357

believed the existence of

made themconforming to and encouraging the popular

superstition, under an apprehension, that on the one hand, th.ere
were some beings in nature and office something resembling
those whom the people worshipped, (though they held their
tales of them to be idle and vain) and on the other, apprehending that it might be very dangerous to the political interest of
states, to hav endeavoured catirely to change their religious
views; from which the fate of Socrates, and the sentence passed
on Alcibiades, might also do much to deter them, out of reo-ard
possessed of infinite perfections,

selves the easier in

to their

own

personal security.

Compare

Horn.

i.

20,

&c

*.

10. Schol. 1. Some have thought, that not only everv

region, but every 7na7i has some particular angel assigned him

whose business it is generally to watch over

and besides general arguments from the
passages quoted above, in the second step of the preceding
as a guardian,

that country or person

Solution, they especially urge Matt, xviii. 10. Acts xii, \5.
but the argument from both these places is evidently precarious ; and it seems difficult to reconcile the supposition of such
'a continued attendance with what is said of the stated residence
of these angels in heaven, and with Ileb. i. 14. where all the

angels are represented as ministering to the heirs of salvation

is great reason to believe the number of hea:

though as there

venly spirits is vastly superior to that of men upon earth, it is

not improbable that they may as it^ were relieve each other, and
in their turns perform these condescending services to those
whom the Lord of angels has been pleased to redeem with his
own blood. But we must confess that our knowledge of the laws
and orders of those celestial beings is very limited, and consequently that it is the part of humility to avoid dogmatical determinations on such heads as these. Compare Col. ii. S
''.

Warb.

a TlLr.ARD's Reply to

CowpEi'.'s Life of Socrates,

168.
The Knowl.ofdiv.

tilings

c. iv. p.

24SC!7-'.

v. uot. 13, p.

1.

Reyxo

by Rev. only. p. 239,

240.
1

Ramsay's Principles, vol.

Pejrce on Heb. p. i2, 33.

* See

particularlj'

ii.

p.

394337.

Apuliius,

ds of Angels, duest.

vxviii. p. 171.

Cleric. I'lieum. Sect. ii. c. iii. iv. J 4.

Bull's Seim. vol. ii. p. 49ii507.
Crellu's de Deo, c. vi. J 21,2';;.
Limb. Tlieol. 1. ii. c. ii. 20,21.
VVateri ANb's Serin, vol. ii. p. 90, '.)1.
Ep. ClaytO-s's Vind. of the Old Test, part

Jtici

in his treatise

iii..

" De Deo Socratls," apud Opera,

674, 684,; and 690, Sec. where iie gives a clear and methodical explication of Plaio's doctiire of demons, or rather of the then Platonic
doctrine of demons, their nature and offices. Apuleius assigns, as others have d')ne,

1688, quarto,

a demon

to

VOL.

torn.

every
V,

ii.

man

p.

which demon

is in

Vila agrndci Ciistos

Yy

et

Jaiis.

K.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

353

>;.

LECT. CCXIII.

Of

the Influence of

Jngels^and human

Spirits

of

evil

Spirits.

At

is questioned how far angels may be instrumental

working miracles, and when they are so, how far they may
be said to work them by their own natural power. That God
used theministration of angels in several of the miracles wrought
by Christ, may perhaps be intimated Jb/m i. 51 but supposing
this, and also supposing that on these occasions they only exerted
a power equal to what was naturally their own, these events
vould nevertheless be truly miraculous, because they acted out
of their own ordinary sphere, and interposed in circumstances in
which God does not commonly allow them to interpose. Lect.
101. 10, kc \
2. 3. Some have thought that angels may have some concern in suggesting extraordinary dreams ; many instances
compare Matt.
of which there ai'e undoubtedly in scripture
i. 20,
ii.
13, 19. and some remarkable instances have occurred
in later ages, mentioned by very credible authors, among ^vhich
see below *.

1. 2.

in

''

3. 4. It

is

how

likewise questioned,

maybe employed in

services to our world,

angels perform, and

how

far they

far

departed saints

like those

which the

may be

acquainted with the

suppose that acquaintance

concerns of the church here. Some

to be very considerable, and argue from Rev. xix. 10. xxii. 9.
vi. 9, &c.
To the two former texts it is answered, that the
words may be rendered, q. d. ^' I am thy fellow servant, and
the fellow servant of thy brethren :" to the latter, that there is
no intnnation that the spirits of the martyrs were particularly
acquainted with what then passed on earth, but only that they
Averc waiting for some singular triumph of the divine vengeance
over the enemies of the church, not ^^et discovered to them.
It may indeed make it probable that some great events relating
to the church are rev^ealed to them ; though whether by immediate revelation from God, or the report of angels conversant
a Gilpin on Tempt, part

Chanui.
b

Sir

of Mir.

i.

M \nc.

c. v. 3i.

Ufnrv Woiton's Life,

93yy.

.A.MTONTM. MCflil. 1. i.
imraai. of the Soul, vol.

Andr. Baxter's

p. 17, 18.

p. 10 12.

aput].

p. i7,

ii.

.'tc.

VyAI. TON'S Lives, p.

* Some curious observations

found in Dr.
p.

320

339.

relative to the

Ducald Stewart's" Elements of the

See also the same work,

p,

357

phenomena

of dreaming will be

Philosophy ot'the

559.

K.

human Mind,"

Lect.

Of the

ccxiii.

359

Influence of Angelsy Uc.

with our world, and the spirits of the faithful more lately departhowever, it by no
ed from it, we do not certainly know
means amounts to a proof of such a circumstantial knowledge,
:

as will warrant our address to

them

in

prayer

protestants have frequently urged Isa.

against which

16.

Ixiii.

though the

context proves the argument from thence very inconclusive.

It is enough that there is no foundation for such addresses,

though

them

it

should be granted there

is

no particular prohibition of

^.

4.

which

To

Prop.

evil spirits

enumerate the chief of those instances in

concern themselves with human

affairs,

Urged by a principle of enmity to God,

5. Sol. and Dem.
and envy and malice against mankind, they do their utmost to seduce men into sin and for that purpose are no doubt employed
in studying men's tempers, and making accurate observations on
the various circumstances and occurrences of their lives, 2 Cor.
ii. U. iv. 4. xi. 3, 14, 15. Eph. ii. 2. vi.
1, 12, 16. 1 Thess.'m.
5. Matt. xiii. 19. 2 Thess. ii. 9, 10. 1 Pet. v. 8. Lukexi^n. 31.
compare 1 Cliron. xxi. 1. Zech. iii. 1, 2. Acts v. 3. John xiii.
2, 27. compare 1 Thess. ii. 18.
1 .

They

6. 2.

are sometimes

of divine providence, to

men

but

all

made use

inflict calamities

these their malicious attempts are over-ruled by

to answer the pur-

wisdom and goodness of God,

poses of his government, Luke xiii. 16. 1
1 Tim.
i.
20. to which some add Dan.

the superior

of as the instruments
on the children of

Cor. v. 5. Job
x.

13,

i.

2.

20. Heb.

ii.

14, 15 ^*.
7. 3. They carry on their attempts on mankind in a secret
and invisible manner, something correspondent to that in which
good angels carry on their purposes of benevolence and friend-

ship

Nevertheless, they sometimes interpose in a more

open and apparent manner ; or at least in times past they
have been permitted to do so particularly in the instance of
demoniacal possessions, oracles, magic, witchcraft and vio

8.

4.

lent suggestions, of

which we

shall

more

particularly speak in

the following scholia.

a Flem.

Cliristol.vol.

Bull's Senn.

vol.

ii.

p.7J7S.
ViO 47(5.

i.

b Howe's Works,

* The

EcRCH,

p.! 142, &:.c.'A\\

ed.
(

vol. ii. p.

dijctrine

in his

p.

Watts's Death and Heaven,

Cnto.

3o0, 361.

Homer's Odyss.I. v. ver.394 :W,

SHEPHERDof Angels, p. 130, 131, J35, 136.
c Lect. Oiien. Phil. 1. i.c.xvii. p. 214221,
cilp. on Tempt, pari

i.

c, ix.

of the agency of evil spirits is carried a great way by Mr.

His opinion is, that all the e\ il, both natural and moral, wliich

Yy2

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

360

PaRT

X.

LECT. CCXIV.
Of Demoniacal

Schol.

1.

the devil

1.

Possessions.

JL r ii;is been an opinion generally received,

sovnctinies entered into the bodies of men,

that

and
and dreadful manner by a supernatural aijcncy upon them
and it is evident that many passages
in the New Testament, taken in their most obvious sense,
appear greatly to favour such a notion. But Mr. Joseph
IMede and Dr. Becker liave long since pleaded, that these
demoniacs were only lunatics or epileptics ; and a learned author, generally agreed to be Dr. Svkes, has lately revived the
notion in a discourse, entitled, Ayi Enfjuirij into the Demoniacs
mentioned in the New Testament, wiiirh has occasioned a great
deal of debate
and the late celebrated physician. Dr. Mead,
has since declared himself on that si<.ie of the question, in his
late book on the diseases mentioned in scripture*.
It seems
therefore not improper to give a brief review of the most considerable arguments which are urged on both sides the question.
iias

afflicted tiiem in

a severe
;

2.

Mede's opinion,

In defence of Mr.

1.

it is

observed and

pleaded,
(1.) That the word demon, as used among the ancients,
properly signifies the soul of a dead person.
Now it would be
palpably absurd, to suppose that the departed spirits of wicked
men are permitted to perform such operations as are pretended

in this case.

granted that the word has sometimes this

It is

signification, but

it

is

and Mr.

plain,

Mede

allows

it,

that

it is

not universally^ so, as was observed above; nor indeed is this

by any means its most common sense ; for though those whom
the Heathens worshipped were dead men, yet their worshippers
did not generally acknowledge it, but looked on the assertion as
atheism, or at least great

Cypr. Op.

p. 12,

3. (2.)

were ascribed
a Mede's

imj)!ety.

Led.

9'6.

4, &c. Yid.

Ed. Fell\

That among the Heathens, lunacy and epilepsy

to the operation of some demon upon such

Diatrihe,

No.

vi.

Pegge's Exam. ofSYKE's Enquiry, pris. p.4

7.

is the effect of the hostility of powerful, malignant, spiritual

See*' Cnto, or essays on various subjects," vol. i. Essay the third, vol. ii.

prevails in the world,

beings

Essay the fourth. K.

* Dr. Larhner hasalso
piuion, in

liis

5'et

more

lately appeared as

three discourses ou thit subject.

C.

an adYOcate

for this

Lect. ccxvr.

Of Demoniacal Possessions.

who

patients,

But

361

therefore were called from thence Cerriti

and

whether the
Heathens did not in the general represent the matter as it
really was, though they might err as to tlie particular agent by
whom they might suppose such persons to be agitated.
Larvati,

it is

answered, that the question

is,

4. (3.) That it is not only probable, but certain, that the

Jews had the same notion
for wliich the case of Saul when
melanclioly is urged, and those known passages from Jos. Ant.
J, viii. c. ii. 5. and Bell. Jucl.
1.
vii. c. vi. 3. to which are
added Matt, xi, 18. xvii. 14, 15, John vii. 20. viii. 48, 52. x. 20.
Avhere demoniacs and lunatics seem synonymous terms.
The
same also is urged from the account given of those said to be demoniacs, whose symptoms are the same with lunacy and epilepsy.
But it is answered, that where lunacy and being possessed with
the devil are here mentioned as the same thing, it is perfectly
consistent with tlic notion, that some peculiar kinds of lunacy,
and those on the whole the worst, v/ere the effect of diabolical
;

operation,
5.

change

(4.)
tJie

That

it

was by no means necessary

for Christ to

usual language, and correct these mistakes in philo-

sophy, any more than those relating to the Ptolemaic system

in astronomy.

was

6. (5.) That the miracle of a cure by speaking a word,

as really gT-.;at and valuable in one case as in the other.

^ 7. (6.) That it is advantageous to the christian cause to

interpret these histories thus; because we can give no account

why there

should have been more demoniacs just in the age in

lived, than at any other time.*

which Christ

8. II, In defence of the common notion,

and pleaded as follows,
(1.)

That

it is

answered^

the foundation of the contrary scheme, 2, is enas it is certain theUeathens had a notion among

tirely precarious

them, of evil spirits distinct from human souls and if they had
not, it would be very unreasonable to make their notion of demons the standard, by which to interpret the sense of the word
in the New Testament, especially since the passages quoted from
the Old Testament make very good sense on the common interpretation.
Compare the Greek translation of Deut. xxxii, 17:
Psal. xc\. 6. xcvi.5. cvi. 37, /j'fl. xiii. 2l,xxxiv. 14. Ixv. 11. See
Pegge lib i supra, and Trommii Lexic. in verb, ^caixonov.
:

Two

question.

writers of

These

eminence have more recently appeared oa

Lardner and Mr, Farmfr. K,

are, Dr.

this side of the

362

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

X.

New Testament,
OJd, that there is a number of apostate
spirits, who fell from heaven under Satan their leader, who
makes it his great business, probably in concurreijce with them,
to do all the mischief he cai both to the bodies and souls of
men. Vid. Led. 210. 5 .Lett. 211. 11, &c. Led. 213. 5, 6.
9. (2.) It

plainly the doctrine of the

is

hinted at also in

tlie

10. (3.) That the demons spoken of in scripture as possessing the bodies of men, are there represented as also the associates of Satan, and Christ's triumph over the demons is continually represented as a triumph over Satan, Matt. xii. 24
27.
Luke X. 17, 18. xiii. 16. Jcisx. 38. James ii. 19. Rev. xii.
7, 9. xvi.

XX. 2.

14.

13,

II. (4.) Such facts are recorded concerning the demons

mentioned in the New Testament, as could not possibly have been
true on the conti'ary hypothesis: v. g. their owning Christ to be
the Messiah, beseeching him not to torment them, breaking
chains, and especially driving the swine into the sea, which there
is no reason to believe that two mad-men would have attempted,
or could possibly have effected. ^
12. (5.) The manner in which Christ speaks to them,
plainlv shews they were really demoniacs
not only rebuking
:

them, (which ind.ed

them unclean

come

is

spirits,

also said of fevers

and winds) but calling

asking them questions,

commanding them

very mean and unworthy to suppose

him merely to have humoured mad-men in any case, and much
more in this: and the answer 5. is by no means sufficient, because this is supposed by those on the other side the question to
to

out, &c.

It is

be a mischievous notion

yet

it

is

plain his

own

apostles were

suffered to continue in it, even after the descent of the Spirit,

for they expressly assert the person in question to have been
actually and really po^^e^.s^^; nor can one imagine how they

could assert

this in plainer

and

less

ambiguous

terras.

not allowed to have been so singular a case

as the objection supposes, considering the account which has
13. (G.)

It is

been given of possessions by man}' credible persons, especially

the writers of the primitive church. See Lect. 136. 6. 13. and
the references there
14. (7.)

more frequent
i

DoDD. Fam. Expos,

i'iS,

42y. Ed.

1.

We

^.

can conjecture some probable reasons,

why

possessions might be permitted in Christ's time,

vol.

i.

70. {not. h.

i.)

p.

b W'lUsr. Ace. of Demoniacs.

ilbi. of the burry Dcmoiiia&

Lect. ccxv.
than were

Of Heathen

known before

Oracles yKc.

363

v. g. to punish the Jews^ who

;
magic, (compare Acts x\x. 13, 18,
19.) to convince men of the reaht}' and malice of evil spirits,
that they might be alarmed at their danger, and so prepared for
the gospel to illustrate the power of Christ in his triumpli over
them, and to give a convincing specimen of his future complete

or since

were addicted so much

to

victory.

Lect. 21

1.

18.

5. (8.) Nevertheless, were the cause utterly unknown to

would not become us for that reason alone to den}- the fact.
Who can say, why Satan is permitted to have so much power
over men*s souls^ as many of the forecited scriptures do plainly
express^*?

us,

it

LECT. CCXV.
0/ Heathen

Magical Operations Satanical Sagges Charms Judicial Astrology.

Oracles
iions

E readily allow, that there might be a great

1. SchoL 2.
deal of artifice in the oracles of the Heathens, so much celeby their writers; which appears from the dubious
language in which they were often delivered, from the instances
in which clearer predictions were contradicted by the event,
from the apparatus made use of in consulting many of them,
whereby the imagination of the suppliant or enquirer was greatly
disordered, and from the servile fiattery they used to princes
and conquerors, and the machinery and contrivance in some of
the scenes and images from whence the oracular voice proceeded
(concerning all which consult Vandale on all these
subjects, or Fontenelle's elegant abridgment of him) and
brated

a Fnquiry

into Script.

Demon.

Farther Enq. and Review.

tss.

on Demoniacs.

Defence of if.
Examinat. and Defence.

'I'wEt.i.'s
|

Biscoe

at lioyle's Lect. vol.

i.

p.

281283.

* For additional publications in favour of the commonly received doctrine of

demoniacal possessions, recourse may be had to Dr. M.^cknighi's Essay, prefixed
tohis second edition of his '< Harmony of tlie four Gospels ;" Bishop Warkurton's
Sermons, vol. iii. No. 10, Dr. Ward's " Dissertations on several passages of the
sacred Scriptures," vol. i. No. 20, '21. Mr. Burgh's * Crito," Essay iii. p. 230
256 ; Bishop Newton's " Dissertation on the Demoniacs," inhis works, vol. iii. p.
163
192 ; and Mr. Thomas B.'^rkeh's, ' Nature and Circumstances of the Demoniacs in the Gospels, stated, methodized, and considered in the several particulars."
Mr.pABMER's Essay was attacked in three treatises. These were Dr.WoRTHiNOTON's
" Impartial Enquiry into the case of the Gospel Demoniacs ," the same gentleman's
" Farther Enqairy ;" and Mr. Fell's " Demoniacs j" " An Enquiry mto %hc Hca^heij and the Scripture Doctrine oi Demons."
K.

LECTURES OK DIVJNlTY.

i64'

there

is

PaRT

X.

great reason to believe, that the ignorance or superstiwould n)ake them an easy prey to artiiices

tion of the popuUice

of this kind.

Nevertheless,

considering Iiow expressly devils

are said to have been worshipped

how supposabie

by the

many

Gentiles,

Cor. x. 20,

them might, by their

extraordinary sagacity and experience, form probable conjectures with regard to future events, and discern present things at
such a distance as tiiey could not be known by the enquirer
and likewise considering the circumstances recorded by some
credible historians, for which none of the opposite particulars
recorded by Vandale can fully account, it seems reasonable
to believe, that in some of those oracles there was a supernatural
interposition of evil spirits; (compare y^c/s xvi. 16
18.) especially when we compare what is said of demoniacal possessions
under the former scholium, and of magical operations under the
Eext\
21. and

it is,

that

of

2. Yet we cannot, without stronger proof than can bepretendcd, suppose that God wou]dJ'reque?itlj/ permit these interpositions to be apparently miraculous, considering how great
a confirmation they would give to idolatrous worship; and it is
plain in fact, that after Christianity appeared, they were in very
little credit, and both Tully and Plutarch assure us, they
begun to decline before that time. See Lect. 134. 7. and the

references there

*'.

3. 3. Many have rejected all stories o( 7?iagical operations

performed by a combination with the infernal spirits, or of diabolical appearances; as being either the dreams of a disordered

imagination, the contrivance of art, or the vaiti fictions of those

who aimed at nothing but imposing on mankind. There is
great reason to believe this to have been most frenuently the
case: yet it must be acknowledged, that some stories of this

kind come attended with evidence which

cerned in them; and

it

is

it is

some

particularly the dying confession of

difficult to answ^er,

said to

have been con-

strange to observe, what an agrce-

incnt there is in many circumstances, among tliose who have

believed and reported such facts, where the scenes have been

most

and the persons in education and religion most diffrom each other. It is however certain, that Satan ap-

distant,

ferent

a Eiscop. at Boyle's Lect.

c. viii. i 1. vol.

i.

p.

B/.

ACKW.

Fiiq. into the Life of

flom. p. 190

'.'OK.

b Vandai.i: rie Orac.

rONTEV. Il:Sl. d'oracles,
Ft.r

ARCH de

Arki'.'eis Cap. de Morb. acut. 1. ii. c iv. ad

tin. !>. 17. K.d. Boeih. with Uoerhaave's Notes.
Ebios's tnq. c. vi. p. 173 23rt.
Koi,' is=sll;.si. Anc. vol. v. p 2846. Fr.
IliKiWN's \'ulg. Errors, 1. vii. c. xii.

pnSB.

1.

i. )).

Wl.

GiM" of Tempt, p. Ui, 3t>.

I* on isp. p. 294^jiO.
1)'

I'AKMEK un

JtALZiGu'B Jiirt.of the World

cess. Orac.

icr.Kii <tc Uiv.

I.

V. c. V. \ I.

Nlirac. p. 'iHi.

Of Heathen

Lect. ccxv.

Oracles, Kc.

365

in a visible form to Christ, and that he animated the

body of a serpent in the first temptation: it is also exceeding
probable, there vas some supernatural appearance to Said,
1 Sam. xxviii. notwithstanding the solution which some have

peared

endeavoured to find, in the supposed artifice of throwing the

which we can hardly suppose to have been common to all
the eyfa-pojuvSoj.
The main objection against the supposed reality
of such phsenomena is, that being miraculous they would establish the worship of the devil, on the principles laid down,
above.
But no proof can be brought, that such facts were ever
done in attestation of a falshood: the utmost they can be supposed to prove, is, that the devils are beings of great power and
knowledge, not that they are the proper objects of our v/orship,
dependance and obedience; and it may be added that the purposes to which they seem to have interposed have generally
been so malignant, as sufficiently to prove they are evil demons,
and as such to be denounced and detested and such appearances,
"where Christianity is known, should be considered as confirming
rather than weakening it ; since the existence, power, and malice of Satan make so great a part of the christian scheme:
where the gospel is unknown, natural religion might teach men,
that there is a sovereign almighty being of the most benevolent
nature, and consequently that these mischievous beings were to
be detested as his enemies, whatever power they might have,
from which he would not fail to protect those that should faithvoice,

Compare 2

fully serve him.

Thess.

ii.

12^.

makes it probable,
4. 4. The
of those horrible thoughts, which sometimes come
with an almost irresistible impetus into the minds of pious persons, are of diabolical original ; which is in some measure conscripture doctrine of Satan

many

that

firmed, by what has been observed of the subtilty, with which,

atheistical and. sceptical arguments have sometimes been pre-

sented to the mind, even beyond the natural genius of the person
assaulted

by them

''.

^ 5. 5. There is no greater evidence of the degeneracy

which a rational mind, even with great degrees of sagacity and
Nbal's Hist, of New Eng.
170.

a CREtr.lus de Deo, c. vi.p. 23.

Hui CH. of Witchcr. pass.

Le Clerc's Pneum.

BAXr. of Christian, part i, c. xiv. 20.

Gage's Surv. of West-Ind. p. asi389.
Spect. vol.

No. cxvii.
TAVFiyJiER's Voyages,
Failli. Knq. p. fi4h9.
ii.

vol.

ii.

VL. V.

c. xii. p.

124

268270.

p. 44j45.

Reply

You

ii.

Beckker's World bewitched, 1. xii.c. iii.

Glanvh.le's Sadducismus Triumph, passiiq,
b BuNYAN's Pilg:. Piog. p. 75, 76.
Gilpin on Tempt, partii. c. vii.
Burn. Spir. Life, ap. ScougaI,p. 139141,

to En<i. p. 7982.
.so on Idol. vol. ii. p.

vof.

Serm. vol. ii. No. xiv. p. 267281.

Weston's Enq. c. vii. p. 237 281. pjis. p.

Waterl.

} 2. c. v.

3745-

Zz

LFA TURrs

366

PaRT

OK DIVINITY.

X.

is capable of, than the implacable malice of those

M-ickcd spirits, and the obstinate malignity vith which they
arc opposing the cause of God in the world, though they are
sure that opposition will end in their own confusion and ruin ^

abilit}^,

under the va^ G. G. Those who prnfo-scd magical arts,

rious forms of them, were by the law of Moses condemned to
death, Exod. xxii. 18. Dcii!. xviii. 011. and as idolatry was
generally the foundation

some

there were

.of these professions,

reasons for their being pnnislicd [jcculiar to the y^o^'wA dispenAnd indeed it seems 'iw., that in christian communities,
sation.
since
persons making such pretensions should be discouraged
they have an evident tendency to tak'e off men's minds from a
dependance upon God, to indulge malignant passions, and at
But it may be
best to fill them with vanity and superstition.
questioned, how far the professors of such arts are to be punished by the magistrate. AVe allow, that it is not his province
;

God

to punish offences against

as such

(Led.

87.)

and con-

sequently a contract with Satan, considered merely in this view,

but if it be proved that
is not by human laws to be made penal
real mischief either to the- persons or properties of men be done
:

consequence of such a contract, the person who can be

proved to have done such mischief is certainly answerable for
and if (which is generally the case) those predictions are
it
only artifices to impose on simple people and get money from
them, the idle pretenders are plainly a pest to society, and
may as justly be punished as those who keep gaming houses,
in

Vid. Lect. 64. 14 ^

brothels, &c.

vain ceremonies, which are commonly

seem to have no efficacy at all for producing
the elTects proposed by them, are to be avoided
seeing, if there
be indeed any real efficacy in them, it is generally probable
they owe it to some bad cause for one can hardly imagine,
that God should permit good angels in any extraordinary man7-

Certain

7.
called charms, and

own miracuand iipon the performance of

ner to interpose, or should immediately exert his

lous

power on

trilling occasions,

such idle tricks

such benefits

as are generally

made

the condition of receiving

'^.

1^

8.

8.

Concerning the vanity of what

is

commonly

called

Judicial astrology, Vui'^.

a Ttoiin. Fnm. F.\pos. vol.

i.

b hU'icu ot Wiiclicr. c. xii.

Glip, un Icm])!. ]>ait i. t.
Perkins's Works, vol. ii.
-

p.

n^. VA.

ji.

147 1.'4.

v. p. '.'^3?.

1.
|

p. 3JJ, 'JjJ.

D.bC. of Wiitbciati, vol.

iii.

(J07,

kc.

c I.imb. TheoT.

I.

\'.

c.

xxxv.

J 3.

f kysk, vol. Iv. p. .i2, 53.

Wont's Immori^lily of ihe Soul,
V.

I.

f ^. 4-

d Mcre's Theol. Works,

p.

2iO251.

iii,

c. xii,

0/the Proceedings

Lect. ccxvi,

at the Last

Day^

367

S(c.

LECT. CCXVL

0/

the Proceedings at the Last Daij

the Resurrection

and

a Future ^tate.

Prop.

JL

what

encjuirc into

shall pass at the

world, so fur as scripture gives us an account of

visihle

2.

Sol.

I.

pomp and

The Lord

end of this

it.

Jesus Christ shall descend

with

majesty, attended by the blessed angels,

who

probably be emjjlo^ed as the instruments of some loud and

extraordinary sound, called the trumpet of God, or toice of the
archangel: this appearance shall be attended with the resurrection of the dead, Matt. \\\x. 30, 31. xxv. 31, 32. xxvi. 6k
Johnv. 28, 29. Jctsiv. 2. xxiii. C. xxiv. 15. 1 Cor. xv. 32,
kc. 1 Thess. iv. 1416.

Avill

3.

2.

In this resurrection, the bodies of the saints shall

though unknown manner, be transformed into

shall be raised
above those miseries and temptations to which, by virtue of
their constitution and situation, they are now exposed, and
rendered fit to serve the soul in all the entertainments and
emplo3nnents of the heavenly state, Matt. xiii. 43. 1 Cor. xv.
42
i9. Phil. iii. 21.
in a glorious,

the resemblance of the glorified body of Christ

4. 3. Those saints who are found alive at this appearance of Christ shall be caught up with those new raised, to
meet him ; and their bodies shall undergo a change correspondent to that of tiiose who are dead, 1 Cor, xv. 50 54.

Thess.

iv.

17.

5. 4. All mankind both good and bad shall in a solemn

manner appear before Christ, that their lives and characters may

undergo a strict examination,

Jets xvii. 31. Pom. u.

in order to

state,
(

Tim.

determine their
iv.

I.

final

2 Cor. v. 10.

sim.
6. 5.

The consequence

tence of absolution to
all

16. 2

all

of this judgment will be a senthe righteous, and condemnation to

the wicked, (in which latter sentence the evil angels shall
be included) and this on each side wWl be succeeded by

also

the immediate execution of

into a state of complete

it,

the rifrhteous beino- received

and everlasting happiness, and the

Zz


LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

368

wicked

Mark
i.

cast

43

ix.

10. 2

PaRT

X.

46.

do w a to everlasting misery, Matt. xxv.

49.

Tim.

Rom.n.

iv. 8.

Fet.

i.

10.

2 Cor.

7. iv. 13. v. 4.

;il

18. 2 Thess.

iv. 17,
1

John

in.

'.

7. Cor, 1. There is great reason to believe that the saints

made perfect in holiness, without which we cannot con-

will be

ceive

how they could be completely happy

and indeed the

perfection of their character in their final state

Eph.

asserted,

v. 27.

Col.

i.

22.

Heb.

xii.

is

expressly

23. Jude ver. 24**.

S. 2. It plainly appears from the passages referred to

above, and especially ^r. 5. that the complete happiness of the
saints is to commence from the resurrection, as also the complete punishment of the wicked
but how far there is reason
to believe, that the one and the other are immediately after
:

death

in

a state of happiness or misery,

are then to receive,

we

shall

far

beyond what they

enquire below, Led. 219,

&c ".

9. Sckol. 1. There are many passages in the Old Testament, which either obscurely hint at the resurrection of the
body, or immediatelj^ refer to it v. g. jdb xix. 23 27. Dan.
xii. 2. to which many have added Isa. xxv. 8. xxvi. 19. Hos.

vi. 2.

xiii.

14.

compare

xxxvii.

JS'^e/t.

14.

To

these texts

Dr. Hodges has added several others, which he interpiets as

referring to the resurrection, particularly Job xiv. 14. xxi, 30
32. xxix. 19, 20. xxx. 22, 23.
But all his efforts will only at
best prove these words may be so rendered and explained,
whereas they all make very good sense upon the common interpretation.
See HoDGEs's Elihity c. iv. pnes. p. 212 214,

230240

''.

10, 2. Some have not only doubted whether these texts

express the resurrection of the bod\', but whether there he any

where

Old Testament any reference to a future state at

case in a few words appears to be this.
The Mosaic
co\-enant contained no promises directly relating to a future
in the

The

Jill.

state

probably, as Dr.

Warburton

asserts

and argues at

Moses was secure of an equal providence, and

therefore needed not subsidiary sanctions taken from a future
-state, without the belief of which the doctrine of a universal
large, because

a Amory's Serm. on the last Judgment.

b Watts's Deatli and Heaven, Disc ii. i

OooDwiN's Uoiks,
p.9(>,

W HlTBY

2.

vol. V. ijaitiii. c. xiii. xiv.

&c.
on '2 Tim.

iv. 8. & 2 Pet ii. 4.

vol. iii. p 527532.
AVat is's IX-aih and Heaven, p. 1S8, 189.
EoYsE's 4 last I'liiiigs, ap. Op. v. i. p. Ml,

Bless, of the

Righteous

c. x.

ap.

i.

Warb.

c. X. i 4.

iv. 3.

PKifcRs on Job.

p. 469.

30.'.

p.

Op. vol.
p. 519 5'JC
ocK on Prophecies, p. 255277.
Patrick on Job xix. 25.
&.

Div. /,eg. vol. ii. p. 5.4354S.

J.inie-slreet Lect. vol. ii. j). 3y4
4O6.
Gri-.y on Job, Pref. \i. 14, 15.
Brown's three Serm. in Loc.
biRCH'.-; Life of Mr. Bo}1e, p. 295207.

I'LEM. Chiistol.

1,1MB. Tlieol. 1. vi.

BcihiliV's J.cMi.

Howe's
d SilLK!

U".

Of the

Lect. ccxvr.

Proceedings at the Last Day^ Uc.

369

providence cannot ordinarily be vindicated, nor the general

yet, as real piety must imply
gome views to such a state, it seems evident that good men even
16.) as he
before Moses were animated by them, (Heh. xi. 13
(ibid. ver. 24
liimself plainly was
26.) and that the promises
of heavenl}^ felicity were contained even in the covenant made

sanctions of relitrion secured

with Abraham, (which the Mosaic could not disannul) we have

(see Lect. 203. 9, &c.) Succeeding providences also confirmed the natural arguments in its favour, as every
remarkable interposition would do. And when general promises were made to the obedient, and an equal providence relating to the nation established on national conformity to the
Mosaic institution, and not merely to the general precepts of
virtue, (which must always make a nation happy) as such an
equal providence would necessarily involve many of the best
men in national ruin, at a time when, by preserving their integrity in the midst of general apostacy , their virtue was most conspicuous ; such good men in such a state would have vast additional reasons for expecting future rewards, beyond what could

shewn before

arise from principles common to the rest of mankind

so that
we cannot wonder that we find in the writings of the prophets
many strong expressions of such an expectation, particularly
:

Gen.
xvii.

xlix.
lilt,

IS. Fsal.

xvi.

(compare Acts

11.

xxiii. ult. xxxvi. 9. xlix. 14, 15. Ixxiii. 17

X. 2, 28. xi, 7.
15, 16, 17, 21.

xii.
vii.

xv. 24. xxi. 16.

28. xiv. 32.

12, 15.

viii.

25
27. Prov.
ii.

1214.

xi. 9.

xii.

31.)

Eccles.

iii.

7, 13, 14.

Isa.m. 10, 11. Ezek. xvYn, 19 21. to which catalogue may

be added the texts quoted above, Schol. 1. The same thing
may also be inferred from the particular promises made to
Daniel, Dan. xii. 13. to Zerubbabel, Hag. ii. 23. and to Joshua
from those historical
murder of Abel,
the translation of Enoch and Elijah, the death of Moses, the
storv of the witch oi' Endor ; and from what is said of the
appearance of angels to, and their converse with good men.
Vid. Lect. -212. 6.
the high p'iest, Zech.

facts recorded in

It is

iii.

7. as well

as

the Old Testament, of the

11. Against this interpretation of the preceding texts

objected, that bringing life and ivimortalitij to light was

the peculiar glory of Christianity: compare 2

Tim. i. 10. with

Dr. IIoDGEs's explication, [Elihu, p. 252.) But waving this
interpretation, we answer, (1.) 7^hat many of the passages
above are ambiguous, though most reasonably explained of a
future state*
(2.) That in others there might be room to doubt,
whether they express any

tiling

more than the hope

these

good

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

370

X,

men

in fact had, without determining that it was built on any

express revelation.
(3.) That where there was an express
message from God, the consequence, as including a future state,

was to be inferred from comparing the inequalities of present

providences with that general declaration.
(4.) That no such
passages contain a promise of final, everlasting, and immutable
happiness even to the spirits of good men ; (5.) nor of a resurnor (6.) does it at all affect any but the
rection to their body
Jews ; so that when Christ in his own person, and that of the
apostles, declared a future state of endless happiness or misery
of the whole person, awaiting c// men, it may well be called
bringing life and immortality to light, when compared with any
:

former dispensation

*.

12. ?). Those who have thought that the resurrection of

the body might be demonstrated, as at least probable from
natural principles, have pleaded,
tlie one hand the immortaand on the other that the body was originally
designed to make up a part of the man, it would seem improbable ^hat one part should be utterly destroyed, especially after

13-

(1.)

That considering on

lity of tlie soul,

so short a duration, shorter indeed than the period of many

But those that insist upon
other animal and vegetable bodies.

argument seem to have forgotten, that the sentence of

death introduced by sin has changed the original state ; not to
insist upon it, that from the light of nature w^e might perhaps
apprehend the union of our souls to these bodies a punishment.
this

14. 2. They plead that a

divine justice will be consequent

more glorious display of the

upon a resurrection than can
is certain, the almighty power of

otherwise be supposed. But it

(jod might without this make it apparent to

all

human

creatures

was universally rewarded, and vice proportionably

punished and none can pretend to say, how far the honours
of the divine judgment would necessarily require a more public
and sensible triumph.
that virtue
;

a I.Ei

AKD

against

MoRG.

vol.

i.

c. xi. p.

333 34i^.

Warb.

Div. Leg. vol.

ii.

p.

S35 568.

* Bishop Warburton's opinion has been attacked in various productions,

amonp, w liich it maj' be sufficient to mention, Mr. Pkters's " Critical Dissertati'ins on tlie Book of Job," and " Remarks on Dr. Warburton's Account of the
" Sentiments of the early Jews coricernin!; the Soul." Views of things diflferent
from those maintained by Wareurto;j are advanced bj^ Dr. Addington, in his
"Dissertation on the religious Knowledge of the ancient Jews and Patriarchs j
" contauiing an Enquiry into the Evidnci of their Blief and Expectation #f ;.
'*

lutiae State."

JK.

Of the Body

Lect. ccxvii.

to

371

be raised.

15. (3.) Many liavc urged the reasonableness of maliing

the body partake of rewards and punishments, as it has partaken
But it is only in a figurative sense, that it
of duty or guilt.
can be said to be the subject either of virtue or happiness.
16, (4.) The Fathers commonl}^ argued from the succeeddaily
and yearly resurrection to be observed in the natural
ing
world. This was indeed a ver}' just proof to the Heathens,

with

whom

this

controversy chiefly lay, that a resurrection from

the dead was possible, and the fabulous story of the phoenix
was as fine an illustration of it as can be imagined. Vid.

SoLiNUs, cap. xxxiii. p. 63- Avith Salmasius's notes, vol. \. p.

548, &.C. But we cannot certainly inf^r from thence, that God
will cffpct it
so that it seems to be peculiar to a divine revelation, to give convincing evidence of the resurrcctiorj of the
body. Vid. Prop. 82. Schol. 6. and the authors quoted there \
:

LECT. CCXVII.
Of
I. Schol. 4. JLt
raised will be the

question of

much

the

is

Body

much

same

to

be raised.

debated,

v>'ith

how

far the

that laid in the grave,

greater difficulty than importance.

body

to

and

it is

It

be
a

maj' be

observed,
2. (L) That the raised body cannot be entirely the same
mass, i. e. cannot consist just of the same particles without either
The continual changes that pass ia
addition or diminution.
the body during life would render this raised body of a monthose particles that had ever been vitally
had made a part of it while living, were then
to be restored ; which yet might seem as necessary, as that just
that number should be restored which were laid in the grave
and besides this, the different state of bodies laid in the grave,
some vastly overgrown, others much emaciated, others only of
infants, others maimed, i. e. deprived ofsome of their limbs and
members, would occasion such a diversity of size and forms at
the resurrection, as there is no reason at all to imagine, and it
would be insufferable to sirppose.
strous size,

if all

united to

i. e.

it,

3. (2.) Some have imagined, that there is some part of

the brain, so exceeding small as to be invisible, which is in its
own nature incorruptible ; and that the uniting this to the same
a Plato's Pludon. M4. 15.
Pears, on the Creed, p. 375, 375.

Deatli and Heav. p. 228 2i2.

tocii art's liieruwikon, VVorksJ vol. i. CcI. 8!7

Watts's

pART

LECTURES ON DIVINITV.

372
soul to which

was before united will occasion an identity of

But it is neither certain that there are any such

it

the whole man.

incorruptible particles, nor can

particles

X.

we

see

would make the raised body

how

the identity of these

was

the[sanie that

laid in the

dust.

Many

have supposed that there maybe some

same in every distinct human body from
its birth to its death, only in different circumstances dilated
by
the fluids to different degrees, and that these are of such a
nature, as never to pass from being the stamina of one body
to become the stamina of another
which hypothesis, though
it be not entirely clear of its difliculties, yet if it be allowed
possible, will shew the possibility of giving to each what may
properly be called his own body, even when, as in the instance
of cannibals, and no doubt in many others, the same particles at
4,

(3.)

slaviina, which are the

different times

make

a part of different

human

bodies.

5. (4.) The scripture speaks, not merely as Mr. Locke

maintains, of the resurrection of /Ae f/m<^?, but also of the resurrection of the body, in such terms, as at least strongly to intimate,
it may properly be called the same body which was laid in
the grave, on some materiaJ account, though the organization

that

of

it

shall,

no doubt, be greatly changed,

unknown, /o/i7f

to us at present

38, 42

acid.

44, 53. Phil.

Rom.

viii.

1 1

G. 5. It is

in such a

manner

as is

Rev. xx. 13. 1 Cor. xv. 35

21. to which we may without scruple.

iii.

v. 28.

^
not possible for us to determine,

how

far the

which our Lord describes the judgment day, Matt.

XXV. ar)d elsewhere, may be literal, and how far Jigurative.
Tiiere seems no reason to believe, that every individual word
and action shall be particularly examined in all its circumstances,
witnesses heard, refuted, &c. for were this to proceed according to the method of human courts, it would make the judgment day millions of years longer than the whole period of the
earth's duration has been
neither can we depend upon it that
those excuses Avill actually be made, which are represented,
Matt. vii. 22. xxv. 24 6c' 44. no doubt every particular of men's
conduct will be weighed, in order to fix their character and their
state ; and the proceedings of that day w ill be attended with
language

in

a Nf nr.F.-s Theol. p.

Peaus. on

1.=i4, 1.=i5.

Plin-nix, vol.). p.tJH SO.

Cl./,RK!.. at Boyle's Lect. part

Locke's
Essay,

Prop.

xiii.

Op. vol. i.
Notes at the tnd of

Lett, to STii.r TNCFt,.

4S.V49K. or
I.

tlie

ii. c:'.p.

NiEuwtNi.

Rel.

xxvii.
vol.i.

Pliil.

tlie

Creed, p.

WniuNOHAM's
ii.

p.
ilie

Bo'iy, p. 'Jfl 4

SPO383.

\.

Mack'nicht's Truth of ihe Gospernist.

Ecu rn's Seim. vol. iii. Append.

CHANDiER'sSerm.

vol.

1.

LocKii's Puraphr. on Horn.

Contempt.

x\i.

.)5,

No. 15

\i.

12P.

17.

viii. 11.

\.c.

Watts 's Philos. Ew. No. viii.

WHiTBy otr Cor. xv. 44.

Cont. xxviii. 5 13.

Keil's Lss.011 BJood, p. 20, 21.
i 9.

'

Fxilitv of the Vessels of the

I Cor. XV.

Lect. ccxviii.

Of the

373

Place of the Blessed, Kc.

such convictions of conscience impressed upon the unhappy

condemned in it, as effectually to supersede such pleas,
but it
or any other they could be supposed capable of making
is probable this last expression, as well as those of opening the

creatures

books, Rev.x'ix. 12. are to

be taken figuratively

=".

7. 6. It is expressly said, that evil spirits are reserved

to the judgment of the great day, Jude ver. 6. 2 Pet. ii. 4.
1 Cor. vi. 3. in which there will be a more apparent propriety,

Dr. Hunt's conjecture concerning the fall of the angels be

which is, that those angels, before they fell, had in their
former state some peculiar relation to our system, and that they
were in the number of those who attended the Shekinah, while
Adam was in paradise ; but, by drawing off, forsook their post,
out of a principle of rebellion against the son of God, or of
envy to mankind, whom they thought unworthy the guardian-

if

true,

ship,

and attendance of such noble

spirits

^.

LECT. CCXVIII.

Of the Place of

the Blessed

and of the Damned.

conjectures have been

1. Schol. 7. J^^ILaNY precarious
formed concerning the place^ in which good men shall dwell
some have thought it to be beyond the
after the resurrection
starry firmament : and some of the ancients imagined that
their dwelling would be in the sun, from a mistaken interpretation of Psal. xix. 4. which they rendered, as the LXX. and
Vulgate, He has set his tabernacle in the sun : but the nature
and appearance of the sun, especially considering the spots on
his face, so easily expose the weakness of this hypothesis, that
it deserves no manner of regard. Mr. Whiston supposes the air
to be the seat of the blessed, at present at least, and imagines
that Christ is at the top of the atmosphere, and other souls
nearer or more remote from him, according to the degree of their
moral purity, to which he imagines the specific gravity of their
a scheme so evidentinseparable vehicles to be proportionable
ly precarious, that it seems hardly worth while particularly to
examine it

'^.

2.

But Mr. Hallet has endeavoured

s SHEai OCK on Judg. cap. iv.

You SG's Serin, vol. i. p. 320324, 328333.
fc Hunt's Ess. on var. Dispells, ad fifl.

VOL. V.

to prove at large,

WhisT. at Boyle's lect. Append.

Faw CET r's Uialogues, p. 21, &c.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

374

PaRT

X.

upon earth, when it shall be restored to its

and the substance ot his arguments is this.
Saints on their death go to heaven, 2 Cor. v. 8. Phil. i. 2;3. compare with Acts'm. 21. which place is likewise called paradise,
that tlicy will dwell

paradisaical state

but after the resurrection there

shall descend the 7itw Jerusalem, a city to be formed in heaven, and from thence brouoht
down and fixed upon earth, licv. xxi. xxii. compare 2 Pet.
iii.
13. and he supjioscs this is all that is intended by such ex-

Luke

xxiii. 43.

shall be a

new

2 Cor.

xii. 2, 4.

earth,

upon which

2. and he confii. 4. IJcb x. 34. John xiv.

1 Pet.
dently asserts, that heaven does no where in scripture signify
a place where good men shall dwell after the resurrection. He
uro-es that many singular advantages attend this hypothesis,
V. g. it shews the reason why the body shall be raised, and it

pressions, as

affords the best interpretation oi Matt. v. 3, &c. but as for those

passages, Isa. Ixv. 17. &c. Ixvi. 22. &c. he apprehends that these
are only allusions to the abode of the saints after the resurrection, but do immediate It/ refer to the restoration of the Jews to

own land, and its extraordinary fruitfulness and pleasure,

which he supposes by various strong figurative expressions to
be compared to the final abode of the blessed. Many objections
lie against this scheme, too obvious to need a particular mentheir

tion

the chief are these,

can hardly imagine any city upon earth capable of containing the whole number of God's people, especially considering the great triumph of the christian cause to be
expected in the latter day, (of which see Prop. 1 12. Schol. 4.)

3.

(I.)

One

the great multiplication of the inhabitants of the earth, which

will probably be connected with it, and the probable reason

who die in infancy, which is at least

one third of the whole human species, or at least all the deceased
infants of the righteous, may belong to the number of the elect
there

is

to hope,

that

all

if this, or any thing like it, be the case, it is probable that

the whole face of the earth would not be able, conveniently,
and to say that the size
if at all, to contain so great a number
the
dimensions
of the glorified
or
increased,
shall
the
earth
be
of

and

body

cor.iracted,

would be so groundless and improbable a

coniecture, that this ingenious writer, wide as he suffers his

thoughts to expatiate, has not seen fit so much as to mention it.

4. (2.) It is difficult to

conceive,

how

the inhabitants of

such a fine city ujjon earth, should by any means be equal to

the angels, which yet scripture declares that they shall be, Luke
XX, 36.

Of the

Lect. ccxviii.

Place of the Blessed,

375

i^c.

5. (3.) The notion of the perpetual day there to be enjoyed, MMthout the sun, seems very ill to suit the apprehension
of this our planet's being the seat of that glory. Rev. xxi. 23

25.
6. (4.) With the thought of a perpetual abode on earth,
seem to be connected several other mean ideas, which will by
no means suit the exalted description given of the heavenly
state
least of all therefore can we imagine, that Christ and the
:

yet it is
holy angels are to have their perpetual abode here
expressly said, that saints are to be ^or ever with the Lord,
1 Thess. iv, 17. that they shall be caught up to meet him in the
air, (which would be very unnecessary and strange, if they
w^ere immediatelv to descend to earth again) and that he will
come to receive them to himself, that they may he where he is,
;

John

xiv. 2.

which on

this

hypothesis must be a very improper

expression.
7. (5.) That the scriptures, on which this I)ypothe3is is
founded, are capable of another and very different interpretation; as will appear by consulting the most celebrated commentators upon them, and particularly Mr. Lowman, on those
chapters of the Revelations which are the main support of Mr.
Hallet's scheme. On the whole, the place of the blessed is
a question of little importance; and if we believe the description
of their happiness given in scripture, we may chearfully pursue
and expect it, though we cannot answer a multitude of curious

questions relating to the circumstantials of it^

8. (6.) There have also been various conjectures, equally
uncertain, concerning the place of the damjied.
The ancients
generally supposed it was a region of fire, near the centre of the

earth : others have supposed it might be a comet, where the

extremes of heat and cold, in its access to and recess from the
sun, would be equally tormenting; and thej- suppose the latter
to be signified by /Spvy/^o? ooovtwv, Matt. xxii. 13. which they
would render the chattering of the teeth ; but Malt. xiii. 42. sufMr. Swinden endeavours
ficiently overthrows that criticism.
to prove at large, that hell is seated in the sun, chiefly pleading
that this is the grand repository of fire, that its horrible face
when viewed by a telescope suits the description given of the
burning lake, and that being in the centre of the system, it
a

HALLETon
p.

Scrirtt.

vol

i.

p.

191210.

vol.

Watts's Death and Heaven, Ed. 6tli. p. 190.

Fawceit's Dial. p. 105.
Broughthn's rrospectof Futuritv, Dissert L

ii.

167174.

Enty against Hallet, p. 174"200.

pRiEBERG de boo. nov. Fred. c. xii.
p. 185,

22 3i

i 6. iv. I 1.

il.c.

376

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

PART

3?.

might properly be said that nicked men were cast down into it.
How this is reconcilable with what is said of its being outer
darkness, I think he has not attempted to shew.
It seems a
great objection against each of tliese hypotheses, that if either
of them be admitted, we must allow a vast number of hells, if,
as this author himself supposes, the fixed stars be suns; and it
seemsextremely improbable, that as soonasa system is created, a
Others,
seat of torment should be prepared for its inhabitants.
by directly the counterpart to Mr. HaUeCs hypothesis, have
imagined that earth would be tlie seat of the damned, and that
when left in the flames of thelast conflagration, wicked men would
be cast down into it, supposing some peculiar propriety that
the'place of their sin should be that of their punishment but it

somcttiing improbable, this should be the everlasting fire prepared for the d^vil and his angels. Malt. xxv. 41. On the
is

we must here likewise confess our ignorance, and shall

be much better employed in studying how we may avoid thrs
place ol horror, than in labouring to discover where it is^.

Avhole,

LECT. CCXIX.

Cy the

Intermediate Stater Wherein the Happiness of Heattn

consists.

Schol. 9.

Nj)OME have

thought, that during the interme-

diate state between death and the resurrection, the soul shall be
entirely insensible, which they suppose to be the natural consequence of its separation from the body. But the contrary seems
to be evident with regard to^oorfmen, from the folloxving scriptures. Matt. xvii. '6. Luke xxiii. 42, 43. 2 Cor. v. 6, 8. Phil.
Pet, iii. 19. Heb. xii. 23. and
\. 21, 23, 24. to which some add
with greater certainty Matt. x. 28. compare also Acts vii. 59.
Johnx. 24. iJ^ sim. Rom. viii. 10, 1 1, 38. 2 Cor. v. 1, 2. xii. 2, 3,
1

4. 1 Thess. iv. 14. v.io. Rev. vi. 9, 10. 2 Pet. \. 13, 14. And that
the Jews before Christ's time had this notion, is at least probable
from Wisdom ii. 2 4, 23, 24. iii. 15. iv. 7 15. v. 14, 15.

though

it is

certain, that about the time of the Maccabees, a re-

came so
confidently to embrace the pci'suasion of it, and the most considerable rewards of good men and punishment of sinners were
surrection from the dead was expected, however they

a SwiNDF.N of Hell, c. vii.

Dawes's Scrm. on Jlell,

No.iii. p. 14,

Revsoi Ds's Anj. World, Qu^st. xxi\. p.

UnotouTON's Trospett, PiiserL iv. } 2.

I7l.

Of the Intermediate

Lect. cexix.
supposed

to

commence from

11, 14, 23, 29.

xii.

37t

State, i^c.

this f^rand period,

43. xiv. 46. Judith xvi. 17.

Mac.

we may conclude the like with regard

compare Luke xvi. 22, 2'i. and it seems plain,

rity of reason,

wicked,

vii.

And by

human mind

constituted, that the expectation of

is

a pa-

to the
as the

immediate

blessedness or misery, as soon as ever death has done its office,

the
increaseth those arguments for virtue, which are taken from
The most considerable arguments against this are
future state.

brought from Isa. xxxviii. 18. Psal. xxx.

ix. 46. to which some have answered,

9.

cxv. 17. Eccles.

the soul in a separate stata

2. (1.) That the existence of
might be a truth unknown to the Old Testament saints. But
allow
if we suppose it to be a truth, and yet at the same time
that in these passages they declared the contrary, we evidently
give up the plenary inspiration of this part of scripture: most

therefore have chosen to reply,

above relate to the inactive

3. (2.) That the texts quoted
removal of the soul from
the
and
state of the body in the grave,
capacity of doing any
all
and
world,
this
all intercourse with
thing for the service of
solicitous about.

God

This reply

here, which they were peculiarly

may properly be made with re-

gard to the two first of the scriptures quoted above, and will appear of the greater weight, considering the distinguished character and circumstances of David and Hezekiah, (Hervey's
Med. vol. ii. p. 26, 27. not.) and as for the passage in Ecclesiastes, if the same reply be not admitted with regard to that,
the immortality
it seems so directly to contradict the doctrine of
of the soul, that those who believe that doctrine, and also believe
the plenary inspiration o^ Solomon, or even that he believed and
taught it, "(as in this book he seems to have done) must suppose
sudden prosopoit the speech of an Epicure, introduced by a

which

poeia

from

it.

216.

if it

be allowed, destroys the force of all objection

the texts quoted from Ecclesiastes, Lect.

Compare
10^

is taken from such

judgment, as the
general
passages of scripture, as refer to the
and the wicked
happiness
their
on
enter
time when good men
Lect.
216. 6.)
quoted
which
are
of
(many
misery,
their
on

^4.

(3.)

As

to that objection

which

2. and the references there ; from whence it will appear, that such scriptures have an important sense, consistent
with what we have advanced here for the existence of our
thinking powers in a separate state. It may be further objected,

see Cor.

De \'OEUX en

Eccles. p. 17i

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

378

x.

" we

shall receive according to what we

but on the supposition of the soul's
existine^ in a separate state, the time in '.vliich many lived in
the body will have been but a very inconsiderable part of their
whole duration, whereas justice would require the whole to be
regarded (compare 2 Cor. v. 10.) It is answered, God may
suspend our probation upon what time of our existence he
and that it is very supposable, tliat both good and
pleases
bad men may after death go into such a sort of state, as may
not suit probation, but make a part either of reward or punishment and whatever can be objected against this, would afiect
the immensely greater part of our existence, which those who

that the apostle says,

have done in the

Iwdij

i''"'

deny the separate

must allow to pass

slate

after the

final

sentence ^
5. 10. There is great reason to believe, that the happiness of the blessed does in some measure arise from the converse of each other: compare Hcb. xii. 22. 1 Thess. ii. \9, 20.

God

nor do those texts, which speak of the favour of

of the blessed, (Psal.

final portion

Ixxiii.

xvii. ult.

as the

25, 26.

1 Cor. XV. 23.) at all interfere with this; seeing God will undoubtcdlv be owned and enjoyed in all those holy entertainments, which arise from the company of angels and glorified
saints
and the degree in which he makes benevolent spirits
upon earth useful to each other, and the angels serviceable to
:

saints here, as well as the social nature of

man, gives additional

weight to the argument taken from the passj.ges quoted above,

and leaves no doubt concerning the justice of the assertion''.

That there

11.

fi.

will

be various degrees of future hap-

and

piness, according to men's various attainments in virtue,

the different degrees of service here performed, appears not

only from the justice of God, which seems evidently to require

and from the nature of things, which would in the same
external circumstances render the wisest and most virtuqjus
this;

tlie

happiest

J)an.y.\\. 3.

Rom.
1

Cor.

Matt.

ii.

6.

iii.

V.

but likewise from express scriptures, such as

Matt

x.

Cor.

iii.

14, 15. to

10

41, 42. xix. 28, 29.

2 Cor. v. lO. ix. 6.

8.

which we

12. 2 Cor. iv. 17.

a WlTSII (Icon. Focd.

l.iii.

c.

xiv.

1424.

11

WE's Works,

I'ha-nix, vol.

Goodman's

ii.

vol.
p.

i.

p.* 17

519.

Not

l^r.-E-s.

p.

Cor. xv. 41.

vol.

L Serm.

iii.

p.

83

9.1ys.

Disc. pass.

Limb. Theol. 1. vi. c. xiii.

Bt rr.F.R's.Anal. p.'.'.W.

4'J-,

Price's JDisert. No.

40J.

19.

vi. 9.

objected,

b Ti'RRET. Loc. XX. QuTst.

344347.

Wa'its's World 10 come, v. i. prelim.

U ARTLLY on Man, part li. Prop. xc. p.

14.

Lewis Cahellus de St.itu .^nimorum

mortem, ap. Com. vol. iii. p. ','40.

3JJ333.

Prod. Son, p.

perhaps add
this it is

Bishop Bi'r.L'sWork?,

liAXT. Saints' Kesl. part ii. ex.

the Kesurr. p. ^ho4^3.

UrrrON on

may
To

Luke \\k. 16
compare Gal.

iii.

xi.
J

Id.

post

Of Purgatory,

Lect. ccxx.

That

379

SCc.

the rewards of the heavenly state are repreIt is answered, that the
10.
Matt. xx. 7
parable refers to the calling of the Gentiles into equal church
privileges with tlie Jews^ else there would be no rooin to represent some as murmuring against the rest, since such a temper
is plainly inconsistent with the character and happiness of the
^1

7.

( 1

blessed.

.)

as equal,

sented

in Christ,

objected,

It is

That

8. (2.)

as all believers h.ive a perfect righteousness

the degree of glory, being the reward of that alone,

must be equal.
all

j471s. Hiough all are accepted for the sake of Christ, and
equally justified from the guilt and condemnation of sin

through him, yet there may be room for sncli a diversity of

rewards as v,as mentioned above ; which being expressly asserted, no conclusion from any hypothesis whatsoever ought to be
ailvanced in opposition to that doctrine.
9. The like diversity of degrees with regard to future
punishment, may be inferred from a parity of reason, and also
from comparing Matt. x. 15. xi. 22. Luke xii. 47, 48 \

LECT. CCXX.

Of Purgatory

Of Christ giving up the Kingdom

to the

Father.

AT

may not be improper here to mention the

l.Schol. 12.
doctrine of the church of Rome, relating to purgatory, which is
That it is a fire, where the souls of good men
remain in torment for a certain time, which torments are in
their degree equal to those endured by the damned, till they
have by these sufferings satisfied for the guilt of venal sins
they had committed, or mortal sins of which they had truly repented.
For the support of this strangely incoherent doctrine,
they chiefly urge 1 Pet. iii. 19. Matt. v. 25, 26. xii. 32. 1 Cor
iii. 10
As for the arguments drawn from Zech. ix.
15. XV. 29.
22. they are so trifling as hardly to
1 1. Mat. iii. 2. Job xiv. 19

in short this

deserve mention.

On

the other side, the protestants plead Isa.

For
Rev. xiv. 13. Luke xvi. 22. xxiii. 43. 2 Cor. v. 8.
the fuller discussion of tliis point, see the notes in the Fam.
Expos, on the texts cited ; but we wave it here, and content

Ivii. 2.

a Limb. Theol. 1. vi. c. xili. 12, 13, 24.

WiTsil fficon. Fsed. I. iii. c. xiv. i 19, 40.
WATTs'sDeath and Heiven, p. 112 130.
Mede's Diatribe oa Matt. x. 41. ap. On. p.

j
I

BovsE's Works, vol. i. p. 293298. ap.

Four last Things, Serm. xxiii.
Bishop Bt ll's Scrm. vol. i. Serm. iii. p. 273314.

PaRT X.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

380

silejice of scripture upon this head,

which, had the doctrine been true, must be very una( 'Ountable ; seeing so important a part of charity would, upon the
supposition of its truth, arise from thence, to which we have no
exhortation. It is also derogatory from the doctrine or' Christ's
satisfaction and it has so great a tendency to encourage men's
Jiopesof finding mercy, in consequence of sometiiing to be done
for them hereafter, v.hen they are in their graves, that it ou<iht
by no means tobe admitted upon such shadows ofproof, as those
laid down above ; especially Avhen the Romish doctors teach,
that one mere act of attrition before death delivers a man from
mortal guilt, and sends him to purgatory, where it is not possible he should lie any longer than the resurrection, and from
whence, if rich, he may be very quickly freed by the prayers
of survivors/.

ourselves with observing the

With

2. 13.

the doctrine of purgatory, will

fall

that of

praying for the dead, wliich is chiefly founded upon it, and for
which the chief text the Papists plead, is 2 Maccab. xii. 40, &c.
To which it is sufficient to answer, that we siiewed before,
Lect. 153. 3, &c. that no regard is to be paid to that book, as
divinely inspired.
If Judas Maccabeus did indeed ofi'er such
a sacrifice, it was probably not to atone for the dead, as the
author foolishly concludes, but rather to avert the wrath of God

from the

living, lest, as in the case of -^cAa??, the rest of the

people should have suffered for the crimes of their brethren.

They also urge 2 Tim. i. 16 18. which yet can have no weight,
because it does not appear that Onestphorus was then dead**

3. That t\\Q commemoration o^ the dead, Avhich prevailed

in the third century of Christianity, was not praying for them,
is

very evident.

Compare Jurieu's Past.

Letters^

No.

ix. p.

18S 196.

4. 14.

what we are

It is

exceedingly

difficult

exactly to determine,

by Christ's giving up the kingdom to

the Father, at the end of the world, of which we read l Cor.
XV. 24
28.
Some have thought that it means no more, than
Christ's presenting the church to the Father in complete glory,
even then acknowledging, by some pubhc and solemn declaration, his own subjection to the Father, and derivation of the
But as this does not appear a
mediatorial kingdom from him.
very natural interpretation, others have said, that Christ shalj,
to understand

a LiMB.TIieol. lol. vi. c. X. ? 1022.

BuiiN. on Art. xxii. p. 197205.
Bum's Serm. vol. i. No. iii. p. 1 14

126.

FieURY'S

Catuclii^Ri, vol. ii.;'-^30>

Dr. Earl, in ihe Sermons agaiast Popery, voij

ii. No. i.
Tlie Catholic Christian Instructed, c. Ti*.
a Rl)i!N. on Art. p. '2Q\,'Mi.
Li.vitt. ThcoJ. l.v. c xxvi. } lySJ*

Of Purgatory

Lect. ccxx.

Kc.

3Sl

then give up his commission, as a general docs, M'hen that war

isconchuled, for the management of which he has received it,
and shall remain as one of his brethren in which interpretation
Vv'iTsius and Crellius do strangely agree.
Against this is
objected, the perpetuity of Christ's kingdom, so often declared;
or, if that be answered by the ambiguity of the word made use
of in declaring it, the glory which must necessarily result to the
human nature of Christ, in consequence of its intimate and
personal union with the Deity.
On the whole, it seems probable that some peculiar authority, which Christ has received
:

from the Father, of managing the affairs of this world for the
salvation of his redeemed, will then be solemnly resigned, as
itself will then pass away ; so that there will in the
nature of things be no more room left for the exercise of such
a kind of authority and it will evidently appear, by the process
of the great day, that the destruction of the earth is not a calamity coming upon it while under the Redeemer's care, but a

the earth

catastrophe to which he appoints

it,

administration which he proposed at

the

management of

it.

Nevertheless

as having closed all that

first,
it is

when he undertook

reasonable to believe,

that he will for ever remain as the glorified head both of elect

angels and men, Eph. i. 10. the latter being then received to the
abode of the former, and incorporated into the same society,
and united into one kingdom with them, in such a manner as
had not before been known ; and that Christ will exercise over
the whole kingdom such a mild and gracious government, as
suits the dignit}^ of his nature, and tlie greatness of those services, which he has performed for the Father ; though he shall
not then be the medium of their approach to and converse with
God in the same manner that he now is but they, being by the
resurrection fully delivered from all the penal consequences of
sin, shall have nearer access to God, and )'et more intimate communion with him, than they ever before had, whether during
their sojourning here upon earth, or even during the abode of
:

their separate spirits in the unseen world

a Turret. loc. xiv. Q.uist.vii. ? 10.
SCOTT'S Cluistian Life, vol. iii. p. 1267 1274.
WiTsiiin Sj'mb. Exercit. x 5 40 4i.
CitEr.Lius in loc. ap. t>p. vol. i. p. ;i31333,

Eerrim. at Boyle's Lect. vol. ii. Serin, xii.

Alexandeii's Paraph, and Notes in Loc.
Williams's Sermon on 1 Cor xv. '.i4 28.

Lard.mer'b Sena.

33y, 340.

yoh^

p. 179.

V.

^.

vol.

L p.

lOo",

Wwki, vwl.

x.

'

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

382

X.

LECT. ccxxr.

Of

the Duration of

Future Sufferings.

Prop. JL O enquire into the most probable things which are

prove or disprove the eternity of hell-torments.

said, to

2. Sol. Sect.
chiefly these

I.

The arguments

to prove

them eternal are

majesty of an offended God adds a kind

and therefore exposes the sinner to an
infinite punishment
but as the limited nature of the creature
can only bear a finite degree of misery, in any finite duration
whatsoever, therefore it must extend to an infinite duration,
and the creature must ever be paying a debt, which he will never
perfectly have discharged.
To this it is answered, that there
cannot be an infinite degree of evil in the punishment of a finite
being.
But it is replied to this answer, that the enormity of
any action is in part to be estimated by the dignity of the person against whom it is committed, and the greatness of those
obligations w^hich the offender lay under to him.
On these
principles, in human judgments, actions, in other respects the
same, are punished in very different degrees, and striking a
prince is made capital, wherCas strikmg an equal might be sufBut it may be replied, that
ficiently punished by a small fine.
the argument here is not from the dignity of the person abstractedly considered, but from the interest which the public
has in the safety of the prince, which could not be secured
without this extraordinary guard set upon it. It is further objected to this argument, that it would make all sins equal,
whereas both scripture and reason prove that there are different
degrees of guilt, proportionable to the different circumstances
attending them compare Lect. 219. 6. To this it is answered,
that where the t/^m^io?* of punishment is equal, there maybe
such a difference in the degree, as may be correspondent to the
degree of the crime; and if this answer be not allowed to be
satisfactory, it will be difficult to say how the doctrine of different desrrees of eternal rewards can be vindicated, as consistent
with itself; yet this is allowed by all who urge the objection,
and is by all parity of reason to be supposed in the very founda1

of

That the

infinite

Infinite

evil to sin,
:

tion of it*.
a WHiTfiY's App.

to 1,

TUew.

i.

Bctri-str.

Lcct vol

vi.

p. 559562.

Lect. ccxxi.

3.

Of the

That whatsoever reason requires a temporary

2.

will also require an eternal one, v. g. the display of

dom,

383

Duration of Future Sufferings.

God's

bell,
>vis-

and power, his regard to his

violated law and rejected gospel,

holiness, justice, majesty

in-

his
jured Son and Spirit, his
abused patience, slighted promises, despised threatenings, &c.

the labours of his servants, the ministry of his angels, and the
impression it may make on the inhabitants of happy worlds, to

whom the punishment of the damned may be an instructive

spectacle.
It is replied, that all those ends might as well be
effected, by supposing a perpetual succession of criminals delivered over to temporary punishment, as by the eternal punishment of each individual and that, even without this, the remembrance of what guilty creatures had suffered might answer

tills

end: but

it

may

be suggested on the other hand, that

if

we

believe an eternity of future happiness, and that the punishments

of the damned will ever come to a period, the time will come,
the whole duration of them will bear less proportion to the
time in which happiness has been enjoyed, than a moment to a
thousand years; and consequently, that the whole series of
punishment will be as it were an evanescent thing, by which all
It is further
the purposes above-mentioned will seem to cease.
alledged, that if this argument will prove any thing, it will
prove that every offence, which is punished at all, must be
punished to the utmost even of almighty power; since it seems,
that the greater as well as longer the punishment is, the more
effectually must it answer these ends: on the contrary, may not
some good end possibly be answered by the cessation or mitigation of punishment, as well as by its continuance ; and if our
conjectures were to take place here, might it not redound to the
glory of Christ, if for his sake the punishment of the damned
were to be brought to a period, even though it might have been
consistent with the divine justice to continue it longer, and even

when

to continue

it

for ever^?

4. 3. It is urged, that the government of the Avorld will

require God to threaten eternal misery ; since nothing less than
the apprehension of that will keep men from the violation of
his laws, as appears in fact ; and if eternal punishments are once

threatened, the justice, truth and wisdom of God will require,

that they be actually inflicted, correspondent to that threatening.
The latter part of the argument will be considered under
the next head
5.

to the former

That

(1.)

nal does not deter

if

it is

replied,

the apprehension of punishment not eter-

men from

sin,

the only reason

a Revn. Aag. World, p. 301306.

3Bb

'

is,

because

it

is

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

384

not sufficiently attended to; so that the fault

lies

X.

npon men's

inconsideration, and not on any deficiency in the sanctions of

the divine law, provided tlie punishment be greater than any

pleasure or advantage to be derived from the sin forbidden under
that penalty.
6. (2.)

It is

plain in fact the threatening of eternal punish-

sin, which seems in a great measure to

overthrow the foundation of this argument: if it be said, it does
a great deal more towards it than could otherwise have been
done, it is answered,

ment docs not prevent

7. (3.) That eternal punishments,

wisdom and complete rectitude, seem so

threatening

is

answer seems

on that
false

ve;ry

in fact

inflicted

account disregarded.
the generality

since

by perfect

incredible, that the

But

this

of wicked

Christians profess to believe the eternity of them, and build their

hopes and false quiet, not on the prospect of seeing the period
oi" them after some far distant revolution of ages, but on some
general notion of the divine mercy, and some scheme which
they form of escaping them, either by a death-bed repentance,
or b3r some religious hypothesis, which substitutes something
else instead of a truly pious and holy temper, in such a manner
as to supersede

it.

And

further, if

it

afterwards appear, that

God
is

has threatened eternal punishments, such an answer as this

in effect a bold reflection upon his wisdom, as if he did not

understand the constitution of human nature, and so, like some

weak and angry men, had bent the bow till it broke. The most
solid answer to all the preceding arguments is, that we cannot
pretend to decide a priori in this question, so far as to say that
the punishment of hell must and will certainly be eternal but if
it afterwards appear that the scriptures declare they shall be so,
these considerations may serve to balance the difficulties urged
on the other side of the question, from principles of the light of
nature and indeed on the whole, it seems that it can only be
determined by divine revelation ^.
;

LECT. CCXXII.

Of Future

Sufferings

continued.

JL HE scripture has expressly declared, in a variety

, 1. 4.
of the most significant phrases, that the torments of hell shall be
B.UiT. Works, vol

ii.

p.

6065

&

lj5. b.

oL

iv. p.

139.

Lect, ccxxii.

Of Future

eternal, Matt, xviii. 8. xxv. 41, ^6.

i.

9.

Jude

ver. 13. Rev. xiv.

That

385

Sufferings; continued.

1.

Mark ix. 43
To this

xx. 10.

49. 2 Thess.

it is

replied,

is not certain that the word rendered

&c. is to be taken in its utmost extent id
often signifies no more than a very long timCy or a time whose
precise boundary is to us unknown. Prop. 156. Schol. l;
It is
answered, that the same language is used, and that sometimes
in the very same place, to express the eternal happiness of the
righteous, and the eternal misery of the wicked ; and that there
is no reason to believe, especially where it stands in so close a
connection, that it should express two such different ideas; and
moreover, that the texts produced on this account in the scholinm referred to above are taken from the O/^ Testament, for as

2. (I.)

it

eterjial, everlasting,

to that,

Jude

ver. 7.

the expression
strong,

it

may

refer to

to^ atwva? twv

c.twvwv,

^.

future punishment

and

as used Rev. xx. 10. is so

does not express a proper eternity, it will bedifproduce any scripture that does ; nor can any instance
be produced of its being put for 3. finite and limited duration
compare Psal. cxxxii. 14. Ixxii. which is an instance that of all
others comes nearest to it.
Vide Trummii Concord. Grac. ad
if that, it

ficult to

verb,

anuii

6( deriv.

3. (2.) It is pleaded, that, granting eternal punishments

are threatened, it does not follow that they must be executed^
since the faithfulness of God will allow him to dispense with his

threatenings, though not with his promises^ as particularly in the

case oi Nineveh. It is replied, that where God has not only
forbid an}' sinful action on such a penalty, but has expressly declared that he will execute that penalty, and that he will not sus-

pend the execution of it on any condition though we could not

say h\s faithfulness would be impeached by acting in a different
manner, yet it would be hard to vindicate his veracity, especiailj?
since he must know, even when he published the threatening,
that it could not be executed without the greatest injury offered
;

to the moral perfections of his nature.

It also seems inconsistent

wisdom, to have pronounced such threatenings as these,
and yet to have given mankind reason to l)el!eve that he will
rot and cannot execute them, which this objection supposes he
has given for a threatening, which the person threatened knows
another cannot fulfil, is the vainest and most contemptible thing
one can imagine and it is here particularly worth observing, that
Matt, xxv, 41
46. is such a prediction of a future and most
solemn fact, as cannot with any decency be suspected, and yet

Avith his

386

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

cannot on

hypothesis be accounted for.

this

X.

Compare Led.

5^

89.

4. Sect.
are these,

Arg.
being,

That

I.

The

II.

it is

chief arguments against this doctrine

inconsistent with ih& justice of the divine

punishment

to inflict eternal

in so short a space of time.

committed

for offences

answered,

It is

That God gives us our choice, and

his proposing
an equivalent for inflicting eternal misery on the other.
But this seems to be tak~
ingthe question for granted, rather than proving the justice of
this appointment.
5.

1.

to us eternal happiness on the one hand,

is

6. 2. That, considering the infinite majesty and glory of

say, how long he may continue to punish a

God, none can

creature, wiio has wilfully violated his lawsi, and tliat our feeble
understandings are incapable of judging concerning the rights
of the divine government in such a point.
But it is said, that

iheformer part of this reply may be admitted, and yet tiie eternity of these punishments denied, i. e. we may conclude they
"will come to a period, though none can szywhen; and that the
latter part is not answering the difficulty, but acknowledging it
to be unanswerable.
It is replied, that it is only denying the
pretended axiom, " that eternal punishments must be unjust,"
to be a self-evident proposition
and it should farther be considered, that in order to determine the proportion between the
punishment and the offence, it is of great importance, that the
consequence of crimes be taken into the estimate we make of
:

their guilt

^
That

7. 3.

maining,
selves to
this

if

there be an obstinately sinful temper re-

men may by new guilt be for ever exposing themnew punishment. But it is answered, 1. That upon

hypothesis,

damned could

granted,

if

the

punishment of the

eternal

not properly be said to be inflicted upon them

for sins done in the bodj/

since the time will come, when the

;
punishments inflicted for such sins, (let them be supposed to
endure ten millions of years) will be less, Avhen compared with
the duration of the punishments inflicted for their after obstinacy
and rebellion, than a moment is to all those years. This sup-

poses the damned in a kind of probationary state

a

Dawes

on Hell, Serm.

ScoTVs
WA'ns's

vol. v. p.

100,

101,

RYa

Ell of

Rev. Hel.|>art

MACKNiGHT'sTrulliof
i.

Serm. XXXV.

Seiiri. vol.

ii.

p.

to

i.

Hf) I.VS.
3603o3.

Cf.ARKi; at Bovle's l.ect. p.

Ci.arkr'm Posili. Serm. vol.

WAXlk's World

and

HoRBKriiY of Fut. Puni&liment, c.

iv.

Christian Life,

104108.
TlLiOTS. vol.

i.

No.

Come, pan

ii.

iv.

i.

it is

i.

c. vii.

llic

Gosp. Hist. Cook

c. iii. i 2.

Dodor JONATHAN EnwARDs's Answer

Cliauiicy, p.nss.

ad

Disc.

fin.

xii.

b BoiiiiN'sSenn.

JtNKiMson

Cliristianity, vol.

ii.

c. 14-

to

Lect. ccxxir.

Of Future

387

Sufferings ; continued.

how it should be possible for them to contract

by obstinacy and impenitency, if there were not a possibiof their repentance, and some room to obtcdn mercy upon

hard to conceive,
guilt
lity

that repentance,

which

is

not allowed on

this hypothesis.

8. 4. It is further urged in answer to this objection

from the divine justice, that the perpetuity of the future misery

of the

damned

is

the necessary result of the constitution of

of which human souls are naturally

things, in consequence

immortal, and vicious habits, after they have taken a certain

degree of rooting in the mind, become incurable so that nothing can prevent the eternal misery of an impenitent sinner,
but a miraculous interposition of God's divine power, either to
;

change his character, or destroy his existence, which there is

no reason to expect and this obviates the last reply, as it supposes the moral state of agency to be ended, when that of final
punishment begins. To this it may be replied,
y. (I.) That this constitution is owing to a divine appointment and that as the perpetual agency of God is required
to support the soul, so likewise to form those painful impressions of mind, which arise from the exercise of conscious reflection and tormenting passions
just as there is the uniform
agency of providence in that gravitation, and animal sensation,
by which a particle of gravel wounds and tortures the urethers,
or other canals of the body, in passing through them so that
if it had been unjust for God to make a sinner for ever unhappy,
he could not have chosen and appointed such a constitution.
:

10. (2.) That the scripture doctrine asserts a state of

corporeal punishment, which must imply something external,

and cannot be solved by any observations made on the con-

human mind, in comparison with the irregularity

of the passions, and final exclusion from all happiness so that
none can have a right to urge this plea, but those who admit
the hypothesis of Dr. Whitby, which is mentioned in the
second scholium below. To which it might be added,
stitution of the

as God can with infinite ease annihilate

remain a question, why he makes all souls
immortal, Avhen the eternal misery of many must be the consequence, and does not rather universally determine to annihi-

11.

any

That

(3.)

spirit, it

will

late, when existence is more grievous than non-existence, and

when he knew vice to be naturally incurable ^.

12.

Arg.W.

and mercy of God,

a

It is said to

to

make

HORBSRRY

of

be inconsistent with the ^ood/wfw

many creatures, who he knew

so

Fut PusukiBent,

c. ili.

p.

1$^312.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

"388

X.

and to leave them in such circumstances, as those in which it is plain they are left, if all
%v1jo die impenitent pass into everlasting torment.
To this it is
answered,

wotild be eternally miserable

13.

God

I.

That

as

we have endeavoured

has given tliem sufficient

piness, so that their misery

is

shew above,
hapb3 charged not upon him but

means
to

to

for their everlasting

upon themselves.
14. 2. That God is to be considered under the character
of a moral governor, and therefore, in order to approve his
goodness, he must consult, not so much the happiness of any
particular person, as what may upon the whole be for the
that moral kingdom over which he presides, and
same time suit the majesty and honour of his government now, for any thing we certainly know, the everlasting misery of some sinful creatures may be the most
effectual means of answering these ends, in harmony with each

benefit of

may

al!

at the
:

other.

15. 3. That we are not on the whole to judge of the

triumph of divine bounty and mercy, merely by what we see
on earth, or the state in which the inhabitants of it are left, any
more than we are to judge of the magnificence, bounty and
clemency of a prince, by seeing the manner in which the inhabitants of a rebellious city are treated.
For any thing we
certainly know, the number of wicked and miserable may bear
a smaller proportion to that of holy and happy creatures, than
a grain of sand does to the whole body of the sun.
16. Arg. III. It is further objected, that how minute
soever our rank, number or figure in the creation may be,
that if God intended man for happiness, as he certainly did
it would be inconsistent
suOer his main end to be frustrated in the
eternal misery of the greater part of the species. It is answered,

in the original constitution of his nature,

with

his wisdom^ to

17. 1. That we do not know that the greater part of

mankind are eternally miserable perhaps all infants may be
saved, and such universal virtue may hereafter prevail, for
:

succeeding and those very long-lived and fruitful generations,

as shall turn the balance of number, even

among

the adult,

on the side of religion and happiness.

18. 2. That it may be much questioned, whether it is
proper to say, that the ultimate end of God in the creation of
man, was the final happiness of the greater part of the species.

Future Sufferings

Lject. ccxxii.

3S9

continued.

individual person to be
intended for it, or it proves nothing for the human species
may be no more in the works of God, than an individual to the
whole human race yet it is most apparent in fact, that all are
not, and consequently that God did not intend the happiness of
each, as his final end, in the creation of each, unless we will grant

This principle must prove every

so that

seems much safer to say,

that nothing but

that end to be disappointed

that he intended to put

into such a state,

all

it

of their liberty should prevent their happiness,

or even the greater part should eventually obtain

own abuse

their

than that

all

it ^ *.
a Limb. Theol.
Ray's Three
Phcenix, vol.

Whitby

1.

ii.

p.

on Heb.

T. Burn. de.

Dawes on

435 453.
4^9 4^5.

vi. 2.

not. d.

Stat. .Mort. p.

ilell

TiND. Christ, as old, &c. cap. iv.

LEt.AND against TiND. vol. i. p. 2S4299.
WHisTON of Hell Torm.
Wafis's World to Come, part ii. Disc, xiiu
118.
Seed's Serm. vol ii. p. 97

vi. C. xiii. ? 22.

Disc. p.

'isS312.

Toiin. Serm.

vi.

* On the awful subject of the " duration of future pvnishmenl''^ those who
maintain the negative have generally adopted a mode of investigation that cannot
be justified or allowed. Thus, for instance, Mr. Winchester ; You have nothing
to plead against ' the restoration but some threatnings of punishments, which are
called

eternal, in our translation."

everlasting, or

(Universal

meaning of the scriptural terms

and the like, to be the sole ground, at

Th'e universalists consider the

Restoration, p. 16.)
everlasting, eternal,

least the principal,

for ever, for ever and ever,
on which is founded the perpetuity, or endless duration of future suffering, but this
is bv no means the case
such words only confirm what was before demonstrable oa
principles of equity.
So far is the doctrine from owing its existence to them, that
such terms form no part of its fundamental ground. The very nature of the case
:

proves, that the sufferings of a transgressor must be endless, except suspended by

some act of mercy ; therefore our first and principal enquiries into the evidence of

revealed fact have to do properly with this question. Is tliere any testimony in
favour of the limiied duration of punishment ? On the subject in general let the fol-

lowing particulars be considered

1.

The

not an arbitrary appointment, or something

mind superadded to it. It rather consists in
conscioumess oi X\\a.t loss ; which is a never dying

sufferings of hell are

extraneous to the real state of the sinful

the

loss

of the chief good, and

worm, and unquenchable

2.

a.

fire.

For a sinner to be

left

in this condition

for if moral evil be not followed with natural

may

sin with impunity,

is

the natural operation of equity ;

evil, aaaccountaU; creature

and penal

which involves a contradiction.

good is the due of a transgressor, that such a loss

the natural effect of sin, that it is equitable in God to suffer such effect to take
place, and that a consciousness of this mental change for the worse should be insepa3.

That the /-)

of the chief

is

are

rable from the change itself

self-evident conseqaences.

a mind thus circumstanced, nf milii^auon is received from a consideraOn the contrary, the more amiable and glorious <3od is
tion of divine benevolence.
Man's free
in himself, the more intolerable will be a conscious contratiety to him.
4.

To

nature may revolt everlastingly, and the same nature, as depraved, necessarily nvisi,
except prevented by a sovereign act. As soon may an extinguished lamp recover
be suspended,
its flame, the eye create a light for itself, or any great law of nature
Therefore,
as natural evil cease to c.\-jst in a moral agent fallen from rectitttde.

VOL. V.

390

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

PaRT

X.

LECT. ccxxiir.

Of Hell,

afid its Fire.

1. Cor. 1. JLT must be acknowledged, on the review of these

arguments, that there is at least so much force in those urged
on the affirmative side of the question, and in the solution given
to preceding objections, as to render it both imprudent and
unsafe to go out of the way of scripture on this head, or to explain those expressions in such a manner, as positively to determine, that future eternal punishments m strict propriety of
speech are not to be apprehended. It is plain the chief ha-'^ard
lies, in representing the state of the damned less miserable than
and we must have very low notions
it may in fact prove to be
of scripture, if we do not think fit to follow it in this affair ^.

2. 2.

From

the doctrine of the eternity of future punish-

ments, compared with

a

all

those glorious demonstrations of the

Lucas of Happiness,

vol.

iii.

p.

2S32S5.

no just reason to expect that the punishment or suffering itself

Tlie punishment is conscious guilt, and what prospect is there
of this begetting loie, purity, light, and life f Those indeed who suppose that the
nature of the suffering is arbitrary correction, that the operation of justice resembles
the labour of an executioner, that the design is to reclaim, and that, either, if their
system be that of the sovereignty of the h ill, the punished may possibly submit;
or, if their system be that of philosophical necessity, these corrections will operate,
as if mechanically, to produce the designed effect ; such may have some colour for
But their premises being false as to tlie nature of the sufferings,
their conclusion.
Wherefore,
their conclusion cannot be valid.
5.

There

is

will effect a change.

6. In discussing this

tion that remains

is.

momentous and highly

Where

is

interesting subject, the only ques-

God tcill, by an act of mere sovereignty,

continue, and rescue infernal prisonersfrom sin and

the evidence that

must otherivise
be no positive evidence of sovereign interposition to effecta suspension of suffering, the necessan' conclusion is, that it must be pcrpc/a/ ; &nd every

put a period

woe?

to vchat

If there

term expressive

of perpetuity corroboral.'s tliat conclusion.

be inconsistent with justice, there lies a claim on

a cessation of punishment may be pleaded as the sufferer's rfwe. But
If contrary to benevolence, then it may
this idea is too impious to be admilj,ed.
be urged that the continuance of stiffering for aires of ages, which the objectors
If not, on what principle ? If it be said, the
grant, is rontran' to benevolence.
punishment is prop(rtioncd to the crime ; it may be replied that this gives it no
7. If continued sufferings

deliverance

other side admits of degrees of sufferings, and thereby the

; for the
If tiie nature of the punishment were ai*
crime and the suffering are proportioned.
arbitrary infliction, and not the natural result of moral evil, with far greater propriety may it be urged that to punish for ages of ages is inconsistent with benevolenceji.
and not easily reconciled with any attribute of Deity. W.
superior claim

Of

Lect. ccxxiii.

Hell and

its

Fire.

391

divine holiness and goodness which are contained in scripture,

when taken in comparison with all the solemn pro-

especially

testations, with which God charges the misery of sinners upon

themselves, (see Lect. 178. 1.) we may infer a very convincing additional argument in favour of Lect. ly 1. i. e. the
natural liberty of the will, beyond what the light of nature will

(See Lect. 20. 4.) For that such a being, who is said
tempt atvi/ one, and even swears that he desires not the
death of a sirmer, should irresistibly determine millions to the
commission of every sinful action of their lives, and then with
all the pomp and pageantry of a universal judgment condemn
them to eternal miserv, on account of those actions, that hereby
he may promote the happiness of others, who are or shall be
irresistibly determined to virtue in the like manner, is of all
Hence most who
incredible things to me the most incredible.
have held the doctrine of necessity, have denied the eternity of
future misery
but in proportion to the degree of its duration
and extremity, the objection will still be cogent.
afford.

7iot to

3. Schol. 1. It has been debated, whether there be properly material re in hell the chief arguments on each side
are these.
In proof of the a^ffirmative it is said,

Thsitf re and brimstone are represented as the ingresmoke of them is said

It is answered,
continually to go up, Bev. xiv. 10, 11. xx. 10.
that fire in this place may only signify the raging desire, or
any other violent agony of the mind, and that there is no more
(1.)

dients of their torment, and that the

reason to interj)ret it of material fire, than there is to under-,

stand an animal ever living in that Hame, by the worm that
never dies, which nevertheless most expositors who believe a
material fire understand of the stings and reproaches of conscience.
It is probable the phrases used by Christ, particularly

49. may allude to Isa. Ixvi. ult. which may

immediately express the terrible slaughter made on the enemies
of God's people in the latter day, our Lord intending by this
allusion to assert, that the punishment of the wicked in hell
Compare Judith xvi. 17.
should be infinitely more dreadful.

3Iatt. ix. 43

Eccles.

vii.

17

^.

4. (2.) That as the body is to be raised, and the whole

man to be condemned, it is reasonable to believe, there will be
some corporeal punishment provided, and therefore probably
material

fire.

Some have answered,

a

DRIEBEUG de

Statu riom. fut.

that
\i.

God

ICT lf>P.

can give a most

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

392

X.

acute sense of pain, without any external apparatus for that

purpose, and that a perpetual yi?!;^/' might render an embodied
spirit as exquisitely miserable, as any external fire could do.

Jtgainst the supposition of such a

5.

fire, it is

urged,

That the body would quickly be consumed by

it
but
(I.)
obvious to answer, that God might give it such a degree
of fixedness and soHdity, or might in the course of nature provide such recruits, as should prevent its dissolution. Compare
:

it is

Mark

Fam. Expos,

ix. 49.

in Loc.

fire, into which the damned are sent,

prepared for the devil and his angels, who
cannot be subject to tlie action of material fire but this goes
upon the supposition of their being so entirely incorporeal, as
to be united to no material vehicle, which is a supposition that
none can prove. Led. 211. 9.

That the

6. (2.)

is

said to have been

7.

That a material

(3.)

that darkness,

which

is

fire

would be inconsistent with

said to attend the infernal prison.

It is

answered, that darkness might be metaphorical, or might refer to that feast, from which sinners are supposed to be exckidcd, compare (Matt. xxii. 13. xxv. 30.) and the gloomy
horror and despair which shall surround them ; nor could the
terrible glare of such supposed flames be properly expressed

by

Avhat

is

so amiable to the eye as light.

8. On the whole, it is of very little importance, whether

we say there is an external fire, or only an idea of such pain
and should we think both doubtful, it
as arises from burning
:

is

certain

God can

give the

mind

a sense of

agony and

distress,

which, thougii it be not analogous to any of those perceptions

which the nerves convey from external objects now surrounding
us, should answer and even exceed the terror of those descripand care should certainly
tions we have now been examining
be taken to explain scripture metaphors, so as that hell may be
considered as consisting more of mental agony, than bodily
:

tortures

^.

^ 9. Dr. Whitby thinks that the bodies of the damned,

after the resurrection, shall be cast into a burning lake, where

they will

all at

length be utterly consumed, though probably

by slower degrees than such bodies as ours would be, on account

of some alteration to be made in their contexture, when raised
from the dead. The separation of the soul from the body,
a Dawes's Serni. on Hell, No.

Baxt. Works,

vol.

ii.

\<.

iii.

190. a.

p. 13.

|
|

Swindon cf Hell, cap. iv.

Granada's Memorial, p. 6769.

0/

Lect.ccxxiv.

Universal Hestoration,

393

S(c.

occasioned by this terrible execution, he supposes to be in the

propriety of speech the second death, and that, after it,
the soul, being in its own nature immortal, will for ever subsist

strictest

and must be unutterably miserable, as the

in a separate state,

natural consequence of exclusion from heaven, and of

guilty passions which

all

those

carry along with it, into this state.

But this seems hardly consistent with those scriptures, which
represent, not merely the punishment of the wicked, but the
it Avill

which they are tormented, as everlasting and imqiiench-'

and insist on this unquenchableness as a most important
circumstance in the punishment of tiie damned, which on this
hj^pothesis it could not be ; for these separate spirits would be
very little concerned in the question, whether the fire in which
their bodies had been consumed were afterwards put out, or
still kept burning.
It is urged also that Rev xx. 14. is directly
contrary to this l^ypothesis. And by the way it may be observed, that 5wj spoken of here, may be the same with that
visionary person represented as following death, Rev. vi. 8.
and their being both cast into hell might signify expressly,
that there should be no more death properly so called, and confij^e

in

able,

sequently no separate state ever to succeed.

10. His

main argument

is,

that this hypothesis

makes

the future punishment of the wicked eternal, not in consequence

of any particular act of divine judgment towards them, but as
the result of the natural constitution of things.

God

Nevertheless,

have been the author of that constitution, and to have known all the particulars arising from it, it
will (as was hinted and urged above, Lect. 222. 8.) be as hard
to account for a general constitution, whereby creatures are
made perpetually miserable, as for a particular interposition
with regard to each ; or rather, (on the principles laid down,
Lect. 36. 1, &c.) the difference between the one and the
since he allows

other

is

to

verbal rather than real

".

LECT. CCXXIV.

Of Universal

1.

Schol. 3.

Restoration

vJ'RIGEN,

Hap.tley, (in
on Alan) and Chevaher
larly Dr.

a WHITBY'S Annot.

vol.

ii.

p.

Goieral Conflagration.

and some modern writers, particu-

his late treatise, entitled

4SI487.

Ramsay
f

Observations

have apprelicnded, that at

IIOF.BERRY on Fut. P unish.

p.

107112.

894

LECTURES ON DIVlNITV.

PaRT

X.

all the damned, not excepting the fallen angels and

Satan the head of the apostacy, \\'\\\ be so reformed by the
discipline of their punishment, as to be brought to real repentance and piety ; upon which they will not only be released
from their prison, but admitted to partake with the blessed in
everlasting happiness.
Those scriptures, in which God is said
to desire and zvill the salvation of all, as well as the preceding
arguments in the second section, supposed to demonstrate the
absurdity of eternal punishments, compared with the arguments
both from reason and scripture in proof of the immortality of
the soul, are urged to this purpose.
But these scriptures
admit of so just an interpretation another way, that there is
little reason to entertain such an apprehension ; and all that
was urged under the first section of the proposition lies yet

length

more

directly against this hypothesis, tlian against that of the

damned, after they have endured punishinent of some determinate time, the leno th of which might be
annihilation of the

proportionable to their respective offences.

And it must be
added, that the whole tenor of scripture lies against this hyposince it represents the judgment day, as that in which
;
the final states of men are to be irreversibly determined
compare iJd'r. xxii. 11. Matt. xxvi. 24. and nothing can be more
thesis

dangerous, than to encourage sinners to hope, that though

they should reject the gospel, and run into the commission of
all kinds of wickedness, how aggravated soever, yet the time
will come, when they shall outlive all the evils they are to endure on that account, and that they shall throughout all eternity
be happy beyond all conception, in consequence of this temporary punishment. This representation seems utterly to subvert the whole gospel scheme
and if any hypothesis stands in
need of such a support, nothing can be more reasonable than
to reject it, unless we are determined to throw aside Christianity
itself \
;

2. 4. IMr. Whiston, in order (as it seems) to get clear

of the argument for the eternity of hell-torments, from those
texts of scripture, which speak of them in the same language as
of the eternal duration of heavenly felicity, has thought fit to
intimate his doubts concerning the latter, as well as to declare
his disbelief of the/ormer, though he owns its duration shall be

much

longer.

But most of

a I.ElBNITZ'Theodice, vol.

i.

p.

83^*5.

Wiirld miiiiaskcil.

IlARi/.von .Man,

the natural arguments for the imI

I

vol.

ii.

Prop. xciv. p. 419

4'*r.

\s

mxi:'* Resiiiut. ofuU Ihings.

Ramsay's
vol.
iiih

lii.

Tr.^v. ot

Prin. vol.

p. Z'lh

'Z'j'i.

i.

Prop.

Iviii.

p,

430

438.

3.i4.

Cyrus, vol.

ii.

Ed. r;rao.

p.

145155. Oct.

j).

Of Universal

Lect. ccxxiv.

Restoration,

S95

5Cc.

mortalitv of the soul plead strongly against the supposition of

the annihilation of good men, after having existed many milit seems not to
lions of ages in a state of virtue and happiness
suit our natural notions of the divine goodness and justice, to
:

imagine he will annihilate them, though no offence has been

and Mr. Whiston himself
committed to forfeit his favour
does not intimate any apprehension of their falling into sin and
condemnation, and so going a perpetual round of probations.
may add, that such a supposed revolt would be utterly inconsistent with what the scripture asserts, of the care of Christ
over his people and the security especially of their heavenly
state; as well as with what it says of the complete happiness of
that state, which could not consist with the apprehension of annihilation, though the time when it was to be expected were or
But Mr. Whiston does not stop
Avere not particularly known.
here he in effect intimates, that the time mav come, when
Christ also himself shall cease to be so that the Redeemer himself and all his redeemed, according to his hypothesis, may at
length be blotted out from among the works of God a thought,
:

We

so inconsistent with the doctrine of Christ's deitv, as laid

down

above, and on the whole so shocking, that merely to mention it,

seems sufEcient to expose the absurdity of the principle, from

whence

it

could follow

3. Prop.
of the general

To

=*.

give a brief view of the scripture doctrine

which shall attend the last judg-

co?7jIag ration,

ment.
4, .5*0/. 1. Scripture assures us in the general, that this
earth in its present form will not be perpetual, but shall come to

an end, Psal.

cii.

25, 26.

&'

sim.

that this dissolution of the w^orld

be by a general conflagration, in which all things upon

the face of the earth shall be destroyed, by wiiich the atmosphere
shall also be sensibly affected, as in such a case it necessarily
5.

2.

It

further

tells us,

shall

must be, 2 Pet. iii. 5 7, 10, 12. where from the connection of
the words, the opposition between the contiagration and the
deluge, as well as the most literal and apparent import of the
phi'ases themselves, it is plain they cannot, as Dr. Hammond
strangely supposes, refer to the desolation brought on Judea
Avhen destroyed by the Romans, but must refer to the dissolution of the whole earth

^.

a WnisT. Etern. of Uell Toroi. p. 96, 97.

Lgc.

h Hammom) la

Ray's three

Diic. No.

iii.

c.

ii.

p.

303310.

Part

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

'396

6. 3.

The

x.

scripture represents this great burnin<T, as a

circumstance nearly connected with the day of judgment, 2

Pet. in. 1. compared with 2 T/iess. i. 1, 8. Ifeb. x. 27. 1 Cor.
iii. 12, 13. and it is probable there may be an aliusioa to this in
several passages of the Old Testament, sucii as Psal. xi. 6. 1. 3.
xcvii. 3. Isa. xxxiv. 4, 8
10. Ixvi. 15. Da?i. vii. 9, 10. Mai.
\v. 1. Zeph. iii. 8. J)eut. xxxii, 22. to which many parallel expressions might be added from the canonical and apocryphal

books.
7. 4. It is not oxprpssly declared how this burning shall be
kindled, nor how it shall end ; which has given occasion to vari-

ous conjectures about

below

it,

the chief of which will be mentioned

^.

8. Schol. 1. The Heathens had some notion of such a

conflagration ; particularly Pliny the elder, who thought there

was such a tcndenc}^ in nature to it, that he wondered it had not

happened long ago and the Stoics^ who seem to have thought
fire the first prmciple of all things, or the supreme God ;
but they held that there would through all eternity be certain
periodical conflagrations and renovations of nature, in which,
by a certain fatal necessitj^, the same persons and same events
should in an endless series be produced
;

''.

9.2. Some on

the contrary have thought a conflagration

impossible, on account of the great quantity of liquids which are

But it is anThat the earth may be heated to such a degree,

may be evaporated of which the state of comets,

to be found in the earth, sea, and atmosphere.

swered,
that

all

(1.)

these

seems to be in fact a proof.

sometimes so heated, that fire is soon kindled in it, which cannot be extinguished without great difficulty,
(3.) That though no natural cause could be assigned, the miraculous power of Christ, or agency of his angels, may suflice:
and indeed on the whole it seems, that we could not from naturiil
and
causes certainly infer that there would be a conflagration
consequently, what some of the ancients have so confldently
Vid. Lect,
said of it, is to be regarded chiefly as a tradition.
in their nearest access to the sun,
(2.)

That the

air is

24. 3,

6^

a BuRNF.T's Tlieury,
WHIST. Theory, 1.

I.

tnq. into the

91.

iii.

iii.

b MARC. Anton. 1. v.
ORlc. o ntra Cels. 1

Et;RSET's

Tlieorj', 1. iii. c. ii. iii.

Uisc. No. iii. c. iv.
Veril. I. i. i "2. p. 81.
Fl IN. Nat. Hist. I. ii. c. cvii.
Camtbel's Ncccss. of a Hev. p. 271, 27?.

c. xii.

Ray's three

c. v.

i IJ.

iv.

GROT, de

Gatak. Notes.

)).

ms,

^09.

Phil. Doct. of a Fut. State, p.

S7
C

MOBK'o Xhfol. Works,

p.

159 ItKi.

Lect. ccxxv.

Of the

i97

Cojifiagrationi Uc.

LECT. CCXXV.

Of

the Conflagration

its

Games and

Consequences.

Thomas Burnet

supposes that many nav. g.

burning
that many dry summers preceding it will render the face of the
earth combustible in an uncommon degree; that volcanos will
break out in many places,, and that there will also be an erup-

1.

Schol. 3. JLJ'R.

tural causes will concur, as the occasion of this

which Dr. Woodward and some others

have been lodged in the bowels of the earth at the
creatioti
( Woodw. Nat. Hist, pari iii. 1.) and he particularly conjectures, tliat one violent eruption, preceding the general conflagration will swallow up the city of Rome, and perhaps all that tract of land, which is called the state of the church
in Italy ; %vhich event he thinks is intimated Bev. xix. 20.
But it seems a strong objection agaiftst this supposed gradual
approach of a conflagration, that our Lord describes the day of
judgment as coming at d.x\ unexpected sQdiSon and supposes men
in such a state of sensuality and luxur}', as one could hardly
imagine an earth so desolated and ruined would be capable of
tion of that central fire

suppo.'|e to
:

affording materials for.

iii.

10.) xvii. 26

30.

Luke
Thess.

xii. 39.

v.

(compared with 2 Pet,

4\

2. 4. Mr. Whiston supposes that a comet will be the

cause of the conflagration, as it was of the deluge ; which it may
either by drawing the earth into the sun, in its descent
towards it, or (which he supposes more probable) in its ascent,
when heated by the sun, drawing off the vapours, emptying the
seas, inflaming the air, and perhaps the surface of the earth, or
at least operating upon it so far as to make way for that action
of the centralfire, Avhich he supposes would of itself be sufficient
to produce a conflagration, were it not balanced by a proper
degree of moisture and of cold.
And indeed such alterations
the access of a comet, so heated as some have been, would naturally produce, even though it should not pass close to the
earth. He supposes the comet, seen in the year 1680, may be the
executioner of the divine vengeance upon the earth, in some of

eflPect,

its

revolutions

but when that will be, he pretends not to dea Bugi<BT' Theory.

VOL. r.

1.

iii.c.

3D

ti x,

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

39S

But if the possibility of calculating this period by

astronomical observations be admitted, it seems inconsistent
with what is said in Mark xiii, '62. and elsewhere, of the absotermine.

lute uncertainty of the time

when

this great ev^ent will

come

to

and may perhaps afford an objection against that part of

the scheme, which in other branches of it appears very pro-

pass,

bable*.
3. 5.
is

What

will

kindled and has done

become of
its

work,

this earth, after this

it is

burning

Some

hard to determine.

would continue inflamed, and so become the

seat of the damned
others have imagined it would rise like a
have thought

it

phoenix out of its a-^hes, whichj hypothesis will more particularly be considered ni the next proposition
and some imagine
its annual motion will be so disturbed, that it will become a
comet, and continue for some time in that state ; till possibly
the approach of some other heavenly body may so alter its motion, and correct its eccentricity, as to reduce it again to a
planetary state and it is said, we know not but this may be
the case witii regard to many other planets and comets; and
that perhaps, as the dissolution of one animal body supports the
growth of another, so dissolving systems may with immense vaBut this is a very precarious
riety support and form others.
conjecture, and would intimate a wider extent of natural and
probably moral evil in the universe, than one would be forward
for the conflagration of a planet can hardly be conto allow
ceived to happen, without the ruin of its inhabitants.
Some
have thought liev. xx. 11. xxi. 1. some argument for this hypothesis; but it must be owned to be a very precarious one,
:

how

considering

admit

different

an interpretation these words

may

of''.

4. 6. The order assigned for this conflagration is not expressly determined in scripture ; but it seems probable, that it
will be after Christ's appearance, rather than before

it

since

expressly said, that some believers shall be found alive at

Christ's coming; which plainly shews, that no such calamity

it is

will then

man

have befallen the earth,

as

must destroy the whole hu-

race, which a conflagration probably would.

comparing 2 Pet. iii. 10

seems reason to conclude,

Therefore,

with 1 Cor. xv. 51, 52. there

that, om our Lord's appearing, the
living saints, together with the dead now raised, will be caught
up to meet him, the bodies of the former undergoing some great,
yet geiitle, and probably delightful change, to make thcni fit
*

\v auif. Tii!

j,

I.

jv. . Y. J

9082,

13.

b Burset's

Tfieorr,

i.

iv. c. viiL

x.

Lect. ccxxv.
for a celestial

Of the
life

Conflagration,

3.99

S(c.

but as for the wicked, -whether they will be

judged and coudeniued before

or

\Adiile it

continues,

this fire is kindled, after it is spent,

not expressly asserted
perhaps, by the

is

righteous judgment of God, those found alive may be left to die

by these flames, of which they will be the more worthy, consi-

dering the peculiar aggravation attending their crimes, in consequence of those circujustances which will hereafter be represented.
5. 7. Bishop Burnet thinks, that the action of tiiis fire
the bodies of the dead would have some natural efficacy,

upon

to render the particles of

fit

them

for

an immortal

them more pure and fixed, and so to

But it is not easy to understand

life.

efficacy, or to reconcile this

t!)is

hypothes

is

so fir as

it

may

relate

what is said in the preceding scholium,

and with 1 Tliess. iv. 15. where it is expressly asserted, " that
the living saints shall not be changed before the dead in Christ
are raised ;" so that on the whole, if there be any thing at all in
this conjecture, it must onlj^ relate to the bodies of thewicked*.
to the riglitcous with

6. 8. Mr. Fleming also supposed, that the conflagrawould attend Christ's first appearance to judgment; and

tion

M'ould not only precede the general resurrection, but also the
change of those who were found alive. He thought the most

would immediately be caught up and changed ;

who were then alive, would, as was intimated
at the end of the 5i>//t scholium, be burnt to death by the last
and that persons, in the main good, but whose characters
fire
were attended with some remarkable imperfections, would feel
in proportion to those imperfections some different degrees of
which he supposes to be intipain and terror on this occasion
mated, when it is spoken of as the peculiar privilege of some
good men, that //lej/ should not be hurt by the second death,
liev.W. 2. and that it should have no power over them, Rev. xx.
6. He seems to think, that something like this would also be the
case of those true Christians, who were before dead in the like
imperfect state of virtue and holiness ; for he fancied the resurrection would be accomplished, before the conflagration was
entirely over, and to this he refers that disputed passage, i Cor.
eminent

saints

that the wicked,

iii.

15.

Origen taught

a doctrine nearly resembling this

but

he extended the efficacy of this purging Jire in some degree to

the most eminent Christians, not excepting the apostles themselves
and this by the way was the first purgatory taught in
:

Burn, on

3D

the Art. p. 6C.

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

400

X,

But this order is directly contrary to

and the texts referred to above wHl so easily
admitof a different interpretation, that few will believe, in consequence of his arguments from them, that Christ should appear
to torment them and terrify great numbers of those, whom he
immediately intended to raise to perfect glory and felicity, and
most of whom had dwelt with him in the holiness and happiness
the christian church.

Thess.

iv. 15.

of the intermediate state \

LECT. CCXXVI.
Concerning the JRenovation of the Earth.

1.

Prop. JL

who

state the hypothesis of those

assert,

that

be a renovation of the earth :

and to enumerate the chief scriptures which they urge in support of that assertion.
after the conflagration there shall

2. Sol. 1. Dr. Thomas Burnet and Mr. Whiston concur in asserting, that the earth will not be entirely consumed ;
but that the matter of which it consists will be fixed, purified,
and refined ; which they say will be the natural consequence of
the action of fire upon it though it is hard to sa}', what such a
purification can do, towards fitting it for its intended purpose ;
for it is certain, a mass of chrystal orglass would very ill answer
:

the following parts of this hypothesis.

3. 2. They suppose, that from these materials thus refined,
as from a second chaos, there will by the power of God arise a
new creation ; and that the face of the earth, and likewise the

atmosphere, will then be so restored, as to resemble what it

and consequently, to
originally was in the paradisaical state
render it a more desirable abode for human creatures than it at
and they urge for this purpose the following texts,
present is
viz. 2 Pet. iii. 13. (compare /ja. Ixv. 17. Ixvi. 22.) Matt. xix.
;

28, 29. (compare Mark x. 29, 30.

25,26. Acts 'm.2\. 1 Cor. vii. 31.

Luke
Rom.

xviii.
viii.

29, 30.) Psal.

4. 3. They agree in supposing, that in this

things there will be no sea, Rev. xxi. I.

5. 4.

Mr. Whiston

new

also supposes, that the

a Flem.
vol.

on the Millen.
p. 44, 45.

Disc,
iii.

state of

comet, which
coming on the east side of the
impress a force upon it, by which its diurnal motion

will occasion the conflagration,

earth, will

cii.

21.

apud Christology,

ButL's

Serin,

vol.

p. 124, l.;5.

Lect. ccxxvi.

Concerning the Renovation of the Earth.

401

be impaired to such a degree, as that the remainder of it

it round its own axis once, while it dispatcheth its course in the ecliptic ; the consequence of which
will be, that one hemisphere will have perpetual day, and the
other never see the sun at all
but the want of that he supposes
will be applied by some bright luminary, which shall appear
fixed in the zenith of that hemisphere, and which may therefore
be called the glory of the Lord. He also supposes, that the attraction of the comet will occasion a final separation of the
moon, which will be no longer necessary, Rev. xxi. 23 2.5.

>vill

will only suffice to carry

xxii. 5.

Dr. Thomas

Burnet

conjectures, that the renova-

measure be occasioned by corand causing it to remain at

right anglc-s with the ecliptic
but Dr. Keil has admirably
proved, in his Examination of the Theory^ that this would be
a mischief to the earth, rather than a benefit. And, besides
all the other inconveniences and
difficulties attendinsf this
part of Mr. Whiston's hypothesis, that of continual summer
and day, at least in that hemisphere towards the sun, seems to
be of great weight and if the earth were supposed to be hereafter removed so far from the sun, as to render such a degree of
heat tolerable, the degree of light on that hemisphere must be

tion of the earth will in a great

recting the obliquity of

its

axis,
:

proportionably diminished.

They

both suppose that the earth, thus beautified

be inhabited by those who shall inherit the
first resurrection, and shall here enjoy a very considerable dethough not equal to that which is to succeed
gree of happiness
which judgment shall, according to
the general judgment
them, open when those thousand years are expired, mentioned
6. 5.

and improved,

shall

Rev. XX. 4, &c. 1 Thess. iv. 17. compare r^r. 15. which passage
is thought by some to contain an insinuation, that Paul expected to be alive at the appearance of Christ ; which must imply an
expectation of being thus raised from the dead before it but
it is answered, that the expression, we that are alive may only
signify, those of us that are so," speaking of all Christians as
one body, 1 Cor. xv. 49 52.
It is remarkable, that Dr.
Hartley has declared it as his opinion, that this Millenium
shall consist of a thousand prophetical years, where each day is
a year, i. e. of 360000 years, pleading that this is the language
used in other parts of the Revelaiions^
:

7. SchoL
a

Hartley on Man, vol.

Whist. Theory,
. Y.

p.

1.

lii.

452 456.

1. It

ii.

seems an invincible objection against

p. 400.
S.'a 291.

c. v. p.

i.

iv.
I

Burnet's Theoi^, I. iv. psss.

Keii.'s Exam, of Burnet, c. vt.

FAWCEfT'sWal. p.S.

this

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

402
liypotliesis,

PaRT

X.

which places the Millenium ajter the conflagration,

that the saints iniiabiting the earth after the first resurrection
are represented as distressed by the invasion of some wicked

are called Gog and Magog, Rev. xx. 7

9. Ezek
xxxix. Now forasmuch as the whole race of mankind must be destroyed from the face of the earth by the conflagration, if not miraculously removed from it, it is impossible

enemies,

who

xxxviii.

&

to account for the existence of those wicked men on the renewnot to mention the difficulty of saying, what would
ed earth
become of those good men who were found alive at the conflagration, who cannot all be supposed worthy of the first resurrecnor can we imagine they would be changed to dwell here.
tion
It is difl^icult, with respect to the forementioned objection, either
to suppose, that some of the saints sliall be perverted, or that
the wicked shall be raised before their time, as it seems, purely
To solve this objection, Dr. Burnet,
to aflHict God's people.
on Glanville's wild principles, is driven to the wretched expedient of supposing a race of earth-born men to springlike
;

mushrooms out of the ground

^.

8. 2. Though Mr. Fleming does not entirely agree with.

Dr. Burnet and Mr. WnisTONin all the foregoing particulars,
yet he interprets Rev, xx. 6. as referring to a proper resurhe supposes that what happened Matt, xxvii. 52.
rection
Avas a pledge of this
and by the way he conjectures, that the
most celebrated saints of the Old Testament times then arose,
and ascended with Christ to heaven ; forgetting, as it seems,
Agreeable
the strong objection against this from Acts ii. 29.
to this, he apprehends, that the saints, who are to be the subjects
of the first resurrection, will perhaps appear to some of the
inhabitants of this earth, which may be a means of reviving
religion among them ; yet will not have their abode here
but
that during the thousand 3^eurs in which the kingdom of Christ
shall have its highest triumph on earth, they shall be rejoicing
with him m heaven, in a state of happiness far superior to that
which they enjoyed in the separate state, yet not equal to what
is to be expected after the general judgment.
To this peculiar
privilege of the martyrs and some other eminent saints he supposes St. Paul to have referred, Phil. iii. 9
1 1, in. that very
emphatical phrase, especially according to the Alexandrian
:

readmg, which

is

well attested

8|oiwro-iv TMv IK ruv v!tpwv,

that

|va,-a(7ij

or

by

and he lays

/ro-,-

ik

A EURNET'sTheory, vol. ii. p.3Il3l(i.

GLANVitLt's Lux OrkalaHa,p. 14'i 146.

ruv rcxfuvy

ap.

several other copies,

it

down

my

as a general rule,

whenever either of them

CAMPBF.r.'s Necess.of Rev. p.S73.

uii Kev.x.x, 8.

Lowman

Xect. ccxxvir.
is

Of the

Millenium.

403

used, signifies this first resurrection from among the rest of

; and on this foundation, he gives a peculiar but very

the dead

precarious turn to Luke ii. 34. xx. 35, 36. John xi. 25, 26.
iv. 2. xxvi. 23, Rom. i. 4 '.

Acts

LECT.

CCXXVII.

Q/" M<? Millenium.

Ray

agrees that there will be a renovaas some have

supposed, a resurrection of the same animals that once lived
upon it, (as well seeing there would not be room to contain
them) yet he supposes that other like animals will be created

1. .Slc/io/. 3.

IVJLr.

tion of the earth, and

though he does not grant,

as well as like vegetables, to adorn the earth and to

support the animals, only all in higher degrees of beauty and
but he pretends
perfection than they have ever before had
not to determine, whether the earth, thus beautified and adorned, as he supposes, after the general resurrection, shall be the
seat of a new race of men, or only remain as the object of
contemplation to some happy spirits, who may behold it,
though without any rational animals to inhabit it, as a curious
plan of the most exquisite mechanism ; which last seems to be a
very wild, as well as the former a very precarious hypothesis ;
and would make all the supposed bounty of God bestowed
upon it perfectly insignificant and useless^,

anew,

2. 4. The patrons of the milleimry scheme, as laid down

in the proposition, plead, not only that there was among the
Stoic philosophers a tradition of the

renovation of the earth,

(Vid. Lect. 225. 2.) but also that it was generally asserted
by the christian Fathers.
But Dr. Whitby supposes tlie
Millenium to refer entirely to the prosperous state of the christian

church after the conversion of the Jews, when the fullness of

denying that such a tratlie Geutiles shall also flow into it
dition did ever universally prevail, the chief authority of which
rests on a passage of Jren.^us, where he relates it as a report
of Papias, a person generally esteemed of but little credit:
and indeed it is certain, that the account he gives of the matter
does by no means agree with that of Burnet and Whiston,
and contains some particulars too gross to be admitted on such
slender evidence
;

'^.

a Ff.EM. on til St Res. pass. pris. p. 2!), S.-C.

b Ray's DUc. No. iii. c. ii. p. 4I'2 tl5.

<

Nat. Displ. vol. i. part ii. p. 090, Vyi.

IBS.N. liXSGi. 1, V. c. Hi, p. 4^7, ^*.

6Sg2.

Whitby

of the Milieu, c. i.
Bi'RNi;r's Theory, 1. iv. c. v, vi.
Burn. Artliiol. 1. i. c. xii. p. 23(524?.
Bay's tiireit Due. ubi sup. p. ttf}6.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

404-

PaRT

X.

3. 5. Dr. Whitby endeavours to invalidate all those

scripture proofs, which Burnet, Whiston, and Ray have

urged in favour of their respective schemes, especially the two

former, and further pleads against it,

That

it would be a great detriment to the gloribrought down to dwell upon earth, in the
most pleasing form which it can be supposed to put on.

4. (1.)

fied saints, to be

5. (2.) That it is inconsistent with the description which

the scripture gives of the resurrection, and the change to be

made

in the

body

That

6. (3.)
religion, to

7.

To

that shall be raised.

suppose

it is
it

contrary to the genius of the christian

on temporal promises.

built

thejirst of these objections

it

maybe

replied, that

none knows to what degree earth may be beautified and adorned, or to what happiness the saints might arrive, when free
(as this hypothesis supposes they will be) from all moral and
penal evil.
To the second, that the account of the spirituality
of the saints' bodies after the resurrection is to be understood,
as referring -to the general resurrection only ; and may be consistent with supposing, that some saints shall at first be raised
in a less perfect state, (as we know some few, who have already
been raised, were) who shall at the consummation of all things
undergo a proper change. To the third, that though it is the
genius of the christian religion to govern its professors by
faith rather than sight, nevertheless, as this^r^^ resurrection
is the object of faith, there is no absurdity in supposing it to
be promised
especially since all agree, that there will be
some pleasure in heaven suited to the corporeal part of our
nature, and Whitby himself allows, that there are promises
of great temporal prosperity made to the church in the latter
;

days.
8.

the

On

the whole, the most considerable

literal interpretation

argument against

of the passages in question, arises from

the nature of the book of the Revelations, which

is

so plainly

seems reasonable,
on principles of analogy, to suppose it to be so here, and to
interpret this resurrection, as a revival of the cause, rather than
of the persons ; and the rather, as the resurrection of the two
witnesses, mentioned Rev. x\. 11. is generally acknowledged
to be meant in this figurative sense
but the expression of the
rest of the dead, is hard to be explained even with this key \
figurative in the greatest part of

that

it,

it

WniTBY

ou the Millen.

,i.OWMAN UB

ihe Ky.

c. iii, iv.

j).

34'^347.

MiUeniaBiSM WBBidcred, paSB.

Lect. ccxxvir.

Of the

Millenium.

405

Mr. V/oRTHiNGTON has advanced a scheme very

from any of these vvriters in the main, though in some
circumstances resenibling theirs; v/hich is, that the gospel being
9. 6.

different

intended to restore the ruins of the fall, will gradually meliorate

the world, till by a train of natural consequences, under the
influence of divine providence and grace, it is restored to a
he supposes this plan is already advanced
paradisaical state
:

through some important stages, of which he thinks the amendment of the earth's natural state at the deluge (which, with
Dr. Sherlock, he maintains) to have been a very considerable
He considers all improvements in learning and arts, as
one.
well as the propagation of the gospel among the heathen nations, as the process of this scheme ; but he apprehends, much
greater advances are to be made, about the year of Christ
2000, when the Millenium will commence ; which shall be,
according to him, such a glorious state as Whitby supposes,
but with this additional circum!=^tance, that, after some interruption from the last effects of wickedness by Gcg and Magog,
this shall

and the

terminate in the yet nobler state of the new heaven^

spoken of Rev. xxi. xxii. which he supposes

Jiew earth,

in which all natural and

will be absolutel}^ paradise restored
moral evil shall be banished from earth, and death itself shall
have no further place ; but good men shall continue in the
highest rectitude of state, and in the greatest imaginable degree
of terrestrial felicity, till the coming of Christ and universal
judgment close this beautiful and delightful scene, perhaps
Indeed he seems to intimate
several thousands of years hence.
;

some apprehension, that the consummation of all things will

happen about the year of the world 2.5,920, the end of the
great year, as the Platonics called it, when the equinoxes shall
have revolved. But the reasonings, by which these conjectures
are supported, are, on the one hand, too diffuse to be represented, and on the other, too superficial to need to be con-

futed here

*.
a

WOP.THINGTON of Uie

Extent of Redempt. pass.

* An older writer of the same name, has advanced nearly the same sentiments
volume of miscellanies, published in 1704. The book treats almost entirely on
the Millenium, and one of the subjects is expressly " De Ecclesiaj in terris futura

in a

relicitate."

S.

VOL. V.


406

LECTURES

ON-

TaKT

DIVINITY.

X.

LECT. CCXXVIII.

Of

the Conversion

and

cf the Jews

their Restoratioyi to their

Jormer Country.
\ 1. Prop. JoRTKFf.Y fo siirvev the oliief prophecies of scripture, relatiii<r to the conversion of the Jews^ and its consequences

vith regard to the Gentile^ world.

2. Sol. K Dem. 1. Though the Jexvs have for many ages
been rejected by (iod, and driven out from their ancient inheritance, and though, during their dispersion, they have generally expressed an obstinate and implacable aversion to Christianity, and indeed a great disregard to all true morality and
religion; it is foretold, that they will at length embrace the>r
own Messiah, whom they now reject, and thereupon be take?!
into the divine favour and covenant anew, Rom. xi. 1
3G. Isa.
1

xlv. 17, 23

25.

34. Hos. iii. 4,

quoted below.

per

liv.

o.

Zech.

tot. Ix, Ixii.

xii.

9.

Ixv. Ixvi. Jer. xxxi. 31

xiii.

and many scriptures

1.

3. 2. On their conversion, they shall, by a train of wonderful providences, be gathered together from the countries in

which they are now scattered, and conducted to their own land,
where they shall become a prosperous and honourable, as well
as a religious n'ation, Isa. xxvii. 12, 13. Ezek. xi. 17
21.
xxxvi. 24

28. xXxvii. 21 28. xxxix. 25 29.

Amos'w.

i.

10, 11,

14, 15. Zech. xiv. lO, 11, 21.

4. 3.

Whereas, on

some enemies

shall

their settlement in

make an

their own^ land,

upon them, some celebrated

foretold, Isa. Ixvi. 16, 24. Ezek.

assault

victory over such enemies is

xxxviii. 39. Joel iii. 9
14. Zech. xiv.

which we may perhaps add Isa.

iii.

Hos.

lix. 19.

15. Rev. xx. 8

Micah iv.

10. to

11, 13. Zeph,

8.

5.4. This interposition of God, in the methods of his

providence and grace, for the recovery and defence of the
JeivSy shall make such impressions on the Gentiles^ as to be a
means of bringing in the fulness of them, Isa. xlix. 6. Rom, xr,
12, 15, 25, 20.
See the passages quoted 2 ^ *.
a HiRs. App. arl Stat. Mort.
VViiiTBY of the Milkn. c. ii.

PnwEi.r.'s Concord. .4ppeiul. ail fin.

of the Jews, p. oi

* Dr. Bla YNEY,

of

t';e

in his

restoration of the Jew

^:hapter.

IC.

72,

Lakdm. Circumst.

SCO IT'S Cliristian Life, vol. iii. p. 11661172.

Clark on the I'romiscs, ]>. 'i\i 28j.

new

s.

V\

orku, vol. X. p.

!)0.

translation of Jeremiah, has considered tl)e subject,

See the jntroductioH and notes on the liOtk aud 3 1 >^

Lect. ccxxviii.

Of the

407

Conversion of the Jews i Kc,

6. Schol. 1. When the context of most of those places referred to is examined, it will appear, that few, if any of them can
justly be applied to the restoration of the Jews from the Baby^
especially considerinjr, how expressly their
lonish captivity
regard to David their king, i. e. to Christ, is mentioned, as previous to those gracious appearances of God in their favour and
also how expressly it is promised in some of those passages,
that the ycK;^, after the restoration referred to in them, shall
:

7ieve?'

be rooted out of their land any

inore.

6. and
not improbable, that Deut. xxx. 1
1. 2.
many other places in the pentateuch, refer chiefly to this
greatest dispersion of the Jews, and their ^rta^ restoration ;
though most of the phrases there used are such, as suited all the
eminent deliverances God wrought out for them, so that each
of those deliverances might be looked upon as an accomplishIt is

ment

of this prediction ; nevertheless, those treated of in the

proposition, being the greatest events of the kind, it seems reasonable to consider this prophecy of Moses as chiefly centering

though comprehending the other as types or models,

which preserves a unity of sense and design, as much as any inand indeed the passage referterpretation whatsoever can do
red to above seems a general prophecy, that upon their return to
God, they shall always be delivered, with an intimation, ver. 6.
that, through God's gracious operation, this happy turn should

in them,

be the

fin^l

8. 3.

among

catastrophe of their nation.

How

the Jews,

Compare

Lect. 132.

far the form of government and religion

may, upon their restoration to their own land,

Avhat it originally was, we cannot certainly

but it is exceeding probable, that so much of their ancient
law will continue in force, as can be reconciled with the genius

be changed from
say

of the christian religion ; and that God will raise up some divinely inspired prophets among them, with a full declaration of
his mind and will in relation to a variety of questions, which we
have not light enough to decide and some have thought, that
Elias, i. e. John the baptist, (of whom the Old Testament prophesied by that name) will then be raised from the dead, and
:

bear a considerable part in the glorious work of converting and

settling them, Jer. iii. 15. Mai. iv. 5, 6^.
a Jackson's Credibiliry, 1. i.
p. 169, &c. 4to. aj). Oj). 1.
]).

jiart
i.

t.

ii.

? 3. r.

xxvii. vul.

x.

i.

I'iX

Patrick

'5

in Loc.

b Jeffries's Review, p. Mfi.

WEUE on Mark i. 1^. Op. p.

9,91>.

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

403

PaRT

X.

9. 4. Some have supposed, that the ancient patriarchs

will then be raised from the. dead; and Lord Barrington, in

Troueus formerly did) this supposition

necessary for vindicating the truth of God, in promising to
them, as well as to their seed, the land of Canaan^ which they
never in their life-time possessed
he thinks likewise, that this

particular, thinks, (as

is

surrection,

way

of clearing up our Lord's argument for a refrom God's calling himself their God after their

the easiest

death. Matt. xxii. 31. a!id the parallel places.

But

certain,

it is

our Lord's argument will be conclusive without this

and the
land might be siiid to be given to the patriarchs, as they were
secured by the divine promise, that their seed should possess it:
and if the Hebrew particle i be rendered even, as it often is, all
;

shadow of an argument from this promise will be removed.

Compare Isa. Ivi. .5. Ezek. xx. 11. Psal. li. ult. Mic. ii. 13.
where it is thus rendered ^.
10. 5. Some have apprehended, that several extraordinary miracles shall be wrought to assist the /^rc;^ in their return,
Mic. vii. 15. particularly, tliatthe rivers shall be dried up which
would oppose their passage, (I^a. xi. 15, 16. Zech. x. 11. compare Rev. xvi. 12.) that others shall be opened in dry places
through which they are to march, (Isa. xli. 17, 18. xliii. 19, 20.)
and that Christ himself shall appear in person among them, to
lead them on in a considerable body, (Isa. lii. 12, Iviii. 8. Hos.
i. 10,
11. Mic. ii. 12, 13.)
But it is certain several of these
texts may admit of a different interpretation, and may perhaps
be only figurative expressions of their being the objects of God's
peculiar care and favour nevertheless, should these events actually happen, there would be great reason to believe, that an
all-seeing God, whose work is always actually before him, referred to them in such predictions.
:

A late writer has given it as his opinion, that the

be restored to their own land, and live for some time
in great prosperity there, under the Mosaic ceconomy and law,
the I^ord being their king, before the^^ become Christians Avhich
he argues, partlv from the latter part of the prophecy of Eze.kiely
concerning the building of a temple, which must be intended
for such a ritual as the Mosaic law appointed
in connection
with several other passages referred to above, predicting the observation of such rites, (compare Zech. xiv. 16.) and partly from
the order of the events foretold, Zech. xii. xiii..
But it is an 11. 6.

Jews

shall

a CARniNGT.
Notes.

Ess. of

Div. Disp. p. 8192. witli

IpEN. Hir.

1.

v. c. xxxiii, p. 495.

Lect.ccxxviii.

Of the

Conversion of the Jews y

409

S^c,

2.
1. That this is in the nature of things improbable.
That EzekieVs temple may be m3^stically explained or, that
even under christianit}-, some Jexvish rites may in that place be
restored.
3. That great absurdities would follow, from suppos-

Bwered,

ing

all

the events described in Zech.

other, in the order there laid

would happen,
had pierced ^,
deatli

xii.

&

xiii.

down, and among

after they

to follow

each

therest, Christ's

whom

had looked to him

they

12. 7. As for t\\e time^ when these glorious scenes shall

open on the christian church, commentators and other critics
have been much divided among themselves. Some passages in the

Revelations seem to fix the beginning of them at the distance of

1260 years from the rise of Jnti-christ, Rev. xii. 6, 14. xi. 2, 3.
compare Dan. xii. 7. but the main difficulty lies in fixing the

date of that rwr.

Most protestant writers have dated it from
the year 606, when Pope Boniface III. first assumed the title
of universal bishop, conferred upon him by Phocas, ending

A. D. 1866.

after him Sir Isaac

about the middle of the

But Mr. Fleming, and

Newton, and Mr. Lowman,

fix

it

century, A. D. 756, when Pepin invested Pope

Stephen with the temporal dominion of Rome, and the neighbouring territories, on the ceasing of the exarchate of Ravenna i which is the more probable, as the other horns mentioned in the context, are plainly temporal kingdoms and as this
happened near 666 years after John saw the vision recorded
in the Apocalypse, A. D. 90, that seems the most probable
Sir Isaac, after
interpretation of the number of the beast.
eighth

Iren.eus,
AA T E I

/.

XXX. refers it to the numeral letters of the word

which do
s and the Hebrew n > > ?3 1 n,

V. c.

N o

4O0lI0ll0l4O|6!'20O

30|lj300|5llO[50l70l200

each of them make 666, and supposes that the marko^ the beast,
the sign of the cross, Rev. xiii.
period will end in the year 2016.

is

13.

ult.

Mr. Maurice dates the

On
rise

this hypothesis, that

of the beast from

the

year 606, which he supposes was 666 years after the Remans
possessed Judea, when the rise of tlie fourth monarchy there
must besfin and addincj to this number the 1260 davj or vears
with 30 more for the languishing state of the anti-chnstian
glory, and 45 for the pouring out of the vial, which was to be
attended with its utter ruin, he fixes the end of this period in the
year 1941.

(Compare Bun.

xii. 7,

11, 12.)

And by

the

way

he observes, that as the Turks ruined the eastern empire, A. D.

9 Eastof.ofjewj acd

Israelites, \h 57,

410

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

Part

x.

1453, and are to continue ayi hour, a day^ a month, and a year
see Rev. ix. 1.5. /. e. according to the Julian reckoning, 396
years, they shall fall, A. D. 1849, and that after 17 years

triumph, Anti-christ shall come to his end, i. e. begin to fall,

A. D. 1866, which coincides with the forrper period, and so
confirms it.
Compare Z)fln. xi. 36 1-5. Maurice's Serin, of
Tribes appearing ^ S(c. p. 54. XoL

Mr. Fleming, computing the last-mentioned time,

by prophetic years, makes it 391, and refers it to
another event, viz. to the taking of Constantinople y in the year
1453, which was just that distance of time from the uniting
the four Turkish kingdoms under one head \
14.

jRev. ix. 15.

15.

when

We

shall

conclude

this

scholium with observing, that

and an halfdixe supposed equal to 1260 days,

it plainly goes upon the supposition, that the prophetic year,
-which probably was the ancient year, (see Whist. Theory, I.
ii. p. 144
182.) consisting of twelve months of 30 days each,
7. e. of 360 days, is made use of.
And if it be, the end of the
period when Anti-christ is to fall should be reckoned by the same
year which will make an alteration in all the computations
above, and will reduce the fall of Anti-christ, on Fleming's
hypothesis, to A. D. 199S, and on the common, to A. D. 1848.
And if upon the same principles, the &G6 years be reckoned by
prophetical, not Julian years, it will amount to very little more
than 656 Julian; which, if the above hypothesis were to be
three years

allowed, will fix the date of the Revelations to about the year
J

00 \

LECT. CCXXIX.

0/ Interpreting

the Revelations.

give a summary view of JNIr. Lowman's late

1. Prop.
celebrated and valuable scheme for interpreting the book of the
Revelations.
2. Sol.

1.

He

proves that the seven

epistles,

contained in

the second and third chapters, are not prophetic, but relate to
the state and circumstances of the seven churches to whom they
9 FiEM. of the

b
'

first

Rcsurr. p. 136.

Chrislol. vol.

iii.

p.

103120.

Newt, oh the Kroph. p. '/H4.

BURNE I's Life of Bishop Bi-.DEL,
LOWMAN on Rev. p. l4'' 146.
PyLe mi Rev. xui, IH. p. 103.

'

p.

1012.

Ires. & Not. in Loc. cit.

Lk CLF.RCaiid Hammond in ^Qc.
Ilnr.i AND on Rev. in Loc.
l.iMBOncif's Thcs. 7. xi. li).
WAfiB. Serm. vol. jii. No, 2.

Of

Lect. ccxxix.

Interpreting the Revelations.

are directed, at the time

pare cap.

i.

when

this

411

book was written*

Com-"

19.

3. 2. He supposes tlie remainder of the book to be a prophetical representation of the most remarkable events, which
Avere to befall

tlie

christian church, fromi that time to the con-

summation of all things

by

rejecting those schemes, in which,

various fanciful synchronisms, the seals, trumpets, and vials arc

represented

and expounded,

as successive representations of

the same event.

4. 3. He considers the fourth -axiA fifth chapters, as only
introductory to the prophetic part of the book ; and justly

observes, as Sir Isaac

tators

Newton

had done, that therd

is

and many other good commenscenery here and all along,

in the

a beautiful reference to the temple worship

5. 4.

He

divides the remainder into seven periods

th

which, represented by the seals, sliews, according to

him, the state of the church under the Heathen Roman emperors, from A. D. 95 to 323.
And here, he more particularly
explains the first seal, Rev. vi. 2. of the triumph of Christianity
o\er Jewish a.u(\ Heathen oppression
the second, ver. 3, 4. of
the judgments of God on the Jewish persecutors under Trajan
and Adrian : the third, ver. 5, 6. of the famine in the time of
the Antonines : the fourth, ver. 1, 8. of the pestilence and other
calamities, which befel the empire, in the reigns of 3Iaxi7nian,
Valerian, and the intermediate emperors : the fifth, ver. 9
II. of the persecution under Dioclesian, A. D. 270 to 29S :

first of

the sixths ver. 12

Maximian to

17. of the

Constaritine

commotions of the empire, from

tiie

seventh chapter,

i.

e.

the sealing

of the 144,000, he interprets of the numerous converts to Christianity, which happened between this and the second period,
vii. 1
8. in the triumphs of which the heavenly world is beauti-

fully represented as rejoicing, vii. 9

12.

The

seventh seal

is

only introductor}' to the trumpets.

The second period, which is that of the timmpetSf

according to Mr. Lowman, relates to what was to
happen in the christian church from Constantine, A. D. 337
to 750, when the Mahometan conquests ceased in the west.
More particularly, the^r^^ trumpet, which produced hail and
fire mingled with blood, cap. viii. 7. he refers to the bloody wars
which happened in Constantine^s family, A. D. 337 to 352 :
the second i of the burning mountain, ver. S. 9. to the invasion of
6. 5.

cap.

viii. ix.

a Sir

Isaac Nsvtt. on Proph. part

li.

c.

ii.

pART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

.412

Italy by the northern nations,

Alaric king of the Goths, A. D.

X.

and the taking of Borne by

to 410
the third, of the
star of Wormwood, ver. 10, 11. thesucceeding ravages oi Italy,
and founding the Go/Azc kingclum there, y/. 1). 412 to 493
thc/ourih, oi darkening the sun, moon, and stars, ver. 12. to
the wars in Italjj between the Goths and Justinian^s generals,
which ended in erecting the cxd^t cha.\.e oi Ravenna, A.D.49'S
to 558
thsji/th trumjoet, of the locusts from the bottomless pit ^
(ix. 1
12.) to the rise and increase of the Mahoyneian rehgicn
and empire, tiil checked by internal divisions, A. I). 568 to 675 ;
the sixth, of loosing the four angels and flaming horsemen,
(ver. 13
21.) to the Saracens invading Europe, and ravaging
it
till their defeat by Charles Martel : the seventh trumpet is
35,9

Only introductory to the

7. 6.

The

vials.

third period, according to iiim, represents the

church and world, in the time of the last head of the

/. e. under the Pope, for 1260 years, viz.
from A. I). 756 to 2016. (Vid. Lect. 128. 11.) This grand
discovery, being introduced by the solemnity of a pe(ndiar
message from God by an angel, {cap. x.) is first described bygeneral representations of the temple, and the witnesses ; (cap.
state of the

Homan government,

xi.) then of 7/?e woman in the wilderness ; (cap. xii.) then by a

monstrous xvild beast, signifying the new Roman and persecuting power, (cap, xiii.)
The xivth chapter is, according to
him, an episode, containing strong representations of the happiness of those who should preserve their integrit}^, and the
general purpose of God to bring vengeance in due time upon
this wicked and persecuting power.
The xvth contains the
appearance of the seven angels with the vials, and a song of
celestial praise on that account.
Then follows the pouring out
cf the vials, (cap. xvi.) each of which he expounds of some
The first (xvi. l , 2.)
great judgment upon the Papal kingdom.
on the earth, of the wars in the family of Charles the Great,
by which it was ruined, A. D. 930 to 988 the second, (ver. 3.)
on the sea, of the effusion of blood in the holy war, A. D. 1040
the third, {ver. 4
to 1190
7.) on the rivers and fountains of
water, of the civil wars between the Guelphs and Gibelines,
when the Popes were driven out of Italy, A. D. 1 200 to 370
thefourth, (ver. 8, 9.) on the sun, of the long wars in Italy,
Germany, France and Spain, occasioned by schisms in tlie
popedom, A. D. 1378 to 1530: the fifth, (ver. 10, II.) on
the seat of the beast, he explains of the reformation, A.D.
1560 to 1650 \\\esixth, (ver. 12 16.) of drying up Euphrates,
lie supposes yet to come ; and conjectures it may be some in:

Of Interpreting

Lect. ccxxix.

413

the Revelations.

vasion of the Pope's dominions from the east

(xvi. 17, &c.) of the final destruction of

Rome.

the

seventh^

The

following

xix.) are assurances and descriptions of this

given by angelic messengers to John, and consist of
songs of praise on the occasion and in the last, Christ is re-

chapters, (xvii
final ruin,

presented as leading an

of heaven to effect this grand

army out

event.
8. 7. The fourth period is that of a thousand years, or
the Milleniiwi, in which the church will be in a most prosperous
state,

J. D. 2000 to 3000: (Lect. 127-

according to him, the seventh chiliad

is

2,

so that,

&.c.)

to be a kind oi sabbath^*

9. 8. The fifth period is the renewed invasion of the

enemies of the church for a short time, not defined, but which
is to end in their final extirpation and ruin, tap. xx. 7
10.
(Compare Prop. 166. gr. 3.)

10.
final

The

9.

judgment,

sixth period

cap. xx. ver. 11

is

the general resurrection and

15.

which terminate

11. 10. In the seventh grand period, in which the saints

are represented as fixed in a state of everlasting triumph and

happiness

in the

heavenly world, cap. xxi.

5.

The conclusion of the book confirms the truth of

and deduces the grand moral which runs through it, v'tz.
that though the church of Christ is to struggle with great difficulties, he will support it in the midst of all, and make
righteousness and truth finally victorious'' *.
12. 11.

all

a AlNsw. on Gen.

i.

Burnet's Theory,

Plutarch de

31.
1.

Iside

Worthingt. onRedempt.

iv. c.

&

iii.

Osir.

p.

211 213.

b Pyle's Ued. and Pref. to Kev.

p. 239, 210.
47. apud

* Mr. D.WBuz's book on the Revelations, which was written a considerable

number of years before that of Mr. Lowmam, is understood to be a work of great
If^aniing; and merit.
Mr. Fleming's " Dissertation Oil the Fall of Antichrist" has
lately excited extraordinaiy attenti:;n.
The whole book of Revelations h.as been
commented upon by Bishop Newton, in liis " Dissertations on the Propli'^cies."
See the Dissertations, volume the third, passim, or the Bishop's Works, vol. i.
753. See also Sir Isaac Newton's " Observations upon fhe Apocaiypse
p. 533
of St. John," annexed to his " Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel," p. 235
323. " A Commentary on the Revelations" has veiy recently been published by
Dr. Johnston, a clergyman of the church of Scotland.
K.

To these misrht be added two lats publications, Dr. Snodgrass's " Commenchell's " New Exposinon of the Revelation
tary on the Revelation ;"
and Dr.

Mn

of the Apostle John," in two parts.

ters, the

Thef.rst part, containing the eleven

fir'-t

author calls, "

eleven last chapters,

f a paraphrase, attended with

VOL.

v.

cha'^j-

The sealpcl-hook Prophecy ; the s'cn: n part, containing the

" The tittle-bnok Prophecy. This work is written in the form

many judicious
3

explanatory remarks.

W.

PART

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

414

X.

13. Schol. 1. On the whole, it must be acknowledged,

that there is u beautiful resemblance between the prophetic

representations, and the events supposed to be correspondent

in many particulars ; and the historical facts are reprewith great learning and judgment by this excellent
author yet the correspondence is not in all respects so clear
as might be expected, nor can we sometimes say, why those
in question are represented by one of the emblems, rather than

to

them

sented

by another. Yet after all, he has

sages by similar phrases from the

many

pas-

])ropbetic books of the

Old

tincly illustrated

and has made out

so much, especially with respect to the^A'.?^, and the beginning
of the ^/i/rrf period, as evidently proves the book to be a glorious confirmation of Christianity, and well worthy our most
Testament,

in

which he

is

quite unequalled

attentive study.
14.

2.

be observed, that the book of the Revelacontain a view of things and persons realh)

It is to

tions does not

what passed in the imagination

which scene, there were plainly some allegorical
persons, v. g. the animals, by a mistake, called beasts in our
translation ; and it is on these principles, that the representation of the New Jerusalem, under the figure of a city coming
down from God, is to be explained.
15. 3. Dr. HAR.TLEY, (in his Observations on man, voL
ii. p. 366
372.) supposes, that all present civil and ecclesiasand that, as other churches
tical governments will be dissolved
have copied after the Babylonish whore, they will in their degree partake in her plagues. And the author of the Critical
notes on some passages of scripture (printed for Davis, 1747.)
thinks, that when Babylon shall be brought to utter destruction,
that event will be a signal to the ten kingdoms, that their dissoexisting, but merely a view of

of

St.

John ;

in

lution

is

also approaching. (Crit. Notes, p. 14, 15.)

kingdoms he reckons,

Scotland, 2 Great Britain, 3

These ten

Germany,

south of the Elbe, 4 France, 5 Spain, 6 Lombardy with Istria,

Sardinia and Corsica, 7 the Popc''s patrimony , with Romania

and Tuscany, S the two Sicilies, 9 Pannonia or Hungary, and

10 Illyricum : supposing these two circumstances must meet,
viz. that the kingdoms must all have made a part of the old
Roman empire, and must also have been for a time devoted with
the rest of the spiritual power of Rome, (ibid. p. 1 30, 131.) But
may seem surprising, that reformed countries should be in-

it

volved in the ruin of the church they have reformed from and
it is evident that the

protested against, compare Rev. xviii. 4. and

particular division above is very precarious
a

Newton

on Prophecies, part

i.

^.

c. vj.

Lect. ccxxx.

Of the

Internal Evidences of Ch n'stianilj/.

41

LECT. CCXXX.

Of

the Internal Evidences of Christianity.

1. Prop, V^HRISTIANITY is not only attended with such

external evidences, as are represented in the former part of this

work, bnt with considerable degrees of internal evidence.

Lect. 107. 1,

Vid.

2.

2, Denif 1.
religion are so far

The most

considerable doctrines of natural

from being contradicted, that they are established by the gospel; particularly those which relate to the being, perfections and attributes of God, his universal providence,
government and a future state of rewards and punishments,

Lect. 107. 4.

3.

The most important

2.

which we owe

to

branches of those duties,

God, our fellow-creatures and

oiu'selves, arc
plainly described and inculcated in the precepts of the gospel.
ibid. 9.

4. 3. The ceremonial observances instituted in the gospel are but few, and those evidently calculated to answer the
great ends of practical religion. Lect. 108. 25.

5. 4. The gospel discovers to us man}' particulars, of

Avhich the evidence on the principles of natural religion was dubious, and which a fallen creature might greatly and painfully

doubt of; particularly the pardon of sm, however aggravated,

on sincere repentance and a state of complete and eternal glory
reserved for all that are sincerely virtuou-^, notwithstanding the
imperfection of their present attainments, while it threatens, to
the vicious and impenitent, final and everlasting punishment.
Lect. 107. 5 ^

6.

The

5.

gospel discovers

a rich variety of truths,

Holy

Spirit, v.hich by the light

of nature alone we could not possibly have found out, but
whiclj, when they are known, tend greatly to encourage the

relating both to Christ and the

mind and

powerful manner on those principles

which are the nol>lcst sources of genuine and

strike in a very

of gratitude,

acceptable obedience.
7. 6.
general, so

Ibid. 6, 8.

As the apparent end of

it is

observable that

to promote virtue in
scheme of salvation, by

all is

this

and through the free grace of God in l)im,

together with what relates to the influence of the Divine Spirit
upon our souls, has the most admirable tendency to promote
humility, representing us as ignorant and guilty, polluted and
faith in Christ,

enslaved,

Cor.
a

i.

30.

Ibid. 9.

AmORVs Sermon

on " Christ the Li^ht of the World.'*

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

416

Part

x.

8. 7. It further appears, from a survey of the foregoing

heads, that though many things yet remain mysterious and
ohscure, yet those, in which the regulation of our tempers and

practice

of very

is

most immediately concerned, are so plain as to admit

little

dispute.

Valet propositio.

Ci ARKT. at Boyle's f.ect. partii. Prop, x xiii.

Br.ANC de autor. Script, part i. J 44, 45.
Re.is.

of Christian, part

ii.

c. vi.

*.

to a Ueist, p. 260 .'72.

Script, p. 171, 172.
F'RiD. Lett, to tlie Heists, j). 21.=>, 216.
on the Spirit, p. .ij>i .=>6J.

Kr.YNdi.Ds's Lett,

Kknkktoii

Owen

see also on this subject Dr.

Truth of Chrisliauity." C.

Barrow's Works, vol. ii. Serin, xvi.

Howe's Works, vol. i. p. 203, 204.
TiT.i.ors. Serm. vol. i. Serm. xlv.
BuilNF.T's 4 Disc. p. 3 S.
Spect. vol. vii. No. 574.
Owen's Div. Orig. Script, c. ii. } 15.

I.F.

Kaxt.

Ibid. 6

c.

iii.

16*.

Duchal's " Discourses on

the presurtiptive

Arguments

for the

a work entitled, "A View of the

by Soame Jenyns, Esq. deserves a
perusal.
The author was once an infidel, " but having some leisure and mole cu-^
riosit}', he employed them both in resolving a question which seemed to him of some
importance,
\\'hethcr Christianity was really an imposture founded on an absurd,
incredible and obsolete fable, as many suppose it ? Or whether it is, what it pretends to be, a revelation communicated to mankind by the interposition of supernatural power ? On a candid enquiry, be soon found that the first was an
absolute iinpossibility, and that its pretensions to the latter were founded on the
most solid giounds."

* On the subject of

Internal Eviduiice of

tlie

thl> tlemonstration,

Chri-stian Religion,"

The author undertakes to shew among other thinu;s,

ment may he collected not only rfof/r/cj cf religion, but

that from the

also

New

a system oi

Testa-

ethics,

in

which evc-ry moral precept founded on reason is carried to a higher degree of jiuritij
and ffrftctrori than in any other of the wisest philosophers of preceding ages that
every monil j)recept founded on false jninciples is totally omitted, and many nezn
prirep/i- added peculiarly corresponding with the new object of this religion
that
such a system of religion and morality cniild not possibly have been the work of
any man, or set of men, and that, therefore, it ipust undoubtedly have been efTected
by the interposition of divine power.

The work, though not faultless, abounds with valuable remarks ; some of which,
as topics almost entirely omitted by Dr. Doddridge, are here inserted:
former religions the good of the present life was proposed as the Jinl
it is but the second : in those, men were incited to promote
that good by the hopes of a future reward; in this, tiie practice of virtue is enjoined
1.

object;

In

in

all

the christian

in ordir to qucihfy them for thai reward.

Hence it is that Christianity insists more
strongly than any preceding institution, religious or moral, on purity of heart and a
benevolent disposition j because these are absolutely necessary to its great end.
2. The perianal character of the author of this religion is no Jess new and extraordinary than the religion itself.
For instance, he is the only founder of a religion
in tiie history of mankind, which is totally unconnccttd with all htiman policy and

govcrnmfnt, and therefore

All others, Miihrm^t,

tions with iheir civil,

but Christ neither

object, wiiich

all

totally

aiiiied at,

other

from, and are afraid

unconduciye to any worldly purpose whatever.

Numa, and even M^^ses himself, blended their religious instituand by them (.btained dominion over their respective jicople ;

of.

men
No

nor would accept of any such power

pursi;e,

and made choice of

other ever

made

l;is

own

all

he rejected every

those which others

suflerings

fly

and death a neces-

sary part of his original plan, and essential to his mission.

3.

Before the appearance of Christianity there existed nothing like

the face of the earth, the Jewisii only exce])tcd

the gros'-est idolatry, which had

corrupt

it

all

religif^n

other nations were immersed

on
in

no connection with morality, except to

by the infamous examples of their imaginary deities. They all worshipped
little

or

Lect. ccxxx.

Of the Internal Evidences of Christianily.

417

^9. Cor. 1. From hence it evidently appears, tliat they

do much mistake the nature and design of Christianity, who
a multiplicity of gods and daemons, whose favour they courted by impious, obscene
and ridiculous ceremonies, and whose anger they endeavoured to appease by tlie
most aboramable cruelties. In the politest ages of the politest nations in the world,
at a time when Greece and Rome had carried the arts of oratory> poetry, history,
architecture and sculpture to the highest perfection, and made no inconsiderable
advances in those of mathematics, natural and even moral philosophy, in religious
knowledge they had made none at all ; a strong presumption that the noblest etlorls
of the mind of man, unassisted by revelation, were unequal to the task. They sometiuies talked of virtue carrying men to heaven an^l placing them amongst the gods
but by this virtue they meant only the invention of arts, or feats of arms: for with

them heaven was open only

to legislators

and conquerors, the

civilizers or destroyers

This was, then, the summit of religion in the most polished nations in
the world, and even this was confined to a few philosophers, prodigies of genius and
literature, who were little attended to and less understood by the generality of
mankind in their own countries ; whilst all the rest were involved in one common
At this time Christianity broke forth from the
cloud of ignorance and superstition.
of mankind.

east like a rising sun, and dispelled this universal darkness.

mankind
day to the most
ignorant tribes of savages in the wilds of America ; doctrines, which human reason
never could have discovered, but which, when discovered, coin< ide with and are con6rmed by it ; and which, though beyond the reach of all the learning and penetration of Plato, Aristotle and Cicero, are now clearly laid open to the eye of every
peasant and mechanic with the bible in his hand. These are all plain facts too
4.

Christianity has taught doctrnes as inconceivable to the wisest of

antecedent to

its

appearance, as the Newtonian system

glaring to be contradicted, and therefore, whatever

is

at this

we may think

of the authority of

these books, the relations they contain or the inspiration of their authors, of these
facts, no man who has eyes to read, or ears to hear, can entertain a doubt ; because
there are the books, and

in

them

is this

religion.

God,
benevolence to men, justice, charity, temperance and sobriety with all those
duties which prohibit tlie commission of the contrary vices, all which debase our
natures, and, by mutual injuries, introduce universal disorder, and consequently,
universal misery.
But it entirely omits precepts founded on false principles, those
which recommend fictitious virtues, which, however celebrated and admired, are
Valour, for inproductive of no salutary effects, and in fact are no virtues at all.
stance, is for the most part constitutional ; and so far is it from producing any salutary effects by introducing per.ce, order cr happiness into society, that it is the
usual perpetrator of all the violences, which fiom retaliated injuries distract the
world with bloodshed and devastation.
It is the engine by which the strong aro
enabled to plunder the weak, the proud to trample upon the humble, and the guilty
to oppress the innocent.
It is the chief instrument which ambition employs in her
unjust pursuits of wealth and power, and is therefore so much extolled by her votaries.
It was indeed congenial with the religion of Pagans, hose gods were, for the
most part, made out of deceased heroes exalted to heaven as a reward for the
and therefore with them this was
mischiefs which they had perpetrated upon earth
But Christhe first of virtues, and had even engrossed that denomination to itself.
tians are so far from being allowed to inflict evil, tnat they are forbid even to resist
it , they are so far from being encouraged to revenge injuries, that one of their first
duties is to forgiie them; so far from being incited to destroy their enemies, that
they are commanded to love them, and to ser\-e them to the utmost of their power.
If christian riafions therefore were nations of Christians, all war would be impossible and
5.

Christianity enjoins with peculiar plainness and authority, piety to

;

unknoivn amongst them.

6, Putrtottsm also, that

celebrated virtue so

much

practised in ancient, and &

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

418
represent

merely a republication

as

it

of the

X.

religion of

nature S
a Warburton's Div. Leg.

much

vol.

i.

p. 5, 6.

professed in modern times, that virtue, which so long preserved the liberties

Rome

of Greece, and exalted

because

it

not only

falls

to the

empire of the world, must also be excluded

short of, but directly counteracts the extensive benevolence

commands us to love all mankind, patriotism to oppress

order to advance the imaginary prosperity of our own. Christianity enjoins us to imitate the vnkcrsul henrcnlence of our Creator, who pours forth

of this religion.
all

liis

Ch'.istianity

other countries

in

blessings on every nation upon earth

patriotism to copy

tiie

mean

partiality of

who thinks injustice and cruelty meritorious, whenever they promote

the interests of liis own inconsiderable village.
This has ever been a favourite virtue
with mankind, because it conceals self-interest under the mask of public spirit, not
a parish officer,

only from others, but even from tlicmselves ; and gives a licence to inflict wrongs
and injuries not only with impunity, but with applause ; but it is so diametrically
opposite to the great characteristic of this institution, that it never could have been
admitted into tlie list of christian virtues.
7.

new

Of

new

those

object of

it,

that

is,

precepts

in this

religion peculiarly corresponding

\\

ith

the

preparing us for the kingdom of heaven, the chief

are poorness of spirit, forgiveness of injuries, and charity to

all

men;

to these

we

may

add repentance, faith, self-abasement and a detachment from the world, all
moral duties peculiar to this religion, and absolutely necessary to the attainment of
its end.
Jiy poorness of spirit is to be understood a disposition of mind, meek, humble, submissive to power, void of ambition, patient of injuries and free from all resentment. This was so new, and so opposite to the ideas of all pagan moralists,
that they thought tliis tem,per of mind a criminal and contemptible meanness, which
ttiust induce men to sacrifice the glory of their country, and their own honour to a
shameful pusillanimity ; and such it appears to almost all who are c<j//cii! christians
even at this day, who not only reject it in practice, but disavow it in principle, notwithstanding this explicit declaration of their Master. We sec them revenging the
smallest affronts by premeditated murder, as individuals, on principles of honour;
and, in their national capacities, destioyin.si each other with Cre and sword for the

low considerations of commercial

powers or the amanimating each other to a

savage revenge, and, in tlie agonies of deathj plunging with feeble arms their dagc;ers
into the hearts of their opponents ; and, what is still worse, we hear all these barbarisms celebrated by historinns, flattered by poets, applauded in theatres, approved
in senates, and even sanctified in pulpits.
But universal practice cannot alter the
nature of things, nor universal error change the nature of truth.

bition of princes

we

see

interests, the balance of rival

them with

their last breath

Another precept, equally new, and no

less excellent, is fnrgivewss of inwisest moralist*; of the wisest nations and ages represented the desire
of revenge as a mark of a noble mind, and the accomplishment of it as one of the
chief felicities attendant on a fortunate man.
But how much more magnanimous,
8.

ynics.

The

how much more

beneficial to

mankind

is

forgiveness

It is

more ma-rnanimoiis,

because every generous and exalted disposition of the human mind is requisite to
the practice of it
for these alone can enable us to bear the wrongs and insults of
wickedness and folly with patience, and to look down on the perpetrators of them
Ik ith pity, rather than witli indignation; tiu^se alone can teach us, that such are but
a part of those sufferings allotted to us in tiiis state of probation, and to know, that
to OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD, is the Hjost gloiious of all victories.
It is the most
beneficial, because this amiable conduct alone can put an end to an eternal succession of injuries and retaliations; for cverj' retaliation becomes a new injury, and
requires another act of revenge for satisfaction.
But would we observe this salutary
precept, to LOVE our enemies, and to do good to those ho des}>itefully use us,
this obstinate benevolence would at last cnnquer the most inveterate hearts and we
should have no enemies to forgive. This noble and useful virtui; is an obvious rcme:

Lect. ccxxx.

419

we have

great reason to

many important

God

It

further appears, that

most of the miseries of this

tly for

of Christianitrj

for a revelation, attended with so

10. 2.
bless

Of the Internal Evidences

life,

and a necessary

qualification for the happi-

ness of another.

Detachment from the zi<orld is another moral virtue constituted by this religion
new, that even at this day few of its professors can be persuaded that it is
But such an unremitted anxiety and perrequired, or that it is any virtue at all.
petual application as engrosses our whole time and thoughts are forbid, because they
arc incompatible with the spirit of this reli.G;ion, and must utterly disqualify us for
the attainment of its great end. The christian system forbids all extraordinary
elforts to obtain wealth, care to secure, or thought concerning the enjoyment of it.
9.

alone

so

" Lay not up for yourselves

was immortal, /e; for this
died

ajid this

treasures on earth."
their poets sang,

was hung out by

The

chief object of the

and

their heroes fought,

their philosophers

and

Pagans

their pati'iots

legislators, as the great in-

and virtuous deeds. But what saith the christian Legislator to

his disciples on this subject ? " Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and shall,
say all manner of evil against you for my sake ; rejoice and be exceeding glad, for
great is your reward in heaven." Nothing has so much contributed to corrupt tha
true spirit of the christian institution, as that partiality, which we contract, from our
cit<='ment to all noble

earliest education, for the manners of pagan antiquity; from whence we learn to
adopt every moral idea which is repugnant to it; to applaud false virtue, which that
disavows ; to be guided by laws of honour, which that abhors ; to imitate characters,
which that detests; and to behold heroes, patriots, conquerors, and suicides witU

From a coalition of these opmonstrous system of cruelty and benevolence*

of barbarism and civility, of rapine and justice, of fighting and devotion, of revenge
and generosity, which harrassed the world for several centuries with crusades, holy
wars, knight-errantry, and single combats, and even still retains influence enough,
admiration, whose conduct that utterly condemns.

posite i)rinciples was generated

tliat

under the name of honour, to defeat the most beneficent ends of this holy institution.
A man whose ruling principle is honour, in the common acceptation, however virtuous, in a sense, he may be, cannot be a christian, because he erects a standard of
duty, and deliberately adheres to it, diumetricaUij opposite to the whole teuor of
that religion.

Every one of these propositions, T am persuaded, says our author, is inconand if true, this short but certain conclusion must inevitably follow.
;
That such a system of religion and morality could not possibly be the work of any
man, or set of men, much less of those obscure, ignorant and illiterate persons who
actually did discover, and publish it to the world ; and that therefore it m-ust have
been effected by the supernatural intei-position of divine power and wisdom; that is,
If any one can believe that these
that it must derive its origin from god.
men could become impostors, for no other purpose than the propagation of truth,
villains for no end but to teach honesty, and martyrs without the least prospect of
honour or advantage ; or that, if all this should have been possible, these few inconsiderable persons should have been able, in the course of a iew years, to spread thi
their religion over most parts of the then known world, in opposition to the interests,
pleasures, ambition, prejudices and even reason of mankind ; to have triumphed
over the power of princes, their intrigues, the force of custom, the blindness of zeal,
the influence of priests, the arguments of orators and the philosophy of the world,
without any supernatural assistance; if any one can believe all these miraculous
events, contradictory to the constant experience of the powers and dispositions of
human nature, he must be possessed of much more faith than is necessary to make
liiiu a declared christian, and remain an unbeliever from mere credulity.
On the Evidences of Christianity in general, and the Internal ones in particular, the reader is refeired to Archdeacon Paley's Work, entitled, " A View of the
10.

trovertibly true

Evidences of Christiapity," and more especially

vol.

ii.

chap,

ii

v.

W.

420

PaRT

LECTURES ON DIVINITY.

X,

circumstances, and so excellentlv adapted to answer the necessities

of mankind.
11.3.

Matt.

16, 17.

xiii.

We may further argue,

that an attentive study of

the scriptures and especially of the New Testament, may be an
excellent means of establishing our faith in the scripture revelation.

Acts XX. 32.

12. 4. It appears from hence, that we shall serve the cause

of virtue and piety in the world by endeavouring all Ave can to

and reputation of the New Testament ;

and that those schemes, which would represent the writingrs of
the apostles, as merely their own private opinions or the relations concerning Christ, as liable to the conmion imperfections
which attend well-meant reports of long distant facts, must be
very prejudicial to the cause of Christianity and of practical
religion, so nearly connected with it ^
establish the character

13. It is highly proper, that the peculiarities of the

gospel scheme should be much insisted upon by christian
preachers
which may also further be argued, from the pomp
:

of miracles, by which this revelation was introduced into the

world, and which must have appeared unworthy the divine

wisdom and majesty,

if those things which were peculiar to it

are of so little importance, as man v seem to suppose ^,e^.ii. 3,4''.

14. It is of the highest importance, to fall in with the pracdesign of the gospel, and always to consider and represent

tical

not merely asan object of amusement and speculation, but as a

system of truths intended to sanctifv the heart and to regulate
the life, and thereby to train us up for the complete happiness
of a future sta*e.
Matt. \'\\. 24 27. Johnxm, 17.
it,

15. 7.

They who have

experimentally

felt

power of

the

the gcspel on their hearts, will have an additional evidence to

confirm their faith, in proportion to the degree in which

Johnvu.
follows from all,

efficacy has prevailed.

16. 8. It

17-

its

Johnv. \0^.

that to cultivate a devotional

temper, and study as much as possible to enter into the spirit of

the gcspel, and to confirm every action and every sentiment to
the tenor of it, must be one of the most important branches of a
proper furniture and preparation for the ministerial work. And
God grant, that this rem.ark may be deeply fixed on the memories and hearts of all that have studied this various course of
TheOiOgical Lectures, whatever else be disputed or forgotten ;^
a CHUBB's true Gospel, andHAr.r.RT's Answer.
b Wat; s's Rede^.-riei- and Sand, i :i. & 7.
Humble Attempt, i;:c. p. :30 38.
jENNlNCs'sDisc.on Preaching Christ, wilU

fRANKius's

Lett. ibid.

c BODD. Lett, to the Author of

founded, \'C. No i, p. V.5
Watfs's Serm. vol. i. No.

BoYsF.'s

Works,

Wats"3

Cliristi.in. not'27.

hi.

Two SL'rin.on

John

v. 1.

4 IV

riurable AUempt H.pSomes'* MeilvoU for re\iviiis Kehjfion.

LECTURES
ON

PREACHING,
^

AND

THE SEVERAL BRANCHES

OF THE

MINISTERIAL OFFICE;
INCLUDING

THE CHAEACTERS OF THE MOST CELEBRATED MINISTERS

AMONG

DISSENTERS
AND

IN

VOL.

V.

THE ESTABLISHMENT.

SG

ADVERTISEMENT.

The

Following Lectures are the substance of those delivered by Dr.

ridge

branches of the ministerial

office.

ject of conversation, as containing

Dodd-

and the several

to his theological students, in reference to preaching

They have been very frequently the submany excellent remarks and advices, and

For the purpose of collation the Edione written (bearing date 1739) by a
learned pupil of the author, another revised and corrected from a copy declared to be the most accurate extant, a third beautifully and accurately
written, and the fourth is a transcript which differs considerably from each of the
others.
The editors are of opinion, however, that could they have procured
ten times the number of, copies, and those of the first character, it would be
unsafe to trust any one of them as unexceptionable
for it does not appear
that the author gave the finishing hand to his own copy as fit for the public
several striking characters of authors.

tors are in possession of four copies,

eye.

The

reader, therefore,

professes to be only a pretty

is

requested to observe, that what

is

here printed

what the author more or

less enfew expressions, and even sentences are occasionally left out,
which, however proper in tlie lecture-room, the editors are convinced, the
author himself would not have made public. The lectures are so printed
also as to convey, by means of the dash, some idea of the place and nature of
the supplementary enlargements wliich might be made, and may serve as
proper pauses for the reader's profitable reflection. Since different copies have

larged upon.

full

Syllabus of

method, it is presumed that the plan which is here adopted

and useful as any, and is thesame with that of the authorin his
Rise and Progress, and that in which the preceding lectures now appear.
different signs of

is

as perspicuous

As

these lectures were never before printed,

should assign some

Whole Works.

Of

it

may be

expected that we

reasons for giving them a place in Dr.

these the

tirst

and principal

is,

that

Doddridge's

we view them as
not inferior to any

possessing very considerable excellence ; an excellence

thing he ever penned, if estimated according to their tendency to do real
service both to ministers and, through them, to the rising generation.
Here
we have a collection of rules, maxims, and cautions, relative to preaching and
the pastoral care, as ample and well chosen as are any where to be found,
delivered with the greatest perspicuity, and minutely detailed according to
varied circumstances.
In them we discover a great insight into human na-

an uniform regard to religious, moral, and civil propriety of conduct,

ardent wishes to benefit mankind by promoting vital and practical religion ;

ture,

'

424

ADVERTISEMENT.

with marks of uncommon diligence

as a powerful stimulus

on the

in

the author himself, which may operate

mind to imitate so fair an example.

reader's

From a report of their general worth many have wished, but in vain, to procure a copy ; to gratify, and at the same time to benefit such persons, is another
evident reason why these lectures should be now published. In fact, it may
be well thought by many that a completeedition of tiie author's works could not
To this we may add, supposing them ia
consistently appear without them.
no danger of being lost, as many valuable manuscripts have been, the probability of their degenerating by repeated transcripts is a consideration of some
And, indeed, it is well known that there are many mutilated and
weight.
very imperfect copies abroad ; and it is not improbable that, from some motive or other, a copy might find its way to the press in a form calculated to
This danger rs
reflect but little credit on either the publisher or the author.
now precluded ; and so precluded, it is hoped, as effectually to secure the deserved reputation of Dr. Doddridge, an object to attain which no small
We are therefore perdegree of labour and expence has been bestowed.
suaded that, since the author has intimated no prohibition, these considerations, among the reasonable and the good, oLght to be decisive.

LECTURES
ON

PREACHING AND THE MINISTERIAL OFFICE.

LECTURE L
Introduction

General

Re^narks and Directions relative

to

the

Christian Ministry.

1.

vLjENTLEMEN,

yoii

have devoted yourselves to the

of the Ministry, and it is the main thing you have in

view in the course of your present studies ; other things are
taken in only as subservient to this. You well know it consists
of several branches. The first on which 3'ou enter is Preach-

work

ing, which, though not the only, is one of the most important
parts of a minister's duty. Preaching requires genius, applicaOf the former few who are
cation and the divine blessing.
Nor is any
capable of academical studies are entirely destitute.

great height of genius necessary. The

tention and pious conduct
fore,

is

wrong

may be

latter

under a
yet
To prevent which

expected.

generally the main thing wanting

conduct may turn to little account.

the following advices are designed,

to the Spirit of

with a good inDiligence, there-

this

recommending the success

God.

2. In these lectures I shall give some general directions as

to the method to be used in order to furnish yourselves for, and
make you ready in the work, {Lect. 1.) Consider the character
of the best practical writers in our language, {Led. 2 4.) Give

some advice as to the composition of sermons, (Zfcf, 5 10.)

Offer some thoughts on the most proper method of delivery,
several miscellaneous remarks which will not
under any of these heads, {Lect. 12.) Propose
a few general directions for prayer, {Lect. 13.) Call your
attention to the important duty of public exposition, {Led,
1416.) Then offer some directions on catechising, {Led.
On administering the ordinance of baptism, {Lect.
17, 18.)
On visiting in
ly.) and the Lord's supper, {Lect. 20.)
{Lect. 11.)

properly

fall

Add

>

LECTURES ON PREACHING.

426

general, and the sick in particular, {Led. 21, 22.) I shall then
giv^e you some general maxims for conversation, [Led. 23.)
Rules for conduct towards particular persons, {Led. 24.) And

on behaviour

to other ministers, with a

few miscellaneous con-

cluding remarks, {Led. 25.)

you

3. I shall begin with some general directions to furnish

for the work of the ministry, and prepare you for the

exercise of its functions.

4.

See to

1 .

it

that there be a foundation of sincere piety

is but little prospect of your

being useful or acceptable to others. Be therefore firmly resolved to devote yourselves to God, and doit solernnl3%

laid in yourselves,

or else there

Be
5. 2. Keep up a strict course of walking with God.
constant, diligent, and lively in secret prayer.
Maintain an
habitual sense of the divine presence.

Be much

in the exercise

So you will learn to speak

out of the

of ejaculatory devotion.fulness of the heart.

Seize

everj^ opportunity of encreasingin

piety.

This

6. 3. Cultivate a tender love to souls.

M'ill

make

you eloquent. Therefore guard against every thing that tends

to alienate your affections.
By pride cometh contention ;

therc;fore practise a yielding,

An

ministry.
tnischief.

I
I

submissive and obliging temper.

do unspeakable
almost tremble to see it in any designed for the
foresee in it the confusion of congregations, and tlie

unreasonable

ruin of your

own

stiffness

in little matters will

character and usefulness.

Cultivate an ^tensive and candid acquaintance

with the world. Things are much as we make them. In
7.

4.

almost all imaginable circumstances some things may be found

to be despised ; some things to be admired, and delighted in.

Take heed

immuring yourselves too much

your studies.
Tiiink not the time lost which is spent out of them.
Despise
not common Christians free converse with them may be attended with many good consequences
more particularly
of

in

your stock of knowledge. Acquaintance with the hearts of men is very desirable and it will
be better learnt by converse, as anatomy is better learnt by
dissection than by books alone.
You will find many good
tiioughts started by them
they will be like rough diamonds,
which, if well polished, you may with advantage set in your

8.

(I.)

It

will increase

sermons.

9.

(2.) It will

awaken your own

spirits.

" As

iron sharp-


Lect.

Introductiony

I.

427

iCr.

enethiron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.'*

Experience often proves this. Lord's-day evening's conversation is sometimes particularly sweet and refreshing.
shall
find that time thus spent will not be lost, but will abundantly

repay

We

itself.

It will conciliate respect among them.

An
10. (3.)
accessible temper is, in most cases, respected and loved
espe-

cially in persons of

high reputation and great employ.

It will form you to an experimental strain of

11. (4.)
preaching, which will be very suitable to spiritual persons
and will give an air of wisdom natural and unaffected, " A
wise man," says Confucius, " must learn to know the hearts
of men ; that taking every man according to his own inclination,
he may not labour in vain when he shall discourse to him of

virtue."^.

Form an acquaintance with the best authors, but

12. 5.
especially the scriptures ; they are the grand magazine.
Study

Get an
Greek Testament,
possible Wetstein's, Read other books
with care. Colsome of the most valuable
instance, Evans's Christian
them continually.

interlea%^ed

if

also

lect

Temper,

for

Berry-street Lectures, &c. &c,

Take brief notes of the sermons you hear. Re 13 6.

view them in your retirement. Transcribe them, and add memorandums of your own thoughts and reflections upon them as you
go along
Painting and carving are learnt by imitation, and

by observing

the defects as well as the beauties of great masters.

14. 7. Keep, and endeavour daily to improve your common-place book. Have note-books added to it. Write schemes
of sermons in diflTerent degrees of perfection.
Keep a little
book for hints on various subjects as they come into your mind.
Keep another book for schemes that are perfect, and here insert scriptures under the proper heads in the order you intend to
use thein in composing.
And when you read a book, consider
how far it may help you as to scriptures, sermons, commonplace book, conversation, prayer, and the like.

Be daily endeavouring to form a good style and

15. 8.
address, which is done by insensible degrees.
Never think it
too soon, or too late to attain it.
Use yourselves, therefore, to

various kinds of composition ; at

diligence and exactness
Submit

first, review them with great

them to the review of a friend.
Look them over afterwards at some distance of time. Often
read aloud, but in as unaffected a manner as possible. " Elegance in a sermon," says Boyle, " is like a golden frame about

* Co^FVCius's Morali, p. vJt.

LECTURES ON PREACHING.

428
a looking-glass

it

would be

or look only upon that

foolish to set

but ^et

it

up

may serve

the frame alone,

to attract the eye,

and prove the occasion of discovering some defect which would

have been otherwise unobserved." See his Meditations iii. 6.

Look up daily to God, that he may give vou more

16. 9.
visdom, and advance you in every necessary gift and grace;
which he will do, if his glory be simply and sincerely intended
in your work, and if you accustom yourselves to rise gradually
more and more above the views of interest and human applause.

Mankind

are taken with

things.

little

Have a

firm persuasion

your own minds of the importance of tlie work, and what depends on yourright management of it. The honour of God, the
glory of the gospel, and good of souls are no small trust.
Consider yourselves, then, charged with God's business, and you wili
have reason to believe God will be with you.
in

LECT.

Of the Use and

II.

Character of Practical Writers.

1. JL SMALL first give you some general advices on the subject now before us.
And, first, let some practical writer be

Practical

important to ourselves ; and a

important to our people.
shall thus form ourselves to words and a proper way of expresdaily read.

religion

practical strain of preaching

is

We

is

sion.

Read them at once with a view to your improvement

2.
Make observations on their matter
as christians, and preachers.

and

style.

will

Mingle authors of various strains. Otherwise you

3.
learn a disagreeable imitation of one.
Seem not to have

any writer in view in tiie manner of your compositions. Water

running through a bed of steel is apt to take a chalybeate taste
and tincture.

may

4.

Make

references to remarkable passages,

them a second

Nor

that

you

be amiss to
mark them in the margin, if the book is your own. Keep a
catalogue of such things as you would read before you preach
review

upon any

time.

will

it

subject.

Having made

these general remarks, I proceed to

give you the characters of several practical Avriters of our own

nation,
which may be divided into four classes ; the puritans
5.


Lect.

0/ihe Use,

II,

the Nonconformists of the

H^c.

last

429

of Practical Writers.

age

those of the present and

the authors of the estahlished church.

to you, first, to form some acquaintPURITANS, though they are too often despised.
There was good sense and learning in those days, as well as
ours. Our "grandmothers had real beauty, though the change

6.

ance

recommend

v'ith the

of fashions has

but few

made

their dress ridiculous to

us. I

shall

name

Bolton. He had been a great and notorious sinner,

and was reclaimed by great terrors. He is therefore excellent
both for conviction and consolation. His style is rather inclined to bombast, yet there are many expressions truly great and
The beauties of imagination are most visible in
magnificent.
But his most useful treatises are Du-ections
his four last things.
and for comforting distressed
for comfortable walking with God
Consciences. There we see the traces of a soul most intimately
7.

acquainted with God.

Bp. Hall. The most elegant and polite writer of his

abounds rather too ^nuch with antitheses and witty
turns.
In some of hiswritinsjshe seems to have imitated Seneca
and Austin. His sermons are much the worse for a compliance
His Contemplations
with the taste of the age in which he lived.
S.

age,

He

are incomparably valuable for language, criticisrti,and devotion.

Next to them his Meditations, his Letters, and Balm of Gileadare

worthy of your

attention.

He has many
A most elaborate
A world
remarkably
His
extensive
of things are gently touched upon, Avhich shew
His
labour.
great
well
nature,
acquaintance with human
9.

Reynolds.

surprising similes.

writer.

style

laconic.

is

his

as

as

works contain a judicious collection of scripture, both

text and margin.

in the

His language nervous and decent. His

pathetic and tender,
dedications are very handsome. His
Bruised Reed, and Soul's
especially so
be read through. His language
n Ward. Worthy
generally proper, elegant, and nervous. His thoughts are
He has many remarkwell digested, and happily
Many of the boldest figures of speech are to
able veins of
& 10. SiBBs.

is

style

Conflict.

in Iws

to

is

illustrated.

wit.

be found

in

him beyond any English writer

especially

Apo-

There"
strophes, Prosopopoeias, Dialogisms, and Allegories.
pardonable,
but
is indeed a mixture of fancy in his writings ;
TOL

y.

so-

LECTURES ON PREACHING.

Iiis youth, and that many of his sermons were not

prepared by himself for the press, but copied from his mouth
Avhile prcachinf^.
He died before he was twenty eight years
old.
Had he lived, he would probably have been the phcEnix
of British preachers.

considering-

thoughts, and vast learning. There are many curious passages

in
works
a common-place book; but
judgment.
He has no good order and connection very
of a true
unction appears
him the mere scholar
too apparent.
He writes
one that knows not much of human
with
an affectation of driving things
the utmost, which, by overthe cause
doing,
designs to support. His Golden
Remains, and additional Tracts should be read. None shew the
Hales

12.

able.

He

generally called the ever memorof Eton

remarkably witty ; has many very uncommon

is

his

fit

for

little

little

in

also

is

like

life

to

v.cal;cns

man more

lie

than his Christian Omnipotence *.

13. I

now

call

your attention,

in

the

the Nonconformists of the last age

wrote before 1700.

Second

that

is,

place, to

thosa

who

Both highly evangelical,

14. Owen and Goodwin.
but both verv obscure, especially the latter. Owen's style resembles St. Paul's. There is great zeal and much knowledge of
especially in his book
human life discovered in all his works
on Apostacy. Dr. Wright seems to have taken many things
from hence in his " Deceitfulness of sin." That on the Hebrews is his great work. The Means of understanding the Mind
Those on Comof God in the Scriptures, is one of his best.
munion with God, and on the Person of Christ, most celebrated.
His Exposition of the 130th Psalm is most excellent. His
discourses of Indwelling Sin, Spiritual Mindedness, and Morti-

fication of Sin in Believers,

shew great improvement in practical

remarkable tliat our author does not Insert among the puritanical pracPerkins and Preston, Buurouchs and Hildersham. See a character of these writers, and some others of this class omitted by Doddridge, in the
Christian Preacher, p. 452, &c.

It is

tical writers

Dr. Thomas Jackson, our author says, can hardly be called a /^rrtc/Zc^/ writer,
yet was so learned a divine, and had so many curious and peculiar sentiments, that
he is not to be omitted in this collection. His style is remarkably stiff and obscure,
It is scarce possible to open in any page where we
but generally full of meaning.
He carried
shall not (ind something seldom, if at all, to be met with any where else.
and shews such an acquaintance with
his notions of religion to a very great height,
liuman life as could not be expected from one so contemplative and recluse.* His
book on the Authority of the Scriptiire on the Attributes of God, and on the
are especially worth diligent perusal;
a curious reader will
Sufleriiigs of Christ,
find something remarkable and worthy of reading iit the whole.

Lect.

Of the

II.

Use,

S^c.

431

of Practical Writers,

Goodwin's pieces published in his life time are the

most valuable. In them there are many accurate, and valuable

religion.

remarks on scripture. His Child of Light walking

is
very useful for afflicted consciences. Many

in

Darkness

uncommon

thoughts.

He is inaccurate, because he had no re 15. Baxter.

wrote in haste, as in the views of
always
education,
gular
and
eternity ; but generally judicious, nervous, spiritual and evangelical ;
though often charged with the contrary. He disco-

vers a manly eloquence, and the most evident proofs of an amawith respect to which he may not improperly be
zing genius ;

called

The

English

for conviction.

Demosthenes.

See

His works are very proper

on con

his Saint's Rest,

all

his treatises

version, especially his Call to the Unconverted, Divine Life,

Counsel to young Men. Few were ever instrumental of awak-

ening more

souls.

His thoughts
16. Manton plain, easy and unaffected.
are generally well digested, but there is seldom any thing exHe has many judicious remarks on scripture.
traordinary.

His chief work is on the 1 19th Psalm. Many of

sermons are of little value.

his

posthumous

not
charming and elegant yet
ar$
however,
words,
formed. His sentences are too short
only too many ofthem;
very polite admirable

7.

Bates

his style

his

similies,

proper to be quoted by those whose genius does not lead in this

way. Read his Harmony of the Divine Attributes, Spiritual
Perfections, and Four Last Things. He was well acquainted
with poetry and the belles lettres
tator of

an admirer as well as imi-

Cowley.

He seems to have understood the gospel as

18. Howe.
well as any uninspired writer ;
and to have imbibed as much of

The truest sublime to be found his writings;and

often obscure^ and gesome of the strongest pathos. yet he
nerally harsh. He has unhappily imitated the Avorst part of
its spirit.

in

is

is

style
He has a vast variety of uncommon thoughts;
and, on the whole, is one of the most valuable writers in our
language, and I believe, in the world. His best pieces are, The
Blessedness of the Righteous, Enmity and Reconciliation, Redeemer's Tears, and The Redeemer's Dominion ; with some

Boyle's

Funeral Sermons.

Not deep, nor remarkably judicious,--but

19. Flavel.
Proper to address afllicted cases, and
plain, popular, tender.


LECTURES ON PREACHING.

432

melt the soul into lore. His Token for Mourners is inimitable.
His Fountain of Life very useful, and most of the subiects proper to be preached over on sacranient-days. Allusions to Pagan
stories both in him and Bates, are entertaining and useful.

Celebrated by some as ?i polite writer,

20. Charnock.
but chieHy by those who are not true judges of politeness.
He has some fine words, but no cadence, which is also the
His divisions are too numerous, his thoughts
fault of Bates.
are often obscure and in disorder
no clear and distinct ideas
Yet he has some very vain many of the differences he makes.
On the Attributes he is deep and sublime. His
luable things.
book on Regeneration is much applauded, though much inferior
to Baxter, Alleine and Wright.
The Dissenting South.
21. Taylor (Nathaniel.)
There is vast \x\t, and great strength of expression in all he
yet apt to aggravate matters a little too much. Hi&
wrote
language is remarkably proper and beautiful. His best pieces
are his discourses on Faith, Deism, and the Covenant.
He
wrote but little more than these. All deserve reading:.

LECT.
TAd

III.

Character o/dissentinc Writers of the present Jge-,

or those who have writte7i since 1 700.

His style is grave, plain, manly, nervous.

1. JtliVANS.
His heads are always distinct and well arranged
The scriptures he quotes are very properly chosen.
His thoughts, espeX^ially in the application, are thrown close together.
His sermons to young people are scarce, and valuable. His christian
temper is one of the best practical pieces in our language.

has great simplicity and awful solemnity*

2. Wright
His writings compose the thoughts, and gradually elevate
them.
The heads are distinct, and sentences very comprehensive.
He discovers a deep sense of God, and a good acquaintance with the world. His words are elegant and well
chosen
cadence however is but little regarded. He alway*
appears master of himself. There are often plain intimations
of many thoughts being suppressed.
His sentiments are
candid and rational. His book on Regeneration has been remarkably acceptable, and is one of the most useful pieces
published in this age.
His work on the Deceitfulness of Sin is.

Lect.

The Character of Dissenting

III.

435

T^riters, 5Cc.

with the ruin of

;
people before his eyes, and itis admirably adapted to prevent it. His Great Concern is very comprehensive,
and even in that respect much preferable to the Whole Duty of
Man. His subsequent treatises are not equally valuable, nor is
the collection of scriptures so judicious as was expected.

written with great knowledge of manlvind

many young

Very different from Wright. His style

3. Watts.
but too diffuse,
harmonious, florid, poetical and pathetic
too many words,
especially in his later works,
and his former
Yet on the whole he is an
are too n^uch loaded Avith epithets.
excellent writer.
All that he has written is well worth reading.
Death and
I most admire the first volume of his Sermons,
Heaven, the Love of God, and Humble Attempt. Not to
mention his incomparable Lyric Poems, Psalms and Hymns.
is

He resembles Watts, but is not equally

He has many judicious
yet rather more nervous.
and new thoughts, which are disposed in a method quite pecuand in iiis former
liar, and expressed with force and elegance,
4.
poetical,

Grove.

pieces there
seriousness,

He discovers great
a remarkable sweetness.
but his great aversion to Calvinism, and the ill

is

usage he had met with from bigots, have soured him of late.
The Friendly Monitor, his book on Secret Prayer, and some.
Funeral Sermons, published in his life time are very valuable.
His book on the Sacrament is exceeding proper for scholars,
though much exceeded by Henry and Earle, for common,
use.
Some of his meditations at the end of his Treatise on Faith

are excellent *.

ed

5.

Henry.

has many

Very popular

antitheses,

some
heads begin with the same
elegant imagination

and

his style

little

such

fanciful

making hi^
or some chiming word yet

peculiarities,
letter,

short and point-

is

too often a

is

as

sprightly thoughts^
Great
digested
very good
His Commentary
though rather too
and too
typical and
yet there are some judicious notes both
and
Many of notes on the
this is generally natural.

seriousness,

order.

in

excellent,

large,

interpretations
tical

allegorical

full of

cri-

historical.

historical parts,

his

on the import of some original words, and some of the most enGrotius, Patrick, Poole,
JosEPHUs, Calvin, and many others, However, the work is
despised only by those who do not know it.
His discourses on
tertaining things, are taken from

* The six volumes of his Posthumous Works contain a collection of excellent

discourses on a variety of tlie most interesting and useful subjeqts j which, consider-

da$ posthumuus, are remarkably linishe^ and

correct.


'

434

LECTURES ON PREACHING.

meekness, the sacrament, and earl}- piety, are all very good.
His style is formed on scripture, to which he has numberless
allusions.

6.

Judicous, pathetic, and very laconic. He

besides
Treatise on the Sacrament,
excellent. In
other pieces there are several pretty
Earle.

has written but

vhich

his

little

his

is

the margin.

classical quotations in

Hismethod
but enlivened

no means accurate.
by sprightly tiu-ns of
wit, and numberless allusions to scripture.
Christ's joy on
finishing his course,
and his Sermons on the fifth of November,

Bradbury's.

7.

Many

is bj'^

Aveak arguments,

are liisbest.
^ 8. BoYsE.

He has

been called the dissenting Scott,

His language is plain, animated, and
but much more
His matter is
nervous
pretty much resembling Evans.
each sermon
He abounds with ideas
excellently digested.
appears to be a contraction of some judicious treatise, and often
is so.
The two volumes of his sermons, and his discourses on
the F'our last Things, are his principal practical works,
and

polite.

deserve attentive, repeated reading,

9. Bennett. Plain, serious and spiritual

Has many good quotations from modern authors.

but
His Christflat.

is his best
and almost only practical
had been better, had it been less.

ian Oratory

which

He

piece

was reckoned the greatest master of

His style plain and
the Dissenters.
but seldom striking or uneasy
his thoughts substantial,
common. Nothing to blame, nor very much to admire.
See his discourses on the Messiah, and Funeral Sermons.
10. Harris.
the English tongue
;

among

Methodical, plain, and serious.

Some
11. Jennings.
His strain very evangelical. He is,
pretty turns of thought.
only much
iqoon the whole, the Flavel of the present age,

more

polite,

and free from Flavel's

faults.

All he has publish-

ed should be carefully road, especially his Sermons to Young

People,
and those in the Berry-Street Lectures, which are
the glory of the book, and very much to the honour of the au-

thor.

Grosvenor.

popular preacher while his

compositions there is a strange
mixture of the f.miiliar and pathetic. IVIany strong figures
of speech, especially prosopopjcias, and dialogisms, be

12.

voice continued good.

In

-on

See particularly Sermons on

Name and Temper of Jesus, his Mourner, and
Essay

yond any
the

mor^t

his

writer of the age.

his

his

Health.

Lect.

Writers of the Established Church.

IV,

LECT.

435

IV.

The Character of the Writers of the Established Church,

1. JL ir>LOTSON. There is such an easiness in his style,
and beautiful simplicity of expression, as seems easy to be
imitated, yet nothing^ more difficult,
He had some puritanical
Sometimes pathetic. His method admirably
expressions.
clear,
beyond almost any other man. Many of his sermons,
contain nothing remarkable
especially his posthumous ones ;
yet there are some of them equal to any he published in his
life time.
His best pieces are at the beginning of his (irst and
second volumes folio.
His discourse on evil speaking is excellent.
He made great use of Barrow and Wilkins
with
Avhom compare some of his sermons. There is sometimes great
tautology
but in controversy no man found such lucky arguments, nor represented the sentiments of his adversaries
fully, artfully, and advantageously for confutation.

The most laconic writer among our dian amazing number of thoughts, though not
always well digested or plainly expressed
he is sometimes
He attempted to introduce some
excellent in these respects.
newwords, but without success. Many useful scriptures, and
fine quotations from the Classics, and the Fathers, in the margin.
Nothing is more elaborate than his discourses
most of them
having been transcribed three times over, and some of them
oftner.
Man}' of Tillotson's finest sermons were a kind of
translation from him
particularly that on evil speaking.
The first volume of his sermons is the best, but they all deserve

I'ines.

2.

Barrow.

He has

reading.
3.

Wilkins.

Many

telligible

His method

is very exact, but too schoalmost as easy and pure as Tillotson's.

excellent thoughts are thrown together in a very in-

lasticHis

style

is

manner.

His Sermons, Natural Religion, the

Beauty

of Providence, on Prayer, and on Preaching, are his only

practical works, and well deserve a reading.
Tillotson's

Wisdom of

He

being religious is taken in a great measure from him.

Much like Henry, but not his equal.

but
discovers great devotion,
has many high flights,
4.

Beveridge.

is

sometimes weak. His Private Thoughts the most valuable of

his works j many of his sermons are very \oy\\


436

LECTURES

OJJ PREACHINfli,

His style is long and verbose ; many in 5. Scott.

elegant words, and some phrases shocking ; yet, on the
whole, he is excellent. His reasoning is strong and conclusive,
though drawn out to an excessive length. He drives on with
great warmth and pathos, yet almost all appears too much

His Christian Life

The prayers
have ever read. Many of
forced

is tisc

6.
;

South.

but

his

Smart

wit, keen satire, sometimes fine lanarguments are often Aveak. All his works have

the appearance of an

ill

spirit in controversy.

He

has

many

unbecoming the pulpit; and when most pracseems to write with spleen, and to aim very little at usefulThe best sermons are in his first volume; though even
entirely

lt:vities

tical

ness.

especially

at the

those in the first volume

and methodically handled.

guage

best of his works,

end are absolutely the best I

his sermons are valuable, especially
the subjects being good, pretty full,

tlie first part.

and but little

them, there is too great an affectation of wit
appearance of being in earnest for God amidst all his zeal
against Heretics and Schismatics.

in

and verbose, yet

His sermons on the Beatitudes are most
celebrated.
He carries matters in general too high. His disHis sercourses on the love of God are in the mystic strain.
mon on Religious Discourse deserves to be read. He is in general too abstruse and metaphysical.
7. NoRRTs.

some good

Escessivel}'^ affected, pert

thouirhts.

His style is \'ery peculiar, sometimes ex 8. Lucas.

ceeding free, approaching to conversation; sometimes grand
and solemn
and generally very expressive. His method is
not clear
but his thoughts are excellent
Many of them are
taken from an attentive observation of human life.
He wrote
as being entirely devoted to God, and superior to the world.
His most valuable works are his Practical Christianity, and his
Enquiry after Happiness, especially the second volume.
;

Sherlock. Strong arguments, and awful representaexceedmg proper for conviction. His stjdc is plain and

9.

tions

manly.

His

best

works are those on Death and Judgment.

considerable
Spratt. He
the
a practical
His language always beautiful, but many of sentiments are very weak, The Ciceronian
too much
10.

is

Writer.

as

least

his

is

style

boured.

some

TuLLY

is

translated for

many

is

of his sermons, though not mentioned.

All his sermons,,

are in one octavo volume, and deserve a reading.

la-

sentences together in

Lect.

437

Writers of the Established Church,

IV.

Clarke.He

11.

slipped into very high

reputation,

His style is quite plain and void

His thoughts are well ranged, but many of them
of pathos.
very obvious and frequently repeated. Scriptures often well
explained, though sometimes he takes more pains to collect
and with solemn parade
parallel scriptures than is necessary ;

chiefly

by

his peculiarities.

He takes more notice

explains others that have no difficulty.
followers and adhis
most
of
than
atonement
of grace and the
too near akin.
subjects
are
on
his
sermons
of
Several
mirers.
He and Tilllotson have made great use ofthe Fratres Poloni,

though they do not make any mention of them.

Exceedingly pathetic, but not elegant.

12. HoRNECK.
but his words are too
chiefly fit for devotional subjects ;
His best pieces are those on
often greater than his thoughts.

Consideration, and The Crucified Jesus. See his pieces also on

He is

Commandments, on Prayer, Presumptuous

the
ral

Sins,

and seve-

Sermons.

13. Hopkins. His motto, Aut suavitate aut vi, well

yet he trusts most to the latter. He
answers to his works
there is a little of the bombast
sometimes
awakens awfully
he bends the bow till it breaks an error carefully to be guarded

against.

His style is very rough and obscure. Yet

14. Boyle.
some words are highly illustrative by antitheses, he being very

He has many lively similes very

proper to be quoted, especiall\" m his Seraphic Love, and Theodora and Dydimus, sentences unreasonably long,abounding with
He has, in
parentheses and hard words of his own coining
inimitable
beauties.
some
but
his
style,
in
faults
short, many

careful in the choice of them.

rank, though he wrote

ScouGAL. One of the
Every page abounds with noble and proper thoughts;
first

15.

but

little.

clothed with a decent eloquence, suited to the subject. He

appears to be the best model of all his class. His Life of God
His
in the soul of Man, and Sermons, should be often read.
early death, at the age of twenty eight, was an unspeakable loss

to the world.

16. Law. Very recluse. His productions have a seveseldom to be found in this age. His language is generally
just and beautiful ; very nervous, but sometimes unnatural.
He is ready to affect points of wit, and strokes of satire in
which however he does not equal South. Many characters
are admirably drawn. In this he comes nearer the Jesuits
rity

VOL.

V.

-i


LECTURES ON PREACHING.

438

than any English writer. His Treatise on Christian Perfectioa

His .Serious Call still better.
is very famous.

Fleetwood.

^ 17.

Surnamed

Silver-tongued

able for easy and proper expressions.

cases, which,

He

remark-

considers several

though often occurring in human

life,

are seldom

taken notice of in sermons. On this account he may be conIn respect of true politeness he has been
sulted with advantage.
His sermons on Relative Duties are good ;
equalled by few.

but

his

Four Funeral Sermons shew the orator much more.

The glory of our English orators.

18. Atterbury.
In his writings we see language in its strictest purity and beauty.
There is nothing dark, nothing redundant, nothing deficient,

nothing misplaced. Trivial thoughts are avoided, uncommon,

ones introduced and set in aclear, strong light, and inafw words;
some admirable similies, and more graceful allusions to scripturesthanany of thisclass. On the whole, heisa modelfor courtlif
His two
preachers. His Four Volumes should be carefully read.
The chief sermons are Acquaintance with God,
last are the best.
Religious Retirement, Lady Cotes's Character, Propagation of
the Gospel Sufficiency of Revelation, Terrors of Conscience,
Curse on the .lews, and Felix Trembling.

,-i

A man of plain good sense. A beautiful

19. Blair
simplicity and great seriousness run through all his writings.

A desire

to spare all unnecessary

words

is

very apparent.

His

commentary on Matt, v viii. is the best extant. He has

some excellent and striking similies, which are chiefly taken
He
from the affairs of slaves, planters, or foreign colonies.
lived

m Jamaica. He

suggests a multitude of excellent things

He appears to have been

a person of the utmost candour, and has solicitously avoided
He
all unkind and contemptuous reflections on his brethren.
guards his hearers against all undue confidence in their immediate relation to, and strict attendance on the established worship, beyond almost any other divine in the Church of England.
He has an excellent way of bringing down criticisms to
and has discovered a vast knowledge of
common capacities
scripture in the suitable application of them.

"which he does not prosecute at large,

^ 20.

Secker

is

so remarkable an instance of the laconic

Sermons he has published deserve an attenespecially that on the Oxford act, which is tlie

style, that the^few

tive reading

wisest

ever read, considered in the view of a Philosophical Essay.

21.

A. Bp. Leighton.

One

of the most eminently


Lect.

439

Hides for composing Sermons.

y.

devout and pious writers his age has produced. His Sermons
indeed are not accurately digested, and sometimes contain onlyhints not fully opened ; which is the more excusable, as none
of them were intended for the press by the author. His works
ought to be reckoned among the greatest treasures of the Englishtongue. Thev continually overflow with love to God, and
breathe a heart entirely transformed by the gospel, above the

views of every thing but pleasing God. There is a vast deal

multitudes of the most
of spirit, and charming imagination
beautiful figures ; and scriptures apphed with happiest allusions.
Metaphors, especially those in the text, are sometimes pursued into allegory ; yet very natural. Upon the whole, they
are such as none but a very ingenious, learned, religious man
could write ; and yet, even by such an one, must have been
;

written with great care

not the effect of any laborious efforts

through a habit of speaking and

of a copious fountain.
overflowings
writing; but the guarded
This attainment, however, must have been the consequence

for particular discourses,

of a most resolute application both of the head and heart. Few

uninspired writers have a greater tendency to mend the world.
The disappointment which the learned and polite complained
of, when these posthumous Morks were pubUshed, is chiefly to
be charged upon their ignorance of the true beauties and use

of Theological Writings.

LECT. V.
Rules for composing Sermons.

W HEN

J
consider,
.

1st.

we

are about

What

subject

is

composing a sermon, we are to

to be chosen, 2d. In whul strain

be handled, 3d. Th^styk of the composition, 4th, What

thoughts we are to introduce, 5th. In whdX order we are to throw
them. I shall therefore, give rules for each of these, and then
th. Add some further rules not cou)preheuded under either of

it is

to

these heads
. 2.

offer

shall

some remarks,

First,

On

the choice

before! point out what subjects are to he pre-

of subjects. -But
ferred, I shall shew you what you are to decline"^.
these are,

Among

rules refer to the young preacher at first setting out

some degree applicable to a settled minister. The former
they teach what he should c?ibj, and the latter what he should chiejfijma.ke choice of.

* Most

of these

thotigh they are all in

3 I

LECTURES ON PREACHING.

44

The

1.

doctrines of natural religion, such as the Bein^

the state of future rewards and puliberty of choice the distinction between moral
These subjects are necessary, because they

and Providence of God,

nishments,

good and

evil.

less

are generally believed,

and have been so fondly and repeatedly

insisted upon by those who had but little relish for the doctrines
of the gospel, that enlarging upon them would bring a man's
reputation into question with many.
Besides, the nicety of the
arguments caimot be understood by vulgar auditors, nor is it
possible their pious affections should be much impressed by
them
yet, as they are fundamentals, they ought not to be
entirely omitted.
Let them, therefore, be touched upon in
jpar^.y of sermons, tending to some evangelical purpose.
This
may be done from, " This is life eternal, to know thee, &c."
*' He hath abolished death,
and brought ligiit and immortality
to light, &c.'' Of this method of treating these subjects, the

Berry-Street Lectures are excellent examples.

These are too large

3. 2. The evidences of Christianity.
be conveniently brought into a single or even a double sermon ; besides, it is seldom an acceptable subject to the generality of hearers.^ Yet exceptions must be allowed for some
places where deism prevails. Let a settled minister, in two
or three elaborate sermons, give a general view of the arguments;
and refer to plain treatises on the subject. It is highly proper
by catechising to inform the judgments of the rising generation
as they are in the greatest danger of being seduced.
When preaching on subjects that admit it, take an opportunity
to make a few striking observations in confirmation of Christianity
especially be careful to display its excellency above
For when
natural religion
this will generally be sufficient
our people are brought to experience the power of the gospel,
to

they vnll never forsake it

It is hard for a young preacher to
support his reputatioa by such a topic ; and if he has any thing
to say that is extraordinary, it will be better to say it from the
press than from the pulpit.
4. 3.

The

inexplicable mysteries of the gospel

doctrine of the Trinity, the union of the divine and

in Christ, the manner of the Spirit's operation,

such as the

human natures

kc for they
cannot be made plain. Besides, there is danger of puzzling,
or inflaming our hearers ; the wiser part will be offended to see
you so forward and bold
and the hungry soul will go away
from these as from the preceding subjects but little refreshed.
It is feeding- the people with roots instead of fruits.

highest points of Calvinism, supposing them to be

Reprobation,
as the imputation of Adam's sin,

The

5. 4.
believed.

42

Mules/or composing Sermojis:

Lect. v.

Such

Grace, and others of the same cast. These doctrines may be abused, and prejudice some against the more necessary doctrines of Calvinism ; as those of the mediation and
atonement of Christ ; the aids and influences of the Spirit, &cIrresistible

Hints on high

doctrines, except on particular occasions, are

better, if they are believed, than whole discourses

6. 5.

Types.

In these there

is

so

upon them.

much room

for fancy,

and more
speak judiciously upon them
But for a
difficult to please if they be not drawn to excess.
pastor, especially on a sacrament-day, those that are allegorized
in scripture may be very profitably enlarged upon, provided
the similitude and difference be shewn.
that

it is

difficult to

Atterbury, indeed,
7. 6. Particular sins and duties
says, that *' General discourses are, for the most part, like large
prospects, where the eye is lost in the wide compass it takes,

many

things at once, that it sees nothing clearly."*

They
preachers, however, they are not advisable.
are, indeed, much preferable to any of the former, but if frequently enlarged upon, may procure you the character of a legal

and

sees so

To young

preacher

way,

and the same end may

as well

be answered another

Especially avoid preaching against

a particular vice, as drunkenness, luxury, covetousness, pride,
&c.
Rather recommend the contrary virtues of sobriety, moras I shall soon shew.

tification, liberality,

;and

humility

let these

be urged chiefly

minister may, however,

A
do
sometimes
on such subjects, and ought
particudeter them from keeping bad
to caution youth, and
the Sabbathcompany, and induce them
observe
draw such
day. Great care should be taken, however, not
susdescriptions of
characters as would give just occasion
may be
view,
pect that you had particular characters

by evangelical motives.

settled

to

insist

larly

it

to

strictly

to

to

to

ill

in

It

added, these subjects often lead into a chain of reasoning too

close to be popular ; and people generally know right and

wrong.

continued series of discourses from the same

8. 7.
verse, or even chapter, ought to be avoided by young preach-

This method tends

weary an auditory.Few chapters

verse.The peculiar advantages
The
of this method may be better answered by expoundhig.
explication and improvement of a variety of subjects, connected

ers.

to

afford proper subjects in everi/

AncsiB. Senn. vol

i.

p.

36


LECTURES ON PREACHING.

442
in

some way together, making a course of sermons more enter-

taining.

it
9. This hint is chiefly intended for a settled minister
be wisdom in him to make a proper connexion betAveen
subjects, and to have, with due allowance for other occasional
discourses, a series which shall contain a system of practical

will

divinit}'.

10. 8. Not subjects of great terror ; as very strong representations of the wrath of God, or of the nature, degree and duTo make these the subject of your
ration of the torments of hell.

sermons will be likely to bring upon you the reputation of legalists, and would perhaps rather amaze and confound the hearers
for the pi-esent, than make lasting good impressions on their
minds. Warn faithfully, but let it be rather in particular parts
of sermons, than in distinct discourses. Always take care to

avoid representing

God

as a tyrant.

11. Having shewn what subjects you ought generally to

I will now point out what subjects are to be prejerrcdf

decline,

and most frequently

insisted on.*

Tiiose which relate immediately to Christ.

2. I.

glories of his person,

J

The

and riches of his grace, Psalmxlv. 2. Cant.

V. 16. Isai. is. 6.
His incarnation, John. i. 14-. His understanding, Isa. xlix. 5, 6. John xvii. 2.
His birth, Luke ii. 11. His
example, Acts -a. 38. 1 Peter ii. 21. His preaching, Jo^n vii.
46. His ministerial conduct, Heb. iii. 1.
His passion, Lam. i.
3 3. Isai. liii. 12.
His death, resurrection, and ascension, John
xix. 30. Luke xxiv. 41. Acts iii. 15, 19. His intercession, Heb.
vii. 25. Rom. viii. 34.
His relations, offices, and characters;
as husband, brother,
prophet, priest, king; physician, shep-

captain, strength, head,

lierd,

forerunner, advocate, friend, sa-

viour, judge, &c.

1 3. II. The constitution of the covenant of grace made with

believers in Christ. Here consider, and state the nature of jus-

the nature of
place
and
ness and
of rcjientatice, the freedom of the grace of
God, as
manifested
the covenant. The excellency of
the gospel, the superiority of the covenant of grace, compared
with former covenants, how
by the blood of Christ the

tification

by

his righteousness,

in the gospel

scheme,

also

faith,

its

the nature, necessity, reasonable-

eft'ects

it

is

in

ratified

* Let the most useful and pertinent subjects be your most frequent choice.
Those are tlie most useful that arc Uie mo*t edifying and those most pertinent tliat
are fitted to tiie capacities and necessities of the auditory ; to both which you ought
to have a special regard.
B.^reckop t's Ars cmcionundi, p. 92.
;

Lect.

443/

Rules for composing Sermons,

V.

Mediator, the seals of the covenant, the manner in which

to be entered into, renewed and reflected upon, &c.

it

is

The

^ 14. III.
absolute need

and

Spirit

of him

his operations.

describe

his

Represent

work on the

our

soul

in

conviction, conversiojii, and consolation ; illustrate the nature

of his influences; in the assistance he affords in prayer, and
the witness he bears to his own work on the heart.

an exceedingly popular subject and, what

it is a useful and scriptural one.
When you enlarge upon it, however, it will be necessary to add
cautions against grieving the Spirit,and directions for walking
15. This

is

of

still

is

higher importance,

Spirit,and being

in the

filled

with the Spirit.

the
privileges of the children of God
renovation of their nature, adoption,
perseverance through divine grace, God's providential care
over them, all things working together for their good, ac16.

pardon of

IV.

sin,

The

the

God through

cess to

Christ,

communion with him, believing

views of glory, &c. These subjects wall impress the hearts of

) as well as raise
sinners, (as a lancet concealed in a spunge,
christians.
true
ot
devout
affections
the

Mic. vi. 8. Titus ii.

17. V. General views of religion.
Matt. xxii. 37. Remind hearers of the various branches of
duty in a transient manner. Urge their obligations close to their
consciences. For people generally know what is right, but
need to be persuaded to practice it. But particular cases of
conscience, that cannot be well stated in sermons, encourage
your people to bring to 3^ou in private.
1

1.

18. VI.

Here represent

The

love of Christ and a de\-otional temper.

and the genuine w^orkings of a

his attributes,

pious soul towards him. Urge the keeping up a continual communion with him. Describe the pleasing intercourse of a devout soul with him in various ordinances. This will be parti-

cularly

useful to yourselves

and very comfortable to serious

christians.

The evil of sin, and misery of sinners in conseSound the alarm, but with mingled encouragement.
Display the terrors of the law, but seldom let them be the subject of whole sermons; and generally lament over sinners,
rather than menace and threaten them.

19. VII.

quence of

it,

20. VIII.

The temptations and

exercises of a pious soul.

These cases often occur among the people of God, and courses of

sermons must often be interrupted to enlarge upon them.

444

LMCTURE5 ON PREACHING.

Shew whence

discouragements arise ; describe the cause,

and lay down rules for judging of sincere grace, that christians
may be comforted, and hypocrites convicted. Such sermons are
generally very profitable
Fence them with several scripture
qutoations, that they may not be thought enthusiastic.

for death. Here consider

21. IX. Death, judgment, and eternity. Funeral serwill often demand these.
Nothing tends more to quicken

mons

in the duties of life and preparation

heaven, in various views
conformity to God; beholding the
glory of Christ; associating with saints and angels; and the
influence these prospects should have upon us.
;

of

22. X. Examples of scripture characters, and piecesThese are very interesting and entersacred history.

taining subjects, and will often afford you natural occasions of

saying useful things in a very inoffensive wa3^ Sometimes a

virtue

is

better represented by such an example, than

cal discourse
illustrated

by a

topi-

thus, submission to the will of God will be better

by the example of Aaron, Eli, Job, Samuel, &c. than

observations on the nature, advantages and reason-

by general

ableness of such a temper*.

* As this part of the subject is of great moment, and the variations betweeir
our copies are greater here than, perhaps, in any other part of the lectures, the
whole of that copy which difters most is given in this note; which may serve also as
e specimen of the difference which may appear to exist between other copies. Such
diversity has probably arisen from the different ways in which the lectures weref
dictated to successive classes of students, in different periods of time, even supposing the syluihus to be the samej but which would be still greater on supposition
tha't

the author made, as

in all

make, successive additions and

might produce a great diversity indethe comparative accuracy or inaccu-

probability he would

alterations in the syllabus itself; and

all

this

pendent of another considerable source, viz.

racy of original writers and subsequent transcribers.

WHAT SUBJECTS OUGHT TO BE PREFERRED, AND MOST FREftUENTLY INSISTED UPON BY A YOUNG PREACHER.
1.

Those that

the riches of

his

relate

grace

more immediately

his incarnation

to Christ.

and birth

The

glories of bis person

his life, entering into the several

particulars of his example; his preaching, considering both the important doctrines
The sufferings and
lie taught, and the excellent manner in which he taught them.
death to which he voluntarily submitted, .ind for what reasons ; his resurrectiorv
his ascension into heaven ; his intercession on our behalf, and the
;
high authority which is committed to him. Tlie relations he stands in to his people,
as their prophet, priest, king, physician, shepherd, head, forerunner, captain, advocate, friend, saviour, aud judge.

from the dead

The constitution of the covenant of grace as established with believers ii\

The blessings of pardon, grace, and glory, that are offered herein to all humble
and believing penitents. The naturejof faith; and its place in the scheme of our salvaThe nature, reasonableness, and necessity of repentance, with its genuine
tion.
The fi-eedom of God's grace uianifgsted in Uiis co\ cuant how ratified by the
ffuits.
2.

him.

Lect.

On

VI.

445

diffcreni Strains of Preaching.

LECT.

VI.

Oji different Strains of Preaching.

1. JL Shall not here describe all the various strains of preaching for which different men are remarkable ; but only recomblood of Christ, the Mediator.
The peculiar excellence of
it witii former covenants.

this

covenan*, shewed

by coaiparing-

"i.
Ti>e influences and operations of God's holy Spirit, and our need of them;
Their use and efficacy in enlightening the mind, convincing the judgment, renewing
and sanctifying the soul ; quickemng to duty, fortifying against temptation, assisting in prayer, and comforting true christians, by witnessing to their adoption, &c.
The necessity of seeking, cherishing and improving these gracious influences of heaven; and the great danger of so resisting them, as to grieve the divine Spirit, Tlicse
are exceeding popular, scriptural, and useful subjects.

4. The privileges of true christians, v. g. pardon of sin, renewing, strengthening and confirming grace ; adoption, perseverance, through continued divine influ-

ences

God's providential care over them, ordering all things for their advantage}
to his presence, believing views of glory, &c.
It will impress
the hearts of smners, if proper addresses to them be intermingled ; as the lancet in
the sponge. And nothing will more powerfully quicken to duty, when backed with
suitable examinations.
;

them access

giving

5. General views of religion, such as Mic. vi. 8. Tit. ii. 11, &c.
Remind men
of their various branches of their duty in a transient manner ; and urge the obligation

home upon their consciences. For men generally know what is right, only
Ihey want to be persuaded to practise it; and particular cases of conscience cannot
well be stated in a single sermon, but may be more fully and advantageously conclose

sidered in private,
6.

The

love of God, and a devotional, spiritual, heavenly temper.

divine perfections

may be

represented, and especially the relations

God

Here the
stands

in to

us, as our creator, preserver, benefactor, father, fiiend, guide, sovereign, judge

from whence the corresponding duties we owe to him will appear necessarily to
arise; such as reverence, esteem, love, delight, gratitude, hope, and trust, together
with an imitation of his moral excellencies, and an universal obedience and submisfciori to his will.
Here all the genuine workings of a pious soul towards him may be
described ; and the advantages of keeping up a holy communion with him by medi-

and prayer, and other religious exercises, set forth. In like manner, such
holy and divine principles, as those of attending to the care of the soul, ratlier than
the body; living and walking by faith ; minding spiritual things; seeking fir.^t the
kingdom of heaven ; setting our affections on things above; and having our convertation

sation in

heaven

are subjects that would be peculiarly useful to yourselves,

and

gratelul to serious christians.

7. Lay open the evil of sin, and the misery of sinners in consequence of if.
But still mingle encouragements with the alarm. Here display the terrors of the
Lord ; but let them be seldom the subjects of whcle discourses, as above. And geTlie surgeon's soft hand is to be imitated.
nerally lament rather than menace.

The temptations and exercises of tlie pious soul. These cases often occur
and should oRe.T be touched upon in the pulpit. Show whence discouragements arise in the way of duty; and by what u variety of means men are enticed
8.

in

life,

VOL.

V.

3K


LECTURES ON PREACHING.

446

mend some, which perfectly agree with each other and should
be found in every sermon.
be observed, that by " strain" I mean the general
which the whole discourse is composed. It differs

2. Let

manner

in

much from

it

style

regards the structure of sentences in

this

particular, but stram respects the aspect of the entire discourse.

1.

3.

Let the strain of your sermons he argumentative.

Be oflen proving something, even when

it is

not the business

As for
of the whole discourse to demonstrate one proposition.
the truth
instance, f)rove the justness of your explication
of subordinate assertions ; the propriety of the directions you
;

and the necessity of your cautions. And never expect

by an
that any of those things which you advance
gent auditory be received merely on your word. Nevertheless,
your arguments be too numerous, abstracted, or
do not
too
an order. Remember, the explication of
posed

give

will

intelli-

dis-

let

artificial

in

as argumentative as almost

your subject must be

your sermon.
4. 2.

Pathetic.

It

is

any part of

a wild scheme to pretend to root

out the passions; and a foolish thing to pretend to lay them

They are the sails of the soul. The preacher must
asleep.
Have some
ende'avour to fill them with a prosperous wind.
pathetic strokes even while explaining, as well as in your reor else your reasoning will not be
flections or improvement

and then, however

attended to, nor of course understood
and an address to
strong in itself, it will prove of no avail,
the passions will appear as irrational as if no such reasoning had
been formed. Tlierefore make your sermons addresses to your
hearers, rather than general essays or speculative harangues
;

a verv necessary way

this head be ca\itions
or hurried into sin.
tho.e

Show

exercised with

whereby

of preaching the gospel.

;

However,

do not attempt to raise the

on

passions of

the need and useof conbtant caution and watchfulness. Assist

or temptations, with proper advices ; and lay down rules

trials,

and the detection of hyBut fence them well with scripture quotations, that they may not be

to judg;e of sincerity, for the comfort of chnstians,

pocrites.

thought enthusiastic.
9.

demand

Death, judgment, and eternity. Funeral discourses will probably often

Notlimg tends to quicken more
; if not, they should not be neglected.

these

to the duties of
10.

and a preparation

life,

The examples

jects are very entertaining;

for death.

These subof sacred history.

and will often give a natural occasion of saying very
manner.
Sometimes a virtue is better recommended

of good

men, and passages

useiul things in an inofl'cnsive

by an example than a topical discourse

v. g. Subinissson to Go<rs will in the in;

stances of Aaron, Job, or David ; so Knoch's walking with God ; Abraham's faith ;
Moses's self denial Joseph's chastity; and DaHiel's piety.
:

Lect.

On

VI.

447

different Strains of Preaching.

the people to immoderate transports, nor suffer your own to

master you ; lest to those who are not so much affected as
yourselves you appear ridiculous.
In the greatest emotions
*' Ride in the whirlwind, and direct the storm."
Remember
that different degrees of fire become different subjects, and

parts of the

different

same

subject.

That the passions may be moved

and sudden turns, lead them into their owa
hearts
shew them the workings of their own minds and
passions.
This cannot be effected, however, witiiout deep reflection, and great self-acquaintance.
A variety of thoughts,
suited to this strain, may be found in different authors, almost
on every subject, This insinuating manner makes little noise,
5.

by

3.

Insinuating.

soft touches,
j

but does great execution. This is the strain of our blessed

Redeemer
and sometimes of St. Paul.
:

Choose such subjects as those

6. 4. Evangelical.
tioned above
and, let your subject be whatever it
;

menmay,

always examine what peculiarities of the Gospel may be brought

;
and what christian experience. Let it be a maxim with
you, never to preach without introducing Christ, and the Holy
Spirit.
Rather digress, as St. Paul does, than omit them.
in

7. 5. Spiritual and experimental. Consider the various

cases of souls, in respect to the great concern of religion;

how

convictions are introduced

how they work
and by
what means they may be best preserved, cherished and improved
and in how many ways there is great danger,
;

either of their gradually wearing off and

less

susceptive of them,

superstition

them

or

or enthusiasm

else

how

Describe the temptations

leaving the heart

of their degenerating

Satan endeavours to

men

with which good

into
stifle

are

exercised ;- whether arising from the allurements of sense, the

strength of predominant passions, the flatteries and frowns of
the world, the influence of evil examples and bad customs, the
describe
and licentious principles

terrors of persecution, loose

the regret
interrlipted the be;

the horrors under which they sometimes groan

they

feel

liever's

when communion with God

combat with in-dwelling

Often

sin;

is

and with doubts

relative

touch on these things, when they

are not the principal subject of your discourse.
For these purposes study the Psalms. Deal much in the description of
christian tempers.
Cultivate it in your own souls.
Represent
tlie christian speaking
and speak what you find in your own
heart ; what you have felt in some of your best seasons.
K 2
to his future state.

.-J

448

LECTur.Es on preaching.
8.

6.

Scriptural

Borrow scripture

phrases, illustrations

and proofs
Deal in frequent allusions to scripture. iStndy to
open the beauty and energy, as well as the chief design, of the
particular scripture which you choose as the ground of your
discourses.
In your application, especially when you Avish to
bring home conviction to the hearts of sinners, endeavour to
find one or two powerful scriptures, and shoot them home
no arrow is more likely to pierce the heart. The principles of
analogy will often make these addresses very rational
and it
is doing an honour to the Spirit of God, which if we conscientiously regard, he may ))robably honour us.
Isaiah nud Jeremiah and the other prophets and St. Paul, uill be of vast
service for pathos
and there is nothing that gives a style a
more melodious and majestic cadence than scriptures properly
interwoven with it. Throw into these quotations a few explanatory words, with which a congregation will be delighted
and edified.

LECT.
On

VII.

the Style of Sermons.

jET it be pure. Avoid obsolete words and those cora'1. JLe

posed of foHMgn languages, which Barrow and L'Estrange
made some unsuccessful efforts to introduce. Avoid very hard
words when easy ones are equally expressive of 3'our meaning.

Avoid the intricacy of which

2. Intelligible and clear.
and Boyle are such remarkable instances ^^Vhen a

Howe

sentence grows too long, divide it

Affect not to confound the
distinction between different periods and paragraphs by the
perpetual use of coimccting particles. Encumber not your
discourse with the particles, '* by how nmch, by so much, for
as much as, furthermore, howbeit, &c." Do not deal in parentheses, unless they are very short.
" An affected obscurity of
.style," says Bajcter, " makes a fool admire the preacher's
learning, but it will make a wise man wonder cither at his
hypocrisy or folly."

Do not weaken it, as Watts

3. Strong and nervous.
sometimes does, by too many epithets
nor by s3'nonymous
terms, than which nothing deadens a style more.
;

Calm and
away in the

4.

carried

composed.

Do

not suffer yourselves to be

passionate parts of your discourse into high

Lect.

On

VII.

419

the Style of Sermons.

swelling words of vanity ; and never imagine the true sublime

consists in bombast expressions.

phrases ; and use fa 5. Orthodox. \vo\<\ offensive

meaning to them ;
good
vourite ones, as far as you can fix a
to teach others
endeavour
and
declare a o-ood sense to them,
tluit idea.

hidicrous expressions.
6. Grave and solemn. hvoiA
"
populariter, triviaQui
pucriliter^
That rule of Luther's,
liter, et simpliciter

will not hold

good

docet, optimus ad vulgus est Concionator,"

the present age. Learning is not now at so

in

Keep up the majesty of the pulpit. D.o not affect

those abbreviations which make a discourse too familiar. Be
particularly careful to preserve reverence when speaking of
Scott often offends heinously in this ;
the Divine Being.

low an ebb.

Hissing the almighty poet off the stage,

; of tantalizing God with the golden
fruits of repentance ; of disappointing his hopes, and of playsuch expressions caning the after-game of repentance, &c
V.

g. he speaks of

and damning

his

*'

works

not be equalled, except by that luscious style which some

high notioned writers have used or affected,especially Crisp.

always unaffected.The boyish

7. Generally plain and

affectation of crowding every thing with ornaments, is despicable :_A discourse of this kind is " like a mean dress be-

spangled with jewels." Take heed of poetical lines ; and if

without design you have fallen upon them let them be altered
in the review of your sermon. Avoid many points of wit ;
when much of this appears it renders a man suspected whether

he
in

in

is

God. There are too many instances of this

whom it might be said, (as well as of his friend

earnest for

Spratt, of

more had

plcas'd us, had he pleas'd us less."

Cowley)

'<

Lie

These are

'*

spiders' w^ebs to catch flies." *

lading his gallies

Konie was
ii.

p.

This

is

like

Nero's

for the wrestlers,

when

want of corn," Bates, p. 772. " Or

a basket of flowers to a hungry man," Rapin,

starving for

like offering;
vol.

from Egypt with sand

35 *.

be too bare, but

8. Let not your discourses, however,
prudently interspersed w\ih figures. WhQn too many, they are
like flowery weeds groAVing among corn, which render the
prospect more pleasing to the eye, but hinder the growth ;
* Rapin's expressions are : " Et c' est ainsi que Ton frustre la faim et la soif
cu'riosite."
des fideles, par les fleurs d'une vaiue Eloquence, doat on amuse leur
Reflex.

Sur L'Eloqueace de

la chaire,

LECTURES ON PREACHIKG.

450'

yet moderately used, thc}" exhilarate the

Therefore generally have
mind, and fasten on tlie memory
some similies, and many allusions. If yoii borrow them, quote
or it will be dressing yourselves with fine feathers
the authors
by
uhicli will probably soon be pulled off to your shame
vhicli you will be exposed to shame, for there is nothing so
quickly discovered as those passages which strike the memory

or like painted glass

Hemember,

" Non

medicum

elo-

Let your style be free and easy to yourselves.

Be

so forcibly.

scger

qucerit

quentem sed sanantem."

9.

careful not to labour

too

it

much

nor

imitate

atfcct to

any

But form your own style and manner gradually, by conversing with the best authors. When you have well digested
and afterwards review and
your thoughts, write pretty
and give a popular
have a peculiar
correct
one.

fast,

ffrace,

effect,

this will

which

stiff'

labour cannot attain.

when there is not

10. Lively. ^This rule may take place
of
the laconic will
Something
pathos.
for
need
much room or

conduce much
discourse

flat.

and makes a

to this. Great verbocity enervates

Yet by

all

means avoid an

similar to that which runs through

affected smartness

Echard and Collier.

11. Various. Your style must vary with the variety of

your subjects, and sometimes according to the different parts
in some measure too according to your
of the same subject
auditory, and the general manner of preaching in the place
where you live ; which you ouglit to endeavour gradually to
improve. The same style running through all your discourses
and that
will insensibly grow disagreeable, be it ever so good
;

which

is

richest,

in

writing

as

in

food,

will

nauseate the

soonest.

12. Let it be harmonious. 'KcmemhQv that harmony is a

It may seem
real thing, not only in speaking but in writing.
but a little thing, and it is not indeed the greatest, yet it is

and may be attained by proper care.

be uneasy in hearing, when perhaps
Without it
order to attain it, let the ear be tuned
In
why.
not
know
they
by reading aloud, especially such authors as arc remarkable for
Try your own compositions this way, even
this excellence.

worth attending

to,

people

will

while composing as well as afterwards. Remember that perAvoid open vowels and
spicuity is a great friend to harmony.
and too great a
monosyllables,
many
too
clashing consonants,

Lect.

On

VII.

the Slyle of Sermons,

cluster of short syllables in succession.

admit verses

in

your prose

45

Rut take heed not to

harmonious*,

for the sake of being

III reading over a discourse to ourseli es we must observe what words sound
and agree ill together; for there is music in speaking as wtll as in singing,
which a man, though not otherwise critical in sounds, w ill soon discover. Burnet's
Past, Care, p. 236.
See Mason's Treatise on Prosaic Numbers, /jaj,w. j4nd a
an admirable specimen Smith's Longinus.

Iiarsh,

Our author has manifested a decided partiality for Archbishop Tillotson a?

a writer of sermons, and it is well known that he studied him, especially in his
younger years, with great pleasure. It is not therefore improbable that the defects
of this favourite writer, in point of energetic harmony, had an unpleasant influence
on some parts of our excellent author's writings ; defects and an influence which
have extended themselves even so far as to aflect, in some degree, the national
It is presumed, therefore, that the following remarks on harmony of style in
taste.
general, and the character of Tillotson in this respect more particularly, will form
a very suitable appeudix to this Lecture.

ON HARMONY OF STYLE.
" Among
f harmony

the principal defects of our English Orators, their general disregard

It would be injustice indeed tji
has, I think, been the least observed.

deny that we have some performances of this kind amongst us, tolerably musical but
it must be acknowledged at the same time, that it is more ihe effect of accident
than design, and rather a proof of the power of our language than of the art of our
:

orators.

Dr. Tillotson, who is frequently mentioned as having carried this species of

eloquence to its highest perfection, seems to have had no sort of notion of rhetorical
numbers: and I may venture, Orontes, to add, without hazarding the imputation
of an affected singularity, that I think no man had ever less pretensions to genuine
If any thing could raise a flame of eloquence
oratory, than this celebrated preacher ?
is no occasion upon which, one should imagine, it
would be more likely to break out, than in celebrating departed merit ; yet the two
sermons which he preached upon the death of Mr. Gouge and Dr. Whichcote are
as cold and languid performances as were ever, perhaps, produced upon such an
animating subject. One cannot indeed but regret, that he, who abounds with such
noble and generous sentiments, should want the art of setting them off with all the
advantage they deserve; that the sublime in morals should not be attended with a
suitable elevation of language.
The truth, however, is, his words are frequently ill
chosen and almost always ill placed his periods are both tedious and unbarmonious ;
It were easy to produce
as his metaphors aie generally mean, and often ridiculous.
numberless instances in support of this assertion. Thus in his sermon preached
before Queen Anne, when she was Princess of Denmark, he talks of sgueezhig a
parable, thrusting religion bi/, driving a strict bargain with God, sharking sh/fts, &c.

in the breast of an orator, there

and speaking of the day of judgment, he describes the world as cracking about our
ears.
I cannot however but aiknowledge, injustice to the oratorical character of
this most valuable prelate, that there is a noble simplicity in some few of his sermons ; as his excellent discourse on sincerity deserves to be mentioned with particular applause.

But

to

shew

his deficiency in

following stricture will be sufficient,

the

article

among many

am considering at present, the

others that mi;;ht be cited to the

same purpose.
One might be apt,' says he, to think at first view, that this para* ble was over-don^, and wanted something of a due decorum ;
it being hardly creJi' ble, that
a man, after he had been so mercifully and generously dealt ivitltal, as
* upon his humble request to have so huge a debt so freely forgiven,
should, whilst
* the memory of so much mercy was A'esh upoii him, even in tho very next moment.
'

'

LECTURES ON TREA^CHING.

452

LECT.
On

L.

VIII.

the Choice of Thoughts.

^ 1. JLjET them be solid ^\ic\\ as will stand the test of a severe judgment ; for such they must expect ; and unless they

'

handle his fellow-servant,

had (h7is
a sum.'

to his Lord,

who had made the same himible request to him which he

much roughness aud ci-ueltj', for so incoiisiderable

with so

This whole period, (not to mention other oLjections which might justly be
it) is unmusical throughout, but the concluding members, which ought
If the
to huve been particularly flowing, are most miserably loose and disjointed.
delicacy of Tully's ear was so exquisitely refined, as not always to be satisfied even
when he read Demosthenes ; hoiv would it have been oftended at the harslmess aud
raised against

dissonance of so niiharmonious a sentence.

Nothing, perhaps, throws our eloquence at a greater distance from that of the
as those wonderful eflPects, which some;

oncients, than ths Gothic arrangement

times attend their elocution, were in all probability, chiefly owing to their skill in
musical concords. It was by the charm of numbers, united with the strengtir of
reason, that Tullv confounded the audacious Calihne, and silenced the eloquent
It was this that deprived Curio of all power of recollection, when he
Hortensius.
it was this, in a w*>rd,
rose up to oppose that great master of enchanting rhetoric
made even Caesar himself tremble ; nay, what is yet more extraordinary, made
:

Csesar alter

You

determined purpose, and acquit the

when you

position,
effect.

liis

will not suspect that I attribute too

He

man he had

much

to the

resolved to condemn.

power of numerous com-

Tully produces of its wondeiful

one of his rhetorical treatises, that

recollect the instance which

informs us, you

may remember,

in

he was himself a witness of its influence, as Carbo was once haranguing to the peoWhen that orntor pronounced the following sentence, Patris dictum sapiens,

ple.

ti-meritdi flii

cnmprvh'ii/

it

was astonishing,

saj's

A
plause which followed that harmonious close.
much affected upon this occasion ; and, indeed,

he, to observe the general ap-

modem

ear,

perhaps would not be

more than probable, that we

are ignorant of the art of pronouncing that period with its genuine emphasis and cadence. We ore certain, however, that the music of it consisted in tlie dichoree with
which it is tenninat^l: for CiciiRO himself assures us, that if the final measure had
been changed, and the words placed in a diflferent order, their whole eflect would
it is

have been absolutely destroyed.

Tiiis art was first introduced among the Greeks by Thrasymachus, though
It does
of the aduiirers of Isocratf.s attributed the invention to that oratcr.
)jot appear to have been observed by the Romans till near the times of Tui.ly, and

some

even then

manner

it

The ancient and less numerous

who were such enthusiasts to andisposition of the same kind may, perhaps,

was by no means universally received.

of composition, had

stiil

many

tiquity as to adopt her very defects,

prevent its being received with us

admirers,

A
;

and while the Archbishop

shall

maintain his

not to be expected that any great advancement will he

made in this species of eloquence. That strength of understanding likewise, and
fcolidity of reason, which is so eminently our national ciiaracteristic, luay add

aiUhority as an orator,

someivhat to the
it

may

it is

difliculty of reconciling us to a svudv of this kind

as at

st^em to lead an orator from his grand and piinci])al aim, and

qiake a sacrifice of sense to sound.

Jt

first

glance

tempt him

must be acknowledged, indeed, that

to

iu the


Lect.

Of the

viii

will bear this,

spisedj^like

"

458

Choice of Thoughts,

however you may adorn them, they

woman

a fair

will

be de-

Avithout discretion," or, like the

colouring of a picture where proportion

is

not observed.

your great business to edify,

Remember
2. Useful
not to amuseOften ask yourselves. Will this thought be likely
to do good ? If not, lay it aside. An ingenious man, by attentive thought, may find out a set of just and rational, yet
Butler's sermons furnish us
trifling and useless speculation
it is

with some examples of

this kind.

Proper to the subject. Never indulge yourselves in

loose digressions
but keep up a certain and easy connection.
3.

misery of sinners, the nature of faith, justification by

the righteousness of Christ, &c. are brought in by many on every
subject
avoid this. Nothing is more disagreeable in preaching than " semper eadeyn.""

The

4. Let

them be such

from the subject.

as naturally flow

For this purpose dwell much on your subject in previous meditation. Talk it over ; view it in its various relations ; and
This will secure a happy
in composition keep it still in mind.
diversity

ing and

and the same leading thoughts will have distinguishagreeable peculiarities; and the whole subject will
;

appear one.

5. Let some, if possible, in every discourse be new.

These are generally to be gained by remarks on scripture ;
and the general
observing the workings of your own hearts
manners of men, in their diversified situations. Reflect in read;

ing what useful and agreeable thoughts the author you peruse

Roman repubhc, this art was so perfrom its true end as to become the single study of their enervated orators.
Pliny the younger often complains of this contemptible affectation ; and the pohte
author of that elegant dialogue which, with very little probability, is attributed either

times which succeeded the dissokitlon of the

%'erted

to Tacitus or Quintilian, assures us, it was the ridiculous boast of certain

orators in the time of the declension of genuine eloquence, that their harangues were

capable of being set to music, and sung upon the stage.

ed, that the true end of this art

am

recommending,

But
is

it

must be remember-

to aid, not to supersede

reason ; that it is so far from being necessarily effeminate, that it not only adds
grace but strength to the powers of persuasion. For this purpose Tully and
Quintilian, those great masters of numerous composition, have laid it down as
a fixed and invariable rule, that it must never appear the effect of labour in the
orator, that the tuneful flow of his periods

must always seem the casual

result of

the highest offence against the art, to weaken the

In short, that no
expression, in order to give a more musical tone to the cadence.
unmeaning words are to be thrown in merely to fill up the requisite measure, but
Meumoih's
that they must still rise in sense as they improvu in sound."

their disposition

and that

Fiizosborne'i- Letters,

VOL. V.

it is

No. xir.

454

LECTURES ON PREACHING.

has not inserted

or how wheat he has said may be improved by

" La-

any new thoughts which may arise in your own minds.

teritiam inveni, marmoream reliqui."

them be popular

that is, suited to the people in

purpose attend to the reflections made by
common people of plain sense on your own discourses, or those
of your brethren. Consider also the circumstances of your
audience in particular ; and do not forget the cases of individual persons, for thoughts which suit one you do know, often
When your sermons are
suit twenty whom you do not know.
composed, as your first are, for various auditories, consider what

6. Let

general

and for

this

is

common

to

all.

7. Let them be select.

selves on every

Do not attempt to exhaust yourthings. Often,

head. Take the most material

opening your discourse, or a single argument, content yourover what is most common, and expatiate more largely on what is peculiarly your
own
or on some other account particularly useful for present
in

selves with hinting or passing lightly

consideration.

LECT.

Oh

1.

JLeT

meaning.

the

IX.

Manner of ranging

the Thoughts.

the heads be distinct, not only in Avords, but in

them clearly, that the distinction

Study to express

when it is otherwise, the sermon canmay evidently appear

not be understood, well received or tolerably remembered ;
and the preacher himself, it will be supposed, has not fully understood his subject.
;

them not be too numerous. If they are, it will be

keep them distinct. It will also load the memory

2. Let
difficult to

and impoverish the sermon, since, in that case, but very little
can be said on every head
though the beauty, or the finest
parts of a sermon lie chiefly in the enlargement. Sermons Avith
or like the
a vast many heads are like the skeleton of a body
;

branches of a tree in

Avinter, Avhen neither fruit

nor leaves are

left.

3.

Have

not too

many

found the most attentive and

subdivisions.

They

intelligent hearers,

cither a vast ttiemory, or a pen.

soon con-

that have not

Have commonly but

one se-

Lect.

Of the Manner^

IX.

;;

455

of ranging the Thoughts.

under one general head mentioned by numbers ; and let those subordinate to them oome on as the enwhere it is of great importance to be very exact
largement
in ranging them ;
and where, in a well composed discourse,
one head will often contain the stamina of a sermon.
ries of particulars

Let the heads be expressed in as few words as possible

have some one leading word, if you can, which
may contain the principal sense If they must be connected
with some longer sentence to make the sense complete, first
mention them alone, then in their connection ; or if together,
let the common part of the sentence be placed last, rather than

4.

Especially

Be contented to sacrifice something of the cadence and

Other
copiousness of your language to this greater concern.
parts ol' a sermon may sufficiently shew you do not this from a

first.

want of ability

to

do otherwise.

Place them in a natural order, that they may illus^

and that there may be a fair
trate and introduce each other,
transition.
Avoid inverted climaxes, coet.'par. let those heads
on which you propose to bestow the greatest labour or ornament, or lay the greatest stress, be placed last.
5.

6. Avoid trite divisions, especially of very common subthe humiliaas justification, sanctification, adoption ;
priest,
prophet,
of
tion and exaltation of Christ ; his offices,
and king ; proofs from reason, and proofs from scripture.

jects,

This looks like common place, and may expose you to censure
as a plagiary. Yet I do not say that it must or can always be
avoided ; only be cautious that these divisions do not grow too
common
they give a discourse a very dull air.
;

7.

the same

variety of methods in different sermons

the subjects are, as they often must be, nearly
Sometimes, let the text be the guide and ground-

Have a
when

particularly

work throughout. Sometimes, having opened

tical

remarks from

which the text

it.

shall

it,

draw prac-

Sometimes, take a topic of diversity, for

your application,
be the motto. And
in

sometimes address your hearers under their different characters

and in this address, bring in your motive^ and directions.
and at
Sometimes, draw inferences
or make reflections
persuaother times, let your whole discourse be applicatory
sive,
or dissuasive, and have no reflections or applications at
all at the close jor but a hint of what might l?ave been ia;

troduced.
3

456

LECTURES ON PREACHING.

8. Give the plan twice, as briefly as possible, and the

review. This makes Tillotson so clear. A few momentsr
thus employed are M-ell spent. Let your hearers always per-

ceive where 3^ou

arejand be upon your guard against long

digressions.

To

all this, draw a very distinct skeleton.

two, with different degrees of exactness and
fulness.
Submit a fair draft to the examination of a friend.^
Review it attentively before you begin to compose
remember
that when this is well done, the sermon is almost done
and a
due care about it may be much better tiian transcribing the
whole sermon twice; though that also may be done where time

9.

secure

Or you may draw

w'llU allow.

LECT. X.
More

JL

1.

your

AKE

subject,

will be.

rising

care,

particular Bides on the Composition of a Sermon,

Preach

it

warm from

as

more

some previous time

especially

if it

for devout meditation on

be devotional, as it generally

over to your

the heart

some of your

souls.
Observe thoughts
them down with peculiar

greatest treasure.

affecting than another,

own

set

make

If

a proper

one view appear

memorandum of

it.

2. Choose to compose when you are in your best frame,

par. Therefore take such time, that if you should be
under any particular indisposition for study, or meet with any

cost.

interruption in it,
vourable a season.

yourselves

you may not be forced upon

But take care you do

it, at so unfanot too soon conclude

incurably unfit ;-'the frame often mends,

notice what parts of the day

you are most

inclined,

Take

and

in the

best frame to compose, and secure tliose hours to yourselves.

Generally early in the morning, or late in the evening, are

the best time

of retirement.

unless

But

let

j^ou have

an extraordinary
not the intermediate hours be

command
lost.

Begin the work with a solemn address to God. This

and
you in the way of his blessing and assistance
will naturally have some good influence to awaken, compose
and encourage your soul j it will direct your minds to right

vill

3.

lay

ends and views, which is a matter of vast importance. Perhaps a form of prayer might not be iiriproper for that pur-


Lect.

457

Rules on the Composition of a Sermon.

X.

pose ;yet varied with some particular regard to your subject *.

When

4.

<>

just setting to

tlie

work, ask yourselves such

you have drawn up.

questions as these, on a view of the scheme

5.1.

How shall the

sermon begin

with mentioning the context, though

? Let it
it may

not be always

sometimes be

allowed, or indeed necessary. Use a variety of Exordia,

sometimes, by scripture stories,sometimes, by quotations
and allusions,sometimes, by similies, at others, by a weighty,
laconic sentence, and, sometimes, fall directly upon your subso copious that you will be in danger
Endeavour, in this part of your sermon,
to awaken the attention of your auditory, and raise their expectations, but not too high. Let it be always modest, without any extraordinary flights ; and leave no room for suspicion,
This wdl
that it was composed merely to display the orator ;
walk
than
Better
sincerity.
your
dispute
to
hearers
lead your
attempt to fly where your wings will not bear you.If you
have any invocation, let it be after your general division,

ject, especially when

of exceeding the time

it is

peculiarly appropriate, and

more frequently expressed

wish, than as a direct prayer

and so contrived, that it

as

may

d,

in-

* The following form was drawn up for this purpose by Dr. Doddridge ia
:
younger years, and prefixed to his book of hints or skeletons of sermons
Blessed God It is thou that gavest me a rational soul, and upon thee do
capacities with which thou hast enI depend entirely for the continuance of those
dowed me. I am not sufficient of myself, so much as to think any thing as 1 ought*

bis

but

my

all
I

sufficiency

am now

is

of thee.

a work of singular importance, in which I would desire

needM have of thy gracious assistance. I beg that thou wilt

engaging in

to be sensible of the

May no vain or intruding thoughts

attention to the affair before me.
Direct my mini
business.
to hinder a steady application to
and expressing
to proper thoughts ; and to tlie most agreeable manner of arranging
may
heart be inflamed with pious affections ; that divine truths

command my
break

in

my

upon me,

my
them. And
coming warm from my own

soul

may more

easily penetrate into the souls of

my

not to compose an harangue to acquire to

myself the reputation of an eloquent orator ; but that I am preparing food for premy Redeemer
cious and immortal souls ; and dispensing that sacred gospel which
endeabrought from heaven, and sealed with his blood. May I therefore sincerc'y

hearers

May

remember

that I

am

vour to give my discourse the most useful turn, and do thou direct
as best to promote the great purpose of Christian edification.

me

so to form

it,

Lord, that 1 may receive present refreshment to myself, and

And grant,
entering upon; and
future edification from the study of those divine truths 1 am
While 1 am
life.
may this be one of the most cielightful employments of

'

my

be watered myself also; and bring forth daily more and

of thy great
more fruit, proportionable to the advantages which I enjoy, to the glory
Jesvs Chri%t.
through
felicity,
everlasting
of
improvement
wy
name, and tUs
watering others,

Amen."

may


LECTURES ON PREACHING.

458

timate to the hearers, what they ought to be concerned about

in attending to the discourse.
6.

2.

exphcation

If does, what
Do not make difficulties for the sake of removing

Does the text need explication

?

nor

it

dull manner set yourselves, as Dr. Clarke

shew the various senses in which any word found
in the text is used in scripture
unless it may, (as it sometimes
will) furnish useful thoughts.
When the difficulty ig real, and
especially where it is not touched upon by commentators, state,
and remove it, in a few strong words. Do not introduce the
sentiments of various commentators, they only confound
nor a variety of readings and versions
nor deviate from our
own without real necessity
and when you do, fix upon the
or at least
translation you think the best, and drop the rest
but briefly touch upon them, and so as not to appear divided
in your own mind, and at a loss which to choose, lest it should
px'oduce some ill effect upon the audience, by leading them to
suppose that the scripture is an uncertain thing. When your
text expresses some noble important sentiment, in a very
forcible manner, you may make it the subject of the greater
part of your discourse, Avithout increasing any just blame
Nothing dignifies a sermon more than this plan, nor does a
greater honour to scripture. Search the context for proper
thoughts
and, if there be any difficulties in the neighbourhood of it, endeavour to illustrate it by a few expressive and
important words
which, to the more judicious of your hearers,
must appear to be an abstract of a much larger criticism in your

them

in a

often does, to

own mind.
7.

3.

What

passions are to be raised,

and what figures

of speech are to be used ? Take care of misplaced oratory.

Take care not to mistake exclamation for raising the passions.
Much stronger, and yet softer machines must be used for
this purpose.
If God be mtroduced speaking, it must be in a
few awful, and generally, scripture words.

8. 4. What strain of preaching is most suited to the subject in general, and to select parts in particular ? When these
are fixed, endeavour to recollect who are the greatest masters

in these strains,

had they been

and how they would have expressed themselves

your place ?

in

9. 5. What regard to Christ and the Holy Spirit may

Does it naturally
properly be introduced into this discourse ?
lead to them ? If not, how may they least unnaturally be in-

Lect.

Rides on the Composition of a Sermon,

X.

troduced or connected PSometimes for want of

they have been too mucii forgotten.

459

this question

10. 6. Wliat quotations can properly be introduced from

scripture ? GeneralJy, have one or two under each head,
which may illustrate as much as possible its true sense. In the

application, some that are very pathetic should always be introduced. The pathos of which ought to be illustrated from
other writings, particularly by remarkable thoughts, figures,
or laconic sentences, which in your reading you have met with.

For this purpose often review your common-place book, and

sometimes note down thoughts you design for this purpose irt
your book of schemes.

11.7. What use can be made of my acquaintance with

? Have I made any observations on

the world in this sermon

it,

or seen any thing

ful

thought

lately that

may

furnish

me

with an use-

?
Remem 12. 8. When shall I address the conscience
inferences
or
are not
reflections,
ber that the final application,
the only places in which to introduce your addresses to the conrerted and unconverted, the ignorant, the careless, the luxu-

and prophane,the moralist and the hypocrite, the

wavering and irresolute, the doubting, tempted, and dejected
in spirit, the backsliding, the confirmed, zealous, and joyful
nor to the aged and the young, the prosperous and afflicted,
the rich and poor ; the healthy and infirm,^those who hav^
Represent to yourselves these and varilost friends, &c. &c.
rious

ous cases, and

let

each be seasonably noticed.

conclusion be ? Do not leave oft

13. 9: What shall the
merely because you have nothing more to say ;be sure to close
handsomely.Frequently close, though not always, with a
at other times full of terror; and often
thought of consolation
with graceful scripture. Have some sprightly thoughts, if pos:

sible, at the conclusion of

each head.

character, and station in fife.

14. Often recollect your
a man, and not a boy.To crowd my discourses with
puerile ornaments is hke an academic, just come from school.
am
All I write must be judicious, or it will be contemptible. I
of
must
or
world,
the
of
I
not
and
servant of God,
I

am

men

approve myself to the great

his interest,

God ;in

and write and speak

all

things I must promote

as in his presence

; and,

to

devout and
feel these sentiments more sensibly, intermingle
composing.
while
ejaculations
deeply humble, though silent
I

am

heathen philosoa minister of Christ, and not a deist, or


IICTURES ON PREACHING.

460

pher T am to preach the gospel, that gospel Avhich Christ

brought down from heaven, and died to confirm. I am, in one
sense, a successor of the apostles, and am engaged in carrying
on the scheme in which they and tiieir Lord were engaged.

Am I

a preacher among plain cljristians, not scholars, or courLet my sermons be adapted to their capacities.Imagine yourselves in the pulpit, and your congregation around
you, and sometimes preach over some heads before you Avrite

tiers

them. Lastly, I and my hearers are dying creatures. I am,

perhaps, composing my last sermon, a sermon which I may not
live to deliver.Tliis method of recollecting yourselves produce a genuine air of seriousness, profitable to yourselves and

your hearers.

much of your sermon as, you can at

this when you are in a good frame.
do
a sitting. Choose to
It will give a graceful freedom to your style,and, when you
have prepared your materials, it will not be difficult to dispatch
your sermon in five or six hours.
16. If in the course of your composition you find your
thoughts wander and droop, endeavour to revive them by holy
^ 15.

Compose

as

God to bring by his Spirit suitable scripremembrance, in order to help you to open
doctrines clearly, to state them truly, and to apply them seriHe knows what is in man, and can lead you to come
ously
at what you ought always most to seek, the hearts of your

ejaculations. Beg of
tures to your

hearers.

17. Give your sermons a verv attentive and critical

Here lop off excrescences, divide sentences which are

review.

too long, and if you can find time, transcribe the whole again.
For this purpose begin soon enough; let your general schemes
be drawn up a week before hand. Read and enrich your
schemes by additional thoughts and conversation on Monday
and Tuesday
on Wednesday and Thursday compose your
and on Saturday review and transcribe it
sermon
Practice

this

method seven

i/ears,

and

it

will

become natural and easy.

LECT. XL

On
1. JL HIS
almost every

is

the Delivery of Sermons,

evidently a matter of great importance, and

body pretends

to

be a judge of

it.

A good

deli-

Lect.

XI.

is ver}^

much

On
in

the Delivery of Sermons.

a man's favour, and the contrary

In

461
is

much

to his

some instances hearers judge of a man's

character by the manner of his speaking, as much as, or more
than they do by his viatter.
disadvantage.

Paragreeable the
dignity of the character
wjiich
appear.
opposed to a careless
every thing that
your delivery, and
approaches that ludicrous manner which an unhappy few have
affected and
improper actions, such
playing

Several things are essential to a good delivery.

2.

ticularly,

It

must be grave and serious

to

Tliis

3-ou

in

to

air in

as

also to

is

witii

the cushion, band, gloves, &c.

Take care of running your

3. It should be Distiiict*.
words into one another, and of sucking in your breath, or
dropping your voice at the end of a sentence. Make pauses in
proper, and avoid them in improper places.
Let the accent be
laid right,
but avoid too much, lest it seem affectation.
Pause at the end of your heads, repeat them (when repetition
is thought advisable) with a stronger voice than the rest.

Feel all you say. If a tear

it be Affectionate.
do not restrain it, but it should never be forced,
*'
Nothing is more indecent than a dead preacher, speaking to
dead hearers the living truths of the living God." Baxter. " A
due fervour makes a plain discourse more touching than one
more exquisitely composed and coldly delivered, as a blunt
iron when red hot will pierce deeper into a piece of wood, than
a mucii sharper one that is cold." Bates.
4. Let

will fall,

In the warmest parts do not be

5. Composed and sedate.
transported beyond your voice so as to scream.
Moderate the

* Every preacher wishes

to be ini'lerslood as well as heard

but many are dewant of a distinct articulatio/i ; which rdight easily be acquired, if they would attend to a certain rule, without the observation of which no
man's delivery can be perfect. It is well known, that a piece of writing may be
understood, if all the vowels are omitted ; but if the vowels are set down, and the
consonants omitted, nothing can be made of it. Make the exiieriment upon any
sentence: for example Judge not, tliat ye-'be not judged. Take out the vowels, an J
it will stand thus
jdg nt tht y h ni jdgd: This may readily be made out: but take
away the consonant, and nothing can possibly be made of it tie o a e e o up. It Is
the same in speaking as in writing: the vowels make a noise, and thence they have
theirname, but tJiey discriminate nothing. Many speakers think tiiey are heard, if
they bellow them out: and so they are; but tliey are not understood; because the
discrimination of words depends upon a distinct articulation of their consonants
for
want of considering which, many speakers spend their breath to little oft'ect. Do
;

ficient in this respect, for

justice to every consonant

Life of Dr.

VOL.

v.

Horne,

the vowels

will

be sure to speak for themselves. Jones's

p. 141.

LECTURES ON PREACHING.

462
excess of action,
tlie pulpit, &c.

such

as

throwing j^our arms over the sides of

Your delivery must

6. Let your delivery be rarious.
vary accordino- to the ditlerent parts of your sermon, and the
Explication and application
dilforent sentiments expressed.
must be delivered in a very different manner.

Theatrical airs are by all

7. Natural and unaffected.
means to be avoided*. Do not act all you say, it is ridiculous.
Be careful not to make pauses that look like self-admiration
between the several words of the same clause, nor afreet to vary
your voice too muck to express very different ideas of sorrow,

indignation, fear, &c.

When the delivery appears too

artificial,

the auditory is ready to suspect a man's sincerity, and that he

Speak as a good man, bringing out
is only playing his part.
f the full treasure of his heart good things.

Do not
8. Fret^ that is, above the sei'vile use of notes.
read every word, nor be afraid to change a clause, or to add
a sentence which may rise suddenly, and be as useful and frequently as graceful as any. To be able to preach without notes
Accustom yourselves to look about
raises a man's character.

much upon your

best

9.

auditory.

shall finisb

this lecture,

means of attaining an agreeable

with some advices on

tlie

delivery.

* It has been sometimes remarked, that a good theatrical enunciation is only

a iust imitation of nature, and therefore ought not to be condemned, but imitated.
But the best imitation of nature, it must be remembered, is not nature itself. All
accurate view of the real difference in question is of considerable importance. An
actor transports himself into the views, the feelings, and the circumstances of the

person represented ; and this excites a transient pleasurable surprize at the reseuiThe genuine efl'ect in its nature is the same as what is produced by any
work o( art, as music, painting, designing and the like, which is quite dilFerent from
a moral effect. A bad man may be a good actor, for the same reason that he may
be a good artist. A bad character may be acted well, for the professed object is to
please by the art of imitation.
Nay a good imitation of a bad character may please
an audience more than a less perfect imitation of the best character.
But a
prcaclier's professed object is to produce moral and spiritual effects, not such as artful iuHtation can produce.
In short, the one aftects by a persuasion we have that he
really is what he afjjirars to be; the other by apiwarin^ to be what he really is not.
The one speaks from the heart, the otlier hum artificial conformity. The latter does,
not e\'Cx\ pretend that what he says is the dictate of his own heart, nordoes he seriousNature speaks from conviction, but an actov assumes
ly wish for others to think so.
what he may, at heart, even detest. A g:ood theatrical reitreseiitation o( WniTFiEhD
on a stage, would be extremely ditferent from the reality as to moral etTect. The
representation has pleased many a spectator, but was ever one of them edijied
Or had
the excellence of the imitation ki Dr. Squintum the least tendency to benefit those who
would have been edified by tlie original speaker ? Suppose Garrick had taken much

l>lance.

:<*

labour to represent our Lord delivenng his seroioii on

cLvious to need a siai^le remark. "VV.

tlie

utouat

the result

is

toy

Lect.

On

XI.

463

the Delivery of Sermons.

10. I. Guard against faults, rather than study beauty.

delivery that has no considerable faults will probably have

some

beauties.

Accustom yourselves to read aloud the same thing

perhaps your own sermons will be preferThis will fix them fast upon your
able to any thing else.
by use the proper emphasis,
acquire
will
memory, and you
cadence and action.
2, 3. Be sure to be master of your notes, in proportion
to the degree in which you intend to use them, that you may
It is a sad reproach to a man when he cannot
not be entangled
read his own writing before a congregation, yet this I have
11. 2.

again and again

often seen.

En 13. 4. Let your mind be as composed as possible.

to get above the fear of the people by rational and
Remember your own superiority to most
pious considerations.

deavour

also the candour of others

of them in point of understanding
of good sense, and how little a thing the applause of any is.
Fix your dependance upon God ;be willing to be disposed of
:

and yet chearfully

by him, in these instances, as he sees fit
that
will give you his
he
work,
his
hope as you go forth in
;

strength.

For this purpose

14. 5. Let your minds be animated
upon what you are to deliver. After you have

reflect seriously

composed your
assistance.

discourse, pray

Keep your mind

it

over

well

in private.

employed

as

Seek divine

you go

to the

house of God, In the pulpit make a little pause (if there be

no singing) between prayer and preaching, both that your hearand espeers may be settled, and your own minds awakened
cially reflect on the beginning of your sermon.
;

15. 6. Avoid unnecessary expense of spirits just before

the spirits are low, the performance
to preach.

When

you are

cannot be comfortable to ourselves, and is seldom pleasant to

our hearers. Yet God sometimes honours those sermons with
Do
success from which we have had the least expectations
not sit up too late on Saturday night, nor study too intensely on
Lord's day morning. Nor be too long in secret and family

prayer, but reserve your spirits as much as possible, andendea*

vour to keep your mind ina serious, calm and tender frame.

Encourage the
the manner of your delivery.
16.

7.

reflections of

3M

We
2

your friends upon

hear not our

pwn

voices sk

LECTURES ON PREACHING.

464

nor see that and manner with which we speak

which they view
Our friends, therefore, are
the best
you are not, while
And they find
right,
young, to be displeased.
in
however, what
should
generally, or at
frequently displease the auditory,
be waved.
nuich pleasanter to commend than to blame
our friends therefore deny themselves so much as to take
trouble, we ought to be very thankful, and, instead of being

Others do,

air

in the light in

it.

judixe?.

fault,

if

itself

is

If,

least

it

It is

this

if

angry

at their censures,

frequently.

This

is

should rather desire them to do

it

a precaution of importance to all beginners,

because proper admonitions may prevent ill habits from being

contracted, which, when once formed, are almost incurable.

LECT.
General Directions

1.

not

JLJ'O not preach

same or different

in the

comprehended

the

and preface

it

will

often, either

hurts a man's reputation

if

apt at best to deaden his

in the same place.
A little

it

alteration of text

in the preceding Lectures.

same sermon over too

places

the places are contiguous; and

but least of all
own spirits
;

XII.

is

not be looked upon as a suf-

ficient excuse.

2.

Never borrow

tlie

words of

others.

compositions for hints and tlioughts

transcribe, unless it be as a quotation.

in 3-our

Use

freel}',

their

works

but

never

3. Do not preach too many sermons on a text.'^This

not to be invariably observed, as there are some copious
passages that will afford distinct matter for various sermons,

rule

is

and may occasionally be made the subject of two, but very

seldom more than three discourses. Rather sometimes pursue
the ?ame subject from different texts, tliat jou may have more
of the expHcation and application.
4, When settled, have some scheme of subjects connected
especiail}' a course of
with each other to be preached over
sermons on the characters and offices of Christ, the operations
and fruits of the spirit, on the privileges and duties of christBut let these be intermingled with others, and when
ians, &c.
any remarkable providences occur, take notice of them in your
;

-sertjions.

5. Preach sometimes in little country places, with greater

freedom than 30U can allow yourselves to a larger and more

Lect.

assembly. Go

refined

mon

465

General Directions.

XII,

into the pulpit with the heads of a ser-

only, and talk freely

more

write the discourse

many of j^our compositions, and

6. Let 3^our

first

and when you return,

Thus you will improve

upon them,
at large.

gradually get above your notes.

sermons especially be formed into an

exact analysis, or regular scheme of method.

memory, and
very easier to

Commit

this to

improve your judgment, make your deliyourself, and continual attention to your notes
it

will

less necessary.

7. Write j'our notes neatly and distinctly.

Rule

your

Let the heads be Avritten apart,

paper, with a large margin.
and the enlargement divided into various paragraphs, and each
distinct sentence properly pointed, if in long hand.
Let the
scriptures be referred to in the margin, which will give an

much

by a very
be proper
to do) not only those you professedly design to quote, but
others whose phrases you borrow, or to which you only allude.
Read over your notes attentively once or more, to fix your
sermon in your memory, and to prevent the shame of frequently
opportunity of recollecting
view, especially

transient

if

of the discourse,

you write

(as

it M-ill

hesitating.

Know when

and if good and pertinent

to liave done,
your minds, take care not to pursue them too
far, so as to draw out your discourse to an immoderate length.
Sometimes j'oungmen, having said nothing, are full of matter
when they ought to close and, Avith a view to mend what
they have been saying, are apt to be tedious. Thus it costs
them labour and study to be less agreeable than they would
otherwise be. Remember, your business on subjects is not to
say all that can be said
but what is most just, proper, important and useful.
And do not forget that before the organs of
speech are strengthened by practice, it is a very dangerous
thing to keep them upon the stretch for a long time together ;
the last quarter of an hour does them more injury than all.
8.

thoughts arise

in

hear

9. Be accurate, but candid critics

Draw up a scheme or perhaps hints

of the sermons yoy

of a sermon on the

on wliich 3^ou have heard a discourse, and remember

be just to the beauties as well as defects of your brothers.
Ahva3^s speak with candour on the labours of other ministers,
lest your reflections on them be reckoned envy, or ill nature j
which will grea,tly sink your own character ; and lest a consciousness of that severity discompose you, as in that case you
must hardly expect more candour than you have shewn. Some
text
to


LECTURES ON PREACHING.

466

persons of uncharitable tempers, though of excellent sense,

have been wretchedly distressed for want of this precaution.
10. Retire for prayer both before and after sermon.
This will encourage the mind, and bring it into a good frame^
and it is doing honour to the divine Spirit, which he will probably succeed with blessmgs on your labours. Besides, it is a
proper indication of a serious temper, and a mind more concerned for God's glory than its own.

11. Observe what acceptance 3'our labours meet with

amongst your people. But make 30ur observations with great
caution, lest you should appear to them to be fishing for applause, which is a meanness very unworthy a gospel minister ;
and the surest way to lose it. Be willing to hear of any faults
in your composures or delivery
and sometimes when 3'ou
preach before your brethren, desire them to tell you plainly
what they discovered amiss.

12. Sometimes keep a day of solemn devotion to recom\'our labours to the divine lilessing.
those days, be-

On

mend

sides the usual devotion, review the

memorandums

mons you have

reflect

of the ser-

on what you have

found of the acceptance and success of them, and let God have
the glory.
Humble yourselves before him, that they have been
no more regarded or improved. Review Christ's promises of
assistance to his ministers,
and other promises which maybe
applied to this purpose,
for the further encouragement of 3'our
faith.
Plead earnestly with God for a blessing on yourselves,
and those committed to your care, and forget not on these devotional occasions to seek the blessing of God on your brethren
and the public, our plantations abroad, the church of Christ in
general, and the protestant interest in the whole world.
Consider then Avhat 3'ou shall preach from before the next of these
da3's, and draw out a more particular list of the subjects; still
leaving room for alterations on unforeseen emergencies.
lately preached,

and

13. Maintain a character and conduct in life agreeable

to 3^our preaching.
Labour to do good wherever 30U come.

Avoid ever3r thing that would bring a reproach, or a reflection

on 3'our own character, or on religion. Remember statues at
the top of a house must be larger than life ; i. e. your elevated
situation will render your piety diminutive, if not above the
common standard. Prav' to God for daily wisdom,and every
day in secret prayer have some petitions relative to the last
ermon 3rou preached ; and make it 3our care for the ensuing
This will
^'cek to practise to the utmost what 3'ou have said.

Lect.

467

Directions for Prayer.

xiir.

command the regard of others, as far as it

through divine grace insure the blessing of
your ministry most comfortable to yourselves.

LECT.

is

apparent, and

God

and make

XIII.

Directions for Pravef.

Jl FtAYER is a matter of great difficulty and great importance to our usefulness, and has a greater influence even
on preaching than many are aware. I shall first suggest some
general directions relating to your improvement in the gift and
^

1.

grace of prayer.
2. Furnish yourselves with a variety of matter proper
for praver

for this purpose, converse

much with your own

get well acquainted with the state of your souls, atfrequently retend to your spiritual Avants and weaknesses,
collect the mercies you receive from God, and enquire what

hearts,

returns you have made.

God
and

Study the nature, works, and ways of

make

let

yourselves familiarly conversant with his word,

A\diat you read there or in other good books, be consi-

Pray over
in particular as affording matter for prayer.
what you have been reading, and seldom close your bible, or lay
a book of practical divinity out of your hands, without a short
collect at least formed upon it.

dered

3. Make a serious business of secret and family

Have your stated times for more private exercises of

prayer.

devotion,
them. Do not hurry them over in a few careless words, nor be satisfied unless you have daily some communion with God in them. Labour hard to bring your hearts
to a serious frame, when approaching to God in them.

and be careful

4. In

too

all

pompous a

in

your prayers avoid the extremes of too mean and

A pompous style shews a mind too full
style.

and too little affected with a sense of divine things.

would regard a beggar telling a fine story of his calamities? But, on the other hand, take heed of too mean and paltry
phrases, low images, and saucy familiarities with the blessed
God. A guard against these should be always maintained but
Let all be grave and simple ; and appear
especially in public.
to aim at nothing but pouring out the soul before God in the
most genuine language of a humble and devout temper. Avoid

of

self,

Who

LECTURES ON PREACHING,

468

splendid borrowed expressions, which are sure to be remembered by those who have read them.
5.

Guard against sentences excessively long when you

pray with others, lest they should not understand you. Better
have them too short, though the sound of the period be injured,
as this

is

6.

but a small matter compared with the former.

Be

generally careful to observe a method in your

The principal parts of prayer

Adoration, Confession,

giving, which may be connected by proper

are Invocation with

prayers

Petition,

is

Intercession with

Thanks-

transitions

but

it

not necessary they should always succeed each other in this

Thanksgiving may full as well come before confession,

order.
and the several parts may sometimes be variously intermingled
and combined. Thus invocation needs not alwa3'S be confined to
the beginning of prayer
but may properly be repeated by
way of preface to some of the principal petitions, remembering
to make mention of the most suitable divine attributes; and the
like mixture there may be of confession or thanksgiving with
;

petition.

Be

not too solicitous to introduce novelties into your

Desire not to pray as nobody ever prayed before, or
"will probably
ever pray again. Novelties may sometimes
amuse, but in prayer they more frequently disgust ; besides,
they have the appearance qf too much art; and as new things
7.
prayers.

are generally the produce of the imagination, they are not so

proper for prayer as preaching, and even in that they must be
moderate.

8.

Remember

to help us in prayer.

upon him

it is

the peculiar office of the Spirit of God

Engage

in it, therefore, in dependancc

and maintain a continual dependance on the inter-

cession and influence of Christ.

9.

I shall

now give you some directions which

relate

more

immediately to public prayer.

10. 1. Begin with a solemn recollection of spirit. Think
seriously of the majesty of that Being to whom you are address-

ing j'ourselves, and of the importance of the business in which

are engaging. Think how near you and those who join
with you, are to the tribunal of God, and lift up your hearts iti
devout ejaculations to him for such degrees of present assistance,
as he shall think proper to bestow.

you

11. 2. Begin rather lower than you intend to proceed,

and somewhat slower, and as you get warm, take heed of


Lect.

Directions for Prayer.

XIII.

469

being transported into raptures, even though you should be

melted into tears. Always keep up a solemnity of spirit and
behaviour ; avoid and abhor a periodical tone. Use but little
action, and that chiefly the holding up, and sometimes a little
stretching out of the hand.
Whether you should keep your
If you can
e)'es shut, is to be referred to your own judgment.
be composed it is better to keep them open, but generally fixed ; especiallv, do not look about upon the people, nor seem to

take notice

who comes

12. 3.
the subjects

in.

Remember
you have

most applicable of
heard or read, and any peculiar

to introduce the

latel}^

your late meditations or

purpose keep notes of them in your
])ocket-book, that they may be often reviewed at little intervals.
But whatever scheme you may form, do not adhere to it so
exactly as to neglect proper thoughts and expressions that rise ;
or be very uneasy if you lose sight of it.
3. 4. Make frequent pauses in prayer, that you may
and that your hearers may rethink a little before you speak
Observe this rule,
collect their thoughts, and review yours.
then expletives will be less necessary.
scriptures that have been the subject of

discourse.

And for

this

14. 5. Endeavour to have an unity of design running

through your scheme of prayer, and let one petition be connected with another by natural, but never laboured transition.
It is better there should be no connection at all, than any that
seems forced and affected.

15. 6. Insist chiefly on those parts of prayer that suit

not entirely, however, to
best with your own frame and state,

the neglect of others;

and

own concern

sense of your

endeavour

what you

in

to

keep up a constant

ask.

but pray for them with

16. 7. Forget not the public,
seriousness.
Plead for Heathens, Jews, Mahometans, Papists,

and persecuted Protestants. Pray for your own country M'ith

Remember that praying for the King
cordial love and esteem.
is part of the condition on which our toleration is granted.
Fororet not magristrates,
and ministers. Recollect of what
great importance their character and conduct is, and observe scripture expressions that may be properly applied to
any of these uses.

17. 8-

Remember

'

the particular cases of j^our hearers,

and the immediate concerns of the congregation. Here pray

for the aged and the young, and particularly for the children of
VOL. V.

LECTURES ON PREACHING.

470

the flock.
Pray for the heads of families, and thus remind them
of their duty
the conscientious discharge of which is of such
vast importance to religion.
Pray for unconverted sinners, as
seeing them upon the brink of hell.
Plead earnestly for them ;
;

this

is

while

often the

we

means of awakening them

are yet speaking,

God appears

and

in this respect,

to hear.

Remember

the afflicted and tempted tenderly, and let particular cases have

a moderate share in your addresses ; this engages the affections

of the people greatly and is often the means of administering
support.

18. 8. Let the blessed work of praise have a large share

your prayers. This made up much of the ancient liturgies,
and is so suited to the Lord's day, that it is a pity it is not more
regarded.
Labour to affect your hearts with a sense of God's
mercies to you at all times, and then you will always be in a
frame for this.

in

ly. 10. Use many scripture expressions in prayer.

The}' are peculiarly affecting, and very proper; and the hearers
also from the beginning of them will know what they are to
expect and thus one great objection against extempore prayer
"will be removed.
;

20. 11. Take care you are not too long in prayer before
sermon. For this purpose it is best to throw what relates to the
public into the last prayer, especially when preaching in or
about London ; twenty minutes is generally enough, nor is
fifteen too little.
Let the last prayer be agreeable to the sermon ; introduce the principal thoughts and heads, but do not
turn it into a preaching prayer, nor repeat any peculiarly fine
passages of the sermon, lest you should seem too fond of them.
Rather introduce some additional thoughts, which you had not
time to introduce in your sermon. And if you pray at any time

after any of your brethren have been preaching, suit your

prayer as much as possible to what you have heard ; and, on
the whole, make it a kind of specimen to the people of the manner in which sermons ought to be prayed over by them.

On Public

Lect. XIV.

471

Exposition f Kc.

LECT. XIV.

On

Public Exposition and the Characters of Comynentators.

^ 1 JLT is proper to make exposition a part of worship on the

Lord's day, for the following reasons
.

It tends to keep a due regard for the scriptures by introducing them into worship as, M'hen you expound, you may
read the whole or part of a chapter, even in congregations
that have not been used to it, and where otherwise it might not
be agreeable.
;

2. It assists to draw men off from erroneous human

schemes, by leading them to a scriptural religion to which
nothing is more conducive than explaining the most interestingfacts of the several books of scripture.
;

3.

It

contributes

much

them into a general acand a cheerful and attentive

to lead

quaintance with the scripture

study of it.

4. It is calculated to guard an audience from being

seduced into erroneous opinions by wrong interpretations of
scripture, quoted merely according to the sound of words.

5. It diversifies public service ; and affords opportunities

of giving a great many advices, charges, admonitions, &c
without offence ; it being evident to every hearer that the series
of scriptures Ave are upon lead us to them ; whereas if we
choose such subjects unconnected with others, some may think
there has been a personal regard to them.
6. I shall now propose a fevr general directions for the
But, as a
right performance of this part of ministerial du' v.

previous and very important direction, I recommend that you

yourselves acquainted with the most considerable com-

make

mentators,

them
more

reading

them over and making extracts from

is no set of writers in which a man is

and since there

Oct'

in dangler of beingr lost, if he does not make a careful

choice, I shall here mention some of those which I think the

most valuable.
7. Commentators on the

Old Testament.

Patrick is the most considerable from Genesis to Solomon's

Song
he has made use of many former v/riters, some Jewish
and others Christian.
;


LECTURES ON PREACHING.

472

8. Pyle's Paraphrase

upon the Old Testament, in four

an elegant and judicious contraction of the
above, and vastly to be preferred to his Paraphrase on the

vols, octavo,

is

Epistles.

9. LowTH^has compiled a judicious commentary on

the Prophets, from Isaiah to Malachi ; in which there are some

good

critical notes,

and a fme collection of

parallels.

10. AiNswoRTH on the l^entateuch, Psalms and Solomon's Song, is a good book, full of very valuable Jewish
learning,
and his translation is in many places to be preferred
to our own,
especially on the Psalms.

New

Testament, Whitby is pre 11. On the whole

ferable to any other, on account of his learning and judicious
notes on those texts which are not concerned in controversjr
with the Arminians ; for to them he is evidently partial, and

sometimes carries matters almost

Hammond

12.

there are indeed

is in

many good

to ridiculous extremes.

great and growing reputation f ;

criticisms, but many that are much

He finds the Gnostics every where, which is his

principal fault.
]\Iany of Le Clerc's Animadversions upon
those places are verj- good,
and his edition of his book in

mistaken.

much preferable to the original.

13. Beza is undoubtedly the best critic on the Greek
language of any commentator we have. There is no translation, that I know of, equal to his
and his remarks on
Latin

think

f^RASMUs and the vulgar Latin are wrought up to the utmost

degree of exactness. On the Avhole, it is an invaluable treasure,
and deserves to be read with the utmost attention.

but
14. Erasmus is not equally accurate with Beza,
his Latin is fine, and he has written in a pleasant stile.
He is

There are many good

remarks on the vulgar translation, some early various readings,
and some pretty large critical dissertations ; but it is
by no means of a piece, and has many marks of haste and

in high reputation in the learned world.

inaccuracy.
15.

Latin

On

Castalio

is

only a version

it

is

in several places full of affectation,

the whole, justly exposed

* This author

who published a

is

often very elegant

and often

false.

by Beza.

William Lowth,

the father of the late Bishop of London,

Translation of Isaiah, with Notes.

f A late Lecturer in one of our universities used to remind his pupils,

Hammond was the jiant, and Whitby the dwarf upon his shoulders.

that


On

Lect. XIV.

has

Public Exposition,

473

S(c.

but he
16. BuRKiT has but few vaknible criticisms;
many schemes of old sermons. His sentiments vary in dif-

whence he took

ferent parts of his Avork, as the authors from

his materials

were orthodox or

17. Heinsius has

many

not.

some good

critical illustrations,

remarks and fancied allusions

pedantry and self-sufficiency runs through all
which make them disagreeable.
whimsical

an

his

but

air

of

writings,

18. The most considerable writers upon the Harmony

of the Evangelists, whose works are not extremely voluminous,
are Cradock, whom I shall mention afterwards,
and Le Clerc,

whose harmony

valuable on account of the view which he

at once gives of what each Evangelist says.
is

Whiston and Wells are both much mistaken in

many of their facts; and, upon the whole, I prefer
Garthwaite as the most valuable I have ever seen for stating
,

19.

ranging

the order of the story.

his

ame

This

was published by Locke, with

prefixed.

20. Dr. Clarke's Paraphrase on the Evangelists deHe narrates a story in handsome
language, and connects the parts well together ; but fails
much in emphasis, and seems to mistake the order of the

serves an attentive reading.

histories.

On

Locke, Pearce and Benson

commentary on the Epistles ; and are indeed all in the number of the most ingenious commentators
I have ever read.
They plainly thought very closely, and
attended much to connection, which they have often set in
a most clear view.
But they all err in too great a fondness for

21.

make up

the

Epistles.

a complete

new

and

supposing the design of the

seems to have been. It must be
allowed that Benson illustrates the spirit of Paul sometimes
in an admirable manner, even beyond any former writer. See
especially his Epistle to Philemon.
His vast, fondness for
Lord Barrtngton's * notions has often proved a snare to him,
both here and in his work on the Acts, which however is a
very useful piece.
interpretations

apostles less general than

in

it

but most of his

22. Fell on the Epistles is very short,
notes are worthy of remark.
The collection of parallel scrip-

judicious, and the translation in

tures

is

much

for the better.

* See Family Expositor on Acts xxvi.

17.

some places

Note. See

also Lect, xv.

altered

13.


LECTURES ON PREACHING.

471"

Upon

23.

Grotius,

the whole Scripture the most valuable are

who has done

more

to illustrate scriptures

by what

generally called prophane learning, than perhaps almost all

the other commentators put together.
Nevertheless, he too
is

up prophecies which in
His notes on some
Messiah.

often gives
to the

dissertations,

their original sense relate

texts arc large and learned

which might have profitably been published by

themselves.

Brennius.

24.

very important.
bene,

nemo melius,

^ 25.

The

His

And

notes are exceeding short,

but

there was reason to say of him,

Ubi

S^c.

Wells's book

more despised than

is

it

ought to be.

character of the author was deservedly low, and his

but his method of division
style sometimes is intolerably bad
He has plundered a great many excellent writers,
is very clear.
;

brought

together their spoils in a

and there some very good notes of

corrected the

common

room, added here

own, and he has well

little

liis

version.

Cradock's three volumes are very valuable ;

two last on
the New Testament are much better than the first on the Old.
His extracts in the margin from Hammond, Lightfoot and
and I think on the whole I never
Grotius are very judicious
read any one author that assisted me more in what relates to
26.

though

think, contrar}^ to most others, that the

New

His schemes of the Epistles are generally

than those of the ingenious writers mentioned above ;
because he takes the design of the apostles to be, as it cerThe cheapness
tainly was, more general than they suppose.
the

more

Testament.

just

of the book
advantage.

is

to

me

a great wonder, but to students a great

but,
27. Robertson is in rather too pedantic a form,
and perhaps those
upon the whole, the analysis is very good
;

know where difficulapprove it most ; especially on

exceeds the New.

Avho have studied their Bibles closest, and

ties of the

connection

lie,

will

the Old Testament, which far

28. Henry is perhaps the only commentator so large

that deserves to be entirely and attentively read through.

The

remarkable passages,

much

think, should be marked.

work

There

a speculative, and still

more in a practical way. The last volume is not on the
vhole equal to the rest
though the Exposition on the
Romans, begun by Henry and finished by Dr. Evans, is the
best i, ever saw.
is

to be learned in this

in


General Directions on Exposition continued.

Lect. XV.

Hall,

475

which are exOld and New

Testament, which are extremely scarce, and so far as I can
judge from a little specimen, very valuable; especially for
shewing the spirit and force of many expressions that occur.
I do not, however, apprehend that there is much learned cri 29.

besides his contemplations,

cellent, has written notes on select passac^cs of tlie

ticism in them.
30. Poole's Synopsis is very useful, especially on account of the short view it gives of various translations, some of
which are very scarce. It in part supersedes the necessity of
having, what yet is desirable, a Polyglot Bible. The first volume of his English Annotations, which were written by himself
after his synopsis, is incomparably good.

31. Calvin has a midtitude of judicious thoughts; but

they are generally intermingled with a great many that are little
to the purpose.
His worst volume, Avhich is that on Job, is
most scarce. His two best are, I think, that on the Pentateuch,
and on the Harmony of the Evangelists. On the former of
these Le Clerc is famous, but I have not yet had an opportunity of perusing him.

32. Lee on the New Testament, is a collection of notes

chiefly from others, which the author gatliered in the course of
his reading

are
else

some
;

they are not very judiciously chosen, but there

them which are
be met with no where
authors we
never consult;and there-

particulars in

or

to

at least in

fore are worthy the

shall

little

money they

cost.

LECT. XV.
General Directions on Exposition continued.
1 . XVJL AKE yourselves acquainted with the most considerable authors that illustrate scripture well, though they are not
direct commentators.

Such

as,

whom I may justly say, no man is more

method, elegant in his language, and candid in bis
sentiments:
His 3Ieletetnata, and Misc. Sacra and Egyptiaca^
are in this view, and indeed in every view, the most valuable
works I know
especiall}^ the first and last.
2. WiTsius, of

distinct in his

Saurin, in whom there is an amazing mixture of

Jearning and politeness, takes in the most useful hints of criti3.


LECTURES ON PREACHING*

476

cism in his dissertations on the several subjects he treats of.

An index is added to this work of the particular passag^es in authors of rank which he has consulted.
In this, as well as in all
the elegance of expression and beauty of imagination which he
iias found the happy art of mingling with criticisms, he incomparably exceeds most others.

4. Gataker's barbarous latin renders the reading of him

very tedious ; but he was a nice critic, and his notes, which afford
the most useful matter for popular exposition, are deservedly in
high esteem.
5. Frankius's Manuduclio deserves to be often read.
contains the best rules for studying the scriptures that I ever
remember to have seen ; it has not however, many illustrations
It

of particular places.
6. Blackwall's Sacred Classics gives many well chosen
instances of passages in the classics, which may justify many of

ti)at have been accounted solecisms.

They
beauty and energy of many others, and contain
good observations on the divisions of chapters and verses, by
which the sense of scripture is often obscured.

those in scripture
illustrate the

7. LiGHTFooT has collected a multitude of useful and

excellent illustrations of scriptures from the Talmud and other
Jewish writers. He has also shewn the force of many others,
especially in his harmony.

But he

rather illustrates particular

texts well, than gives a good account of the series of a disAnd he seems to me very often mistaken in his dates,
course.
and in what he says on the occasion, particularly in many of the

psalms.
8. Calmet has all that is valuable in him in his Dictionary and Dissertations. The former is extravagantly dear,
the latter is a pretty abstract from the former and is of a mo-

derate price.

They should be bought by

all

means.

to be
9. Mede has a good many original thoughts, not
found any where else. His writings on the Revelations are pebut his Diatribe will best reward a diligent
culiarly famous,
many mistakes will be found.
here
yet
perusal

many uncommon

thoughts, but several

His notions and
Pierce.
of them he confesses he owes to Mr.
singular, that it
exceedingly
so
interpretations of scripture, arc
not
one in ten will
perhaps
though
them,
read
is worth while to
10.

Hallet

has

appear satisfactory. It is observable, that some of those difficulties which he illustrates well, are those in which many other


Lect. XVI.

Further Advices relating

477

to Exposition,.

and his remarks on the defects of

commentators have failed
our present Hebrew copy arc generally solid.
;

Edwards

(Dr. John) does not deserve that contempt

which he has in some respects fallen as a polemic
His discourse on the scriptures, in three volumes, and
writer.
three other distinct volumes of Dissertations and Exercitations are
reckoned the best of his works, and deserve to be carefully read.

1 1.

as a critic, into

12. Lord
tions of

God

to

Barrington's Essay on the various dispensamankind has some important thoughts, but a

great deal of it goes on a mistake.

more valuable

multitudes

His Misctl. Sacra are much

by them,
volume, which is incomparably the best.
It is proper to read his schemes in all the united evidences he
can give it, in order to judge what regard is to be paid to the
frequent use which Benson makes of it, in his commentary and
;

especially in the

of texts are illustrated

first

discourse on the Acts.

The first volume of his Gospel History

13. Lardner.
one of the most valuable pieces the age has produced
and a
multitude of places both in the gospels and in the Acts are illustrated by it.

is

14. It will be worth while to read over most of these

books, and to note all the most remarkable passages ; to- make
extracts of them in the margin of your Bible, or interleaved
Testament. And let it be a rule, when a good note occursj to

set

it

down

imynediately

LECT.

XVL

Further Advices relating

to

Exposition.

i3l OTHING will be of more importance to fit you for

work than copying into your interleaved Bible and Testament useful remarks, interpretations and criticisms that you
meet with in the course of your reading, conversations or own
reflections.
Clark's Bible with notes, and Wetstein's New
Testament are preferable to all others for this purpose.

1.

this

2. Let free family exposition Ije part of your daily work.

In this, labour at practical improvement chiefly, not neglecting,

however, proper huits of criticism.

portunit}' of saying

VOL.

v.

many

This

will give

suitable things, that will

3

you an op-

come with


LECTURES ON PREACHING.

478

more power
read from

to the mind,

Henry

than tilings mucii

more accurate

family
it will also diversify
and others
XA-orshij) agreeablj'
and, if you sing, take care to choose something suitable to what you have read.
;

3. Have a pri^ate meeting once a week for exposition ;

at these meetings, enlarge chieHy on the most devotional parts

of scriptures, in an exj)erimental M'-ay. Indulge your private

and perhaps very usemeditations on these occasions freely,
When you have
ful hints may arise while you are speaking.

fmished an exposition in the family or vestry, if convenient you

may, at least sometimes, retire for a few minutes, review your
memorandums, and add any thing remarkable that has occurred
to

your thoughts.

When you

4.

Sabbath, review

it

intend to

expound any scripture

the preceding

the next

Monday morning, and

deavour to keep it often in your mind in the week, and

proper time pursue it attentively with these views ; viz.

enat

5. 1. To observe the original' force of every word, and to

as perfect a translation as you can, for which the original

make

and versions must be consulted.

6. 2.
it is

To

capable.

observe the particular improvement of which

here let your inferences be often drawn

And

from the connection of scripture.

This

will finish rich materials

commonly omitted by

those w^ho attend merely to the woreh

themselves.

suffice for general directions.

1.

Let these

7. I shall

Select

now give some more

the most usefid passages of scripture.

with the Epistles,

saying

mony

many

particular directions

as they will give

Begin
you an opportunity of

Go over the har Omit the Revelation,

Select passages from

evangelical and useful things.

of the Evangelists and the Acts.

except some fev/ chapters and sections.

Mosaic laws and the prothe history of the Old Testament
phets ; but take the whole book of Psalms, Job, Proverbs arnl
;

Ecclesiastes.

8. 2. Give a clear view of the connection in a few Avords,

but do not attempt to lead your hearers into all the niceties of it>
which very few with the greatest pains will- be able clearly to
understand, and still fewer to remember.
9.

3.

When

too largely, but

great difficulties occur, do not state them

may furnish judicious

rather suggest what

hearers with the best answers to

them ;and often inculcate those

Lect.

479

O71 Catechising.

xvir.

which will furnish general replies ; as, God's judgsome parts and doctrines of scripture
ments are unsearchable
many quotations from the
are inexplicable and mysterious
and that the actions of
allusions
only
Testament
are
Old
persons under an immediate divine commission, are not to be

principles

common

estimated by the
10.

4.

When the

tract the people with

rules of

human

sense of a text

many

actions, &c.

is

dubious, do not disbut rather propose

interpretations,

one or two of the most probable, waving the

rest.

11. 5. Aim in all at practical improvement. Labour to

shew the spii^it of the writer, and for that purpose keep in your
own mind and that of your people, the character of the author,
and the particular circumstances in which he wrote.
12. 6. When you correct our version, do it modestly ;
and never attempt any unnecessary corrections, nor many various readings, if they do not appear indeed important.
to
13.7. Endeavour to make your exposition pleasant
avoid dry criticism, and mention such circumstances of
Henry and Hall will furnish
history as tend to illustrate it.
and the comparison of other
3-0U with a rich variety of matter
;

do

this

scriptures will sug^gest

14. 8.

them over,

much more.

Do

after

not read your expositions, but freely talk

having well studied them.

15. y. Conclude them with a prayer, in which the most

considerable scriptures and thoughts of your exposition should
be introduced in a devotional way.

LECT. xvn.
On

Catechising.
'a
'

1. JL HIS is a very important branch of a minister's office ;

and, if properly managed, will be the means of stocking children's minds with divine knowledge, of teaching them to improve their time, and, by exercising their memories, ofconsiderabl}'

strengthening that faculty.

tios,and cannot

fail

It also

conciliates their uffec-

and it
concern for tiie

to increase the esteem of the parents;

serves to keep our minds impressed with

liwe

rising generation.

2. I shall here offer some hints on the choice of catechisms.

In general, I advise,, that they be varied s-ccovding to the age
3


LECTURES ON PREACHING, &C.

480

and improvement of the children.

is very excellent, but improper

The

Assembly's Catechism

for very

young

children.

Dr. Watts is far preferable for the first, and ought to be

taught children under six or seven years of age. After this is
learned through, his second should be committed to memory ;
and then the Assembly's, first without, then with Mr. Some's
Recommend Watts's Preservative against Sin
Exposition.
and Folly to be read by them, rather than got by heart ; and

some easy famihar book of scripture history, illustrated by cuts,

which may be taught children before they are capai)le of reading
and which afterwards, for the first seven or eight years of
;

their lives, ouglit to be

To

made

as

much

as possible their

diver-

should be added a confirming catechism for

those who are grown up to sixteen or twenty years of age.
A brief view ought in this catechism to be given of natural and
sion.

all this

revealed religion, and afoundation insensibly laid for answering

Proofs both of the protestant religion, and the
objections.

propriety of our dissent, should also be introduced ; but this

ought to be managed with great tenderness towards the estabThe nature of schism should likewise be explained.
lishment.

3. The manner of managing this work comes next to be

It muist be varied according to the different ages
considered.

and circumstances of the persons with

whom you

have to do.

Let most
For general directions take the following
ol the children be catechised in private, in the vestrj^, on somQ
4.

week

day.

5.

Take

list

of their names, and

call it

over, that

you

may know who are absent.

6.

Have

of the oldest of them, to

little class

may expound some catechism

at large.

whom you

Begin with the Assem-

by Mr. Some, then explain Dr. Watts's second catechism,

which is the most excellent of the sort in our language. Let

bly's

this class also learn select portions of scripture.

7. In conducting this business observe the following

rules

1.

all

Instruct

niceties of

them

in as plain a

manner

as possible,

waving

thought or expression, and studying to make

yourselves well understood.

3. 2.

To keep up

standings, ask

their attention,

and try their under-

them some easy questions of your own.


Lect.

Further Directions about Catechising.

XVIII.

9.

Take

3.

care to lay the greatest stress

most practical and

481

upon what

is

affectinfy.

When

they answer wronf^, or appear negligent,

them, but if the failure has been gross,
gently reprove them, at the same time endeavouring to keep up
10. 4.

do not upbraid or

terrify

their spirits.
If they do well, not only commend them, but have
rewards for them. Let Watts's second catechism be a
reward for learning the first and Mr. Some's for learning the

11.5.

little

second.

Besides these, present to them who do extraordinarily

Avell Watts's Hymns for children, Wright on Regeneration,

and on the Deceitfulness of Sin, Jennings's Sermons to young
people,
or other proper tracts that you may meet with.

prayer.

2.

6.

Go

Close these exercises with a serious and lively

over the instructions you have given them. Here

prayer

prea.:hing

may sometimes be

fectionately for the children,

Be and appear

to

be very

Take

very proper. Pray afyou are not too long.

care

serious.

13. 7. Contrive to have some grave friend, if possible,

with you to see that they behave well; and, if they trifle, take

them home and reprove them, or make them stay longer, and
talk with them when the others are gone.
Tal^e care of the seriousness of your deportment, throughout the whole ;
it may

impress their minds.

LECT. XVIIL
Further directions about Catechising,

JUET

it be a constant rule, when you are settled, to exthe Assembly's Catechism one part of the year, before
sermon in the afternoon.

1.

pound

2. Select a set of children that v/ill answer the questions

correctly and audibly.
Promise them that if they constantly

attend, and take great care to repeat their catechism well, they
shall have a l)ook given them as a reward at the end of
every
season of catechisui^.
^ 3. Take care to have in readiness some good remarks,
you may have something to say worth hearing. Get an interleaved catechism, and when any good thought or expression
occurs to 3'pur mind in private, make a memorandum of it there.

that

LECTURES ON PREACHING, &C.

483
1.

advanced

Have something here for the benefit

in years, and make some application

who

of those
to them.

are

These

how to
parents to en-

exercises will instruct the ignorant, and teach parents

catechise their children.

Never forget to desire

upon some particular points of importance, when they go

home.

large

Be very

5.

careful that you do not confound the children.

Seldom reprove them

publicly if they do not answer right,

but remember to talk, with them in private. Let them know it
is an honour you have done them, to choose them out of their
companions, and exhort them to be careful to preserve it.

Engage

6.

the assistance of others,

especially the

assist-

ance of friends in buying books. There will be some considerable expence, as I advise that books be given to all,
the children
of the rich as well as the poor, lest the distinction should appear invidious.

7. For this purpose endeavour to be acquainted with gentlemen who are trustees for the useful charities of giving books ;

or

who

themselves contribute towards them.

Get some exhisome of your friends

to contribute towards bu^'ing books.
Grudge not something
handsome yourselves if you can afford it, to promote so good a
bition from the church-stock, or prevail on

cause

it

may

in

many

Urge parents

respects prove advantageous.

on this^work. Often
Advise them
to make this their business, especially on the Lord's-day evening. Recommend it also to parents in private, and see that they
are furnished M-ith proper books, and when you visit families
8.

mention

to assist in carrying

this in the pulpit as part

of their charge.

where there are children, catechise them before their parents.

This will fill up the time well ; will teach such parents how
they are to conduct the exercise, and will engage the affections
-

9f both parents and children.

LECT. XIX.
On

administering the Sacrament of Baptism.

XJ'O

1.

it

may

not baptize the children of the openly prophane, as

harden them in their wickedness; but refuse the child-

who make any thing of a hopeiul profession of rewhether they be church members or not, attend the meet.

ren of none
ligion,

Lect. XIX.

On

administering the Sacrament of Baptism.

483

jn^ or go elsewhere. Never, however, go into the congregations of your brethren to baptize the children of their people,
unless, which is sometimes the case, they scruple infant baptism themselves.

2. Insist not upon their bringing their children to meeting to be baptized. If you have a mixture of baptists it may
perhaps give offence, and private baptism will give you greater
freedom in your address to the parents : And for this reason do
not bviptise many children together, nor grudge an hour or two

to any family on such an occasion.

3. Engage the presence of two or three friends of some
both to prevent rereputation in the society when you can;
flections, if the characters be dubious, and to preserve more so-

lemnity

in the administration.

4. Before you baptize the child, visit the parents, if you

have any opportunity, and talk seriously to them, that you may,

bring them to a sense of the solemnity of the ordinance, and promote a proper preparation for it.

if possible,

5. Let the method of administration be generally this :

Begin with a short prayer, then deliver a brief discourse on
some text of scripture. Keep a little catalogue of proper texts
for such occasions; that you may have a proper variet}'', M'hen you

dispense the ordinance atdifferent times, before tliesame persons;

such as " I will be a God to thee and thy seed." " I will make
with thee an everlasting covenant." " One generation shall
*' Who am I, and what
rise and declare his works to another."
is my house, &c."
" Baptize all nations in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
" Suffer little
children to come, &c."
" The promise is unto you and to your
children." " Baptism is not putting away the filth of the flesh."
Touch gently sometimes at the reason of infant baptism but
generally employ your time in addressing the consciences of
the parents, and endeavour to raise such affections as are suitable
to the occasion.
Then pray, confessing the original corruption
of our nature, and the demerit of sin; acknowledge also the
goodness of God in sparing root and branch, and do it affectionately.
Pray also that the parents may be suitably assisted in
the discharge of their duty
and let all tend to fix proper impressions on their minds.
Receive the child from the hand
of one of the parents, as soon as the prayer is ended, then ask
them both. Whether it is their sincere desire to give themselves
and their child up to God, and their purpose to educate it in

the christian faith and fear of

God

and

on their intimating

LECTURES ON PREACHING, &G.

^S^

intention, solemnly pronounce the words of baptism, takcare to pour some water on the child, and to pronounce the
name of each person of the Sacred Trinity, in a verv dis-

tlieir

ing-

tinct

and audible manner.

Take care

child be so mentioned that

it

may

also that the

name

of the

evidently appear the end of

the ordinance

is not giving a name, but only that you might

speak by that name to the child. Then return the child to the
parents, giving them a short charge to " Train it up m the

it should go."
Then give them some particular directions
and cautions for this purpose. Especially plead with those parents who have had a religious education, or for whom God
hath done any thit)g remarkable in his providence. Remind
them of the obligations they are under to pra}' for the child,
and to resign it to the Divine Will, that if it be taken from this
life, the transactions of the baptismal day may be recollected as
an engagement to christian submission. Conclude your discourse with an address to the spectators. If there are any children belonging to the family old enough to be quietly present,
and drop a word to them
desire that they may be, if possible,
touching the meaning of the service. Then renew your thanksgiving and prayer; especially for the family, and the several

way

branches of it, as well as for the families of the friends present,

and the interest of Christ in the rising generation. Conclude all
with a benediction.

which generally follows, " Let

and endeavour to conduct the
your moderation appear
conversation so that good impressions may be promoted rather
Rethan, as they too frequently are, weakened and erased.
member you have many eyes upon you, and much of your repuAllow
tation will depend on your conduct at such seasons.
yourselves intervals of moderate cheerfulness, but rather err on
the grave extreme
and always retire as e^trly as j'ou conveniently and decently can.
6. In the entertainment

to all ;"

7. Keep a register of all the children you baptize, and the

time when you administered the ordinance, which will be a
means of plcserving the state of families in your minds, and
will lead you into proper enquiries about the state of the youth
of your charge ; it may also serve to settle some disputes arising with regard to the age of children,
8. Lastly, When you baptize persons of riper years,
talk seriously with them, chicdy on the nature of the ordinance
and if they insist upon being baptised b}" immersion, do not
absolutely refuse them, but rather intimate your desire that it
may be done by another person. Admit none to this kind qf

On Administering

Lect. XX.

4S5

the Lord* s Supper.

baptism, but those whom j'ou and the church are satisfied in
admitting to church communion.

LECT. XX.
On Administering

JL^ABOUR

the Lord's Supper.

prepare your own hearts for the ordinance

Begin with some suitable reflections for
the purpose early in the week. Pray earnestly for divine assistance, and let the day before be commonly observed as a day
1.
with

to

possible care.

all

of solemn fasting and prayer.

Choose some evangelical, and generally some comfortsome extraordinary trouble on the sermon, especially the devotional parts of
it.
Sometimes, however, a faithful address to those Mho are
under a religious profession to walk worthy of it, is extremely
2.

able subject for sacramental days, and bestow

proper.
3. In the interval between the close of the general service
and the administration of the ordinance, be very earnest with
God for his presence, and uibourtocome to the table as devout
as possible.
Much depends on the temper with which things

are begun.
^

Introduce the administration

4.

M'ith

some extempore

gener^ly such
a text as hath some connection with the subject, or at least the
meditations on some select texts of scripture
ordinance.

In

these addresses, avoid critical niceties

means, and pursue a

5.

strain the

by

all

most pathetic.

In the prayer before receiving the elements, as well as

dealing much in confesbe moderately short

mav generally be connected with your extempore discourse before. Take due care to introduce a variety
of thoughts in prayer and speaking. In the prayer before the
cup renew your covenant engaoements. Drop some pious
hints afterwards, before you receive the cup, as Avell as v/hile
you are breaking the bread and pouring out the wine. Here
it may be proper to take passages of scripture to explain,
enforce, &c.
After singing, conclude with thanksgiving, and
be particular in praying for the church of Christ in general, and
especially that to which you are more immediately related.
in all the rest,

sion of sin

this

VOL.

v.

LECTURES ON PREACHING, &C.

486

While the elements are being distributed generally

in order to give room for the exercise of

6.

continue

in silence,

Make a

pause before receiving the elements,

so.
Address a word now and then
chiefly to spectators, remember them also in prayer
it is
secret devotion.

and exhort others to do

means of cherishing good impressions.

often the

7. Look round the church and congregation after 3'ou

have dispatched what is more immediately your concern, and
lift up your heart for particular persons as your eye singles
them out, and as their concerns may require. Throughout
the whole ordinance cultivate a social temper, and give the soul
room to expand and soften itself into the most friendly sentiments, not only towards those present, but the whole church
of Christ.
And do not forget those under persecution for reli-

gion, the afflicted, the dying, the poor, vacant congregations,

&c.
8. After the ordinance is
diately ; recollect as much as

over retire, if possible immeyou can of your meditations,

and sometimes write them down with

suggested to your minds.

all

the improvements that

may be

9. Let the whole of your discourse on a sacramental day

be particularly spiritual and heavenly, and as far as the infirmities of nature will allow, let every moment of it be devoted to
God with the utmost zeal and care.

10. Lastly, in

after you have been

you can do more for God.

your retirement,

the Lord's table, consider what

at

Perhaps then you may find some schemes of usefulness dart into
your minds, as well as things of importance with regard to your
own souls, and the congregation, that had not before been
thought

of.

And take great care

to act according to the reso-

lutions you have formed, and without the

least delay.

LECT. XXL
On

JL4OOK upon

Visiting in General.

a considerable part of your pastoral

it gives you an opportunity of
discourse, but, by letting
private
your
only
by
not
serving them
you into their circumstances, you may be the more capable

1.

work.

It

this as

obliges your people,

of making a proper application to them in public.

2.

Endeavour to get proper information as to the

state


On

Lect. xxr,

487

Visiting in General.

of your congregation and church. For this purpose, when

you come to a place, take a catalogue of the names of the perchurch members,
statedly attend,
sons that subscribe,

and the poor. Make it a rule to see each of them at their own
Let two or three of the most judicious be chosen, with
houses.
a view of (rettine information with regard to the characters of
Intreat them, moreover, to inspect the behaviour of
the rest.
and friends, and to inform you of such things
brethren
their
This, howas, upon the whole, they think you ought to know.
ever, will not be necessary, if you have any persons solemnly
set apart bv the congregation for this purpose, which to me
appears a rational and scriptural thing. Have proper times of
meeting with the persons appointed to this work, to talk over
church affairs
and always conclude your conference with
prayer. Every Monday before the sacrament will be a very
proper time for this business. Consult with them before you
propose any to communion. Do not dispise flying stories
if they have,
either they have a foundation, or they have not,
they ought to be regarded, if not, care should be taken to
remove the reproach, and fix it on those who raised it. At
the same time, however, do not be too ready to believe them.
A general caution may be grounded on a flying story.

3.

Make

a pastoral visit to each family,

In
Renew a solemn charge
family, Then enquire

at least once a
master and mistress of the family.
to them to take a religious care of their
into the state and character of their

this visit talk to the

year.

Set down the names of both, the first

you make, and alter the list as occasion may
require.
If you have an opportunity, talk with the several
members of the family. At a proper time charge upon them a
due regard to their eternal concerns, especially the tender
branches of the family. Proper addresses weekly or monthly
to the members of your own family will fit you for the regular
discharge of your duty on t!)is head.

children and servants.

pastoral visit

4. After 5^ou return make some memorandums how you

keep a catalogue of cases, disposed under diffe-

find things,

This book must be kept secret. Let no

one in the world see it
Make it unintelligable to every one
but yourselves. Let there be one catalogue of those who
appear unconverted, another of those under serious impressions,
another of those who seem of hopeful disposition,
another of those who are proper tobringinto communion, when
occasion oflTers ^ and another of those who have generally
3 P 2
rent particulars.


LECTURES ON PREACHING, &C.

iSS

acted very well, but in some instances need to be admonished

and censured. On your day of fasting and prayer which may
he about once a quarter, look over this book, and see what is
necessary to be done for the service of religion among your

people.
5. In your occasional visits call frequently upon persons
of groat importance in your congregation, especially if you
live near them ; but endeavour to proportion your visits not
merely to the external circumstances of the family, but to the

cppovti'uitics of usefulness.

Visit

frequently those under any

extraordinary affliction, and those in whose circumstances there

has been lately any peculiar change.
6. In

Give
This

your

al!

visits

take a great deal of notice of cliildren.

and little rewards for learning them.

matter for good discourse, and will engage
of children, which may be of importance to your

tJicni texts

to learn,

will often furnish

the afl'ections
future

and

life,

to a minister,
7. In

grave and

much

their eternal welfare.

who

all

your

serious';

Some children

will listen

regard a parent.

will not
visits,

remember

behave

to

though sometimes

like a minister,

pleasant, yet never too

Take

heed at entertainments, not

with any thing you eat or drink ;
1)0 pleased with all, but do not indulge too nice a palate.
Drop some serious hints, and take care, if you have a conveelevated with mirth.

to be very

much charmed

nient opportunity, to conclude with prayer.

and do not
8. Be very careful that you retire in time,
outstay the spirit of conversation ; nor spend so much of your
time in visiting as to lead people to supjjose, that your time

A loitering, idhng, tattling

Rather appear properlya contemptible cliaracter.
and let it not be mere alTectation. Every hour
full of business
will be well filled up if you attend strictly to the various duties

bangs heavy upon your hands

minister

is

of your ofHce.
9.

When

lionsc, be

several of your congregation meet at a private

amongst' them

if

and

convenient

partly with a view to

them with your company.

making conversation useof
have
opportunity
also
an
You may
ful. By all means spend some time in prayer before you separate.

regulate their hours,

to oblige

10. Engage your people sometimes to visit you ;-^and

always, on these occasions, entertain them with a prudent hosbut never alYcct grand entertainments. Set a part
pitality,
one day in the week to attend to those who wish to come to you


On

Lect. XXII.

upon

spiritual accounts,

and pray with them

489

Visiting the Sick.

Talk

at large.

seriously and tenderly to such,

Recommend

their

peculiar cases

most affectionate manner

to the divine regard in the

this will

have a tendency to make you experimental preachers.

LECT. XXII.
On

NDER this

1. ILJ
remarks.

liead

make a few preliminary

part of a minister's work
regard to some it is the only kind

would

You will remember that

With

very important.

is

Visiting the Sick.

you

first

this

ever be able to perform for them.

Perhaps
they may go into the presence of God with
a testimony against you. Sometimes you will have to visit
to
persons, who have been entirely regardless of rehgion,
whom you may prove of singular advantage. At other times
good men, and thc}^ may end life in a manner more comfortable,
and more honourable to religion, on account of it
or
if they live, they may make a better improvement of their future
moments. The discourses you have had with them in health,
which were at the time reviving cordials to their drooping spirits,
but let
will not be entirely without a relish on their sick beds
office
if

will

you neglect

it,

your purpose of visiting them; at these times,

more than when they were healthy, you ought to attend to them ;
remembering that when sorrow makes the heart droop, then a
good word makes it glad.
not

this relax

^ 2.

Remember

that visiting the sick

but

part of your work.

It is

is

a very difficult

not sufficient merely to put up a hearty

prayer to God
we ought to be concerned to make a
solemn preparation for the v/ork. Augustine wondered that
ministers should take such care to prepare their sermons, and
never take care what they should say to sick people.
;

3. You should not wait to be sent for; but when you

hear that any of your congregation are ill, take the first opportunity of visiting them
for diseases often take a quick turn.
Generally take the beginning of an afternoon for this purpose.
It will be proper to allot a certain portion of the day to
this work, if you are in a large congregation.
This will be like
laying aside a bag for charitable uses. Keep a catalogue of the
;

i>ick.

be

k Let your

visits

verj^ solicitous that

be

they

frequent, but not too long; and

may

turn to the best account.


LECTURES ON PREACHING, &C.

490

you go, consider seriously how you ought to

to be said and done;
and pray that God
would go with you. Remember how very difficult it is to do
good. And be sure to preserve a good conscience on these
5. Before

behave;

what

is

occasions,
6.

which

More

particular directions respecting the

visits to sick

manner

in

people are to be conducted.

7. First, I shall give you some hints relating to the

precautions to be taken, in order to know the case of the sick.
8. For this purpose

some use may be made of

others.

Consider yourselves and enquire of others public charac especially from those who are best acquainted with them,
and above from
persons; a pious parent, for
instance, concerning a
a master, concerning a
their

ter,

religious

all

child

ser-

vant, &c.
9. Be solicitous
selves ;
particularly if

lieve their state

is

for

proper information

from them-

you have reason upon the whole to bebad.

If you have only a general idea that

wrong, without having any great immoralities to charge

upon them, then be so nmch the more solicitous to gather
something from their own mouths, on which you may ground
a plain and awakening address. Send their relations, if ^-ou can
the}' are

conveniently, out of the room ; then ask the person seriously,

if he hath any thing particular to say to you with regard to the

pjiquire what his hopes are, and especially

on what foundation they are built. When you have asked him
a few questions on these heads leave him room to talk
perhaps he may freely and fully tell you his state.
state of his soul.

10. If he does not, ask him such questions as these.

grief and burden r
What have you done

In what view has Christ appeared to you

are your thoughts of the covenant of grace? Have you
kept up secret prayer Have you
the power of scripture
upon your heart Have you been concerned
give your
tlioughts and
God,
well as your external actions
Have you a struggle with the temjJtations of Satan,
and the corruptions of your own heart? Have
enquired
Has sin ever been your
to get rid of

it

^Vv'hat

felt

to

affections to

as

felt

3'ou

after the remedies of the particular distempers of

mind ? And

your own

you have understood them, have you

use them ? &c.

so far as

endeavoured to

11. Secondly, I would now offer a few remarks on the

advices to be given them, and discourse to be held with them.

Lect.

On

XXII.
1

Visiting the Sick,

2. If theii" sickness

temporal

affairs

may be

be

threatninr^,

needful

As

them,

make a

will.

Sometimes

some advice as to their

main business re-

but your

lates to their spiritual concerns.

as briefly as possible, to

491

this is of great

to temporal affairs, advise

by
how-

disposition of tliem

importance,

at others,

it is not.
If there be any suspicion of ill-gotten wealth or
property, urge them to an immediate restitution, as absolutely
and should they refuse, warn them of their danger
necessary
and pray for them
but in other respects show them but little
attention.
Be very cautious that you do not give the smallest
intimation that you wish to turn the will into such a channel as

ever,

may

be most for your own

interest.

legacies are designed, have as

little

When

you know

as possible to

that

do with the

will.

13. As to spiritual concerns, your advice must be regulated by the state and character of each individual ; there is
the bad, the dubious, and the comfortable.

and
Here

14. I. You Avill find some whose conduct is bad,

that are really in a state of condemnation and misery.

your duty

is

15.

1.

dangerous.

plain,

though the execution of

Labour

In doing

it

will

be

diflficult.

to convince such, that their case

this,

you are

to rest

is very
your arguments chiefly

on scripture, with their own representation of their case. If

you find that there is any one sin prevalent in their character,
rest your charge upon that.
If drunkards, liars, &c. bring such
texts as prove they will be shut out of heaven.
Represent the

aggravation of their
they have enjo3'ed.

sins, particularly

the religious advantages

Rather lament over, than upbraid such persons.

;
and probably they will not wish
to have any thing further to do with you.
16. 2.

Severity will produce hatred

17. 3. Be careful you do not drive them into despair,

especially M'hen you see that they begin to be awakened to a
While they appear unconcerned, urge
sense of their danger.

represent to them the wrath of God,

borrow images from present and
familiar things, such as the burning of a fever, the tossings
night,
of a
By these, endeavour to impress upon
them some idea of the excruciating and everlasting pains of
But, as have said before, do not drive them to despair but
as soon as you conceive they need consolation, exhibit to them
the riches of the mercy of God in
Repeat the most consolatory passages of scripture that you can
and
the most dreadful things,

as inexpressibly dreadful,
restless

3cc.

hell.

Christ.

recollect,

let


492

them

LECTURES ON PREACHING, kc.

clearly see that

to prevent then* ruin,

you have pouited out their danger, only

and lead them to the Saviour.

18. If you conceive that you discern something in them

that looks like genuine, evangelical repentance, be not too

ready to administer consolation, except as conditional ; there

is a great danger in authoritative absolution.
Tell them plainly
that if they do not vest their souls on Christ, there is no room
for hope.

Remind them of the treachery

that they
see to

of their own hearts,

maintain a due jealousy over themselves, and
sincerity before it be too late. Represent to them

may

tlieir

the pecuhar aggravation of their sins,

improvement of a
tions

religious education,

and temporal enjoyments.

After

particularly

the mis-

means of grace,
all,

perhaps,

afflic-

little will

be done, the first visit

but repeat it, and particularly as your
hearts charge you with past neglect of such unhappy creatures.
;

19.

You

II.

will

be called to

visit others,

whose charac-

ters are dubious.

1. Exhort such to a very diligent scrutiny into their
Point out the importance of their being acquainted with

20,

state

their case, and especially inculcate the doctrine of

pravity and the deceitfulness of the heart.

human de-

21. 2. Advise them to be willing to know the worst.

Tell them they cannot make their case better by shutting their
eyes, but on the contrary, it will be worse if they entertain
false hopes ;
and that a strict examination of themselves can

do them no harm,
injury, even

if

nor renewed acts of repentance be of any

they are real christians.

22. 3. Assist them in tliis work by particular representations of the religious dispositions, desires, fears, hopes and

good men. Go over again what Avas said to them,

while )ou were sounding their consciences ;and in proportion
to the dubiousness of their case, urge these things more

pursuits of

strongly.

23.
riously.

Give them your own judgment plainly and sewhen you pray with them, particularly
earnest petitions to God to lead them into the know-

4.

Remember,

to offer uj

ledge of themselves.
21. III. See Avhat should be done for them of
have a good hope.

whom you

25. 1. Endeavour not only to support them, but to raise

them toachearful, animated and thankful frame. If they are
afraid of death, pomt out to them the great promises of the

On

Lect. xXii.
eospel.

Endeavour

Visiting the Sick.

to raise in tiicm

493

admirinjr

and adoriu"-

thoughts of divine grace. Nothing can be more reasonabJe,

as well as scriprural, than that a christian should go out of the
world chearful, rising like a guest, satisfied with his provision,
and thankful to the master of the feast.
26. 2. Exhort them to bear an honourable testimony
to religion with their last breath, and to recommend it to all

who come

to see them, as a thing of the first importRUce.

Death-bed addresses have often been very useful.

27. 3.

Urge upon them the proper exercise of patience

and resignation

and that

thej^ carefully

avoid peevishness and

ill-nature.

28. I now come to say something about the

to /)ry with the sick.
29.

I.

Take

manner how

care that your praj'ers are not too long.

Never notice public

affairs, unless

christians of eminent characters.

interest nf Christ in the world

Good men have always a

when praying with dying

Rather enlarge on the general

and pray for a universal revival.

it, but even on this head

zeal for

be not too long.

Let your prayers be as serious and spiritual as
Lift up
to get yourself into a good frame.
your heart to God for the influences of his spirit. His teachings
will make this work pleasant to yourselves, and delightful to
real christians Avho may join with you.
30,

possible.

2.

Labour

31.

3.

When

the person seems to be in an unconverted

state, represent his case awfully before

God, and earnestly beg

Here 3'ou are to endeavour to

of him to have mercy on him.
*' save him with fear, plucking him out of the fire."
Pray that
God would give him a little more time, and that he may be

reprieved before the sentence of wrath be executed upon hmi.

This may awaken more than an express exhortation ; it may
A contrary method will tend to hardea
ulso impress ot'icrs.

those of the same character. Take care how you call them the
our brother or sister is rather more proper
servants of God
;

this, however, may have a bad eifcct,

on these occasions
and it is what we object to in the funeral service.
;

32. 4. When you pray with a dying christian, be much

in expressions of faith, and ascriptions of praise for him.
Acknowledge the favours God has bestowed. Praise him for

regenerating grace,
VOL. V.

communion

.3

in ordinances, sanctifying in-

0,


494

LECTURES ON PREACHING, &C.

fluenoes of his Spirit, promises of divine consolation in death,

transporting views of a glorious resurrection ; and for enabling

him

adorn religion in his life, and persevere to the end.

This must be so managed as not to appear like flattery.
Praise God for comforts received in confinement, for the serenity and peace with which he is enabled to look into an
eternal world, and for the hope, that though he dies to us,
he will live to God.
to

33. 5. Do not forget, on these occasions, to pray for

those of the faniilj'^ who may join with you, and particularly
that they may be prepared for the will of God, and that the

may be sanctified to
31-. Take the following

affliction

fit

them

hints

for sickness

by wsiy o(

and death.

appendij;.

1. Do
not neglect the directions here given, because
the illness does not seem dangerous. Such neglect, perhaps,

may

be attended with

fatal

consequences.

Act always on sup-

may

turn to good account.

habituate yourselves to these rules is of great importance.
position of the worst, and

it

To

35. 2. If the person recovers still follow him with your

serious exhortations.
Visit him in his recovery ; remind him

eternity appeared to

urge the vows of God

Pray with him, and remind him how
him in his affliction, and what thoughts

of former convictions and confessions,

which are upon him.

he had of another world.

36. 3. If it please God to remove the sick person, be
sure to visit the surviving relations; at least, two or three
times, with a view of leading them to a due improvement of

the providence
thus endeavour to co-operate with divine
providence, and you may, perhaps, find divine grace operate
with you ; under such circumstances they will be the more
;

ready to attend to your advice.

LECT. XXIII.
General Maxims for Conversation.
1. JtljNDEAVOUR to know mankind, and properly to
distinguish their characters.
Do not suspect all ; do not trust

Never put yourselves and your usefulness the

of any. Believe not every account of a character that
in

all.

is

especially if

it

comes from the

lips

power
given,

of an intimate friend, or a

General Maxims for Conversation.

Lect. xxiir.
enemy.

real

Observe

countenances and
emergencies.

your

sudden

every

behaviour,

495

of persons'
extraordinary

alteration

particularly

on

Never offer
2. Behave with constant modesty to all.
services in any of the duties of your functions upon

Nor,

on the contrary, obstinately refuse

requested.
Do not appear iiirrhly
satisfied, nor much displeased with your own performances ;
to find fault with them appears like inviting praise, and to
discover a good opinion of them will always be construed into
pride.
Do not therefore even make them the subject of conversation.
Boast not of the labour you bestowed on your
compositions, nor of the ease with which you dispatched them.
Do not repeat the substance of your discourses unsolicited.
Upon the whole, neither appear to hunt for reputation ; nor

public occasions.

your

services

to despise

when they are

it.

3. Treat every body with condescension and complaisance, but not with the same sort.
Remember that the rich
tradesman generally stands more upon ceremony than those

who are of the highest bu'th and most refined education

Frankness pleases country people, to whom formal bows are
very contemptible. Never depend upon merit without com-

As you

must at times refuse invitations, study to

most obliging manner. Be nearly upon a level
with 3^our company, and do not attempt to outshine them too
far.
Remember to send people away as well pleased with
themselves as you can without flattery, which is always to be
abhorred.
And for this purpose endeavour to think as well of
others as you reasonably can ; and be not too sharp-sighted to
plaisance

do

in the

it

discover faults, nor too severe in censuring them.

4. Preserve a character of strict fidelity.

And

for this

purpose be exact, but not confident in repeating facts. Take

heed not to talk too much. Promise little, and when you have
made promises, be punctual in performance ; rather do more
than you have promised than less, and sooner than later.
Take
heed of seeming to be every bodies' man. Never show so much
complaisance in one company as to be inconsistent with what

you show

in

another.

5. Have no quarrels, if possible, w'lthany ; but especially

with persons of eminent reputation, or of no reputation at all.
If you have received any injury, forgive it heartily and not

merely seem

to

do

it.

If

you remember
'3

it, let

it

be only to

LECTURES ON PREACHING, &C.

496

you cautious, and do such persons all the kindness you can.
When you have,
This is the best way of taking revenge
through negligence of heart, done any thing that may justly
offend another, frankly confess it and ask pardon. If you have
asserted any thing that you find to be a mistake, confess it, and
be thankful for better information.

iTiake

you

6. Affect not to pry into the circumstances of families,

business enough of your own, and be not forward to

li;i,ve

give directions to them in tiieir worldly alfairs ; but if you see

they are going to ruin, reprove them seriously at proper seasons.
Sometimes a plain serious address may save a famil}'.
Labour, on such occasions, to get such a knowledge of their
will enable you to give suitable counsel.
Be not
however too forward in giving it. When your people are
distressed, do all you can to comfort and assist them
keep
up your acquaintance with substantial persons by whose assis-

situation as

tance 3'ou

may be

a help to others.

7. Affer.t not a priestly authorit3\ If you fix with a

church of a congregational form, give them all the satisfaction
you reasonably can. Wean your people insensibly from an
excessive attachment to particular forms especiall}^ by expositions on detached portions of scripture.
When you speak to
the church as such, do it always with a mixture of tenderness
and respect. Remember Christ has given his ministers no power
over men's persons, possessions or judgment. All we have to
do is to advise and admonish. Remember what a disgrace it is
to quarrel with a society under your care,
and endeavour to
avoid whatever has the least tendency towards it.

8. Live above all appearance of worldly-mindedness

and not only the appearance but the thing itself. Be satisfied
and thankful for what you have, but do not make A great show

of plenty

especially before those of known generosity, or great

Manage your expences with frugality. Keep

an account of what you receive, and what you expend. Remember that a minister loses much of his respectability and
influence when he has the character of one who s{x?nds too fast,
unless it evidently appears tiiatit is owing to nothing but excess
of liberality and an excess even in that does not, on the whole,
Be sure, however, to lead the way, as far
raise his character.
All you have
as you prudently can, in all generous expences
and to him
is, in one way or another, to be devoted to God
you are to trust to provide for you and yours Do not attempt
to screw up your people to a subscription beyond their power ;
covetousness.

if

497

Rules of CoYKhict.

liECT. xxiT.

they do not give you what

is

necessary,

it is

a just cause for

removal.

way
9. Talk not of leaving your people, till you see your
If you are in a large
clear ; and after all be very cautious.
congregation, where you are beloved and Uiefal, and have the
conveniences of life in any moderate degree, the increase of
income, provided it be not absolutely necessary to your supNor is the
port, is a wretched reason for leaving a charge.
pleasantness of situation, or a desire to be nearer your relations
much to he regarded, if you have your health, The presence
of God and success in your labours, are the main things to be
attended to.
10. When differences arise, do your utmost to compose
Plead with each of the parties by themselves, but side
them.
Avoid arbitration, lest you m^e yournot hastily with either

some other person to arbiexpose yourself to censure, and your use-

selves enemies, and rather procure

trate the afLir, than

fulness to danger.

1 1 Be cautious in undertaking any thing, or of resolutely

pursuing what you have begun. vScatter some iiying reports of
a thing before you doit, that you may see what people think
of it.
.Stake not your reputation upon any thing you undertake.
Use proper instruments for things not very agreeable to the
church and congregation or neighbourhood, whenever it be
Leave room for aa
necessarv such things should be done.
honourable retreat, and appear not to be much impressed with
.

the disappointment.

Observe proper times for talking. Reprove very

and respectfully, when vou do it personallv. Let it
always be in secret. Sometimes vou may drop a hint, which
may give a person room to reprove himself, in mixed companies^
especially if you have reason to believe he is not aware you
know his faults. Have proper stories and passages from authors
for this purpose.
Sometimes lend books, and mark the most
remarkable passages.
12.

teoderl}-

LECT. XXIV.
Rules of Conduct iozeards those to who7n some Particular Care
and regard will be requisite.

1.

JI?

IRST,

Their business

to

Deacons, or those who stand in their place.

be to provide for the Lord's table, for yours,

will

LECTUkES ON PREACHING, &C.

49S

and foV the

if possible,

poor's.

Let

whom you

such persons be chosen to this office,

can entirely trust, and who are esteemed

and beloved

in their place.
Leave charitable cares to them,
and consult them before you propose any to communion. For
this purpose have a meeting with them at some private house
once a month, a little before the preparation da3%

2. Secondly, towards other persons of eminence in the

congregation, whether on account of ;ige, circumstances, oi*
character, discover a very tender regard.
The aged visit and
pray with. Bear to hear tlieir stories of what passed when they

were young, and if there be any remains of wisdom in them

you may profit much by their conversation. As to persons of
wealth, honour, and learning, do not idolize them; nor give
yourselves so

you

much

to their

compan}' as to neglect others,

yet

remember, that some peculiar honour

and attention are justly their due. Never forget that while the
will

common

do well

to

people are not to be despised, they are not to be too

Eioht or ten of tiie most substantial and intellimucii trusted.
gent persons in a congregation often turn the whole ; endeavour therefore not onh^ to secure the affection but the reverence of such. This can only be done by a prudent and steady
conduct, and by solid and strong sense, both in the pulpit and in
conversation.
Beware they do not think you a weak but well
meaning man.
As to persons of eminent piet}', discover a
great regard for them, be their circumstances what they may.
Talk often with them, and pray witli them. And those M'hom
God has favoured by peculiar visits of his grace and interpositions of his providence, honour, love, and serve with a peculiar zeal.
Who are we that we should slight those whom God
honours ?

3.

Discover a great concern for the Avelfare of youth.

Sometimes preach expressly to them. Present them useful

books.
Often address them in public, when the whole discourse
is not designed for them,
and often do it in private. When
you see them under convictions, labour to the utmost to fix
them, and when you are satisfied with their state, bring them
If any before
early into church fellowship and the communion.
or after communion get into bad company, warn them seriously,
Single out two or three hopeful
tenderly, and affectionately.
youths to watch over the rest.

When you
4. Have an especial regard to the afflicted.
receive notes to pray for any, keep them and when you return
;

home

look them over and

make memorandums

of their cases

On Behaviour

Lect. XXV.

to

499

other Ministers, Kc.

both to give them a place in your present devotions, and that

you may visit them. Mention their cases, in public prayer, with
but much more largely when with them
a prudent copiousness
in private.
Endeavour to assist afflicted persons in temporals
;

as well as in spirituals.

opposing those who have notions of

Bear with their zeal, be
example of candour and meekness. Seldom

Be moderate

5.

religion different

an

yourselves

to

in

yourselves.

run upon their notions in the pulpit directly. ^VI^en you do,
avoid every thing that looks like spleen against their persons.
Do your utmost to gain their affections by serving them to the
extent of your power.

To those Avho are disaffected to your person and mibe not sharp-sighted to see it; and when it is so plain
that it cannot be overlooked, if they are good men, talk over the
and endeavour to effect a reconciliation
affair mildly with them
and if that cannot be done, dismiss them with as
if possible
good a testimonial, as to their character, as their case Avill bear.
If they are vicious men, be still, till an opportunity of exposing and overbearing them at once offers.
6.

nistry,

When

any fall under censure, enquire diligently into

and then consider whether they should be admonished, suspended, or excommunicated.
Let suspension, however,
generally precede excommunication.
Let some person always
be sent to hear the excuses of the party accused. If they cannot clear up their reputation, propose the matter at a church
meeting
if the case be notoriously bad, pronounce sentence
at the table of the Lord with great solemnity.
Pray for such
persons seriously and affectionately, and make them one pastoral visit afterwards.
If thev repent after a proper time of
trial, restore them tenderly, but awfully; and let the confession
be public, if the offence has been so
Have a strict eye upon
them afterwards, and admonish them frequently if you perceive
them wavering or going astray.
7.

the fact

LECT. XXV.
On Behaviour to other

1.

\J/N

Ministers, and Miscellaneous Remarks in

the Conclusion.

this interesting subject I shall offer,

vations relative to your

own

brethren.

First,

Obser-

LECTURES ON PREACHING, &C.

500

Think as honoorably of
2. 1. Treat them with respect.
as you can, and speak well of their labours.

them

3.

2.

Avoid every thing that looks like sheep-stealing.

4.

3.

Assist

affairs.

in

them

much

as

as

you can

in their

temporal

For this purpose keep up a correspondence with people

good circumstances, and those who can inform you of lega-

cies,

&c.

5. 4. Employ the most popular of them in

especially those who are dearest to your people.

your absence,

Take heed how 6. 5. Encourage meetings of ministers,

ever they do not grow up into authoritative synods and that they
be not burdensome to the places where they are kept. Let the
entertainment be moderate, and da3's of fasting and prayer for
the success of the ministry be kept, wherever they are.

Encourage a society

7. 6.

for books.

^This may be of use

to 3'ou HTid 3'our brethren, and lead to frequent and profitable

interviews.

Have but few

8. 7.

be broken

be

let it

off,

intimate friends

If friendship

;^io not drop

civilly

it

must

abruptly, but

insensibly.

9.1

shall

now

give you, Secondly, some observations re-

lative to those of the establishment.

10, 1. Be very prudent in their

ture of things you cannot expect them
to

you

company
all

to

as in the na-

be sincere friends

as dissenters.

Do not
11. 2. Treat them on all occasions with respect.
enter into controversies with them, much less rail against the
establishment, either then or at any other time.
^12.

3.

Protest,

entious \n your dissent

be necessary, that you are consci-

if it

and appear ready to be informed on

any point of the controversy but having the chief reasons of
nonconformity at hand, do not fail to produce them if you are
;

forced to defend yourselves.

^ 13. 4.

Never join

witli

any of them who expose your

ti'eak brethren.

14. 5. When you meet with any truly pious, humble and
peaceable men in the establisliment, honour them, and be on
free and friendly terms with them if they wish it.

15. Thirdly,
16.

1.

Do

some observations

relative to lay preachers.

not contend with them, nor inveigh against

them
God has used man}'^
we must not tie him to oar

of

them

rules.

for excellent purposes,

and


Lkct.

On

xx\'.

Behaviour

to

other Ministers^

501

S(c,

17. 2. If tl)cre be any in the congregation over whom

the great jiead of the church may place you, avoid inliniate
friendship with them ^but let them be treated kindly. Do them

good and no
18. 3.

l)arm.

Endeavour to outdo them

in

what

is

good

in their

own way. Consider what makes them popular viz. Preaching

Christ

Let

Free

all

the

grace

Visiting Religious

be your care, for they are

19. Miscellaneous remarks.

and do not force providence.

didates with others.

all

conversation,

&.c.

your duty.

In your settlement follow

all means standing can-

Avoid by

Never go to any place baton a consider-

Keep your

old friends, and get new ones.

If a
few of reputation are uneasy do not accept a call
Go to a place
at first M-here you do not intend to spend your lives, if it mav be
the means of making you easy for a time, and place you in a
situation for usefulness and improvement.
Labour to keep your
people always in as good a humour as possible. If any thing
grieves or offends them, alter it if you can with a good conscience.
llemember, when a minister is despised his usefulness
is at an end, and no pulpit talents can support him Avithout prudence. In conversation be lively, but alwavs have some useful
hints, to shew that you are a christian and a man of sense.
Never be ashamed of religion, nor seem to hear a wicked jest when
you cannot reprove it. Consider j-ourselves as weak fallible
creatures
Be thankful for instructions Review former miscarriages for your caution, and earnestly seek wisdom of God to
direct all 3'our future steps.
Beware of tlie reputation of a great
politician
Let integrity and uprightness preserve you.
Head
over these rules once a year at least, and enrich them witij the
best remarks you can.

able majority

VOL. r.

LETTERS,

ADVERTISEMENT.

The following
of"

Letters to

StedmaN,

Letters were, for the most part, printed before, in a

and from Dr.

of Shrewsbury.

froin the author's

a complete

own hand

Doddridge,"
A few more
writing,

edition of his works.

are

Volume

published by the Rev. Mr.

now

printed for the

first

time

which appear well worth preserving

in

LETTERS.
LETTKR

I*.

To Mr, Hughes \.
Kibworlhf Dec. 21, 1721.

DEAR. SIR,

RECEIVED

both vour
them.

and bad set apart this afterfond heart wnuld easily have
dictated enoui^h to fill a sheet of paper; but Mr. Cope tells me
the roads are so bad that he must set out ahiiost immediately, if
lie intends to reach Duffield by to-morrow night.
I am obliged

noon

for answering;

letters,

My

much shorter than I intended, but I hope yoa

put no unkind construction upon it.
I am charmed with the profession you make of your friendship ; for I value it so highly that I can never think I have too
many assurances of it and yet I have not the least suspicion of
3'our sincerity.
I know the generosity of your temper, and I
perceive I love j'ou so well, that I can easily persuade myself,
that I have a share in your affection.
I know the last argument
is not logical, but I am so well satisfied with the conclusion,

therefore to be
will

I do not examine how I came by it; and especially as you

have furnished me with many better arguments.
I am extremely glad to hear that you are so well recovered
from the small pox. I could not but have a thousand tender
apprehensions for your safety, and return my thanks to that
kind providence, which by so seasonable an interposition hath
delivered you from so much danger, and still continued you to

that

FrtnTi the author's short

Ml'.

hand copy.
Hughes's father was a dis^eiuina: minister at Ware, in Hertfordshire,
and his jraVid- father, (Obadiaii Hughes,) was ejected from iits studentship in ChristChurch, Gxfurd, by the act of uniformitj', in 1662. I take him to have been related to John Hughes, Esq; author of the Siege of Damascus, and vvbu vvfota several
yapers

in

the Tatler, Spectator, and Guacdfaii'.


506

LETTERS.

be the joy of

friends, the glory of

3^0111*

your

famil}',

and orna-

ment of the church.

am

very

much

pleased to hear that your situation at Fin-

you have such a

companion as Mr. Cateri I am charmed with the character
you give me of that gentleman; and indeed when I heard of
the fineness of his imagination, and the strength of his judgment, the sweetness of his temper and character of his morals,
I should have said,
this gentleman is Mr. Hughes's friend,
though I had not been told so. How glad should I be to make
the third among you, and how agreeably does it flatter my
nature to think, that I have sometimes the- honour of being the
<lern

is

so agreeable; and particularly that

subject of 3^our discourse.

I never doubted but that when you came seriously to peruse
the inspired writingSy you would be sensible of the charms of

them

no man has a better relish for fine writing than yourhave lately been perusing Solomon's Song; and upon
the whole cannot but think it an incomparable composure, and
that the author was as much the noblest of poets, as the deepest
of philosophers and the wisest of kings. The sixth chapter is
not inferior to any of the rest of it, and I am particularly pleased with the tenth verse, *' Who is she that looketh forth as the
morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an
army with bannei's?" I never read these charming words but
with a double pleasure, when I remember the inimitable grace
with which I have heard you repeat them,
I have lately been reading Spratt's History, and the greatest
part of Sir William Temple's works ; and my sentiments of
them are entirely the same as yours and Mr. Cater's. I am now
perusing Scott's Christian Life, and 1 find so many new pleasures
in it, that I cannot forbear giving you the mortification of thanking you again for it.
I could add a great deal more of this nature, but Mr. Cope
frees you from any further trouble by calling upon me.
I conclude and subscribe myself
self.

for

Your

affectionate friend,

and obliged humble servant,

PHILIP DODDiilDGE.

507

LETTERS.

LETTER
To
DEAR

II*.

the same.

Jan. S, 17223.

SIR,

EXPECT to sec Dr. Latliamf or Mr. Ben3^on:{: to-morrow ;

and therefore answer your letter so soon. I can hardly prevail
with myself to condole with yon upon your misfortunes, since I
perceive that while only two or three particular persoi^s are
treating you unkindly, the rest of the world do ample justice to
your merit. I have heard of you again and again by several of
my acquaintance, who speak of j-ou as the ornament of Findern :
I am very glad to hear that N'our character is so well established,
and that those who go about to attack it are likeh^ to do themI think the Spectaselves more mischief than they can do you.
tor somewhere tells us that no music is so sweet to a man as his
onm praise : methinks he should have excepted the pleasure that
an honest and generous mind takes in hearing his friend commended. One thing I can confidently affirm, that though I
JL

passed the holy-days very pleasantly, at least some of them in

the company of a very agreeable lady, and you know I wa althe sex
yet nothing gave me so much
few minutes conversation with Mr. Benyon,

ways an admirer of
satisfaction, as a

when

the discourse turned

He

told

me among

upon you.

yourself master of the French language.

Jiear

it,

because

it

some

you were making

other things, that

will give

am

heartily glad to

you an opportunity of entertaining

Many of
very great genius, and were intimately acquainted with the ancients, those groat masters of eloquence and
poet!-}-.
Of all their dramatic poets, I have met with none that
I admire so much as Racine.
It is impossible not to be charmed with the pomp, elegance, and harmony of his language, as
"well as the majesty, tenderness, and propriet}^ of his sentiments.
Tlie whole is conducted with a wonderful mixture of grandeur

yourself witli

of the finest writers in the world.

thciji liad certainly

and

siniplicity,

which

sufficiently distinguish

him from the dul-

ness of some tragedians, and the bombast of others.

principal faults

is,

that the jingle of his double

quently offensive to the ear.

I lately

One

rhyme

of his

is

fre-

met with the Archbishop

* From the author's short hanrl copy.

f An eminent tutor, and th? author of a vohime of sermons on various subjects.
An ingenious youn^ ccentleman, son of Dr. Samuel Benyon, a celebrated
jiiinister and tutor at Shrewsbmy.
!];

BOS

LETTERS.

of Cambray's Reflections upon Eloquence, which I tliink one of

the most jodicious pieces I have ever seen.
There are some

end of

which well deserve your perusal.

I can idge
of theqti, very mucl> inferior to those of our EngUsh divines.
Bourdaloue's, though much regarded, appear to me little better

fine criticisms at the

As

tiian

good

it,

for the French sermons, they are, as far as

empty harangues. Chc.minais' arc many of them verybut I never met with any of ihem that are to be com-

pared with those of ^Ir. Superville, the Protestant divine at

Kottcrdam He cspeciahy excels in the beauty of his imagery,
(dcscrijjttons, and similes ; and some of the most pathetic expostulations I ever saw.
In s^hort, I believe he is perfectly to
ytmr taste ; only there is one thing which will displease you as
nuich as it did me, whirh is, that many of his arguments are
very inconclusive, though generally as good as high calvini&m
"will bear.
I hope you will not be displeased with the freedom
advising
in
3ou to entertain yourself with him and the
talvc,
}
other authors I have mentioned, as soon as they fail in your way.
And yet perhaps there may be something of vanity in this advice too. French is a language which I have been acquainted
v.'ith for many years, and you. Sir, htive just began to study it
and so I am willing to improve this short interval of superiority,
because I am sure, it will be but a little wlule before you excel
me in that, as much as you do in every thing else. I must not
zdd any thing more, but that I earnestly desire yon will take
cure that you do notnnpair your health, by rising so very early
in the morning, for I will assure you it is one of the dearest
things in the world to
:

Your

affectionate friend,

and obedient servant,

PHILIP

DODDRIDGE.

LETTER HI*
7o
DEAR

i/ie

Same.

Hinckley y 17223.

SIR,

ACKNOWLEDGE there

is a great deal of spirit in the turn

of ujy letter, tliough it be exwords
concluding
to
the
give
you
tremely diftcrent from the sense in which I meant them. You
t^II me, tliat I am a good preacher, but a very bad prophet,

* f yom

the autlior's short

hao'.i cc*i>y.

509

LETTERS.

Avill quickly understand French better than

very much obliged to you for giving me a character,
V'hich I should otherwise perhaps have been puzzled to make
out a title to but you must give me leave to say, that, in the
It is
latter part of your sentence, you hardly do me justice.
but I think I
true, I do not lay claim to the gift of prophecy
shall be very capable of supporting it, if all my predictions are

when
I do.

say that you

am

which concerns you. I assure you,

your
own account of it, which is expressthat though I judge by
ed in the most modest terms, you have already attained a much
better acquaintance with the French language than I can possibly pretend to.
It is true, I have had an opportunity of conversing with several French people, and so am not entirely a
but I assure you that I never
stranger to the pronunciation
read half the books that you mention. Indeed it shames me out
of my own negligence, when I consider the improvement you
as well

made out

as that

make, and the business you dispatch, while I am afraid I am not

improving my time to half so good purpose. Besides, the character that you give me of many of the writers that you mention, which I know is entirely to be depended upon, will engage
me to read them whenever they fall into my hands especially
Bouhoui^, Patron, Pelisson, and St. Evremond.
I do not know what character my friends may have given
you of my sermons; but I am sure if it be a very advantageous
one, it will be my most prudent w^ay to take care not to undefor if I may be admitted
ceive you, by preaching before you
to be any judge of my own performances, they will by no means
answer your expectations. They are all upon the plainest and
most practical subjects, and it is happy if they are at all calculated, as I am sure they were principally intended, to inform the
judgment and awaken the consciences of the lowest of the people, and to fix their resolution for a course of rational, steady
and undissembled piety. It is not because I despise the charms
of eloquence, &c. that I have entirely laid them aside. I know
that I am not at all master of them, and so choose rather not to
attempt them, than by an awkward imitation to darken the sub;

ject to the vulgar part of an audience, without approving myIn short, I am

self to the nicer judgment of the more polite.

grown very

familiar with the old puritans,

and consequently

am a great favourite with the old Avomen. Pray congratulate

me upon this good fortune, which is entirely beyond my expectation or

VOL. V.

my hope.
3

510

LETTERS.

But

after all,

you must not imagine

that I have entirely-

compositions; on the contrary, I assure

you, that I attended on Dr. Latham's sermon at Leicester, with
pleasure, and frequently with transport.
The most rational
and pathetical thous^hts were delivered with such elegance, pro-

lost all relish for finer

harmony of language,

as could not but charm even

was so entirely engaged, that I
had no room for reflections of any other natnre, except for this
one, " How much does Mr. Hughes admire Dr. Latham, and
how capable is Dr. Latham of relishing the performances of Mr.

priety and

stupidity itself;

Hugh es

my

attention

I"

You cannot imagine how much I miss your company at

Hinckley. IVIr. Cope and Mr.
left us at Christmas, as
you very well know. Mr. Some is not returned so that in
short I have not one person in the house that I have any intimate
acquaintance with. You know nature designed me for a social
animal, and I am sure you will pity my misfortune. I am forced
to converse with the dead, because I want agreeable company
among the living and it is happy that I can meet with entertaituncnt in the closet, when I can find none in the hall, the
parlour or the garden.
You enquire about Mr. Scott's poems. I only know in general, that he intends to print them by subscription; but what
;

is to be, or how the subscriptions are to be obtained,

have not yet heard. However, when I know, I will not fail to
inform you. I am very glad to hear that you are commencing
a familiarity with the muses, because you are very well qualified to be a favourite with them.
I assure you that I will give
j^ou my opinion of )'our performances Avith a great deal of freedom, if you will honour me so far as to make me a judge of
them. I pretty well know what I have to expect, and therefore
I long for a sight of them.
I am.

the price
I

Dear

Sir,

Yours, &c.

PHILIP DODDRIDGE.
P. S.

nours

me

My

most humble respects to Dr. Latham, if he horemember that he saw me at Leicester.

so far as to

LETTERS.

LETTER
To

DEAR

511

IV.

the same.

June 28, 1726, (Midnight.)

SIR,

RECEIVED

your last of the 23d instant, the morning

I own, I deserved a little of that sevewas written.
rity with which you there complain of me, for the circumstance of the note you referred to. To have two folio pages
with two lines, is indeed a \exy compendious, but not profitable commerce.
However, you must remember that I
then told you, I quickly intended you a great many more.
Here you see I have began then but when I shall end, I know
not.
I fear you are in danger of three pages, and then you will
be paid at the rate of more than two hundred per cent for I
have not been a quarter of a year in your debt. If you wonder
at so accurate a computation, you must recollect, that a few
months ago I had thoughts of matrimony, which naturally led
me into some speculations of management and ceconomy, which
had not been before very familiar to me.
As for yours of the 20th of April, I have read it over so often that I can say a good deal of it by heart.
I am exceedingly
You know that I am
obliged to you for your correspondence.
naturally of a social temper, and you contrive, in the abundance
of your humanity, not only to give me pleasure in perusing
your letters myself, but in entertaining my friends with the communication of them. I read the greatest part of them to several
persons of taste and politeness, with whom 1 am acquainted, and
they all seem to be charmed with them. Though they become
perfectly familiar to me, I always read them with new pleasure;
and am as much transported at the twentieth, as I was at the
first perusal of them.
A love for my friends makes me participate with them in that elegant entertainment which they must
receive from your writings; and my affection to you makes it
very delightful to me, to see those whom I particularly love and
value, forming such a generous idea of your genius and temBut perhaps
per, as your letters must necessarily produce.
after

it

from the pride of my

fancy people must needs entertain a very honourable
opinion of me, when they hear a man of so bright a wit, and so
amiable a character, addressing me with so much tenderness and
after all, this satisfaction, in part, arises

own

heart

respect.
3

S 2

512

LETTERS.

to my perusal: 1 immediately
seldom a day in which I do not read
two or three of his epistles. I had before heard several high encomiums upon him but nothing gave me so lively and so just an
idea of his excellencies as to observe the perfection to which
you had formed yourself by the study of him. Every letter of
3'ours is a panegyric upon Pliny, though j^ou do not mention
his name.
Let me intreat you to go on thus to recommend
him, and to increase the pleasure with which I always take him
into my hands
however, be suie, when 3'ou do, not so far to
exceed him, as to spoil my relish for him. At the rate you go
on, it seems highly possible that you may ; and if you do, you
rob me of one of the most elegant amusements of my life ; nor
can I imagine how you will be able to make me amends any
other way, than by the frequency of your own letters. I say
nothing of Henley's translation, which is lately fallen into my
hands, and which I often compare with the original. I can say
but little by way of commendation and I know it would not be
agreeable to the known candour of your temper to be severe
upon a man, who honestly intended to entertain the world, and
unveil the charms of your favourite author.
However if you
ivould know my sentiments ot this, and several other pieces
which I have lately read, I must refer you to a letter which I
lately sent to Mr. Clark, which will save me the trouble of writing over again, what I am afraid you will think it was hardly
vorth while to have written at all.
Your sentiments on the head o^ retirement are very agreeable to that modesty and gentleness of temper, which make a very
amiable part of your character. It is indeed an argument of the
greatness of your soul, that you can despise fame, and retire
with indifference out of the air of popular applause, when master of all the talents that may attract and command it.
But
after all, my friend, you must not think of passing through the
world like a subterraneous stream, as you beautifully express
it, or of spending your life in a hermitage in this learned and

You recommended Pliny

procured him, and there

is

',

polite luxury.

God

hath

endowed you with

capacities, which
So bright a lamp was
a sepulchre, but to be fixed on an

are not always to be buried in retirement.

not lighted up to consume in

eminence, where its rays may be diffused with public advantage, and conduct many through this gloomy desart to the regions of eternal glory. I hope therefore and believe, it is your
constant care to make all your studies subservient to the views
of such services. When Providence calls you to a more public
appearance, I hope you will be willing to quit your c^//, charm-

5ia

LETTERS.

ing as it is, that you may enter upon employments at least more
important, if not more delicate, than those which yon now purThis is a piece o^ self-denial ^ which duty recjuires us to
sue.
submit to and which will be acceptable to God in proportion
to our fondness for those elegancies, which we are contented to
interrupt and postpone, that we may attend to the advancement
know the applause of our
of his kinojdom and interest.
;

We

heavenly Master will be an abundant recompense for all the

pleasures we have given up for his sake and before we receive
that public remuneration, we shall find such entertainment in
the exercise of benevolence to our fellow-creatures, and the
hope of promoting their everlasting felicity, as we shall never
find in conversing with Virgil ox Tully^ Pliny or Addison, or
any of the favourite attendants of our solitude. Popularity ii
in itself a most contemptible thing; but in this view, it may
however you, my friend, need not be
justly appear desireable
solicitous about it ; do but appear in public and follow nature,
and it will flow in upon yon without further care. I cannot but
think, but that I may with the utmost propriety apply to you
what Pliny says to Canitiius RiifiiSy fL. i. Ep. 3.) In modo
;

enitere ut tibiipse sis tanti, quantivideberis aliis, si tibificeris.*

I

your

cannot but acknowledge, that

read with great pleasure

vou very emMr. Jennings's.

have often thought with

Reflections on that period of our existence, as

phatically call

it,

you

Avhich passed before

They are extremely agreeable

to

what

relation to both of us at that time.

It is

left

happy

for us that

we

see

our mistakes. Pereimt et imputantur, would be a melancholy

thought indeed, if divine grace had not awakened us to improve
some of our time like rational creatures and like christians; and
if we'did not hope by future diligence, in some measure, to recover what we have lost. I was talking with Mr. Some this
evening about our conduct then, and read him what you say of
it.
He heard it with great satisfaction, and remarked, that
*' the remembrance
of former negligence and mistakes is often
of considerable use throughout the remainder of life."
I have not yet seen Mr.
He will be very welcome
whenever he comes, but doubly so if he brings you with him.
If he does not make haste I may prevent him, for though I have
two congregations upon my hands, on account of Mr.
's
illness and absence, I hope to take a tour to St. Alban's, about
the beginning of September ; and believe me, that except it [)e
the pleasure of seeing so worthy a friend and so generous a be.

me,

Do

justice to those excellent talents

will certainly

do so

too.

you possess, and the

Mehnoth^- Translation,

\Yorld, believe

514

LETTERS.

nefactor as dear Mr. Clark, nothing

is so great an encourageundertake the journey, as the prospect of

spending a whole day with you at Childwick when I expect
most delightful entertainment from your collection of books
and letters, but above all from your company.
You desire an account of my studies. I may, perhaps,
some time or other, find an opportunity of laying open the
whole course of them to your censure and examination, but at
present have only left myself room to add that I am,

ment

me

to

to

Dear Sir,
Your most affectionate

PHILIP DODDRIDGE.
let

Pray give me another name than that you propose, and

me know what your polite correspondents call you. I will

not allow of Heraclitus.

letter is more than half as long again as yours.
thank you, that you were not curious in your writing,
because it furnishes me with an excuse for not transcribing this,
which I fear is hardly legible. Dr. Atterbury's translation of
the banishment of Cicero seems to me admirably well done.
The language is exceeding beautiful, and many of his translations from Tully are as graceful as the Latin.

N. B. This

I heartily

LETTER V
To Mr. Hughes^

on his

ill

*.

Success in the Lottery.

Nov. 30, 1726.

I Have

just been looking over the account which

Atticus gives

me

my

dear

of his misfortune in the late most disadvan-

tageous Lottery. I will not remind him how many more were
as unfortunate as himself, since tliat, to a man of his temper,
would be rather an aggravation than a relief of his affliction.
And yet your own Pliny says, that when he was in danger of
l)eing destroyed by that eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which
])roved so fatal to his learned uncle, Possevi gloriari,

cum omnibus, omnia mecuvi perire

misero, magtio

nisi

me

tmnenmor-

talitatis solatio credidissem, L. vi. E. 20. which is so odd a

saying for a man of his singular humanity, that I could not
However,
forbear mentioning it to ask your opinion of it.

my

good

friend, I offer
* From the

you no such miserable

author's short-haiiil copy.

consolation.

515

LETTERS.

No.

Were

adventure,

I to
T

speak of others as concerned in the same

would rather

susjgcst,

that

it

is

possible Provi-

dence may have ordered the JV/ieel so, that while 3^ou seem to
be neglected, other persons, of a like worthy character, but
It is posin more necessitous circumstances, may be relieved.
drawing
a
Blank,
some
your
sible, that in consequence of
from
ruin
or
preserved
perhaps
been
have
may
honest family
Providence directed the Prize, which had otherwise been yours,
to some unthankful creature, who had ever hitherto been insensible of all its bounty, but is awakened by so apparent an
interposition in his favour, to know and adore its munificence,
and so is engaged to consecrate, not only his new acquisition,
but all his former possessions, to the honour of God and the
benefit of mankind.
If this should be the case, the world
would receive greater advantage from his success, than it could
have done from yours, as you would have only been possessed
of the riches of the mind, in la3Mng in a considerable stock of
wisdom and knowledge, which this opportunity would have
afforded you, and have laid out but little more than the value
of 3-our Prize in works of generosity and charity. Not to say
that this happy Adventurer, on this supposition, has gained the
pleasure of a virtuous life, and a happy immortality, by this
little damage which you have sustained.
You imagine, that your loss is a misfortune to your
Profriends. But perhaps it is upon the whole a happiness.
vidence might know, that / in particular, had not attained to
such a strength of virtue, as to be able to bear such an accession to my fortune, as would have been the consequence of
your getting one of the golden numbers ; and so may have
assigned them to others, whose friends are more fit to receive
the advantage of them, or otherwise are not the objects of so
tender a care= We ought not only to be contented but thank:

ful for this.

I may more certamly add, that with relation to your own
personal concernment, your Heavenly Father, in his abundant
wisdom and goodness, meant you kindly by such a disappointment. Perhaps he saw, that so tender and so complaisant a
temper was not sufficiently prepared to withstand the temptaand that you might have grown
tions of a plentiful fortune
too fond of the world, which had opened so many new charms
for your enterta:inment, and have been less mindful of that
glorious end, which you are advancing towards, in so pleasant
a way.
Ob, who knows that the way would in fact have been
;

more

pleasant to

you

.''

More

external ornaments of

life

you,

515

lETTERS.

vould certainly have had, but not therefore certainly more

inward content. Providence, no doubt, intends by this dispensation, to teach you to moderate your expectations, to submit
to disappointments, to contract your regards for this world,
and transfer them to the glories of a future state, and the
durahle riches which )"ou will then possess and if this divine
temper be improved in your mind, by the loss of a few pounds,
believe me, my dear Atticus, it will contribute more to promote the happiness of life, than the gain of so many hundreds
;

or thousands with the injury of such a temper.

Perhaps you

me, Avhat

1 verily believe, that noyou, as that you are de^

\>nvcd o^ the pleasure of doing good with what you have lost,
or expected to have gained.
But I need not tell you, that in
all our acts of benevolence we ought not so much to regard the
present indulgence of natural temper, as the approbation of
God and the reward of a future state. Now God sees all the
secret generosity of your soul, your tender compassion for
those that are in misery, your hearty desire of relieving them,

thing in

tl)is

will tell

affair is so afflictive

to

good to commuthem those seasonable supplies, which are not in the

power of your own hand to give and he has particularly been
acquainted with all the generous projects yoQ had formed for
the public good, on supposition of the success of your late
adventure. Now you know, that he does as graciously ap3'our affectionate prayers to the fountain of

nicate to

prove you, and will as bountifully reward you, for this honest
and liberal sentiment and intention, as he would have done
for the actual execution of them, if he had given you an
opportunity for it.
And as such a generosity of soul, acting in proportion to
present circumstances, is equally agreeable to God, and will
p.-'oduce as gracious an harvest in a future state, so it is attended
with some considerable degree of the same satisfaction at present.
You may now perhaps give a shilling with as true overflowing
of soul, and almost as much joy too, as you could give a guinea
For as we are much imif you were twenty times as rich.
pressed by present objects, the satisfaction which we find in the
performance of a generous action towards any determinate
person, seems to be proportional to that degree of pleasure

which

w(;

imagine he

will find in receiving the benefit.

Now

a virtuous and generous Beneficiary rejoices in the

favour that is done to him, not merely according to the value
of the favour abstractedly considered, but according to the de-

gree of moral beauty which

is

to

be found in the act gf con-

LETTERS.

517

it
and this is in a great measure to be estimated by the
Thereconsideration of the circumstances of the benefactor.
fore a man may receive a shilHncj from you now, with ahiiost

ferrlng

much pleasure as he could

you twenty times as rich and
as

pound of you, were

you may in this re-

receive a
therefore

Q. E. D.
have been a little too abstruse in my reasoning
upon this head, but I think there is some meaning at the bottom, and my assertion is confirmed by my own experience;
for I have found as exquisite pleasure in receiving some little
services from my friends, when attended with circumstances of
generosity and endearment, as I ever did in any of greater
importance. And it seems to be the thought of Solomon, when
he says, The desire of a man is his kindness.
After what I have said with relation to your loss, I must
spect bestow as much.

Perhaps

tell

you

that

am

heartily glad

you are

so

much more

success-

ful in the far nobler pursuit of learning and virtue.

much
left

to say as to other particulars, but

myself room to add, that

you

see

I have
have but just

am

Your most

afTectionate

HORTENSIUS.

LETTER

VI*.

On breaking her Arm by a fall from a Horse,

To Miss

DEAR MADAM,

HAVE just

November

received the melancholy news of your Fall, and

the sad consequences with which

W. who

\%y 1121.

me

it

has been attended.

Mrs.

unwelcome information, adds, that,

thoughyou are on the mending hand, you still continue very ill.
I cannot set myself to any other business till I have taken a few
minutes to tell you how sensibly I sympathize with you in
your sorrows. As my obligations to your excellent family are
gives

this

very great, I cannot but have an undissembled aifection for

has
every member of it, and I am sure dear Miss
always had her full share in my heart ; as indeed, who could
forbear to admire and love so much piety and good sense, when
set off by the ornaments of a beautiful form, and a most engaging temper ? I know too, that my friendship for you was both
* From the

VOL.

V.

author's short-haiid copy.

LETTERS.

518

sincere and tender, but I was never fully apprized of its degree
till since it pleased God to visit 3'ou with that affliction, which

now

heavy upon you, and gives you the justest title

and much more of friends. But
alas
how vain is the compassion of human friends in a case
like yours
and indeed in any case
when it is left to itself,
it can only sit down and weep over calamities which it knows
not how to relieve. I do therefore, Madam, most importunately
recommend you to the compassion of that God, who can easily
raise you out of all 3'our troubles, and can make your affliction
the means of your happiness. How happy should I esteem
myself, if I might be in any degree a worker together with him,
towards promoting so excellent a service as your spiritual improvement by this afflictive providence. Permit me, Madam,
humbly to attempt it, and hastily to mention a few hints of a seHous nature, which I imagine peculiarly suitable to your present
lies

so

to the compassion of strangers,

!

circumstances.
It

may seem no

wise unsuitable to the occasion of

writing, to urge that submission

to

the divine will which

my

becomes

But this is, no doubt, the matand discourse with you

the known
piety of your general character and the remarkable meekness
and sweetness of your temper make it less necessary for me to
insist upon it.
I am fully persuaded, Madam, that you do not
allow yourself to murmur and repine against the Lord who smiteth
3"ou. But pardon me if I ask, whether you be not too ready to forget
your obligations to love and praise ? I look upon it as one of the
greatest defects in the character of good people and as the founus under every chastisement.

ter of frequent reflection

dation of many more visible irregularities, that they delight in

God no

more, and that they praise him no more.

Too much

work neglected m the midst of health, prosperity,

but when affliction comes, and especially
and chearfulness
when it comes in so terrible a form as this which has lately visited yon, a Christian is ready to imagine, that it is enough to
be quiet and resigned, and that he is fairly excused from such
delightful exercises of soul, which seem unsuitable to so gloom}'^
But let us learn to correct so unreasonable a thought,
a season
and surely a little reflection might teach us to correct it.
With regard to your present circumstances you. Madam,
are exercised by the anguish of a broken bone, which may proisthisexcellent

bably exceed the imagination of those; who have not known it

by fatal experience ; but is it not just foundation of joy and
of praise, that your life is still prolonged to you ? It is true,
your behaviour, so far as I have had the opportunity of observ-

LETTERS.

519

has been such as could not deserve so much as the tenbut you will humbly acknowledge,
;
what no human creature can deny, that an omniscient and a
holy God has seen many offences in a life which to men has
appeared most unexceptionable and most amiable. And you
are not to learn, that the smallest violation of his sacred law

ing

it,

derest reproof of a friend

expose us to all the miseries of a future state. And

not matter of praise that you are yet in the land of the
living, and within the reach of pardon and of hope ? Nay, 1 do
verily believe, that through divine grace, you are already in
a state of reconciliation and favour with God, and in the way

may justly

is

it

and when you think of the glory

;
and think of your own interest in it,
surely your heart might overflow with thankfulness and joy,
though your present agonies were muitipHed upon you.
These, Madam, are noble resources of consolation, w hichshould
not be forgotten in your most painful moments that God is
your Father, Christ your Saviour, and heaven your eternal
to everlasting happiness

that shall be revealed,

inheritance.

But

mercy

in

you

farther, -when

pensation,

you

it,

and

attentively survey the present dis-

will certainly find, that there

all

that mixture of

mercy

is,

is

in a

a mixture of
proportionable

but had
degree, matter of praise. You have broken your arm
not mercy interposed, you would not have survived to have
been sensible of it. A very small alteration in the circumstances
:

You are
fatal to your life.
and wearisome nights are appointed to you ; but does not an indulgent Providence surround
you with comforts, which mollify your sense of that distress ? I
need not insist upon those instances which so grateful a heart
cannot overlook. You recollect the piety and tenderness of
your excellent parents you observe the respect and affection
of many other agreeable and valuable friends: you review that
affluence of worldly possessions which, through the divine goodness, is flowing in upon you, and furnishes you with the most
judicious advice, the most proper remedies and the most agreeable accommodations and entertainments, which your present
circumstances can require and admit. And in the force of these
united considerations, you own, that it is reasonable even now
of your

made

fall

might have made

it

to possess days of anguish,

to praise the Lord,

and

who

vastly overbalances

But what
not only that

if I

it is

is

daily loading

your

affliction

should proceed

your duty

to praise

3T

you with

his benefits,

with mercies.

and maintain,

still

farther

God

for his other mercies,

520

LETTERS.

thongh he has afflicted yon, but to praise him for this afflictiof^
as a mercy ; I should say no more than the scripture warrants,
M'hen it exhorts us " in everv thing to give thanks," and tells
us that " all things shall work together for good to them that
love

God."
know, Madam, and

persuade myself, you seriously conthe soul are vastly more valuable
than those of the body. Now it is certain, that such a calamity
as this may be the means of great improvement and advantage
It may wean your heart from the world, and fix
to your soul.
it may make you a more lively
it upon God more than before
and zealous christian, and by consequence, more happy and useful in life and more glorious throughout all the ages of eternity.
And if it has a tendency to promote so exalted an end, you
have certainly reason to bless God for it, thongh it be attended
with some trying circumstances ; as you Avould approve and be
thankful for the setting of a broken bone, though it were, a very
painful operation, since it was so subservient, and indeed so
necessary to the pleasure and usefulness of life.
As all afflictions have, 1)3' the divine blessing, a tendency
to lead the mind into come serious HeHections, so every particidar trial has its own peculiar advantage, which it is proper
for us to study while we are under the pressure of it.
I

sider,

that the interests of

That

may

give

my

dear and excellent friend all the

some heads of religious contemthoughts, as peculiarly proper to

assistance I can, I will mention

plation which occur to

my

dwell upon while we are actually in pain. And if it please

God to impress them deeply upon your mind, you will find,
Madam, that it will be worth your while to have borne the smart
of an

affliction,

which

may

prove so

instructive

and

so

beneficial.
1

It is

now

peculiarly proper to think,

how

insupportably

dreadful must the agonies of Hell be ! If one drop of the divine

displeasure, or one stroke uhich he inflicts in love to his child,

be sufficient to throw us into so much distress, what must it be

fall into the hands of God, as an irreconcilable enetu}'-, and
to stand the shock of that horrible tempest which he shall pour
out upon the finally impenitent ? If it be so difficult to bear
the disorder of one single limb, where other circumstances
around us are just as we could wish them, and the tenderest
friends are doing their utmost to ease and delight. us under our
sorrows, Avhat must it be to dwell for ever in that region of
horror, where every member of the body and every faculty of
the soul shall be the seat of torment, and every surrounding

to

LETTERS.

521

and circumstance conspire to aggravate and inflame it ?

O my soul from so dreadful a condemnation abhor
the thought of any thing which would expose thee to it ; and
adore the riches of redeeming love, by which thou art delivered
from going down to the pit."
p.erson

"

Fly,

2.

may
so

Another very proper reflection

in

our painful hours

how rich was the love of Jesus Christ, who would bear
much pain for our salvation !
" Do 1 find it, you will say, so diflScult a matter to bear
be,

up under my present anguish, though only one member of my

body suffers, what then did my Saviour feel, when he was expiring under the agonies of the cross
what was it to have the
tenderest parts of his body pierced with thorns and with nails,
and to be stretched out upon the cross, as on a rack, till almost
!

every joint was out

the

common

of its place (which you linow. Madam, was

pain of crucifixion ;) besides all that more into-

lerable torment

which he bore from the immediate hand of his

Father, which threw him into a bloody sweat, Avhen no human
agony was near him
Little,
my Redeemer little ran I
I

conjecture of the bitterness of thine agonies from the pain

now

but since that Avhich I now feel is so acute and so

grievous, let me take a few moments from my sorrows and my
groans to admire and celebrate thy incqpceivable love, which
bore the sorrow which was infinitely more dreadful."
feel

3.

When we

feel ourselves in pain,

to reflect on the great

us so

mercy of God

it

is

peculiarly proper

in having

formerly given

much ease.
" How many have been continued

in life while surrounded

with iniuiuierable calamities and accidents, which might not
only have been painful, but mortal to me and in all this year
how many days, how many weeks have there been in which
I have enjoyed uisinterrupted ease ; or rather, how few hours
and moments have there been in which I have felt even the
;

slightest pain ? If God has changed the dispensation of his providence towards me, I feel the value of that mercy which I was
so insensible of.
Let me now praise him for what I formerly
enjoj^ed, but undervalued ; since it might probably be the
design of this present affliction to rebuke my former insensibdity, and recover that tribute of praise which I had neglected
immediately to pay."
4. When we feel pain taking hold of us, we may reflect,
how much reason we ha>ve to "pity the fains and the sorrows

of others^

522

LETTERS.

*' I have too often been

forgetful of them when absent,
and have been too negligent in praying for them, though perhaps their case has been attended with very lamentable circumstances. Now I know, by my own experience, a part of
what they feel, and perhaps no more than a part. Let me,
after the example of my Redeemer, learn by my own sufferings
to sympathize with my Brethren in theirs
and let me impart
such compassion to them as I would now desire from those
that are around me."
5. When we are under pain of body, it is proper to reflect,
how vain is every thing in this ivorldj and how infinitely preferable an interest in the divine favour.
One such day as many of those have been which you have
;

lately passed,

may

serve instead of a thousand rational argu-

ments to convince you of this. How has the accident of a

minute impaired your relish for those entertainments, which
before were exceedingly agreeable to you
Those things, in
Avhich the greater part of mankind place their supreme happiness, are little or nothing in these afflictive moments.
The
delicacy of food, the ornaments of dress, nay even the conversation of friends, are not now what you thought them a few
days ago. But you find, Madam, that jour God is still the
same ; and the thoughts of your interest in him grows more
and more delightful, in proportion to that degree in which the
charms of created objects fade and disappear. Yet, when your
health and strength are completely restored, as I pray they
may speedily be, created vanity may grow charming again
and tempt your heart t^o a forgetfulness of God. But then I
hope, Madam, vou will recollect the view in which they appeared in the days of weakness and of pain and the more
carefully vou attend to that view now, the more likely w^ill vou
be to recollect it with advantage
C. In your present aiHif:tion, it is peculiarly proper to
think of that hea-eenlij world, which is, as I verily believe, the
great object of your hope, and, through grace, your eternal
!

inheritance.
All the storms and tempests of life should force us into that

And I am persuaded our views of heaven would

be more affecting, if we were to consider it as a place, where
Ave shall be free, not only from all trouble in general, but from
that particular trouble which at present lies heavy upon us, and
therefore is apprehended in all its aggravations.
It is proper,
under such an affliction as this, to reflect on the New Jerusalem there shall be no more pain. *' O my soul dwell upon
blessed harbour.

523

LETTEP.S,

the thought, and in that view breathe after

the expectation of it."

it,

and rejoice

in

If these thoughts, Madam, which appear so proper in your

present circumstances be seriously attended to and pursued,
you will soon see the advantage of them. Your heart, which
is already so pious and excellent, will come like gold out of a

finnace of fire, purified seven times ; and upon the whole, you
will reap such happy fruits, both for time and eternity, from
these sad calamitous events, that you will no longer have room
to question, whether it be the proper object of praise.
I am surprised to see, that before I was aware, my letter

But I find, Madam, in this, as in

is swelled into a sermon.
other instances, that it is easy to speak out of the abundance
of the heart ; which I am sure I always do, when I give vent to
any sentiments of friendship towards you. There is a plainness
and freedom in what I have written, which to some other permight think it necessary to excuse, but I will not make
to you, for I am sure you have so much good
sense as to see, and so much candour as to believe, that this
freedom proceeds only from that inexpressible respect and
tenderness with which I am,

sons, I

any apology

Dear Madam,
Your most

aflfectionate

And most humble servant,

PHILIP DODDRIDGE.

LETTER
To

VII*.

young Lady, preparing for a Voyage

to

the Indies.

Northampton, Feb. 14, 1729

Madam,

30,

HOUGH

I have not the happiness of a personal acJL

quaintance with you, your good mother informed me at large
of your character and circumstances ; and it is by her desire
that I use a freedom in addressing you which would not otherYou will easily
Avise be pardonable in one who is a stranger.
imagine that your concerns lie with a very great weight upon
her mind. She is tenderly solicitous, that whithersoever you
go, the gracious presence of a heavenly Parent, and a pious

sense of duty to him,

may

* FrQU

always accompany you.

the author's short hand copj^

And

as

524

LETTERS.

she knows you must resign

son;ie

of those religious advantages,

which you have long enjoyed, she has been urgent with me to
put something into your hand which may be reviewed whenever
you please, and wliich by the divine blessing may be useful to
you, as being peculiarl}' suited to your present circumstances.

On my part. Madam,

undertake the task with a great deal

of chearfulness ; not onlj^to obhge her, who is my valuable friend,

but with some encouraging hopes that it may be serviceable

And I will freely own, that I enter into the case with
to you.
something of a peculiar tenderness, as it relates to a Lady in
the bloom of life, of an agreeable person and a promising character.
I have had a great many anxious thoughts about you
since your Mother and I talked of yon, v/hich we have frequently done so that you and your affairs are grown very
familiar to my mind, and I begin to enter into them with some;

thins; of the affection of a

I

hope

this

concern

Brother.

may

sufficiently justify a plainness,

.which in such a case, becomes almost unavoidable ; and I persuade myself, Madam^ that when you consider it as proceeding
from such a principle, you will not be offended
though I
tell you that I almost tremble to think of the variety of dangers
I am young myself, yet
to which you are going to be exposed.
I have ah-eady learnt by too frequent experience, that in the
;

we naturally delude ourselves M'ith pleasing

our eyes bn what is most delightful in a distant
prospect, but either entirely overlook what is dangerous and
threatening, or at most bestow but a transient glance upon it.
You think, no doubt, with a great deal of pleasure, of seeing a
morning of
dreams we
;

life

fix

new objects in a fine country, vastly different from

our own ; especially in meeting a brother whom you have
never yet seen,* but who has expressed the tenderest regard for
you at so remote a distance.
You are charmed with the prospect of m.eeting him in a place where he knows not any superior,
of sharing with him in his plenty and magnificence, and being
treated by all about you with the respect due to a governor's
sister.
I own there is something very splendid and striking
such a view and I heartily congratulate you upon it. But l^t
variety of

me

intreat you.

Madam,

you may never reach

so

many

voyage

entertainments.

* Prpbaljly he
infancy.

it,

how

possible

is

to

it is,

that

be the scene of

There are unknown hazards

in the

and it is possible that before you have dissome unexpectedevent may happen to put a

to ^he Indies

patched half of

to consider

the country which

vveut to India before the

youn^

Lailjr

was born,

or duvinj her

LETTERS.
period to

tliese

525

hopes and to your life. Or, if you readied

dangers will attend you there, and dangers

it is certain that

which will be so much the greater as you are the less sensible
of them. I know that many of our foreign Governors live in a
kind of princely grandeur and magnificence, so that you really
need almost as much wisdom and goodness as if you were
going to court. You will see a great deal of vanit)'- and pomp,
and no doubt a great deal of luxury too, if not in the governor
himself, of whom I hear a very respectable character, 3'et at
You will hear a great deal of flatleast in some of his retinue.
tery, the shame of our sex, and the ruin of yours, and the
dangers, which conceal the sharpest and the most fatal stings,
are those which will accost you with the softest airs and the
On the other hand. Madam, it is
most smiling countenance.
very uncertain what advantages of a religious nature you will
enjoy, to counterbalance these ensnaring circumstances.
Yet
I think I may venture to say, that whitliersoever you go, M'ere
it in your own country, and much more in a foreign land, it
is at least a thousand to one that you exchange for the Morse,
when you quit the ministry of Mr. Jennings, with whose excellent character I am well acquainted, and in whose pulpit you
have probably seen me, if you have seen me at all.

When I consider these things, I am very solicitous with

regard to the end of them
and will plainly confess, I cannot
but think, that, humanly speaking, there is a great deal of reason to fear lest this lovely flower, which is now opening with so
much beauty and fragrancy, should be blasted by toowarma sun
and wither in that luxurious soil to which it will be transplanted.
;

Or,

in plainer

sion of a

terms,

I fear,

what God forbid, that the impreswear off from your mind

religious education will

and the vain allurements of an ensnaring world will possess

themselves of your heart, till by insensible degrees your virtue
may be endangered, and 5'our soul ruined. I say not these
things, Madam, to dissuade you from the voyage ; no, it is not
in my power to do it, and if it were, I should not by any means
attempt it. But I represent the case in all its dangerous circumstances, so far as I apprehend them, that you may be
awakened to a proper care in providing agamst them. And
here it is evident, thatyour only security is in the protection and

God, who has ail the seasons and elements

command, and who by his secret, but powerful in-

friendship of that

under

his

fluence on the mind, can preserve

and brighten
VOL, V,

it

by

ail its trials.

it

in the midst of temptation

526

LETTERS,

And thcrefoie my first advice is, that before yoa begin

important and doubtful voyage, you set yourself repeatedly
to examine into the state of 3'our soul, with regard to God and
eternity.
It would be doing you a great deal of Avrong to
suppose you are ignorant of the state in which the gospel
found us, and of that into which it is intended to bring us.
You know the original claim of God upon us, and how far the
most innocent and virtuous of us hath been from answering it
You know something of the fatal
exactly in all its extent.
consequences which would have attended that revolt, had God
treated us with rigorous severit}' ; though none knows them
You are acquainted with the gracious
in their full terror.
method he has taken of recovering us by a Redeemer from the
ruin of the apostacy and the way in which the invaluable blessings of the everlasting covenant are now offered to our acceptLet it be your immediate and diligent enquiry, whether
ance.
fallen in with this merciful proposal, and have resolutehave
you
ly and entirely devoted yourself to God with an humble dependance on the merits of his Son for your acceptance, and
the assistance of his good Spirit to form you to a holy temper
and animate you to the zealous discharge of all the duties he
If you have not yet entered yourself into this
requires of vou.
dubious whether you have done it or no, let
are
or
covenant,
this

be your immediate care now to do it M'ith the most serious

consideration and entire consent, as knowing it to be absolutely
necessary for your security and happiness in the safest and
it

most chearing circumstances of

life,

and much more

in

such as

your
would hope you have,
permit me humbly to advise you, if you have a convenient
opportunity, to confirm it in the most .solemn manner at the table
There conimit 3'our life and your hopes to his
of the Lord.
Open your heart to the influences of his
providential care.
vow a determinate resolution that you will
publicly
and
grace
yon will be constantly and eternally his
that
Lord's
the
be

1 have

now

described.

If

you have

conscience on the favourable side, as

the testimony of

and

that in the strength of his Spirit,

neither

life

nor death shall

separate you from him.

When
all

once

done, you are happily armed against

and the prospects of death in whatappear. Your soul may be calm in the

this

is

the uncertainties of

life,

ever form it may

midst of the tempest ; when thunders roll, and lightnings dart
from above, and the waves arc foaming and the seas roaring
when the hearts of the most experienced mariner
around you
and the most courageous commander are dismayed, you.
;

LETTERS,

527

Madam, wtth all the tenderness of your age and se?r, may sit
down with a sweet trunquihty, as the charge and fa^ onrite of
him, who has universal nature under his controu!
you may
say in the triumphant words of the Psalmist, '* God is my
;

refuge and my strength, a very present help in every time of

trouble.
Therefore will I not fear in the midst of confusion ;
though the sea roar and be troubled, so that the mountains shake
with the swelling thereof: the Lord of hosts is with us, the God
of Jacob is my refuge." Or, should the dreadful moment of
shipwreck come, while ungodly wretches are meeting the first
death with unknown agony, as apprehending that it will transmit them to all the terrors of the second, you may smile with a
Iioly transport, when you see the rays of heavenly glor}^ shooting
through the gloomy passage ; and, as Mr. Howe beautifully
expresses it, may " embrace that friendly wave which, M'hile
you intended
On the other
, should land you in heaven."
hand, should Providence, according to my most affectionate
wishes and repeated prayers, conduct you in safety to your intended harbour, on this supposition of your early and sincere
devotedness to God, you will be secure in the midst of temptation ; not indeed in the strength of your own virtue, but in the
watchful care of that good Shepherd, who tenderly carries tiie
lambs of the flock in his bosom every thing splendid and pleasing which you will meet with at
, instead of alienating
:

your heart from God, may be a means of raising it to him. All

the advantages of your circumstances may be improved to the
noblest purposes and you may appear in that conspicuous station, as raised by Providence to display the charms of j'our character and to recommend religion to others
as it never appears
in a more amiable light than when practised by those who are
;

entering on life, and are surrounded with the allurements of

plenty and greatness.

And

Madam,

is what I would have you propose to

indeed be happy for you and for your dearest
friends, if you continue safe in the midst of so many dangers.
Bat methinks you ought not to rest here. I hope God will in-

yourself.

this,

It Avill

you with a glorious ambition of adorning your profession

by the lustre of uncommon virtue, and being eminently honourable and useful in life. For your assistance in this noble
attempt, I will presume so far on your patience as to offer you
some more particular advices, submitting them to your deliberate reflection, that you may judge how far they are neces-

spire

sary or important.

3U2

LETTERS.

523

As God
so

is

the support of the wliole world of his Creatures,

believe, all,

who

are experimentally acquainted with reli-

gion, will readily allow, that proper and constant regards to

God

I would
all the other branches of it.
exhort you to the most diligent care in maintaining those regards.
Let no day pass without some humble

are the support of

therefore,

Madam,

and aflectionate

visits to

the throne of grace.

you go, you are

Re")oice to think,

a province of that
universal empire over which he presides ; and as he is capable
of being your best friend, remember, I intreat you, that neither
duty nor prudence will permit you to neglect him. Let secret
prayer and reading the scriptures always be attended to with
and fix it as a maxim in your mind, that howgreat diligence
ever the outward form maybe gone through, these duties are in
effect neglected, if they are not seriously and heartily performed.
Thankfully improve all those public advantages, which,
when you arrive at the factor}', you may enjoy for the good of
your soul. I would be much concerned, that you may not go
that whithersoever

still

in

abroad with an entire contempt for all religious opportunities

which are not just such as you could wish. I'hough a form be
probabij' less suited to your taste as Avell as mine, than the
prayers we have been accustomed to, yet divine influences may
make it very refreshing. I doubt not, but many pious souls in
the established church, have daily converses with God in the
heartily rejoice in the thought.)

ofEces of it (and

doctrines of

you

it,

will not find

much

And

as for the

to complain of.

The

how

I hope Prothese things will be handled.

vidence will so order it, that you may have the assistance of a

main doubt

is,

clergyman, who will not only be careful to speak the words of

truth and soberness, but will throughout the whole of his ministration and conversation be animated by a deep and livel}' sense
of religion, an ardent zeal for the honour of God, and a tender
concern for the salvation of souls. But if it should happen otherwise, endeavour to make the best of what you hear, and carry a
few good books with you, which, by the blessing of God, may in
part

make up

for the Avant of

more

suitable public assistances.

You may

then have an opportunity of hearing, as it were, some

of the best of our preachers almost every da}', and may be se-

cure of meeting with some of the most valuable of their discourses.

I would on this occasion, recommend to you the three
volumes of Dr. Watts's Sermons, his Discourses on the Love of
God, his Hymns, Psalms, and Lyric Poems, Dr. Evans's
Christian Temper, in two volumes, and his Sermons to Young

529

LETTERS.

People, Stenneti's Reasonableness of early Piety, and I bad

almost said, above all tlie rest, Dr. Wright's Treatise on Rege^
I sec not well how
neration, and of the Deceitfulness of Sin,

any of these can be spared and I shall desire you to accept of

the two last, bound together, as a small testimony of my sincere
Above all, madam, I would most earnestly intreat
friendship.
you to make the scriptures very familiar to you. It is by these
that the young may cleanse their way, and in the morning of
life be formed upon maxims of the truest and the most important
wisdom. DavicTs Psalms, Solomon's Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes,
and the whole New Testament, are the parts of Scripture which
and would intreat you to read
I would especially recommend
them, not ui an hasty and cursory manner, but with deep reflection and earnest prayer to God for the assistance of his
Spirit in the study of them ; and on such a perusal, I am confident, you will find a spirit, a beauty and a glory in them
This
be^^ond what the generality of the w^orld apprehend.
guide alone is incomparably preferable tx) all the books and the
Follow it steadily, and it will
friends upon earth without it.
lead you to heaven.
As to your behaviour to your fellow-creatures, the direcIn the most imtions of scripture will be highly serviceable.
portant article, your great care, madam, must be to accommodate the general precepts of it to your own particular circumstances of life, and you must beg that God would give you
wisdom to do it.
You cannot but know, that a young lady is exposed to a
variety of temptations peculiar to her age and sex, especially
in the company of gentlemen, whose professions and conditions
of life ma}' not incline them to the greatest decency and sobriety
of behaviour; and it will require great prudence on your part
;

to

manage

well here.

I Avould

not injure so

fair

a character

by

insinuating the most distant caution against any thing that

Your

infamously bad.

is

principal difficulty will be in keeping

many accounts inconvenient, though rejected with the greatest resolution

and resentment. And here, madam, I would by no means advise you to put on an air of severity in the conversation of men,
as if you were apprehensive of some criminal design in all they
said or did.
Such a behaviour is so far from being ornamental,
that I will frankly confess, it appears to me not only groundless
yourself free from those importunities which are on

and ridiculous, but supercilious

how

to describe

chearful freedom

it,
j

too.

Yet there

is, if

one knew

a kind of reserve mixed with the most

that gaiety

which strikes an awe on the licen-

:;

LETTERS.

530

and inspires a reverence even for the most gentle

would make a man bUish at the secfet conscious-

tious beholder,

charmer.

It

ness of the least irregular thought Avith regard to so excellent,

I had almost said, so sacred a creature.

the delicacy of

my

subject has

made me a

am
little

afraid,

madam,

obscure

but I

fancy on reflection, you will find something of a meaning in it:

and I imagine it to be much the same with that, which is much
better expressed in the following epigram, which may probably
be the more agreeable to 3'ou, as it is to me, for being the production of a lady about your own age. I had it from a person
of quality, and am told that copies are but in few hands.
While

thirst

of praise, and fond desire of fame,

every woman's aim ;

With courtship pleas'd, of silly torture proud.
Fond of a train, and happy in a croud
While vain coquets affect to be pursu'd.
And think they 're honest if not grossly lewd
On every fool bestowing some kind glance.

Tn every age

is

Each conquest owing

to

some

loose

advance

maxim be my virtue's guide.

In part to blame she is who has been tri'd
He comes too near, who comes to be deni'd.
Let

this sage

would be a very easy matter to insist copiously on these

and to add many others which would not be foreign to the
case before us.
But my letter is grown already to a very uncommon size ; and I fear, that if I should go on to enlarge it,
the review will be a burdensome task. What is still omitted, if
I judge right of your character, your own good sense will in a
great measure supply, under the directions of God*s word and
It

hints,

And let me only intreat you, often

your conduct and consider your ways; for I am
confident, that the generality of mankind who are undone for
time and eternity, perish, not so much for want of knowing
what is right, as through a failure of resolution in the pursuit of
it, which is very much owing to the neglect of thought and

the influences of his Spirit.

to reflect on

reflection.
I add nothing farther but my hearty prayer, which I shall
frequently repeat, that a watchful Providence may continually

surround you, and give the winds and the seas a charge concerning you
that the influences of his grace may secure you
from all the temptations with which God is calling you to encoun;

and may make of you a lovely example of all the virtues

and graces of Christianity; that after a safe, honourable and
prosperous visit to the Indies, you may be restored to your
ter

LETTERS,

531

native land in peace, with a rich increase both of temporal and,

spiritual blessings ; so that upon the whole your present and

may exceed all that we can

upon your account. I am,
Dear Madam,
Your affectionate friend,
and obedient humble

future happiness
or pray for

particularly wish

servant,

PHILIP DODDRIDGE.
P. S. If Providence continue my life till your return, it
be
a very great pleasure to me to see you either here or at
will
London, and to join with you in returning thanks for those divine favours to which I have been so frequently recommending

you

in the sincerity of

my

heart.

LETTER
To a young Gentlemany on

his

VIII.

Recovery

from

a dangerous

Illness.

DEAR

SIR,

T.HOUGH

1740.

have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance

it not improbable, that you may have learnt
my name from your excellent parents, who honour me with
their friendship in a degree far beyond what I could ever pretend
to have deserved.
They early informed me of your illness, and
recommended you to my earnest and affectionate prayers ; which,
I will assure you, dear Sir, you have had, and shall continue to
have a share in them. God has been gracious to us, and heard
our prayers. He has brought you back from the borders of the
grave, when you had received the sentence of death in yourself.
And now, my dear friend, for so methinks I have a kind of hereditary right to call you, give me leave seriously to remind
you of the goodness of God in this respect, and to call upon you
I doubt not, but in
in his name to a proper improvement of it.
the intervals of your disorder, you had some solemn thoughts of
death and eternity. I doubt not, but you cried to God, and
formed some purposes for his service. But I know how ready
our treacherous hearts are to forget such deliverances, and to
forget those vows of God that are upon us ; and therefore let
me with all simplicity and plainness, though at the same time
with the sincerest respect, renew the admonition a# in the name
with you,

think

532
of

my

LETTERS.
great Lord and Master,

graciously in inclining

me

would hope, means you

you upon this occasion.
examine your heart and ways,

-vvho, I

to Avrite to

I would beseech you seriously to

and to ask yourself before God, *' What if the fever had finished
its work, and brought me down to the dust of death, and my
spirit had returned to God who gave it, how would it have been
received by him ?" You are descended from the most gracioHs
pair that I think I ever knew.
But they cannot convey grace to
you. Even from them, excellent as they are, you derive a
corrupt nature. Ask your own heart then, " Have I been ever
earnest with God for renewing grace ?
Have I ever pleaded
with him in prayer, that I might experience that change which
the gospel requires, without which no man can enter into the
kingdom of heaven ?" These are matters of infinite importance; which must lie at the root of all our hopes of heaven, or
those hopes will prove like a spider's web. 1 beseech you therefore, dear Sir, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by all
your prospects in the eternal world, that you take these things
under your attentive consideration. I hope you have thought
of them. I would fain persuade myself to believe, you are experimentally acquainted with them. But I would court you to
apply your heart to them more and more. I know. Sir, that, in
your circumstances of life, innumerable temptations will surround you and it is a good thing, in order to be fortified against
them all, that the heart be established with grace. You have all
the encouragement you can desire to attempt the work of serious religion, and that betimes for it must be done immediately,
or perhaps it may not be done at all, probably it will not.
You
have a gracious God to go to, who is not willing that any should
;

perish, but that all should come to repentance.

You have a
most compassionate lledeemer, who shed his blood for the salvation of perishing sinners ; and I humbly hope for your salvation.
The Spirit of God has conquered hearts much harder than
yours can be, even supposing you are now in an unrenewed
state.
You are the seed of God's servants you were early devoted to God in baptism you have a large stock of prayers laid
up in the presence of God for you. I do really apprehend, even
:

the covenant of God with believing parents bears a favourable

and though I dare not say, nor
aspect upon their children
for I fear fact lies strongly
think, that it secures their salvation
:

we

against such a presumption, as

children of

Abraham, yet there

for such to seek the

God

strives peculiarly with

is

are sure

of their fathers.

them and
;

it

did even in the

some peculiar encouragement

that

believe the spirit

when they seek it, it is more

LETTERS.

533

immediately and more fully communicated to them than generally to others.

And

sure

am, that those early instructions

they have received, have often a blessed resurrection in their

hearts, even after they have been long forgotten ; and the seed,
to have perished, often brings forth fruit in abundance. And therefore, dear Sir, thank God and take courage.
In his name and strength, set out in your heavenly pilgrimage,
with the word of God in your hand and heart and with your
and be
e3-es to the Spirit of God, as your guide and strength
assured, there are many who will bid you good speed in the

which seemed

name

am

of the Lord, and will rejoice to assist

you

in

your course.

God may

at length
with more immediate and renewed opportunities of
In the mean time be assured, that I most cordiserving you*.
Be assured, my
ally love you, though personally unknown.
heart overflows Avith a true concern for your welfare ; that I
pour out my soul before God in prayer on your account ; and
I

not without hope, that our gracious

favour

me

that to hear of your health and happiness, and, above

your soul prospers,

will yield

me

unutterable delight

all,

for

that
I

am

not merely in form, but with the utmost sincerity and tenderness
of heart,
Dear Sir,

Your most

faithful

and affectionate friend,

And humble servant,

PHILIP DODDRIDGE.

LETTER

IX.

To Sir J
DEAR

SIR J

f.

Northampton, Dec.

8, 1742.

P,

ERMIT me frankly to speak my mind to you on a head,

on which I fear to be silent, lest I should fail in a branch of
duty and gratitude to a gentleman to whom I think myself
obliged, and whom I would gladly serve to the best of my little
ability.
Be not angry, when I tell you, I was heartily grieved
* He afterwards became the Doctor's pupil.
f He had

manner, prophane or
by persons of rank and fortune, and had the happy art of
complimenting them upon some good quality they possessed, while he reproved
their irregularities j and by this means prevented their shewing any resentment.
resolution to reprove in a gentle, but effectual

licentious words spoken

Life, p. 263.

VOL.

V.

531

LETTERS.

tlie liberties yon took last night in usinpr the venerable namo
of the F.ver Blessed Gocl in so light a manner ; and in the need-

at

which you made to him, as to things which Avonld

have been believed on much less evidence than the word of
Sir J
I have not heard so mtich of that kind of lan<;uase,
except when pas^iing by people of low education in the streets,
for some years
whether it be owing to the complaisance with
which gentlemen commonly treat our profession, or, as I rather
hope, to a sense of what is in itself reasonable and decent.
I am sure, Sir, that your knowledge of men and things is
capable of making conversation pleasant and improving, and of
fiihng up vour full share in it without these dreadful expletives;
for dreadful I must call them, when considered in a view to
that strict account wliich must so certainly and so quickly
be rendered up to God for all our words as well as our actions.
I was the more solicitous. Sir, to mention the affair to you in
consideration of vour office as a Magistrate
the dignitv of
which must certainly be most effectually supported by avoiding
Avhatever it might require vou to punish in others. In this view,
Sir, pern)it me to entreat you to join your efforts with those of
all other wise and good men to discountenance, and, if possible,
to drive out of the world this unprofitable enormity of swearing
in common conversation ; concerning the evil of which, I am
sure it is not necessary to enlarge, when addressing myself to
a gentleman of your good understanding.
I conclude, Sir, with my most affectionate good wishes
and prayers for you, that the whole of your conduct in ev^ry
circumstance of life, may be such as will yield the most pleasing reflections in the awful hour of death, and the most comfortable account before the divine tribunal to which we are
hastening and in the serious views of which, I have presumed
to give vou this trouble, hoping you will esteem it, as it undoubted iy is, a proof that I am with great sincerity,

less api^eals

Honoured Sir,
Your most faithful

And

obedient humble servant,

PHILIP

DODDRIDGE

*.

* After liavinjr written this letter, tlie Doctor made the folloiving; remark,
" I thought it jnore respectful to write to Sir J
on this occasion, than to speak to
him belore the company but it is a law I lay down to myself to do the one or the
other, le.it I should seem too iiidin'ereut to the honour of God, and the good of my

friends,

and the world about them."

^35

LETTERS.

LETTER
To

MY DEAR

the Rev

X.

Dr. Wood, of Norwich.

Northampton, Oct.

FRIEND,

IS,

1748.

OUR

Letters, wise and good and kind, as they were cordial

il
indeed and felt as sucli, had perhaps remained some weeks
longer unanswered, if another had not reached me by the iiist
post, on such an occasion as would admit of no delay ; but

you have adjusted the matter, necessarily

me quite ashamed of it.
am, you would pity me, if you knew what I am

Avhich, tenderly as

upbraids

mv

Yet sure

former silence, and makes

Indeed I spend so much time with my

pen in my hand that I am astonished at my own health, which
was never better, excepting a pain in my right hand, which
grasping the pen so much has occasioned and by which I sometimes fear lest any tendon be strained, or perhaps contracted
yet, I thank God, it seldom affects any motion but that which
seems to have produced it. Only my good fnend, remember
this when I seem ungrateful to so much goodness as yours ;
which I really think, frequent and constant as my addresses to
the throne of grace for you are, and tenderly as my heart interests itself in all the concerns of your health, usei'ulness and
comfort, I do not and cannot, by any means, suitabl}'^ repay.
ISJow I have begun, I could write to you all day and fill
a great many sheets, were I to indulge my own inclinations
but as I know I have but a few minutes to write in, I must use
them to the most material purpose that I can. But I caiinot come
to the important and affecting occasion and subject of your last,
till I have cougratulated you and your good lady on your recovery and the re-establishment of your health to such a degree
in which I adore that God, who hears prayers, for his comTenderly did 1 wait every
passion to me and to his church.
circumstance of information, during the time of your dangerous
illness
and one war or another, so kindly did Providence
order it, I had more frequent intelligence relating to you, than
I doubt not but
I ever had in double that time before or since.
your resolutions for the service of GckI, your Deliverer and
your Saviour, are renewed and I rejoice in the support he
gave you and the njercy he has wrought out for you,
methinks as if my life and soul were in the place of yours.

necessitated to write.

3X2

33G

LETTERS.

But I will now, lest I leave not myself room to do if,

condole with you and your friends at Woodbridge, on the
Death of that worthy and excellent servant of Christ, your
Uncle. Mr. Barker had informed mc of the affecting Providence
by Mr. Ashworth, from whom I received the news of it near a
week ago, and had desired me to advise the people to a suitable

if I could.
Truly, I think Mr. K
a very suitable
they have no objection to a Baxterian Calvinist (which,
by the way, I think a very proper expression) and I believe,
they would find tlie good effects of his excellent gifts, for they
are distinguished
and that the seriousness and sweetness of

minister

one,

if

temper, and prudence of his conduct, would make them

very happy. I must profess to you, that I find it extremely
difficult to direct vacant churches, in the moderately calvinistihis

way (as most that apply to me are) to suitable ministers.

And I have hardly ever known the time when it was more dif-

cal

have no pupil to send out till Midsummer, and then

spare our lives, to furnish the churches with
several excellent persons.
The most probable means I can
think of to direct you which way to look, in subordination to
that upward prospect which 1 know you, dear Sir, have your
eyes ever upon, is to mention two or three pious, sensible and,
in the main, popular men, whom narrow circumstances force
from their present situation, and to leave you to correspond
with any of them as you may think fit for either of the places
in question.
The first of these I think you know, Mr. Wilkinson, now at Deal, if a wife and three children, with little but
a place to depend upon, be no objection. He is an admirable
preacher, and a most lovely man.
My neighbour, Mr. Gainsborough, of Newport-Pagnel, will leave his people he is a
worthy man, but low spirited, and seems to have some objections against Suffolk
but whether equally against all parts of
it, I know not.
Mr. Affleck, whom I formerly mentioned, is very
much esteemed in Holland, where he is now supplying, during
good Mr. Longueville's absence and he is certainly both in
prayer and preaching, in my judgment, uncommonly excellent;
and his temper and character remarkably good.
But, as I
formerly told you, he is a Scotchman ; though really in his
pronunciation much mended. He is a calvinist, but of great
moderation, exemplary humility, zeal and activity for the glory
of Christ and salvation of souls. This is all the information
I can give you that I think material, and I leave you to advise
our friends at Woodbridge and Wrenthara as you judge most
ficult.

hope,

if

God

convenient.

537

LETTERS.
Let

me now

conclude with our united and most affectionate

services to 3^ourself and ladv, not forgettin^^

my

other friends

Norwich and in your former neighbourhood. I must not,

by any means, omit to beg j'our prayers for Mrs. Doddridge,
who expects to be confined in a short time. You know what
a good wife is, and she is one of the best, and rises in value
every year. I am,

at

Your

affectionate friend
P.

and brother,

DODDRIDGE.

P. S. Fain would I, if possible, end my Family Expositor

with the third vohime of which I rejoice, if you and my other
friends are pleased.
Truly I spared no pains to make it worthy
their acceptance.
I continue daily going on with the remaining

Books of the New Testament, and am now in Jude

so that I
hope to end the first copy, from which, if I should be removed,
the work might be printed, by the end of December but I have
;

carried the notes no farther than Ephesians, being intent on the

paraphrase, version, and improvements, as

edification,

what

to general

seemed most material.

LETTER XL
To

the

same.

Northampton

May

2y 1119,

TAKE off my

pen from a Sermon which I am preparing

it should be out of season,
to write to my dear friend Mr. Wood a Letter, wliich must in
every respect be unsatisfactory to him and to myself, both with
regard to its length and the particulars it will contain. I applied
to Mr. C
with all the earnestness any
in favour of Mr. F
but had the mortification to hear by
of his friends could wish
the last post from that gentleman, that the place which I was
soliciting was disposed of before Mr. T
died.
I beg you
would assure good Mr. F
with my most cordial salutations,
for the press as fast as I can, lest

I should have rejoiced in an opportunity of serving his

grandson
and that I am extremely glad to hear he deserves so
very good a character from such a person as Mr. Wood, whose
recommendation weighs with me as much as that of any person
I could name.
jMuch am 1 troubled to tell you. that at last, after much

that

53S

LETTERS.

'

I am obliged to determine not to.

Nortblk friends this year, though they are
justly so peculiarly dearto me. I intended to have come, I longed
for the journey, and rejoiced in the prospect, but various important considerations forbid it, and oblige me to defer it one
year
but I hope, if God spare our lives, nothing will then
prevent it. I have lost my assistant. I expect company in the
vacation.
I have a manuscript of Dr.
Watts's, which will
require great care to pre})are for the press. When I was absent
last summer, a Moravian teacher crept in and has made a sad
breach among us, and erected a little congregation, consisting
chiefly of those who were members with us, and once among
those who seemed most cordially affected towards me, some
of them aged and experienced christians. It is now a crisis
among us. God seems bringing in many to supply the place of
It appears to me that my ministry at home was
the seceders.
never more necessary. I am very desirous of finishing my notes
on the New Testament, that if I should die quickh'', an event
which entire as my health now is, I accustom myself to expect,
But indeed by me it
the world may lose as little as possible*

deliberation with myself,

attempt seeing

m}'^

can, (fondly as your friendship magnifies the little creature,)

lose no great matter at any event.
Oh, that I could unbosom

my

but already am I called to lecture

broken moment that remains ? That
every line vou write to me increases my love, and, when you
shew not how very much 5'^ou over-rate my importance, increases
my esteem. I think with horror of the character and case of
the poor wretch that is gone, and should rejoice to hear that
he died awakened and trembling. Such notions of faith, and
of an abrogated conversion, if I may so call it, lost in years of
folly and wickedness, seem to me full as mischievous as that of
popisl) indulgencies, and both spring from the same fountain,
a

little

what

of

heart to

you

shall I say in the

and are abetted by the same supporters,

mean

the great ene-

mies of our salvation. My wife joins her services to all, for she
knows them all by name, and several of them by valuable tokens
Excuse this sad
of friendship, indeed I may say all of them.
scrawl, which the dampness of the paper, just sent me in, alMr. Lincolne mav expect to hear from me
most obliterates.
soon, in the mean time please to tell him, his son goes on and
sets

out well.

But

Oli, the labourers arc very,

Farewell, mj^ dear friend.

Your ever

very

few.

am

and brother,
and greatly obliged humble servant,

affectionate friend

P.

DODDRIDGE.

lETTERS.

53^

LETTER XII.
To

MY DEAR

the same.

FRIEND,

Northampton, Feb, 27, 1749

5Q,

Y.OUR

former letter bad so much prepared me to hear of

the death of that worth)^ and useful servant of Christ, Mr.
Saunders, that your last, uhir.h brought me the melancholy
news did not at all surprise me ; though it could not but tenI have lost a friend who was mindful of me
derh'^ affect me.
but God will remember his prayers ami yours:
and perhaps, I owe the pleasant manner in which I am now
going on, and the visible blessing which, unworthv' as I am,
does indeed attend me in my congregation and writings, my
academy and family, in part to the prayers of those whom
death has long since separated from me, as well as of those my
dear friends whom a kind Providence continues, and particularly and singularly, lam persuaded, to 3-ours, Ma}- those petitions
which I am so frequently repeating for you, be as graciously
regarded, as I trust they will, by the God of all mercy ; for
though I am less worthy of being heard, you are much more
>vorthy of being remembered

in his prayers

mv

take

humane

mv

part with

dear friend

the pleasure

in

his

heart must find in being the messenger of agreeable

tidings to the distressed, or in seeing the appearances or openings

of Providence in their favour, and it will always be a delight

to me to be in any degree the instrument of giving him such a
satisfaction.

I shall

not

fail

to inform Miss Ekins,

* when

* This excellent Lady, daughter of Thomas Ekins, Esq. of Chesteron-theWater, in Northamptonshire, was Dr. Doddiidge's ward: she afterwards married
tiie Rev. Dr. James Stonhouse ; and died December !Oth, 1188.
The foUowi^jg
inscription on her monument, erected in the Hot- Wells Chapel, near BrisLol^ wj:!^"
ten by Iier friend Miss Hannah More, does but speak her exemplary virtues.

Come, Resignation

wipe the human Tear

iDomentic Anguish drops o'er Virtue's Bier;

Bid

selfish

Sorrow hush the fond Complaint,

Nor from the God she

Tmth, Meekness,

lov'd detain the Saint.

Patience, honoui'd Sliade

And

holy Hope, and Charity divine

Tho'

these thy forfeit

were thine.

Being could not save,

Thy FaUh subdu'd the Terrors of the Grave.

Oh if thy Iking Excellence could teach,
!

Death has a loftier Emphasis of Speech

In Death tliy last, best Lesson still impart,
4'id write, PREPARE TO DIE, on every Heart.
:

HANNAH

AlORj^.

LETTERS.

5 iO

manner

was received by her

power every friendPray that she
1}^ and every generous disposition in her mind.
may be guarded from the snares which her tender age, lively
temper and plentiful fortune may concur to expose her to.
I fear my zeal to serve your neighbourhood, at your request, has transported me too far.
Immediately on receiving
yours about a month ago, I wrote to engage Mr. Laugher, of
Stamford, un ingenious, serious, acceptable and worthy youth,
once my pupil, and I think moveable, to make you a visit.
He has accepted the proposal, and will wait on you for your
directions about the middle of next week, if God prosper his
journey, and he will be where you please to order him, for three
following Sundays. If Denton have not young Mr. Saunders
in view, and dare venture on so young a man as Mr. Laugher,
who will be ripening among them, I hope he might be of service
You might depend on iiis regard for 3-our counsels, but
there.
I fancy, one way or other, his journey may answer some good
end as being acquainted with him you may have your eye
upon him in future vacancies as one whom I would wish removed
from the little handful of people, among whom his good abilities
are almost lost, to a station of more extensive sei-vice.
I commit him and you to divine guidance.
If he be agreeable, he
inay perhaps return soon after the time you mention, or if he
cannot, I may send you another supply, and will endeavour to
do so when you desire it. Oh, how pleasant is it to assist such
a cause and such a friend i I was never better, but never busier,
yet see what a long letter I have scribbled, but it is to dear Mr.
Wood, who has a right to a thousand times more acknowledgments than he can ever receive from his ever atTectionate, faitljful and obliged,
P. DODDRIDGE.

write, of the

in

which her

letter

cousin, and to cultivate to the utmost of my

P. S.

Have you

I shall

order

Ophiomacheson your recommendation.

seen Bower's excellent History of the Popes

LETTER

XIII.

To

MV VERY DEAR

W HEN

AugUSt 25, 1750.

FRIEND,

quitted

you with

so

much tender

regret, after

having received so many engaging favours, and spent so many

delightful hours with you, I retained a secret hope, that I should

LETTERS.

541

have renewed the converse in such an imperfect

pen and paper would have allowed ine to do it but
the coniinued hurry of every day and hour that I spent in and
about London, gave me no opportunity of doinGf it, in a manner
Of my
that would have been in any degree satisfactory to me.
safe arrival hither, 1 knew Miss Ekins -would inform you, and
what I wrote on the outside of her letter in short hand, would
Tliat I
just acquaint you with my getting well to London.
esteem you as one of the worthiest men upon earth and one of
the most able and faithful of ministers in t' e present age that I
look on your excellent lady as one of the wisest and best of her
sex, and number you both among the tenderest, mos^engaginaf
and de[igliti\d friends, I think you already are as sure of, as any
words of mine can make you and you must be sure, that we
liave a deep and lasting sense of the numberless obligations you
heaped upon us at Norwich, and wherever else we had your
company, unless we are, what I think we never shall or can be,
lost to all sense of friendship and gratitude.
I was desirous, when I did write, to fill up at least a page
or two and to give you some little intelligence as to the state in
which I found things in London, and the probable success of the
schemes, which you knew I was forming. Now here in the gelong ere

manner

this,

as

neral,

am to

tell

you,

that, according to 3'our repeated prayers,

when I was with you, and, I doubt

not, since I

was separated from

hath been upon me for good, and

whithersoever 1 have gone, I have prospered. You may remember, that there were three atfairs of a public nature whicii
were the objects of my particular solicitude. The procuring a

you, the hand of

third tutor for

my God

my academy the

for academical education

service

to

New

and

providing for lads not yet

fit

the doing something for tjie

the propagation of Christianity

Jersey, for

Providence has accomplished the first of these schemes

by the unexpected success of the second ; and has opened some
promising hopes concerning the third, beyond what had entered
The want of ministers
into my mind when I parted with you.
and students is so seen and felt, and the necessity of the scheme
for educating lads not yet ripe for academical studies, is grown
so apparent, that between three and fourscore pounds per
annum, have been, by well disposed persons, without any
pressing solicitations from me, subscribed for thut purpose in
and about London and out of that it has been determined,
that besides Mr. Clark, who with a salary of forty pouiids per
annum and his board, is to be tutor of philosophy, another tutor
abroad.

VOL. v,

542
is

to

LETTERS.
be maintained with a

board,
arises

who

from

is

this

of these lads

salar}'

of thirty pounds, besides bis

to teaeh the languages;

scheme, he

who

is

and

as his salary chiefly

also to superintend the

education

are, in devotional exercises, to attend with

my

pupils, and be under my inspection, though not under my

personal instruction, in their grammatical studies; and besides
those I had immediately in view before, I have heard of son)e

others well disposed for this purpose, and whom, I hope, 1 shall
with this assistance, perhaps increased by applications yet in
view, be able to do a good deal towards maintaining. As for
the scheme of the New Jerseys, Mr. Allen who came over on
purpose tQ negociate it, unhappily was smitten by that fatal infection at the Old Bailey, and is dead but I have had large conversation with Colonel Williams, who was the second man in the
expedition to Cape Brecon, and by whom indeed it was chiefly
projected and he encourages me to hope that Mr. Pemberton,
the minister at New York, on my favouring the scheme, as I
certainly shall, will come to Britain, and make a tour over its
northern and southern parts, carrying along with him two converted and civilized Indians, as a specimen of what has already
been done. He proposes to attempt a collection for the present
in the chief congregations which he may visit on this journey ;
after which, he may very properly write such a letter in his
own name to the dissenting ministers in England, as I expressed
my thoughts of writing, and may with yet more decency and
strength recommend and enforce the advices laid down in my
preface to my sermon at Kettering, as this might seem the
happiest crisis we could expect for carrying that plan into execution.
As for the affair of Breslaw, the good Archbishop of
Canterbury did all he could to procure a brief for them, or a
contribution some other way.
You will perhaps be surprised to hear, that application has
been made to me from a son of Lord William Manners, brother
to the Duke of Rutland to desire admission among my pupils,
though intended for a clerg \'man in the established church and
if he be willing to acquiesce in the terms and orders of my
I wonder at this, one way, and I
family, I shall not I'efuse it.
wonder also at Mr.
's purpose of removing his son from me
I fear it is either on some misrepresentation or foolish behaviour
of the young gentleman, for I have always treated him with the
fidelity of a real friend, and with the tenderness of a pareht;
and I am well satisfied, that, especially on the improvements
ivhich by means of a third tutor, will be made in our course,
there is no place of education in England, where, if a youth

LETTERS.
will

do

you

see

545

advantages are to be found. But

have run on. Were I to begin a second sheet, I
should fill it before I had emptied halt my heart. Let me conclude with the most affectionate and grateful services to all my
good friends at Norwich, and those at Yarmouth, when you see
them. My wife joins with me in these salutations of which you
and your charming lady claim a very distinguished share. Oh,
that we could see you here, and give you both, as a poor grateful child expressed it, *' all your care again."
Mr. Neal and
Mr. Barker are particular in their salutations to you. I am,
With much more affection than can be expressed,
my dear friend, j-ours.
Blessed be God for ever,
liimself justice, greater

how

P.

LETTER
To

DODDRIDGE.

XIV.

the same,

Northampton, Dec.

IT

4, 1750.

such a pleasure to me to write to you, that I sometimes

to wonder, 1 can command myself so far as not to be
quite troublesome by the number and length of my epistles:
and yet such are my daily and hourly engagements, that I ofter*
defer answering your kind, endearing, charming letters till I
have reason to be ashamed, and till one of them overtakes another.
This I am sure you will excuse, and could wish you
knew how frequently and affectionately I remember you, and
what an inward, heartfelt sense I have of your great importance
to the public, as well as the value of your personal friendship.
Your last letter illustrates both, and your generous readiness
even to part with a most beloved and important friend, if it may
be for her good, is a noble instance of it. As for Miss S
's
is

am read}'

affair, I will

lines,

which

it here, as I intend her, at least a few

enclose with this, and which I know she will
to you.
Of other things to which your letters

say nothing of
I shall

communicate

few words as I can, that I may get the

which lies so much on the
head and heart of us both. For the congregation at Harlestone.
I am very tenderly concerned, but I am not able to assist them.
I beg you will present my most cordially affectionate respects
refer,

will

speak

more minutes

in as

for that great affair

Y2

544

LETTERS.

Matchet, and all the rest of the gentlemen that signed

him, and tell them, that I am sensible of the obligations
tlipy have laid upon me by their very respectful and afFecting
application, and that I think it the part of gratitude not to send
any one to them, concerning whom I have any doubt, whether
to

INIr.

with

he would be thoroughly suitable or not and that therefore, in

this extreme penury of supplies, which is by far the greatest T
have ever known, I find myself incapable of assisting them. Yet
I have a young gentleman with me of such a stamp as they
would, T am sure, choose, who will enter on public work about
Midsummer next. I would by no means have them wait for
him, as it is impossible for me to answer for the views which
may open upon him, or the turn his inclinations may take from
unknown contingencies which may arise; but when becomes
out, if they happen to be vacant, and he chooses the journey, I
will, God willing, endeavour to engage him to make them a
Be pleased also to make my due compliments to Mr. and
visit.
Mrs. Baker, in which Mrs. Doddridge concurs, renewing our
thanks for the very obliging and agreeable entertainment we
received at Denton, and mine for the most complaisant letter,
with which that very worthy friend has been pleased since to
How happy should I have been in an interview
lionour me.
with such worthy brethren and excellent friends as you tell me
assembled at Rendham, at the opening the new place of worship
I assure you, dear Sir, and I beg tiie favour of you to
there.
assure the gentlemen who met there, when you see any of them,
that there are no associations of ministers anv where, which 1
;

attend with greater delight than those of Norfolk and Suffolk.

Your remark on Colonel Williams's wonderful modesty is the

very same which has been made by others. How amiable is

such an hero, for such no doubt he is, and the acquisition of
Cape Breton was, perhaps, more owing to him, taking in the

whole process of

his counsels as well as actions,

than to any

other person in the world: yet how is he rewarded! Truly,

nobly by Providence, if he carry off one whom I esteem among
Mr. Finne is
the greatest treasures of our island or our world.

a most excellent person. He has been pretty successful in Holland, and such good consequences have already attended the
applications made to several of our country congregations, that
I believe a college of the reformed (that is, the Calvinists) will
be formed at Breslaw ; which will have a wonderful influence on
the state of religion in Silesia, and probably be attended with
the greatest effects of any thing that has happened in Germany,
since that wonderful affair at Hall, if that which has been a


LETTERS.

545

be excepted. The intended college, after

to comprehend all sorts of schools, but
chiefly those for academical learning and the education of ministers
in which I apprehend that zealous, faithful and able
servant of Christ, Mr. Finne (to whom I hope you will write a
I beg
latin letter) will be greatly, if not principally employed.

mighty blessing
the

German

to

is

plan,

is

you

will present

my

particular and most I'espectful services to

that very venerable and amiable man, Mr. Crompton, and my

hearty thanks for that paragraph in his very kind letter, you
were so good as to transcribe. Tell him, I read it with a mixture
of pleasure and confusion, and that I honour and revere him
more than I can express, and should think it a singular blessing
of my life to have such an example and such a counsellor oftea
near me. In the mean time I pray God long to spare his very
useful life, and rejoice greatly in his wonderful restoration.
As to tl>e New Jersej-s, I have written largely to Mr. Pemberton,
"whom I hope to see here in the summer and leave all that relates to the scheme, I hinted to you in integro, till he or some
;

may visit us from those

hope something will be done. In the mean
time, I have sent your youth's scheme all round our county
and into some neighbouring parts and find such encouragement
from my own congregation and some others, that I hope we shall
have a pretty tolerable fund. I cannot but observe at the same
other minister of credit and influence
parts,

and then

up sevehopeful and promising youths, who are desirous of education

for the ministry, and I intend to take in all, in whom I am thoroughly satisfied trusting in God to prepare oil, so long as there
time, a wonderful concurrence of Providence in raising
ral

are

empty

The

vessels, and,

when we

are broke, I will beg for more.

is a circumstance of great
and as the scheme for an academy in London is
adjourned, shic die, I am ready to believe, though I do not
certainly know it, that we shall have some youths sent down to
us from that quarter. But all this I leave with God, earnestly
praying, that good may be done, and the interest of religion
revived, and leaving it to him to determine how and by whom.
If he determine to glorify his power and grace in the weakness
and unworthiness of the instrument, I may have some hope that

addition of another tutor here

importance

he

make

will

use of me.

I am beginnlg on anew piece of paper: but I must

only a small part of it. I much deplored the death of Mr
Ford of Sudbury. He was a man of great talents, and which is

You

see

fill

incomparably better, great spirituaUty, integrity and zeal for

Christ
and we might, qonsidexing his age and constitution,
',

2-

546

LETTERS.

have expected mucli service from him for many future yea.rs.
this providence adds to the joy my heart feels in hearing of
the comfortable state of your health, for which I offer many
prayers.
I hope you will live to bless the norld many, many
years after I have left it.
As for Sudbury, 1 have now in
town with me Mr. Holman and Mr. Fenn, who came over to
hear Mr. Hextal, of Creaton, once my pupil, a most pious, humble, zealous and very able man, only of a weak constitution,
who would, perhaps, be as fit to succeed Mr. Ford as any man
that can be named.
It would be a great grief to me to lose him
from these parts, but I would not wrong the public so far, as to
wish to retain him in so small a place all his life. I shall be glad
that Mr. Taylor*, if he be recovered, may bestow his time and
labours on unlocking Hebrew words, and hope the key he has
Jeft broken in the door of St. Paul's Epistles, will not be able to
keep the true sense quite shut up indeed I thmk the door opens
almost of its own accord. If I live to finish my Exposition on
the New Testament, the proposals for which I am just publishing, and in which I am going on daily, and have now proceeded
in transcribing to the Thessalonians, (l Ep. iii.) I shall make an
attempt on the Minor Prophets, of which indeed I have already
begun to make a new translation from the Hebrew, for my own
entertainment and use, and 1 shall be glad of any light which
Mr. Taylor's Lexicon can give me.
Dear Lady
is in a very declining wa}'.
Pray devoutly
for her important life
and pray for a blessing on the Family
Expositor
and that God would open its way into families,
where it may be useful. I would go through all the labour attending it with pleasure, though I were sure I should not get one

Eut

shilling

by

it.

The

distemper among the horned cattle has again visited

these parts ; though, blessed be God, not with violence.
All
our horses too have been ill, yet few are dead. The small-pox
is broke out dreadfully in the neighbouring villages
a most
malignant sort. One rash young fellow, coming to a wake at
llarpole, in ourneighbourhood, from the bed of one infected
with it, conveyed it to above forty of that village ; all blooming
persons, of whom many are dead.
In seventeen families, three
in a famih', on an average, are down ; and fourteen villages are
invaded by it, and all in consequence of some of the inhabitants
being present at that fatal dancing bout, the 15th of last month,
'i'he terror, this has occasioned, is not to be imagined. Oh, when

tJic

* Afterwards Dr. Taylor, author of a Paraphrase with Notes on the

Romans. To whicU is prefixed Koy to tke Apostolic Writings.

Epistle ta

547

LETTERS.

we see the importance of inoculating children*! In consequence of which, whole towns have passed safely through, and
not one life been lost. But 3'^ou say right, the cause of these
The indolence and sensuadesolations is to be sought higher.
Yet, blessed be
lity of the professing world terrifies me much.
and danger,
of
their
duty
sense
brought
to
a
are
some
God,
nor does he leave me without encouragement on this head.
IMuch pleasure and satisfaction have I, when I can run away
from the world, and spend half a day in meditation and prayer:
and did we more frequently attempt this, I believe we should
Relifind the work of the Lord more prosperous among us.
gious societies are forming, and many learn to pray, truly, I
shall

Oh, these are things

think better than their ministers often do.
which rejoice my heart. I am quite well, and in good spirits.
I never had a more promising set of pupils about me.
God

my

account.
Go on, and heap as many
you can and help me forward to heaven
apace. And now I will add a paragraph of good Lady
's
last letter to me, which I can more truly apply to you, my very
excellent friend.
" Prayers from me you will have and I believe one of the last I put up will be to beg an abundant reward
for you.
The voice involuntary of my heart is, " whom have
I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth I desire besides thee."
I expect soon to be unfettered from flesh and
blood. I will, should the kind lot be appointed for me, rejoice
over you as your ministering spirit
and I shall always have
good news to bring you. I will watch carefully to protect your
life long upon earth, for the sake of thousands; and then by
gentle operation, help to unfold your garments of mortality, and
with my fellow companions, Avaft your gracious spirit to the
bridal feast of the Lamb, and with him on Mount Sion, shout
your glorious deliverance. Farewell, my kindest, best of friends,
."
and live assured of the ever affectionate regard of
What have I to add but instead of
,
hears your prayers on
blessings

upon me

as

P.

DODDRIDGE.

* Dr. Doddridge published a small piece of Mr. Some's ooncerninj Inoculatiou

Small-pox, which was written and publishfd principally with a view to re-

for the

move

the

common

objection from a religious scrupU_-.

54S

XETTERS.

LETTER XV.
To

Northampton^ Dec. 22, 175Q.

MY DEAR

FRIEND,

IT

is

it

as true, that

indeed true, that my affection for you is very great, but

it cannot be greater than your almost unexampled goodness demands. In every thing but love I shall die
is

cannot

of time answer your exhave been immediately mindI read it, I sat down and wrote
ful of the contents.
two letters into Scotland, the one to Mr. Webster, the other to
Mr. Robertson and have pressed an answer from both as soon

your debtor.

cellent letter as

it

in these straits

but
As soon as

deserves

as

may

be.

On

Thursday morning,

at the appointed time,

though

my

usual business and duties would have engaged me another way,

my poor imperfect requests, hardly worthy to be called prayers,
were offered for our two excellent friends ; I hope, with some-

thing of that impartiality and disinterestedness of which you

give so noble an example. As to the result, I expect the leadings of Providence to determine
tlie

petitions of others than to m}^

it

much more

out of regard to

own.

Thus much for

For
the principal subjects of your letters.
our united salutations in the warmest terras
Pity
which friendship, and love and gratitude can dictate.
me and pray for me, as you do, in the midst of so many hurries.
They shame me conOh, my poor, poor attempts of service
tinually.
My prayers, my sermons, my lectures, my books
the rest

receive

(in hand,)

my

letters all daily

ness of meaning well, and the

A secret consciousshame me.

remembrance of the great com-

passion of our heavenly Father, and divine Master, are almost

my only supports. Remember me daily. Oh, that 1 had

more time and

Dear Dr. Clark's

heart for secret devotion.

perform the last

must not enlarge. Pray for the
success of the Family Expositor. I am also prmting the Funeral

death has been a deep wound.

But

office of respect to him.

Sermon

for

my excellent

Sadly did

friend at St. Alban's.

Lady

con-

soon lose her too. But the Lord

liveth, and blessed be our rock, &c.
But
I bless God, we are all pretty Avell, colds excepted^
the small-pox rages round the town, and we have a very bad
tinues very

ill.

fear

we

shall

LETTERS.

549

and a few clays suffice for the journey of many into

;
and may suffice for mine. May I but live for Christ
\vhile I continue here, and leave it to him to turn the key whenever
he sees fit. God is adding serious lads to what we may call the
humanity class, and so many others are offering themselves, that
I begin to doubt how they will be provided for
but we must
draw on the inexhaustible bank of the divine bounty and faithfulness, and think often of Jehovah-jireh.
Respects to all
friends'at Norwich shall in very deed conclude this hasty scrawl
from.
Dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant,
fevet in

it

eternity,

in everlasting bonds,

P.
I

have

at least fifty

unanswered

LETTER
To
DEAR

A.

SIR,

DODDRIDGE.

letters before

me.

XVI.

the same.

Northampton^ Jan, 15, 1750

I.

am much

indisposed with a cough, which has lately been

my breast, and which forces me, which
a sad calamity, to lose my mornings in bed, and as I must this
.S I

attended with a pain in

is

morning, though it is nowbetween nine and ten, before I goto my

academical work, send up part of Dr. Clark's Funeral Sermon,

which I am to transcribe, that the press may not stand still, yet
must I write you a few lines. But alas, my head and heart are
so full, that many pages would not contain their full meanmg.
Let me thank you and my two excellent friends, so soon to become one, for the very delightful letter with which you have all
honoured and comforted me. I hope the resolution of this dayfortnight was under the best direction, and will be atte:ided with
the happiest consequences.

I rejoice

greatly to hear of the fa-

vour which the Colonel and his lady intend me.

One Mr.
Samuel Davis, of Hanover County in Virginia, has sent me a
charming letter of good news from a far country, which I want
to communicate to your society, that you may praise God with
me. Transcribing long letters is a painful drudgery
I think
you should make a little purse to pay postage of such letters,
and I would transmit them, and you should return them j and in
:

VOL, V.

3 Z.

650

LETTERS.

may perhaps send you this for a heginning. But I

run on too far
I mustonlv add that Providence seems to engage Mr.
whom I intended for Harlestone another way,
and ^here is such a dearth of ministers as distresses my heart.
You have, 1 hope, heard the good news from Holland of a remark-

that case I

But alas, a bell rings which

Prav tell Mr. Frost he cannot long so
much to hear from me as I do to write to him and let him
know, that yesterday to amuse myself, as I took physic and
mijrht not write much, I marshalled my unanswered letters, and
found them one hundred and six, near one quarter of which
reached me since Friday noon, and it was then Monday evening,
and all this, though I have written between fifty and sixty letters
able revival of relitrion there.

forces

me

to conclude.

fourteen days with my own hand, having no secretary.

yet 1 sometimes think it would be almost employment
enough for all my time to acknowledge a friendship like yours,

the

last

And

my many

and

obligations to your tender, constant, generous

man ; and may the God who

has given me so incomparable a friend, spare him to bless the
world long after it has lost, if that be any loss,

love.

Farewell, dear excellent

Dear

Your ever

Sir,

faithful,

affectionate,

and obliged,
P.

LETTER
To

DODDRIDGE.

XVII.

the same.

Northampton, April

DEAR SIR,

9, 1751.

HAVE

wrote such a multitude of letters of late, and have

JL
received so many, that not having always been so exact as I
ought to have been in making memorandums, I hardly know
^vhat I have and what I have not answered ; and with regard to
you I am the more uncertain, as I may mistake some particular

's letter some time since,

messages sent to you in Colonel
for an answer to that of yours, which informed me of his marbut of this I am sure, that every way I am in your debt
riage
and I can add, that as there are few
shall be so
always
and
on earth whom I equally honour and love, none whom I more
:

constantly

whose

remember among my best friends, so there

more constantly delight and refresh me.

letters

is

none
Yours

LETTERS.

551

I am sure is unanswered, and I

must now intreat you in a few hasty lines to accept my thanks
for it, and the former, with the assurances of the most tender
sympathy with you in all you have suffered and do suffer by
the death of some valuable friends, the removal of others,
especially that incomparable one who has lately left us, and
whom I fear I shall see no more in this world. Your own indisposition and those of your excellent lady
the wickedness
of those whom your great and generous candour has believed
too well of; and the afflictions of those whose sorrows your
sympathising heart by so tender compassion makes your own ;
all these things I would feel for you, and particularly for poor
Mr.
to whom I intreat you to give my services, assuring him

of the 20th of March however,

that both I and Miss

My

are much touched

heart has been

scheme.

much

set

with his case.

on promoting the youth's

dispersed your papers

all over the country, but to

not found in many of our congregations that
encouragement which I hoped. Something however is done,
and much more in proportion from London than from the

my great grief have

country. There are however nine lads, some of them very

promising, who are here supported by it
and I sometimes
think two of them will offer themselves as missionaries to New
York, to plant the gospel among the Indians there, and glad at
my heart should I be, if my only son were desirous of beino;

the third.
I

am

Lyttleton.

illness
It

under great concern

for the illness, I fear, the

generous, faithful, endeared friend, Mr,
isthe smallest partofthis concern, thatit prevents

at present

dangerous

of

my

service to my subscription to the remaining

volumes of the Famil}' Expositor, which he was resolved to have
attempted , and which, with so great an interest, he might probably
enough have effected. The greater part of that disappointment
to me is, that it may prevent it coming into the hands of some in>
higher life to whom it may otherwibo have no access but God
limits or extends all such prospects at pleasure, and I desire to refer
it to him with what degrees of encouragement the work shall
be published, and mdeed, whether it shall be published or not.
The three volumes will hardly be published at so small a price
as a thousand pounds, and I shall judge it the part of prudence,
and therefore of duty, not to send them to the press on any terms
and if there be such a number
on which I shall not be secure
subscribed for or bespoke by bookselK-rs as to effect that, I
shall go on with the publication as fast as I can ; and bless God

him from doing that

Z2

552

LETTERS.

for such an opportunity of doincr my public homage

to his word,
and endeavouring with all integrity and simplicity to make it
understood and to enforce it on men's consciences according

to the

he has been pleased to give me ; which truly I

am sometimes almost ashamed of having
undertaken so great a work.
I have ot late been much indisposed
with a cold, which is
returned again, but not with so much violence as before. I
little abilitv

think so

little,

that I

know

We

I have your prayers, and

I delight in the thought.
are tending to one blessed home.
Our interview at Norwich
was pleasant, how much more will that be -which we expect
in our Father's house. This poor letter
has been written rapiim

at several times.

I have filled my four pages and yet seem but

have begun. But I must conclude with every good wish for
you and yours that the tenderest friendship can form nor can
I hope ever to tell my dear Mr.
Wood how faithfullv and

to

affectionately I

am

his

P.

LETTER

DODDRIDGE,

XVill.

To Mr. Wood.

MY DEAR

Nor ilmmplon , May

FRIEND,

11, 1751.

few ^vords my thanks for your last very kind

condolences on the death of good Mr. Holman,
which grieves me exceedingly. It would be some consolation
to me under this affliction, which at present comes not alone,
could I meet you at Walpole on Wednesday sevennight. I

.ECETVE

letter, atxl

in a

my

have much to say but have no time, only must assure you of
with you in dear Mrs. Wood's frequent indisposi-

my sympathy

Why must she ever feel any

but all will sit light if you are M'cH.
I pray
God she may enjoy that comfort and every other. I long to
talk over many matters at large wiih you, and will come, if
God permit, from London to Sudbury, at Mr. Hextal's settlement with that people, if vou will give me the meeting, and I
will spend two days there that we may enjoy one another.
Pray
answer me this speedily, that the scheme may be ripened, and I
may judge what it will be necessary to write in my next. I bless
God I am pure well. My eldestdaughter is finely recovered ofher
extreme illness whereas one of the loveliest girls I ever knew,
a wealthy attorney's daughter here, who v/as but beginning to be
tions.

That

thing painful

cliarmi;ig lady
?

LETTERS.
slightly indisposed on

553

Thursday, died tliisevcning, Amost

affect-

ing lesson of earthly vanity. Such are our children, such are we.
But there is a world which is not subjected to vanity-. Excuse
the hurry in which duty obliges nie to write. The letter I
received to-day from Mr.
was the four hundredth on my
list since Christmas.
Support, dear Sir, by your prayers.

Your very

affectionate brother

and friend,

and much obliged humble servant,

P.

LETTER

DODDRIDGE.

XIX.

To Mr. Wood.

MY DEAR SIR,

Northampton, June

E have been much

obliged to Miss

Reymes

5,

75 1

for her visit,

which she has made very agreeable to us ; but the time of her
stay has seemed very short, and it has been a great trouble to us
to part with her so soon.

Her

piety, sweetness of temper,

discretion, and tender friendship, of which she has an exquisite

sense, worthy one so conversant with you, have endeared her to

us more than I can well express ; and I beg you to make our
acknowledgments to her worthy parents, who have so kindly in-

dulged us

in a pleasure

we much

regret that

we must

so soon

lose.
I

how much I long to see you, and firmly

was the secret hope of meeting you and Mr.
I have made shift to write a little, at Sudbury,

cannot express

believe, that
Frost, to

it

whom

that turned the scale for that otherwise very inconvenient ap-

pointment,
I

thank j^ou most cordially for the regard you express to

the Family Expositor ; to the second volume of which, that is,

the fifth of the whole work, I have this morning been putting
my finishing hand exgept that the notes on the Hebrews are
;

not yet transcribed.

I am much obliged to you for the noble things you have
done for Breslaw. I am just writing thither, and shall not fail
I
to inform my worthy friend Mr. Finne, of your goodness.
really think it will be of great importance for the support of
the protestant cause in Germany, that their church be thus
aided in this important crisis. I rejoice that Providence is still
bearing you up under your various fatigues, and animating

5$i

LETTERS.

to so many important services

continued and gloriously succeeded

you

which vou will be long"

poor broken petitions

in

if

my

can avail any thing.

I must not conclude without telling you that I am far
from well, having a violent cough, which seems very stubborn,
and sometimes almost silences me in public I have scarce been
one fortnight free from it since I left London in August last ;
but have kept it pretty well at bay but this last relapse is a
very bad one, and especially in conjunction with my intended
London journey, gives good Mrs. Doddridge a great deal of
uneasiness.
I thank God, I have no aversion to the thoughts of
a speedy removal ; but I would husband life as well as I can,
especially for his sake who gave it, and whose loving kindness
is so much better than life ; and truly so far as* some visible
blessing on my labours can endear it to me, I never had more
reason to wish it might be prolonged.
:

beseech you to

lady, and

all

make

my

best compliments to your

other friends your way, particularly

my

good

reverend

ministry, and Mr. Baker of Denton, when you

Mrs. Doddridge joins in all these salutations. As
for me, I find all language poor when I would tell you how
highly I esteem you, how tenderl}" I love you, and how con-

brethren

in the

see him.

ptantly

and

faithfully I

am,

to the best of

Rev. and dear

my

little abilities.

Sir,

Your most affectionate brother,

and much obliged humble servant,
P.

DODDRIDGE.

esteem ]Mr. Tomms, and bless God for raising up

but cannot bear to hear my friend Wood
such a person
speaking of himself as in the wane of his usefulness. I hardly
think you yet arrived at the acme of it and often rejoice that
you are like to live to bless the world and the church, when I
?,m got home.
I greatly

LETTER XX.
To

MY DEAR

JoLaRDLY

the same.

FRIEND,

Sudhury., Juue 20, 1751.

any disappointment of the kind ever hung heavier

upon me than

that of not seeing

you here

the expectation of

LETTERS,

5S5

which, with the hopes of an interview with good IMr. Frost,

gave me resolution to Ijreak through the strong importunity of
my friends in London, and through the discouragements arising
from a very bad cold, whic'i such a journey was likely to increase, that I might once more see and embrace him who has so
of my heart, as well as of my esteem, that if I think love
could inscribe a name there, yours would be found on mine
But a regard to duty keeps you at
"when it beats no more.
home, and therefore I ought to love you the hetter for it. I was
the more earnestly desirous of seeing you, as 1 had several things
to talk over with you of great importance.
A restless night, or
rather many restless hours in it, in connection with the views of
labour before me this day, for which I am but ill qualified, has
detained me in bed so long, that I have now but a few minutes
to write to you.
As to Colonel V/illiams's scheme for the In^
dian school, I shall refer you partly to Mr. Frost, who will inform
you of what passes in reference to it, and partly to some future
letter, if God permit, in which I will furnish you with the memorial of this important affair which the good Colonel sent me
by the last post and perhaps I may also send you a copy of the
Bishop of London's letter to me in reference to Mr. Davies's
affair in Virginia.
I paid in your noble donation to Mr. Wilson
for the church of Breslaw, last week, a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour. Go on vigorously with the youths' scheme. It is
our sheet anchor, and I see congregations falling so fast into

much

wretched lay-hands, or utterly perishing for want of supplies,

that I am more than ever solicitous that it may still be continued and extended as far as possible.
But I must not enlarge.
The frequent returns of my cough alarm my friends, and those
in town say I am grown many years older since they saw me
last.

God

leave the event with

but for

my own

part appre-

hend no immediate danger unless it be of being obliged to

allow myself more rest than suits either with my inclination or
the demands of my business.
Mv second daughter was ill when
I heard last from home.
Pray for her, and continue your
prayers for him, who is much more than he can express.
;

Your

affectionate friend,

and much obliged humble servant,

P.

DODDRIDGE.

556

LETTERS,

LETTER XXI*.
To

a Lady, tnider Dejection of

Mind

on a religious Account.

DEAR MADAM,

June 25 y 1745,

RETURN

you my most affectionate thanks for the freedom

with which you have opened your mind to me, both by repeated and unreserved conversations, and by a communication of
papers intended entirely for your own use. The consequence,
I most faithfully assure you, is, that the more I know you, the
more firmly I am convinced, not only that you are a real, but
I have pointed out to
that you are a very advanced christian.
you already the principles on which I build the conclusion. But
as I have not yet been happy enough to remove remaining difficulties,

me leave in this letter to lay before you some

what I apprehend may be the cause, and, by a divine
in some measure at least, the cure of this anxiety
much harasses your mind. And pardon me, that in
give

hints, as to

blessiug,

which so

this strait of time, and in this hour which, with pleasure for
your service, I take from my sleep before the journey and labours
of to-morrow, I do but touch upon particulars, and give short
hints instead of illustrating or reasoning upon them at large.
Now as to the causes of your present distress, I apprehend
the following things among others are the chief and most peculiar: for I shall not mention those two grand cardinal causes
of all our distress, some remainder of sin in the best hearts,
while they continue here and the artifice and malice of our
common enemy. What is mostpecuHar seems to be, 1. The
weakness of animal nature, which after the attacks it has borne,
must necessarily be very weak, unless it had been strengthened
by a miracle, which even in such a case we have no warrant to
2. The extraordinary elevation of devotion, which at
expect.
some times you have known, and particularly when you were
3. In consequence of this, an arfirst setting out in religion.

dent desire of equalling

all

the sallies of devotion, in this preby the very desire and endea;

sent infirm state of your health

vour of which, I heartilv wish that you may not utterly ruin it.
An hard and unjust conclusion which you have hence drawn
against yourself, as if you were one of the most ungrateful and
criminal of mankind, that excites an indignation against your4.

self,

which you think you can never

* From

feel with a sufficient sensi-

the author's short-hand copy.

LETTERS.
bility.

5.

The

557

sublime ideas which you have formed to your-

which you seem not to make sufficient

allowance, either for the natural infirmities of this animal frame
when in its best state or, for the avocations inseparable from
self of the spiritual life, in

the

life

of one

who

is

not absolutely a recluse from

tlie

world.

apprehend these to be the causes of your disquiet.

With relation to the most proper method of cure, the following particulars present themselves to me ; which I wish 1 had
time to digest and express better.
I. To lay it down as a cerreally

tain

principle,

rational

that religion consists

and determinate choice of

transport of the afiections.

2.

more

tJie will,

To consider,

in

an intelligent,

than in any ardent

that there

tain degree of afflicting ourselves for past sins

and

is

a cer-

for present

imperfections, which

is so far from being our duty, that it is

very likely to prove a snare, and to produce consequences displeasing to our gracious father in heaven, and injurious both to
ourselves and others.
3. Settle it deliberately in your understanding as a certain truth, that the grand security of the soul
lies in deliberate!}^ intrusting itself to CUiist, choaen in all his
offices, and devoting itself to God througii him, according to the
tenor of the christian covenant ; and steadily endeavour in consequence of it, to practise that which the word of God requires,
and to forbear every tJiing which it forbids, and referring all its
concerns, not excepting even the degrees of its spiritual comfort
and enjoyment, to his wise and gracious determination. 4. la
consequence of this, be often, and indeed daily, renewing your
covenant with God, in the manner which that most worthy and
excellent servant of Christ, your ever honoured and beloved
father, has so intelligently, affectionately and frequently recommended.
5. Let your devotions be reduced within narrow
limits, and rather frequent and short, than protracted to a very
great length j and in your addresses to the tlirone of grace, be
more intent upon the sincerity of the heart, and the calm nsedness of the thoughts, than about the flow of affection, which is
but mav,.
not and cannot be immvJiately in our own pov/er
humanly speaking, depend upon a thousand mechanical causes,
which we do not so much as know. 6. Consider how much of
religion consists in trusting in God, in hoping in his mercy, and
in rejoicing in him; and how suitable this is to the peculiar constitution of the gospel, and the character which Christ our mediator bears
by consequence therefore, how essential a branch
of gratitude it is, and how much a tender conscience should be
upon its guard, that it does not fail here. 7. Remember couVOL. v.
4 A
;

558

LETTERS.

tiiuiall}-, tliat aftcM- all, it is b^- faith in

of Christ, and not

b}^

the merits and intercession

the perfection of our works,

to obtain justitication and

tliat

we

are

and that the best of christians

will have their imperfections while they are in this world
and
may and must, under a sense of them, daily apply to the great
advocate, and renew theactintijsof their faith upon his efficacious
blood and intercession.
S. Make yourself familiarly acquainted
with the promises of God those relating to the pardon of sin,
the imparting grace to the soul that seeks it, &.c and choose for
some time every morning, some comfortable promises to be the
subject of your meditation
and now and then employ that fine
talent which God has given you for ]3oetical composition, in paraphrasing such scriptures in some short hymns.
9. Endeavour
life

to exert yourself as

much

by conversing with the

as possible, in attempts of usefulness

children

who

are so

objects of your pious care, and with those

happy

who

as to be the

are in circum-

stances that bear any resemblance to your own.

10. Disburanxious thought relating to futuritv, whether regarding temporals or spirituals:

confine your views to present dutv, and leave future contingencies in the hands of God.
li. Be thankful for every, the
least glimmering of hope, and for any kind and degree of consolation which God is pleased to give you and take great heed,
that 3'ou do not suspect those conjforts which lead you to God
and goodness to be delusions, merely because they are not so
permanent and effectual as you could wish, lest you should in-

den yourself,

as

much

as possible, of every

jure that great agent to whom you are so highly obliged, and
whom you so tenderly fear to grieve. 12. In one word, study
by all means to nourish the love of God in your heart;
breathe forth with humble tenderness the genuine impressions of

and as human nature must have its weary intervals and its
barren frames, delight to look to God in them, as a being who
penetrates all the inmost recesses of the iicart, and sees that
secret tendency of soul to him, which I have neither tears nor
words to express. " Lord, thou knowest, that I love thee or
that I would, thou knowest I would, prefer the sensible exercises
it;

of it to any other delight." By this method, the habits of divine love will strengthen by frequent acts; and I verily believe,
that time will at length produce such a consciousness of

you

iviil

be no more able to doubt of

it

it,

than of your

that

own

existence.

These, Madam, are advices, which, though not expressed

with the accuracy I could wish, 1 would recommend to you as
the most important I cslu give. My earnest prayer for you, and

559

LETTERS.

which I desire daily to repeat, is, that God himself maj' be your
comforter, and pour out upon your wounded and mournful heart
To know that I have
the oil of gladness in a rich abundance.
so excellent a
rcvivincr
of
been in anv instance the instrument
esteem it
should
I
and
unutterahle
joy,
me
give
would
spirit
amonsf the greatest honours

God

has ever bestowed upon,

Dear Madam,

Your most

affectionate friend,
faithful humble servant,

and

P.

LETTER
To

the Rev.

DODDRIDGE.

XXII*.

Mr. Saunders.
Harboroughy Nov. 16, 1725.

REV. SIR,

informed me, sometime ago, that you desired

an account of Mr. Jenning's method of academical education ;
and, as I was one of the last pupils my dear tutor sent out, I suppose he thought I might have his scheme pretty fresh in memory, which is the only reason I can give for his applying to
me to write to you upon the occasion. 1 am ashamed to think

J\1r. some

I can make is that

since that in a
and
I have been engaged in a journey to London,
but a tew
settled
been
have
I
remove to HaVborough, where
till my restaying
repent
my
cannot
whole,
I
days.
Upon the

how

long

have'delayed

it.

The

best excuse

London before I wrote for at St. Alban's I met with a

copy of a letter which Mr. Jennings wrote to Mr. Clarke on the
same subject you are now enquiring after, by the review of
which I am something better furnished and prepared to ans\ver
Your demands than I formerly was.
Our course of education at Kibworth was the employment
of four years, and every half yenY we entered upon a new setot
studies, or at least changed the time and the order of our

turn from

lectures.

The FIRST half year w^e read Geometry or Jlgebra thrice

Hebrew twice. Geography ouce, French once, Latin
prose authors once. Classical exercises once. For Geometry we

a week,

* This and the follo\ving

the author's

own hand

letters

were never before

writing.

printed,

and are Ukcn from

LETTERS.

560

Barrow's Euclid's Elements; when we had gone through

book, we entered upon Algebra, and read over a system
of Mr. Jennings's drawing up for our use, in two books the

read
the

first

first

treating of the fundamental operations of aritlimetic, the

second of the reduction of equations. Under every head we had

demonstrations as well as practical rules. When we had ended
this system, we went over most of the second and fifth books of
Euclid's Elements, with Algebraic demonstrations, which Mr.
Jennings hud drawn up and which were not near so difficult as
Barrow's Geometrical demonstrations of the same propositions.
likewise went through the third, fourth and sixth books of
Euclid but this was part of the business of the second half
year.
"^Ve read Gordon's Geography in our closets; the lecture was only an examination of the account we could give of
For French, we learnt
the most remarkable passnges in it.

We

Boyer's Grammar, and read the familiar phrases and dialogues

from French into English, without regarding the pronunciation,
which Mr. Jennings was not acquainted with. One hour in the
week was employed in reading some select passages out of
Suetonius, Tacitus, Seneca, Ca:sar, &.c. especially Cicero.
Our method was, first, to read the Latin, I think according to
the grammatical order of the words, and, then, to render it into
The same way we used in read*
as elegant English as we could.
ing the Classics together the two next half years. Our academical Exercises were translations from some of these Latin atuhors
Many passages in the
into English, or from English into Latin.
Spectators and Tatlers, both serious and humourous, were
For Hebrew, we read
assigned to us upon these occasions.

Bythner's Grammar.

The SECOND half year, we ended Geometry and Algebra,

which we read twice a week. We "read Logic twice, Civil
History once, French twice, Hebrew once, Latin poets once,
Exercises once. Oratory once. Exercise of reading and delivery
For Logic, we first skimmed over Burgesdicius in about
once.
six lectures, and then ctitered on a system composed by Mr,
Jennings; a great deal of it was taken from Mr. Locke, and we
had large references to him and other celebrated aathors, almost
under every head. This was the method Mr. .Fcjimngs used in
almost all the lectures he drew up himself; he m.nie the best
We had a collection of excellent
Avriters his commentators.
reading on the subject of every lecture, which frequently employed us two or three hours in our closets, and were obliged to

give an account of the substance of these references at our next

The third book of this Logic is practical, and contains

lecture.

LETTERS.

561

many admirable rules for the proper methods of study under it

we had many references to Locke's Conduct of the Understand;

This and the other

and Langius's Medicina Mentis.
systems that Mr. Jennings himself composed of /*weioym/o/^^j/,
JEtkics and Divinity were very accurate and elaborate performances.
They contained many admirable thoughts ranged
with great regularit}-, and expressed with happy conciseness,
perspicuity and propriety.
They were thrown into as mathematical a form as their respective subjects would admit and
consisted of Definitions, Propositions, Demonstrations, Corallaries and Scholia.
For Civil History, we read Pui-fendorf's
Introduction to the History of Europe, with Crull's Continua-tion and his History of Asia, Africa and America.
read
these (and afterwards the History of England, Dupin's Compendium, Spanheim's Elenchus, King's Constitution) and some
other printed books just as we did Gordon. Mr. Jennings
assigned us what number of pages he thought fit, which we carefuiiy perused in our clos*^ts and gave an account of at lecture,
and with our examination he intermixed discourses of his own,
which illustrated what he read. For French we read Telemachus
from the original into English, and sometimes select passages
out of Bourdeleau's Sermons.
Perhaps if we had tasted a
great variety of authors, it had answered our end better.
The
Latin Poets we made the most frequent use of were Virgil,
Horace and Terekce but we sometimes spent an hour in
Lucretius, Juvenal, Plautus, Lucan, &c. with these we generall}' read a translation.
Our Oratory vras drawn up by Mr.
Jennings, and made part of a volume of Miscellanies which are
ing,

We

now

printed.

Our

exercises

v/ere

principally

Orations,

of

which the materials were suggested either by Mr. Jennings himself, or some books we were referred to.
Bacon's Essays were
often used on this occasion and our exercises were a kind of
coniment upon some remarkable sentences in them. We v.ere
often set to translate Tillotson into Sprat's style, and vice
versa.
At other times we used to reduce argument into a kind
of Algebraic form, which were delivered in a loose and perliaps
a more confused manner, by which the weakness of many
plausible harangues would very evidently appear at the first
glance. For Hebrew., we read Bythner's Zj/r,and were pretty
curious in the grammatical resolution of each word according
to his rules.
On Tuesday nights we used to spend an hour in
reading the bible, sermons or poems, purely to form ourselves
to a just accent and pronunciation.
One would hardly imagine,
if one had not heard the alteration that three or four of these
eveninsrs has

made in a

youth's readino;.


LETTERS.

562

The

THIRD

wcread Mechanics, Hydrostatics^

Greek Poets once. History of England
once, Anatomy once, Astronomy, Globes and Chronology once,
Miscellanies once and had one Logical disputation, in a
half year

and Physics twice,

week.

I'or

Mechanics,

we

read a short but very pretty systl)e

force of the most simple

tem of them demonstrating

engines, leaver, screw, wetlge, pully, &c. drawn up by Mr.

Jennings ; and for Hydrostatics, a contraction of some of Mr.

Fur Physics, we read Leclerc's system,

book (of Astronomy) and of the latter part
of the fom-th (of Anatomy.)
Mr. Jennings marked the most
observable passages good or bad, and lectured from them by
the way.
For illustration, we used to consult Harris's Lexicon

F-ames\s Lectures.

exclusive of his

first

Technicnm, Neiuwentyt's Religious Philosopher, Derham\s

But wo
Roiiolt, Varenius, tkc
I'hysico and Astrotheologv
found so many delects and so many mistakes in Leclerc himself tliat we frequently wished that Mr. Jennings would have
drawn up a system of that, as he did of the other sciences, or
at least have interleaved Leclerc, written some annotation
upon him and made proper references to greater Philosophers
under every head. I have reason to believe that he intended
the latter, and might in time have undertaken the former, if
he could have found leisure, as he had certainly a capacity for
The Greek Poets wliich gave us the most employment, were
it.
Theocritus, Homer, and Pindar. I do not remember that
we ever meddled with Sophocles, which I have been something surprised at.
generally read translations with these,
and indeed witfj most of the other classics.
I do not remember
that we ever read in our public course any Greek history. Oratory, or Philosophy.
The variety of our other business might
be some* excuse for it, but had Mr. Jennings either himself,
or by proxy, reviewed the mo.st celebrated of the classics, both
greek and latin, drawn a catalogue of the finest and most improving passages, and assigned to each of us some lessons out
of them once a week, (which might have employed us in our
closets about an hour a day, directing us to make critical observations upon them and communicate them to one another in
the intervals of other business and to himself if he should think
fit to require it) it would have been a charming entertainment
to us, and would probably have turned to very valuable account.
And by the way, if you, Sir, would take a review of the most
considerable classics (and I mav add the fathers too) with which
it is universally known you have formed a very intimate and
happy acquaintance, and draw up such a catalogue as I have

We

LEtTERS.

now mentioned,

it

may be

of great use to

563

many

younp; students,

whose time and circumstances will not allow the full perusal of
them, and who are afraid of being lost in that paradise, if they
should venture into it without a guide. If you should think
ht at some leisure time to comply witli this motion, I desire
you would send me the papers, which I will thankfully tran*?
You will please. Sir, to pardon
cribe, and carefully return.
this digression, and I will pursue mv story without staying to
make an apology for it. For the History of England, we read
Browne's in 2 vol. 8vo. which we found in the' main very good.
For Anatomy, a system of Mr. Eames's in English, contracted
and in some places enlarged. We took in the Collateral Assistance of Neiuwientyt, Keil, Chesleden and Drake.
We
read Jones on the use of the globes.
Our Astronomy and
Chronology were both Mr. Jennings's, and are printed amongst
his Miscellanies,
These Miscellanies are very short sketches of
Fortification, Heraldry, Architecture, Psalmody, Plivsiognomy,

Our logical disputations were in En<-Jii;h,

IMetaphysics, &c.
our Thesis in Latin, neither the one nor the other in Syllogistic
One of the class made the Thesis, each of tiic rest read
form.
an exercise, which was either in prose or in verse, in English
or Latin, as

we

ourselves chose.

most common and,

I think English orations

believe, turned to the best account.

were

The FOURTH half-year, we read Pneumatology twice a

week.
The remainder of Physics and Miscellanies once,
Jewish Antiquities twice. Our Pneumatology was drawn up
by Mr. Jennings, pretty much in the same method with our
logic. It contained an Enquiry into the Existence and Nature of
God, and the nature, operations and immortality of the human
soul, on the principles of natural reason. There was a fine collection of reading in the references on almost every head.
This
with our divinity, which was a continuation of it, was by far the
most valuable part of our course. Mr. Jennings had bestowed a
vast deal of thought upon them and his discourses from
them in the lecture-room were admirable. For Jewish Antiquities we read an abridgment of Mr, Jones's notes on Godwyn
with some very curious and important additions.
The FIFTH half-year, we read Ethics twice a week.
Critics once and had one pncwnatological disputation.
Our
Ethics were a part of pneumatology.
The principal authors
which Mr. Jennings referred to were Grotius and Puffendorf,
But upon the whole I know of no book which resembles it so
much, both in matter and method, as V/oolastones' Relicrjon
of Nature delineated,
Ouc Critical lectures were an abrid'j--

LETTLitS.

'

5(j'k

Jones's.
They are not criticisms on any particular
but general observations relating to the most noted
X'ersions and editions of the bible,
(^ur Pneumatological and
Theoloi^ical disputations M-ere of very considerable service to
Mr. Jennings was moderator, and many thoughts were
us.
often started in them, by which our lectures themselves Avere
improved.
The SIXTH half-year, we read divinitr/ tlirice a weekj
Christian Antiquities once, Miscellanies once and had one
homily of a Thursday night. Our divinity was in the method
of our pneumatology ; we had here references to writers of all
opinions, but scripture was our only rule, and we hud in our
written lectures an admirable collection of texts upon almost
every head. Our homilies were discourses from the pulpit ;
they were confined to subjects of natural religion, we had no
quotations from the scriptures, otherwise than for illustration.
Most of our citations were taken from ancient poets and philosophers.
They cost us abundance of pains, and were reviewed
by Mr. Jennings before they were delivered.
For Christian
antiquities we read Sir Peter. King's Constitution of the Primitive Church, with the Original Draught, in answer to it
in
which we found many very valuable things.
consulted

ment of Mr.

texts,

We

Bingham's

Origi?ies Ecclesiast. for^ illustration,

and had re-

course sometimes to Suicer's Thesaurus.

The

SEVENTH

half-year,

Ecclesiastical History once, had one

we read
Sermon

divinity
-axu^.

thrice.

one Theolo-

Our Ecclesiastical History was Dupin's

Compendium, which we found in many places very defective.

gical disputation.

Mr. Jennings had lived a few years longer, he would

have looked over some other Historians and have made references of the most valuable pieces from them, which would in a
Mr.
great measure have supplied what was wanting in him.
Jennings examined our sermons himself, there we preached them
to our own family and sometimes to the people in his bearing.
The LAST half-year, we read divinity once a v.eek,
History of controversies once. Miscellanies once and had one
Theological disputation.
For the History of controversies
we read Spanheim's Elenchus. These Miscellanies were a
second volume, which indeed we entered upon the last halfthey contained a brief Historical Account of the Ancient
year
Philosophy. The art of preaching and pastoral care, on which
heads Mr. Jennings gave us very excellent advice, and some
valuable hints on the head of non-conformity. We preached
I believe, if

this last half-year,

either at hojne or abroad, as occasion re-

LETTERS.

565

and towards the beginning of it, were examined by a

;
committee of neighbouring ministers, to whom that office was
assigned at a preceding general meeting.
Mr. Jennings never admitted any into his academy till he
had examined them as to their improvement in school learning
and capacity for entering on the course of studies which he proposed. He likewise insisted on satisfaction as to their moral
character and the marks of a serious disposition.
The first two years of our course, we read the scriptures in
the family, from Hebrew, Greek, or French, into English. He
drew up a scheme which comprehended the whole New Testament and the most useful parts of the Old, by which we proceeded. He expounded about ten lessons in a Aveek, sometimes
in the morning and sometimes in the evening.
On those days
when he did not expound we read the lessons over again which
had been formerly expounded, and so went over the most imquired

portant parts of the scriptures twice, at a convenient distance of

time.
These expositions were all extempore, but very edifying,
and it is with a great deal of satisfaction that I often review some
hints

which

sometimes took of them.

of a Friday before the Sacrament,

Once a month,
aside

all

we

laid

Those who
About ten

secular business to attend to devotion.

thought proper, as several did, observed it as a fast.

morning we all met, and Mr. Jennings gave us a lecture
which he had carefully prepared on purpose for us. He wrote it
out in long hand, and allowed us to transcribe it, if we thought fit.
I have copies of all of them, which I set a great value upon. Hi
Two Discourses of Preaching Christand Experimental Preachings
And the
'were composed and dehvered on such an occasion.
subjects of the text were accommodated to our characters and
circumstances of life.
Every evening an account was taken of our private studies.
repeated to him, immediately after prayer, something which
we had met with, which we judged most remarkable; by this
means all enjoyed some benefit by the studies of each, it engaged us to read with attention, and the reflection our tutor
made and the advices he gave, were well worth our observation
and remembrance.
Avere obliged to talk Latin within some
certain bounds of time and place.
had laws relating to that
affair which were contrived so as to leave room for some dispute
in the

We

We

if

any case of

diffieulty

We

happened we examined into

it,

often long pleadings on both sides, and at last the cause

termined by the votes of the majority.

VOL. V.
4 B

The time

we had
was

de-.

of these de*

566

LETTERS,

bates was immediately after Ave had given an account of our

private studies.
bad also another set of laws relating to the
library and the care of the books, which gave occasion to some

We

debates, though not many.

Every Lord's Day evening, Mr. Jennings used to send for

some of us into the lecture room, and discourse with each apart
about inward religion.

The

discourse was generally introduced

by asking us what we observed as most remarkable in the sermon. He took this opportunity of admonishing us of any thing
he observed amiss in our conduct, and he always did it in a most
engaging manner. After this we met about seven in the evening for family prayer before prayer, one of us either repeated
the sermon we had heard, or read some part of a practical
writer which we ourselves chose ; about three quarters of an
hour were spent in this, and then after singing (which was a
constant part of our morning and evening worship) and prayer,
Mr. Jennings examined those of the first class in the Assembly's
Larger Catechism, in which he gave us an historical account of
;

the belief of other parties of Christians relating to the several

which are matter of controversy.

Mr. Jennings allowed us the free use of his library, which
was divided into two parts. The first was common to all, the
second was for the use of the seniors only, consisting principally
of books of philosophy and polemical divinity, with which the
juniors would have been confounded rather than edified. At our
iirst entrance on each we had a lecture, in which Mr. Jennings
gave Bs the general character of each book and some hints as
to the time and manner of perusing it.
We had fixed hours of
business and recreation.
The bell rung for family prayer at
half an hour past six in the summer, i. e. from March to September, and as much past seven in the winter half year. After
reading, expounding and singing, one of the pupils went to
prayer immediately after prayer we went to breakfast then
tlie first class went in to the lecture and the rest afterwards in
their turns.
Each lecture begun with examination, by which
Mr. Jennings could easily judge of our care or negligence in
studying the former. Lecturing generally employed Mr. Jennings the greatest part of the forenoon and immediately after
where the lower classes used
lecture we went into our studies
articles

At twelve we

dined, at

retired into our closets again, (but

were not

to wait the time of their being called.

two we generally

confined to it, for the times of private study were left to our own
choice) at seven we were called to supper, immediately after
Tvhich one of the classes had a lecture.

At half an hour past

567

LETTERS.

eight we were called to reading, exposition and singing; afterAccount of

wards Mr. Jennings himself prayed in the family.
private studies, causes and conversation, employed us till about
Thursday morning was
ten, when we generally retired to bed.
always vacant. We had a fortnight vacation at Christmas, and
six weeks at Whitsuntide, at which we used to visit our friends

and had no academical business assigned us.

This, Sir, is such an account of Mr. Jennings's method of
education as at present occurs to my thoughts. I shall heartily
rejoice if it be in any degree agreeable and serviceable, and I
beg that you will please to accept it as a small token of that sincerity and respect with

Rev.

which

am,

Sir,

Your most obedient

And humble servant,

PHILIP DODDRIDGE.

LETTER
To

the

Rev.

XXIII.

Mr, Saunders.
Harbro*

most joyfully that I accept the offer of a correspondence

I know few
dear and excellent friend Mr. Saunders.
in the world so capable of making it entertaining and improving
even to a stranger, and I find so much of the sweetness of
friendship mingling itself in all my converses with you, as gives
such a correspondence a very peculiar relish to me, more than I
could find from many others who are in other respects your
equals, were it possible for me to find many who were your
equals, which I am sure I have not yet done.
The distribution of your sacramental discourse I like very
well, and had it been my business only to make an encomium
upon it, I could have done it with a great deal of ease and pleaBut I am not so well pleased with the latter part of your
sure.
It is my way
letter, because you have invaded my province.
to 5^wf/ queries, not to answer them, and here you have put the
with

is

my

me without considering how incapable

managing it to advantage. I desire therefore, for the
time to come, that the form may be changed and I ai^ ready
to imagine that the best way to prevent your sending me any
more queries will be to answer those you have sent me already.
labouring part upon
I

am

of

B2

Letters.

568

to compare my solution of the difficulty

with those which rose in your own mind, as soon as you started
them, you will easily see that asking me questions will turn to
very little account.

And when you come

query seems to mc to consist of two very distinct

there be more than two sacraments under the
New Testament dispensation and whether washing the disci"
pies' feet be not an ordinance of continual obligation and may
not be called a sacrament.
In answer to the first part of it, it plainly appears to be a
dispute about the signification of a word, andean be decided
only by defining it. Evcrv one has a right to define it as he
pleases, and different definitions of it may reconcile two proWere I to conpositions, which seem directl}' contradictory.
sider the original etymology, or the common use of the word,
*' A sacrament is an external rite,
I should define it thus.
instituted by Christ for the use of his church in all succeeding
ages, as a seal of those mutual engagements which are between,
him and his people."
That baptism and the Lord's-supper are such sacraments
may easily be proved. If it be asserted that washing of feet
be such, then it must be proved not only that Christ has instituted it as a right of perpetual obligation, but likewise that
he has made it a seal of the mutual engagement between him

Your

parts,

and

first

whether

his people.

Now

I do not apprehend that John xiii. Avill afford any

plausible arguments to prove washing the brethrens' feet is a
The most that can be preseal of such mutual engagement.

'tended from ver. 14, is, that Christ appointed it as a token of

our readiness to serve our brethren, and imitate him in the
Now this comcondescension and benevolence of his temper.
prehends but a small part of that idea which we affix to the

word sacrament.
And here I am

so

happy

as to

have the church of

Rome

on my side, which, besides her infallibility, may be supposed

to understand the meaning of a latin word, which she herself
It is well known, she
first applied to a christian institution.

ceremony of washing feet, without giving it the

The King of England's almoner does
Maundy Thursday, though the church
of England hold but two sacraments, and exclude this from the
number.
But I may go farther, and add, I do not imagine it will
easily be proved that Christ intended this custom to be of lasting
still

retains the

name

of a sacrament.
likewise perform it on

LETTERS.

The

use in his church.

John

Now

xiii. 14.

only proof that

think these words

as a general exhortation to

56.9

all

is

may

urged for

it is

in

be explained
proper instances of a most condefairly

scending benevolence to our christian brethren.

And

several objections against the other interpretation, w^hich

have
makes

an institution of an expressive ceremony to be used by christall times and in all places, as (1.) It does not seerri in its
own nature to be calculated for universal use. In Judca it was
an agreeable expression of kindness, being very refreshing on
account of the heat of the climate, and the manner in which
they commonly travelled and shod their feet in England it would
be reckoned impertinent and troublesome and in some northern
countries it would be still more disagreeable in proportion to
the degree of cold which prevails in them.
And should tiie
water be warmed, the trouble of undressing the feet (which in
those countries have several coverings which are strongly fastenit

ians at

ed on and exposmg them naked to the cold air while the ceremony was performing, would more than counterbalance any
refreshment which could be received by it. Now who could
suppose our Lord would appoint his disciples to express their
kindness to their brethren by such an action as the person to
whom it is done would account it greater kindness to omit. (2.)
Our Lord in the pretended words of Institution, or elsewhere,
does not give those directions which seem necessary in order to
the convenient performance of this ceremony, v. g. By whom,
to whom, at which times it must be done, &c. -(S.) The apostles
give us no advice nor exhortation on this head.
(4.) We do
not find in the New Testament or primitive antiquity, so far as
I remember, that such a ceremony was retained in the christian

church.

Your next query

is

the reverse of this,

*'

whether there be

any sacrament in the christian dispensation or no ?" Thisyoa

divide into two parts, the former relating to Baptism, the latter
to the Eucharist,

With regard

to baptism, I affirm it to be a sacrament, and

could easily prove that each branch of my definition
agrees to it. However, as you lead me only to consider, whether the ordmance was intended for perpetual use, I shall not
divert to a curious enquiry into the purposes for which it was
appointed.
That Christ instituted water-baptism as a rite of

think

perpetual use in his church,

xxviii. 19.

You

M'ords thus,

**

think abundantly plain from Matt.

by paraphrasing the
Let them be well dipt into my doctrines, particularly Faith in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Let this come
artfully decline the proof

570

LETTERS.

down upon them

as rain in the most plentiful slioTi'ers, &c." and

urge Matt, x. 39. where baptism signifies overwhelming suf-

ferings.

To
common

this I

reply (I.) That as the other

is

by

far the

more

word, it ought to be so understood

here, unless strong arguments can be produced in favour of
such a figurative interpretation as yours.
(2.) The parallel text
in Mark xvi. 16. seems less capable of such an evasion ; for there
being baptized is mentioned after believing, and here an instruction in the christian faith must precede it.
(3.) The circumstances of the disciples at that time rendered it very improper for Christ to use the phrase in a metaphorical sense without explanation, for as they had been used to baptize with
water, they would naturally suppose that he recommended the
same practice though in a different form. (4.) That they did in
fact understand that commission as referring to water-baptism is
Particularly in those two most replain from their practice.
signification of the

In the former, we find the

markable instances, Acts. ii. x.
apostles baptizing 3000 Jewish converts in a day, which was so
troublesome a work that we must imagine they would not have
done it had they thought it entirely inditlcrcnt ; besides nothing
could have confirmed those converts more in their regard to this
external ceremony than to see it performed by the apostles in
the beginning of the ministration of the Spirit, and on the very
day of his descent upon them, Acts x. The first fruits of the
Gentiles are baptized with water, even after they had been baptized bv the effusion of the Spirit, nay, that effusion is urged as a
reason why they sliould be baptized. I may add, that when

Philip instructed the

Eunuch

in the nature of the Christian in-

he mentioned water-baptism as a part of it, how could

Now
th;' FAmuch otherwise say. Behold here is water, &c ?
from these instances I argue that Christ did not explain the word
bnptize in a figurative sense, Matt, xxviii. 19. for sure then his
faithful servants would never have acted thus, and consequently
(bv the third head) that he intended it should be taken literally.
And farther, should we take this argument alone, (without thinking of Matt, xxviii. 19.) I think there could be no room to doubt
wiiether Christ approved of what his servants did when under
stitution,

the immediate influence of that Spirit which was sent to direct

their administrations.

Now
we

there

see (as from

was the
church,

no disputing from probability against fact,

what has been said, I think we must see) that

is

will of Christ that

it

if
it

water-baptism should be used in his

some passages

signifies little to object that there are

571

LETTERS.

New

in the

that

it

Testament wliich might have inclined one

shonkl have been laid aside.

pable of any particular solution

ouro-reat Law-giver

it

to suspect

Were

the dilHculties incawould be enough to say that

knew what was

best,

and

it

would be rea-

sonable to rest in his determination.

But I will not leave the dispute here, for I imagine, Sir,
that each of your objections are capable of a very fair sokrtion.
that when the fore-runner of Christ appeared,
but he gave them no intimation that the
baptize,
he did indeed
rite should continue, nay beseemed rather to insinuate the contrary, Matt. iii. 11. T answer, (1.) That it was not the business
1

You argue

of the baptist Jo declare how long that rite was to continue, but
only explain its present intention, and to urge submission to it.
that
(2.) That the words in which you suppose him to insmuate
it was to cease under the Messiah, are capable of another very
fair interpretation, q. d. that he to the baptism of water shall
add the nobler baptism of the Spirit, which he shall pour forth
Now it would be very unreasonin the most abundant degree.
John's words which is barely
a
paraphrase
on
oppose
able to
'possible,

and not

at all necessary to the institution of Christ

practice of his inspired apostles.

2.

You

and

observe that Christ himself did not baptize, and

improbable it is that he would give them a precept to do

I answer, (1.) That
-what he had given them no example of.
might command
Christ
absurdity
that
in
supposing
there is no
them to do what he did not think, proper to do himself. It is
certain that he did so in the very verse under examination,
" Go and teach all nations," whereas he himself never taught
the Gentiles. (2.) Good reasons may be assigned why Christ did
not baptize, himself, when (before his sufferings) he gave his

how

[i.] By not appearing in this work

he avoided the importunate enquiries by which the people
might have endeavoured to extort from him a direct answer to
[2.] Christ
this question, whether he himself was the Messiah ?
this interin
disciples,
his
baptism
administered
by
intended the
mediate state, just for the same purposes as the baptism of John,

apostles direction to doit,

to oblige people to receive the Messiah's

kingdom when

fully

baptized by them before were

to be rebaptized (which
gospel
on the fuller manifestation of the
Christ might not think
Now
xix.
is
plain
think
from
Acts
3.)
I

revealed, and those

who had been

it proper to baptize any, himself, lest they should think that

baptism to be so perfect as that no other should be needful.
You will probably object, that the disciples baptizing by his
warrant was the same thing to the persons baptized as if Christ

<512

LETTERS.

had done it in person I reply, (1.) That it may be queried

whether the disciples always baptized, as by a peculiar warrant
from Jesus of Nazareth. Though from John iii. 26. I own it
probable they sometimes did.
(2.) That, though in reason the
case was the same, yet the prejudices of mankind might have
jnclmed them to make a difference, now the wisdom and goodness of Christ was seen in making provision against such prejudices.
But, after all, if there was any thing in this objection,
it would not lie against Christ directing his disciples to baptize
under the dispensation of tiio Spirit, but against the regularity of
;

their having baptized before, or the veracity of John's history'

in this particular.

You plead that tlie apostle Paul did not baptize. To

answer, (1 .) That it is plain from the context that where
he says, " Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach," he
means only according to a common Hebraism, 7iot so much to
baptize as to preach.
For he owns he baptized some, which he
would not have done if he had not apprehended that it was a
part of his commission.
(2.) It is plain, Paul approved waterbaptism, because in his epistles he so often appeals to it and
argues from it; which he would not otherwise have done.
(3.)
These Corinthian converts were baptized, and as he converted
them and abode sometime among them, it is probable he directed the affair, though he did not baptize them with his own hand.
Now when we consider that Paul received his gospel by immediate revelation and not by tradition from the Jewish apostles,
there is all the reason in the world to conclude, that he would
not have used or encouraged water-baptism, if it had not been
.'3.

this I

recommended by that revelation.

I remember I have met with two other
Avater-baptism, which
in"ge

I will

objections against

just mention, though

them and submit my reply

to

you da not

your examination.

Barclay pleads that Paul tells the Ephesians iv. 5. there is

but one baptism. Now it is plain that under the gospel there is
the baptism of the Spirit, and consequently water-baptism is not
to be retained.

To

this

it

may be

replied, (l.)

That

it

was

equally plain there ^vas a water-baptism, and so on this principle one might with equal reason argue that there w^as

tism of

tlie Spirit.

(2.)

That the

effusion of the Spirit

no bapis

called

baptism only by a figure, so that it may be said that in strictness

of speech there is but one baptism^ and that, of water,
(jj.)

That as the apostle had before mentioned one spirit, there is a

peculiar reason to interpret baptism here in its most literal
signification.

LETTERS.

5 /J

pleads that, according to Wall, tlie apostles were

to take their method of baptizing^ iVom the custom of baptizing,
Jewish proselytes, which he supposes them well acquainted with.

Emlyn

Now

were baptized with

but that the children born of proselyted parents
after their baptism were not baptized, consequently the descendants of baptized christians arc not the proper subjects of baptism.
I answer, (l.) That upon the best enquiry I have been
capable of making, I am not satisfied that proselyte baptism was
in use amongst the Jews before Christ's time, and I believe you
will be of mv mind if you read a dialogue on that subject, which
Mr. Jennings composed, and which is a part of our Jewish anit is

plain from the Rabbis that proselytes

all their families,

tiquities.
(2.) That if there were any such custom among the
Jews then, it is probable, either that there was an alteration in it
between Christ's time and that of the Rabbis that mention it, or
else that Christ could not propose it as a model for the apostles
to imitate, because there were many absurd circumstances attending it, as now recorded by them, which were not fit for
christian use, and which are not mentioned in any accounts of
christian baptism.
On either of these suppositions Emlyn's
argument falls.
I never thought of running on at this rate, when I begun to
write, but I think, what Juvenal says of the historians of his

may

time

very properlv be applied to

my

letters,

if

Lincj,

might be inserted instead of /'(/i,'"/a,

Oblita modi millessima Patina surgit

'

damnosa papyio.

Omnibus,

et orescit multa

Sic inrens

rcrum numerus jubet."

beg that I may not have reason to add the beginning of

" Quae tamen inde Leges," that I may not, be sure
to send me a long answer, and I will take care, as soon as I have
a convenient opportunity, to write again on the other branch of
your query, relating to the perpetuity of the Eucharist.
All that I have to add is that, knowing you did not write
your own real opinion, 1 have treated 3our objections with less
respect than you might otherwise have expected from
I

the next line

Dear Sir,
Your most affectionate

friend,

and obliged humble servant,

P.

VOL. v.

DODDRIDGE.

574

LETTERS.

LETTER XXIV.
To

MY DEAR

FRIEND,

the same.

HarboroiigJi,

August

12, 1727.

mc your most complaisant letter of the

which you take notice of having received that
wliich I sent you in answer to your first query, and to the
former part of your second. Had I received such an encomium
from anv body whose sincerity and friendship I had not known
so well, I slionid have thought it a most severe banter, and how
it is possible for a man of your sense to think so favourably of
that, or of its author, is to me a very great mystery.
However
I rejoice in my good fortune, without enquiring too scrupulously
how I came by it, and 1 will open my heart so far as to tell you,
that I shall be very glad if you can still retain the greater part
of that esteem for me which you there express (for I am confident that some of it must abate). If it be possible, preserve
such sentiments in 5'our own breast, that I may have the pleasure of thinking secretly how much I am valued and loved by
one of the most valuable and amiable persons I know in the
Do not talk of it in
world. But pray keep it to yourself.
public, lest 5'ou should injure your own character by it, or
raise an expectation of me, which I am sure I shall never be
and do not mention it to me above once a
able to answer
twelvemonth, and then only in a few distant hints, lest I should
grow insolent on so great an honour and assume such kind of
airs as might be tolerable enough in such a person as your ibnd
friendship thinks me, but in such an one as I really am, would
be exceednigly ridiculous and might perhaps destroy that
esteem of yours which gave occasion to them.
Have now

30th of June,

before
in

Excuse the length of the preface, I will endeavour to keep

You
within more decent bounds in t!ie body of my letter.
know^ the chief business of it is to answer the second part of
your last query, which relates to the sacrament of the Lord's
SUPPER.
to your question will not turn on the exact
word sacrament ; for you only demand whether
and perpetual use of the
it were intended for the standing
church, granting that it was instituted by Christ for the use of
the Apostles and Christian converts in the earliest age of the
To prove the perpetuity of it I argue, 1. From the
gospel.

The answer

definition of the

515

LETTERS.
-words of St. Paul,

the ordinance was at

Cor. xi. 26.

first

2.

From

the ends for which

instituted.

I. St. Paul says tliat, in the use of this rite, they were to
shew forth the Lord's death till he come. You answer, The
meaning is till Christ come to enlighten your minds hy a more

To

glorious effusion of his Spirit,

this I reply,

1. Tliat I do not recollect any passage of the New Testament in which the phrase is used in that sense. I imagine that
the after effusion of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which
is

spoken of as the accomplishment of the great promise which

Christ

made

to his disciples before his departure, Avas so glo-

more signal efTusion of it to be ex-^

pected in that age. The Quakers will be much puzzled t^
shew any period which did so far exceed that, as to deserve to

rious, that there Avas no

be called by way of greater eminence " The coming of thq

Lord."
2. If it could be proved that this was sometimes the sense
of the phrase, 'tis evident the other sense is much more frequent,
and consequently ought to be admitted here, unless some solid
reason can be urged against it.
The ou\y argument you advance is taken from Col. ii. 20, &c. " Why are ye subject, &c.'*

Now

think

it

plain, that this text

is

levelled against those

Jewish ceremonies which Christ had not taken into the Christian
church, and yet Juduizing teachers would impose. And he
particularly refers to that abstinence from prohibited meats and
" Touch not, taste, not,
drinks which they so insisted upon.
handle not," are the precepts which they are blamed for regarding.
Now methinks it would be an odd paraphrase upon
the words.
The Apostle says be not subject to such ordinances
as touch not, taste not, handle not
q. d. Regard not such an
institution as eating bread and drinking wine in commemoration
of Christ's death
If you say, by a parity of reasoning it forbids
;

admitting any thing ceremonial into the Christian religion, I

answer, (1.) You must first prove this a Jewish ceremony,
For it
before it comes within the verge of this prohibition.
would be very wild arguing to say, that because Jewish ceremonies were not to be imposed therefore other ceremonies
originall}'- instituted by Christ for his disciples are not to be
retained.
(2.) I proved in a former letter that baptism is to
be retained. Baptism is a ceremony, therefore the Apostle
could not intend to exclude all ceremonies in his expostulation with the Colossians.
But this argument "vvill be farther
;

confirmed by the next head.

LETTERS.

576

have already prbved that there is no need of departing

from the common sense of these words, *' till he come," so
I add,
prove that it must be
II. The ends of the ordinance will
words under examithe
that
of lastino" use, and consequently
for Christ's coming
sense,
common
the
in
taken
nation must be
been
found
in tlie Apostle's
clause
this
not
Had
iudo-ment.
to
discourse on this subject, the perpetuity of the Lord's supper
might have been established on a soHd foundation. For all the
institutions of our Redeemer were certainly to continue in
practice so long as the ends for which they were instituted
Now if we survey the principal
nliwht be answered by them.
was originally appointed, we
supper
Lord's
the
which
^nds for
^"'*

As

find each of them make it rather more than less needful

remoter ages, than it was in the primitive. The principal
ends of this institution appear to have been these, (from the
words of our Lord) the commemoration of the death of Clirist,
and the mutual sealing of that covenant established in his blood.
St. Paul intimates a third, which may properly be adjoined, the
testifying our affection for and communion with our fellow-

^'hall

in

christians,

the second.

Cor. x. 17. which

Give

me

is

comprehended in
accommodate my general

virtually

leave, Sir, to

observations to each of these three particulars.

If the Lord's supper was needful to primitive Christians,
1
of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, it
commemoration
as a
For they had many assistances to
is much more needful to us.
the remembrance of it, which we have not. Some of them
were present at that awful scene, and the sight of it would
probably impress their imagination and memory in a much
more powerful manner, than reading the history would impress
Others had it from persons who were eye witnesses of it.
ours.
We may add, that the personal acquaintance many of them
had with our blessed Redeemer would produce a peculiar kind
of tenderness, which would leave them better disposed to remember his death and to be affected with the recollection of it.
I might add, that while Jew and Gentile Avere joming to upbraid
them with the death of their Master, it would be impossible
for them to forget it.

the Lord's supper was needful to primitive Christians,

as a seal of the covenant of grace, it is still more needful to us
The benefit of such a mutual seal is that
in the same view.
it strengthens our faith in the divine promises, and impresses
2. If

on our minds a sense of our own solemn

oblisrations to zeal

and

LETTERS.

577

In
the discharge of the duties of a Christian life.
Now
both these views 'tis -a motive to practical religion.
Christians in the primitive age had some peciiHar motives,
which we have not. Sonic of them had seen and heard the

fidelity in

Lord Jesus Christ liimself, the rest had lieard the discourses
and seen the miracles of the Apostles nay, they had many, if
not all of them, a share in the miraculous endowments of the
;

and Mcre capable of curing

Spirit

strange tongues, &c.

Now

if

diseases,

they, with

all

speaking with

these peculiar

and

need of a sensible seal to confirm

their faith and quicken their holy resolutions, much more do
we need it. If it be objected that their trials were singular,
I answer,
(1.) I have
therefore their assistances were so too
been shewing that they had many peculiar advantages, though
raiay be called to
this be common to us with them.
(2.)
as severe trials, therefore 'tis the less probable that we should

glorious advantages, had

still

We

be deprived of an ordinance which, when considered as a divine

and strengthening to the soul.

institution, is so refreshing

3. If the Lord's supper were needful to primitive ChristiFor

ans, as a pledge of mutual affection, 'tis no less so to us.
(I.) They were under peculiar obligations to mutual love.

Particularly as brethren in afflictions and persecution, which

has a tendency to unite the minds of Christians to each other.

from some of our temptations to an aliena[I.] In the earliest age of all there was not
near so great a diversity of opinions amongst them. You will
say, the difference between Jewish and Gentile converts was
I grant it, yet on the
great, and occasioned much uneasiness.
other side you must allow that a considerable part of what you
call the dawning of the gospel, was before the Gentiles were
(2.)

They were

free

tion of affection.

[2.] There was not such a diversity of

beginning of that period, for they had all things
in common.
Now if they, with these advantages, had need
of an ordinance which might excite and express mutual affection, I see not how we can spare it.
I do verily believe that Barclay was aware, that some
such arguments as these might be urged for the continuance

called into the church.

interests in the

ordinance ; therefore 'tis observable he does not lay the

controversy on the peculiar interpretation of these
words, *' till the Lord come," but roundly asserts that our
Lord never intended to institute such an ordinance as we maintain, but only meant to exhort them frequently to think of his

of

this

stress of the

death and to take occasion from the bread and the drink which
they used in their ordinary meals, to think of that offering up

LETTERS,

578

of his body and blood which was the support and refreshment
So that it was a mistake in the Apostles, whose
of the soul.
minds were prejudiced in favour of beggarly elements and
carnal ceremonies, to use a peculiar rite for that purpose, as he

acknowledged they did, when Paul wrote

his

first

epistle to

the Corinthians.
I

think

it

may be

sufficient

to answer, that the

words of

an authoritawas given
Ghost
Holy
since
the
them,
comment
upon
tive
them to lead them into all truth. And what I formerly said of
baptism will add strength to this argument, by over-throwing
the very foundation of the objection, which is, that rituals can
our Lord are plain, that the Apostle's practice

have no place

in the Christian dispensation.

is

But

I will

farther

add, that I think it a peculiar providence that Paul should

discourse so largely on the Eucharist, rather than Peter or John,
for Paul was tlie Apostle of the Gentiles, and had a peculiar

and unnecessary impositions.

Gal. i. 12. that he was taught his gospel
by the revelation of Jesus Christ. And in his introduction to
this discourse on the Lord's supper, he particularly assures
them, that he received from the Lord what he had delivered to
them upon that subject. Now if our Lord Jesus Christ knew
that his words at his last supper had been so wretchedly mistaken
by his Apostles, and that an interpretation had been put upon
to trifling ceremonies

aversion

Besides, he

tells us.

them so contrary to the spirituality of the gospel dispensation,

and which tended to bring the people into a mean subjection
to carnal ordinances, surely he would have rectified that mistake;
at least he would not have revealed that fact to Paul in such a
manner as to lead him into it. For such a report from Paul,
established on a new revelation, would very powerfully confirm
that interpretation, and establish that practice of the other
Apostles, which Barclay supposes so erroneous and mischievous.

These reasonings seem conclusive to me and I do not

remember that I have met with the greater part of them in
books or conversations, but it is very probable that you have.
However, Sir, I desire you would take them under consideration and give me yoiir thoughts upon them with that freedom,
which you owe to a man that esteems you so highly and loves
you so dearly. I should be glad of an opportunity of communicating to you all my peculiar thoughts on the interpretation of scrijjture

correct

for I

am

sensible

your reflections might

I have a scheme of
must quickly talk over

some mistakes, and prevent more.

some importance

in

my

head, which

"

LETTERS.
^'itb

you

In the

at large.

prayers, that

God would

mean

me

assist

579
time, I heartily beg your
my designs so far as

in all

they are good, and that he would teach me to form and execute
them in such a manner as will be most for his glory and the
public good that if my days are prolonged, my passage througli
this life ma}- not be like that of an arrow through^the air, which
or, that if I be releaves no trace and impression beliind it
moved by an early death (as many of my best friends have been)
I may receive the gracious reward of many intended services,
though Providence does not suffer me actually to fulfil them.
Farewell, my dear, dear friend.
May the richest divine blessing attend you in all concerns, temporal or spiritual, personal
or relative, domestic or public
;

am

yours most affectionately,

P.

DODDRIDGE.

LETTER XXV.
To Miss Saunders*.
DEAR MADAM,

Northampton, Jp7il 16, 1748.

As

.S your obliging letter of Monday last, for which I heartily

thank you, mentions nothing of the reception of that which I
wrote you the Saturday before, I should have been in some
solicitude about it, had not the newsman brought me a verbal
message, which satisfied me that it was safe in your hand. In
that I gave you some hints relating to t!ie solemn ordinance to
which you are approaching, but as the letter was written at different times, as I could find a few minutes one hour and a few
another, it was more mixed in its contents than, on the whole,
I could wish; therefore I now set myself a little more distinctly
than I could then do to give you my best advice about it, though
amidst such clamours of ?>Ir. Knightley's prevailing party at the
Hamf, (for that is unluckily one of his houses) as leave me very
* Miss Saunders was the only child

Kettering,

ho

living of the

died there in the year 1736.

executor and guardian for Miss

S.

She died about

Knightley, Esq. and

Rev. Mr. Thomas Saunders, of

Doddridge one of his trustees,

He left Dr.

thirty j^ears ago.

W. Hanbury,

Esq. had a contested election at

was of the high, and Hanbury the low party.
One of K's inns was the sign of the E.am, which was very near the Doctor's house.
In one of his letters he says, " I am insulted abundantly by the mob with most outrageous clamours, but they proceed no further, and it is a great pleasure to me to be

Kortliampton,

for the county.

Kniglitley

LETTERS.

580

my excuse for not executing- the

could wish, especiajly where a friend so particularly
dear to me is concerned.
Dear Miss Saunders will give me leave to remind her of the
distinction which I believe she has often met with from me and
probably many others, between an habitual and actual preparaThe first habitual preparation
ration for the Lord's Supper.
is certainl}' a prevailing disposition to seek God in the sincerity
of our hearts and to give ourselves up to him through Christ ;
where there is this, in the weakest degree consistent with its being prevalent, a person cannot on the whole, be an unworthy
receiver ; because such a one must desire to remeynber Christ's
Death with true affection^ to seal the covenant with God, and to
little

composure, and must be

design as

express and promote unfeigned charity to all, and especially to

who belong to the same great Lord and Saviour, whatever

those

their different denominations

may

be.

But where

this

temper

does prevail, Avithout which we can do nothmg in religion acceptable to God, and with Avhich we cannot, on the whole, fail
of being acceptable to him, it will be highly proper in all our
approaches to the holy table, and especiall}' in the first approach,
to endeavour to command time for actual preparation.
And
here I know no exercise of devotion which may not properly
have its place. Self examination is not only evidently reasonable in the nature of things, but very particularly pointed out
in the apostolical precept, and may refer not only to the general, but particular state of the soul at the present time, including the infirmities and the temptations to which we are most
obnoxious, whether by constitution or external circumstances.
vv ill recollect, dear madam, what I wrote in my last, as to a
solemn act of dedication to God, to be renewed again and again
Meditation of the circumstances, design and
at such seasons.
consequences of our blessed Redeemer's sufferings, have a suitableness which you will easil}' observe, and 3'ou are no stranger
to many books of devotion which may be useful on such occasions.
Prayer and praise should and will undoubtedly be in-

You

conscious of tho most truly benevolent wishes to those

would be p:iad to trample

told, been often the cry

me under their feet.

;

but

No

who

Hanbur)',

probably,

if

they durst,

No Doddridge,

has, I

am

should be extremely glad of any opportunity of serving

and rc.^lly I think that St. Paul's precept of desiring to

the poor creatures that raise it;

overcome et'f ivith good, is not only a very jusf, but a very plcusant one." When a
christian is unhapj)i!y brought to such disagreeable circumstances, the temper here

manifested is undoubtedly the most congenial to the benign principles of the gospel ;
but the farther any christian, and especially a minister of the gospel, keeps from the
heat and clashings of party politics, the more like is he in that respect to his divine

Master.

W.

LETTERS.

581

termingled with such meditations in proportion to the degree in

is affected with them, and in such particular
views of the nature and engagements of the new covenant as may
quicken our desires after the blessings of it, and invigorate and
direct our religious resolutions, must evidently be a proper part
of such preparation as I am now speaking of. I must leave it
to my dear friend's own thoughts to enlarge on these obvious
remarks, heartilj'- praying that the good Spirit of God may guide,
animate and strengthen her heart in every part of the duty be-

which the heart

fore her, and that it may please God also to assist her in her attendance on the ordinances, and to give her, in the first opportunity of that sort, some delightful token for good to encourage
her in future approaches, and in that humble, diligent and holy
walk with God, which such a relation to him and his people may
require, and in which we find the most rest, peace and delight,
which a walk like this can possibly afford us. The hope I have
of seeing and conversing with you more largely in a few days,
makes it the less necessary for me to enlarge. The very disagreeable circumstance in which I have been obliged to write,
amidst almost continual interruptions, one of them from a kind
of battle just under my study window, must be my apology for
the confusion and inaccuracy whichyou may see almostin every
line and word.
Let me only add, that we both are daily mindful of you in our prayers, that we form every good wish for you
which the sincerest friendship can dictate, and that I am.

With

the truest regard.

Dear Madam,
Your most

affectionate

Humble servant,.
PHILIP DODDRIDGE.

vol.. V.

4 1)

A TABLE
OF

SUCH SCRIPTURES AS ARE ILLUSTRATED

IN

THESE WORKS.

N. B. The passages distinguished by an

Asterisk are the texts of particular DiKourses.

PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE.

58 i
I

Chap.
6
7

30

33

SAMUEL.

Ver.

Vol.

Page.

20
Vi
6

2
3

405
443

PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE.
Ckap.

585

586

PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE.

Chap.

Ver.

Vol.

49

20
22,23
4

51

H,15

.3

Pa(re.

274
490

491
66,176

452

491

492
52

54
55
56

57
58
58
59
60
61

62
65
66

1,2

13

1012

4,5
e,7

19

3
3
19

20
7
7,8

493
494
495
496
497

22
2
6,7
25

2
3

49

499
353
460
500
113
501

PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE.

ZECHARIAH.
Chap.

Ver.

Vol.

Page.

587

588
Chap.

PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE.

PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE.
Chap.

5S0

590

PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE.

INDEX.
Note.The Roman

Numerals refer

to the

ABRAHAM,

of God's command to,

respecting Isaac, v. 129. his covenant, 272.

Academy,

a minute account of
Jennings's V. 559.

Mr.

Volume, and the Figures

to the Paoe.

Antonimis, Marcus, his remark on the

christians, ii. 323. v. 9.
Apocrypha, the books of the, what, v.
158.
not inspired, 159.
Apollonius Tyanseus, pretended mi-

Action, definition of, iv. 302.

racles of, V. 86,
Adam, the scripture account of his Apologies of the i^rimitive christians,
of the death denounced
fall, V. 193.
their value, ii, 324,
against him, 201
the covenant of Apostacy, whether it may be total,
works with him, ib The effects of
though not final, V. 248.
his sin, in nature, 203
the imputa- Apostles, method of the, in delivering
tion of his sin, 204
a fcederal head
div'ne truths,!. 515,
to liis posterity, 207.
Ark, Noah's, observations on, v. 124.
Adwiis, Mr. ordination of, i. 186Aristotle, his notion of virtue, iv, 436.
Address, to the regenerate, ii. 536,
Aristocracy, what, iv. 471.
.'Elian, his account of iEsch ylus, who
Ashvjorth, Rev. Mr. Caleb, becomes
was condemned to death, ii. 245.
Dr. Doddridge's successor in the
Afflictinns, the christian under, advised,
academy, i. 204.
prayer of one under, 418.
i. 415.
Assistants, Dr. Doddridge's acadeAgent, a detinilion of, iv. 302.
mical, i. 60.
Aliub, a lying spirit in the mouth of
Assurance of salvation, what, v. 251.
his prophets, v. 137,
remarks on different kinds of, 252.
Aimiwrth, character of his comment- Atheists, the chief sects of, iv. 371.^
aries, V.472.
who of them reckoned martyrs for
^f/fo/v/, favours persecution, iii. 132.
their opinions, 372.
AUeijne, Joiin, Esq. on the legal de- Athenagoras, his writmgs, v. 22.
grt-es of marriage, iv. 404.
At/wHians, a remarkable law among
America, the peopling of, v, 126.
the, ii. 22.
Ammianiis Marceilinus, his testimony Atonement, what, v, 211, remarks on
concerning Julian, ii. 356,
the nature of Christ's, 212. note.
Amijntas, and /Eschylus, the story of, Atterbury, a mistake of, rectified, ii.
ii. 245.
341.
on the regard paid to miraAiuKfi-jH, remarks on, i. 575.
cles, among all nations, iv. 554.
A'ldrezis's reply to the Bishop of
his character as a practical writer,
Gloucester, i. 1 13.
V. 438.
his translation of the baAngels, tlie doctrine of, in general, v.
nishment of Cicero, 514.
349.
of gorxl, 351. of wicked, Attild, his character, v. 282. note.
353
the good, how far concerned Axioms a table of, in Dr. Doddridge's

human

the influence
influence of evil on
iuimun affairs, 359.
Antiquit'j, pretensions to it -"x posed by
various authors, iv. 350.
of the
Jewish religion, v. 36. confirmed by
ancient pagan authors, 37.
in

of,

358.

artairs,355.

the

E2

lectures, iv. 296.

Ayscough, Dr. a
dridge,

i.

letter of, to

Dr.

Dod-

90.

B
Babel, the tower of. Heathen accounts
of the, v. 59.
objections against the

Mosaic accouBt

of,

answered, 126.

INDEX.

592
Backslider, n(]dye?,iC(l,
of a, 401.,

Mr.

395.

i.

prayer

opinion of tiie spring

of iiction ill tlie Deity, iv. 420'.
l)is rehis notion of virtue, 433.
marks on friendship, 517.
Baptism, a seal of tlie covenant, v.
316.
apphcation to helievers,
its
317.
of its continuance, 319.
the
mode of, discussed, 323. of infants,
325.
tlie principal
writers on the
subject of, 333. note.
on administering the sacrament of, 482.
whellie rof perpetual use, 5G9.
Barclajj, Mr. Bobert, a remark of,
concerning baptism, v. 572.
Barker, Kev. Mr. John, a dedication
Bii/jxu//,

Iiis

to, iv.

247.

Barnabas, his testimony concerning

the books of the New Testament, v.
16.

Bar-on, what
iv. 126.

imports hi Scotland,

it

BaiTington, Lord, his notion respecting the pentateuch, v. 4ci.

his character as a biblical critic, 477.

Barrow, Dr.
dation of,

i.

Doddridge's commen28.

his character as a

practical writer, v. 435.

Bates, a remark of, on the importance

his
of early impressions, ii. 30.
character as a practical writer, v.

431.

some account of,

i.

17.

Baxter, Mr. Ricliard, Doddridge's

opinion of his works, i. 28 note,
a remark of, respecting tnothers and
on the happiness
children, ii. 25.
of heaven, ii. 451. on toleration,
124.
his character as a praciii.
tical writer, v. 43
Baxter, Mr. Andrew, his argument
from the phenomenon of dreams, iv.
326.
Bayes, Mr. his opinion of the spring
of action in the Deity, iv. 426.

Bajjle,

Mr. on the question why God

did not prevent the use of liberty,

424. note.

Bedford, Duchess

Doddridge,

i.

of,

her offer to young

21.

Beds, the acceptation of the term sometimes,

iii;

52.

Being, delinition of, iv. 299.

Bellamy, on the permission of Sin,
424.
Belly, what it sometimes imports,
r,(io

Benevolence, the scheme of universal,

a remark on, iv. 429, 443.
three
branches of, 444. to be estimated

iv;

ii.

according to its object, ib. note.

Bennett, his christian oratory, i. 30.
his character as a practical writer,
V. 434.
Benson, Dr. his character as a commentator, V. 473.
Samuel, i. 39. Mr<
Benyon,
Dr.

Thomas, his son, his intimacy with

Mr. ]:)(KkiriJge, 40. v. 507.
Berkeley, his opinion on the power
his scheme
of abstraction, iv, 305.

concerning the material world, iv.41 1.

Best, whetiier any scheme be the, in
the view of God, iv. 39*1.
Beveridge, Bishop, his character as a
practical writer, v. 435.
Beta, his character as a commentator, V. 472.
jB/cA5, original of the, v. 125.
Bluckivali, Mr. Anthony, his sacred
classicks, v, 106.
a character of
them, 476.
Blair, Mr. his character as a practical
writer, v. 433.
Blood, remarks on eating, v. 287.
Body, a definition of, iv. 300. of
man's, 307.
Boerhaave, a remark of his, on devo-

tion,

i.

Bolton,

5w/a/?, John,

iv.

pany,

1.

Mr. a remark
ii,

123.

of,

on bad com-

his character as

writer, v. 429.

Mr. his observations on the

character of Judas, v, 81. note.

Bonar,

of, to a young
lady, v. 528.
Bott, Mr. his thoughts on immortality,
as held by the heathen pliilosopiiers,
iv. 321.
Bourdi'loae, a singular characlt;r of,
V. JOS.
Bvyce, his character as a practical writer, V. 434,
Boyle, Mr. a tine remark of, on '^utfer*
on
ing for conscience sake, iii. 129.
his
elegance in a sermon, v. 427.
character as a practical writer, 437.
Bradbury, his character as a practical
writer, v. 434.
Brennius, a remark of, on subscribing
witii tlie hand to the Lord, ii. 139.
his character as a commentator,
v. 474.
Broivn, his opinion on the sources of

Books, recomwiendation

593

INDEX.

our ideas, iv. 312 his notion of

analogy, 432.
Unites, a survey of their powers, iv.
305 concerning the instinct of, iv.
330 whether they may be slain for

food, 445.
Bi5l:op, a remarkable passage
from, concerning dreams, iv. 52

Bull,

his remark on !itiu's>;ies, v. 2'J6.

Burke, Mr. on the French revolution,
iv. 47!).

Burkitt,

note;

liis

character as a

commen-

tator, V. 473.

Burnet, Bishop, a remark of, on the

his thoughts on
dissenters, iv. 204
the conflagration, v. 399.
Burnet, Dr. Thomas, a book of, recommended, i. 4P0 iiis opinion ot tlie
Mosaic account of tiie creation, v.
1 18
his opinion on the causes of the
conflagration, 397.
Bmg, Admiral, his expedition to

Sicily,

iii. A 1.

C
Calamy, Dr. Edmund, his

young Doddridge,

i.

21

advice to

letter

Gardiner, iv. 36
books recommended by, to Col.
Gardiner, 38.
Calnwt, iiis iiUistrations of scripture,
from, to Col.

V. 476.
Calvin, his character as a commentator,
V. 475.

Cambray, Arclibishop of,his remarkable

saying, on submission to the divine
pleasure, iii. 303
his
reflections
upon eloquence recommended, v.

507.

conduct

Cimiillus, his

to the Tusculans,

V. 283.
Campbell, his dissertation on miracles,
V. 89
on the inspiration of the
New Testament, 100 his prelimi-

nary dissertations, lO'J,

Canaan, tiie number of its inhabitants,
y. 128.
Canuanites, the execution done on the,
V. 130.

Candour, remarks on Doddridge's i.

124 christian, and unanimity, iii.

262.
Cantley, Dr. generosity of, to Doddridge, i, 199.
Capacities, of man's intellectual, iv.

308.
Cartesians,
essential
spirit,

their

sentiment

properties of

iv.

300

concerning brutes,

their
30ti.

on the

body

and

hypothesis

Cartesius,

ment

in

(see

Des

Cartes)

proof of a Deity,

argu367.

liis

iv.

Castalio, his character as a translator,

V. 472.

Catechising, the importance of,

directions about, v. 48 1.

i.

54

Catechism, the Assembly's, on prayer,

V. 294.
Catechisms, remarks on the choice of,
v. 479.
Cebus, his testimony to the facts of
Christ's history,

v.

12,

Cercwoze5, objections from the Jewish,

considered, v. 145.
Chalcidius, his account of Moses, v. 38.
Chandler, Dr. his definition of a miracle, iv. 544.
Chapnum, Dr. his definition of a miracle, iv. 545.
Character, how that of any man may

behest known,

i.

13.

Charge, at the ordination ol Mr. John

Jennings, iii. 192
at the ordination
of Mr. Abraham Tozer, 209.
Cliarms, vain ceremonies, remarks on,
v. 366.
Charnock, Mr. his character as a practical writer, v. 432.
CJieminais, character of his sermons,
v. 508.
Child, a sermon on the death of a, iii,
305 a striking remark of one, 304.
Children,the way in which they should
be trained up, ii. 14 addressed to,
67
the obligation of parents to the
care of their own, iv. 466 their

duty towards their parents, 463

the punishment of, for the sins of
their parents, v. 131.
Chinese, their pretence to greater antiquity exposed, iv. 350
whether

a nation of atheists, 372.

Christ,

112

formed in the soul, what,

his power and grice, 207

ii.

his ability to save to the uttermost,

what, 219. 223 this proved, 228
the tenderness of, to tiie lambs of
the flock, 283
his
care of his
people, 285
his tenderness to his
proofs
flock, wherei n it consists, 289
of it, 296 improvement of it, 305.

I'estimonies to the crucifixion of, v.

10
his mysterious conduct to be

explained hereafter, iii. 369 a remark on the time in which he appeared, v. 85 on his obedience
unto death, in connection with
divine prescience, 164
his
preexistence, 165
his appearing
to
men under the Old Testaraent, 163.

594

INDEX.

names,

titles

and

attributes as-

works and worship

cribed to, 173
writers on the
ascribed to, 175
subject of his divinity enumerated,
178 ^his eternal generation, obserofthe justice of
vations on, 182. note
of iiis active and
his sufferings, 213
vvhat meant
passive obedience, ib.
by his descent into hell, ib, faith
him, what, '2 S extent of his death,

263
intercession, 26j
priestly
diation, 267

iiis

his

266 the

his

me-

oftice,

ciuirch of, vvhat, 297.

meditation

the dying, tlie

and prayer of, i. 463.

Christian,

woiiounde A on argument,
answered, i. 85. 469 the rational
evidence of, attainable by the geneSermons on
rality of men, i. 475
the evidence of, 480 objections to,
answered, 490 the evidences of,
slated, ii. 311 observation on the
most satisfactory, 313 that it is
indeed a divine revelation, 320. 333

Christianity,

testimonies the antiquity

evidences
7
415.
to

of, v.

of,

internal

Church of Christ, definition of, v. 297

distincpublic ofllcers in the, 298
tion of a congregational and presby300 of England, remarks
terian,

on, 307.

into, 354.
Churches, dissenting, remarks on, v.
306.
Cicero, a remark of, on suspecting
observation of, on
others, i. 114
(see Tully.)
early habits, ii. 30
Circumcision, some Heathen accounts

of, iv.

60

objections

answered,

to,

146.

Clagget, Dr. remarks of, on the natural

and

sjjiritual

man,

i.

374.

Mrs. Sarah, dedication of a

sermon to, iii. 382.
Clark, Mr. Samuel, Mr. Orion's obligations to, acknowledged, i. 194
some account of, 20i his preface
to Doddridge's lectures, iv. 285.
Clarke, Dr. Samuel, his friendship to
Clark,

Mr.

i:)oddridge,

i.

&c. his

18,

ancesfamily,
education, 397
399
399
398
conduct
great modesty, 400
iii. 382
custom in

funeral sermon,

tors,

397

his

his

his

his

dies,

his

|)reaciung,

stuhis

his

towards young persons, 402. note.

Clarke, Dr.liis deriuition of a self-exis-

virtue,

accourit of his harmony, 473.

Clarke, Mr. of Hull, his notion of
virtue, iv. 436.
Clemens, Alexandrinus, a remark of,
on regeneration, i. 375 his works,
V.
23. on the inspiration of the
scriptures, DG.
Clemens, Romanus, his testimony concerning the first epistle to the Corinthians, i. 346
his epistle to the
Corinthians, v. 17
his testimony
concerning inspiration, 96.
Colliber, his opinion of God's immen-

sity,

iv,

403

and

infinity,

404

of

future events, v. 67.

Collins, his
iv.

remark on

liberty of choice,

339.

Comber, Mr. on the regard shewn to

miracles, by the Gentiles, iv. 554.
Coming to God, what implied in, i.
239 by Chrii.t, what, 263.
Commentators, a character of several,

v. 471.
Conunnnion, young people invited

to,

137
arguments to recommend
an early attendarice on, 140 advantages of, 1-16, objections agaii^st
early, obviated, 1-18.
ii.

Church communion, recommended, i.

350 a prayer of one about to enter

346 his notion of

433 his definition of a miracle, 344
his singular notion concerning the logos, V. 180 his notion of carefulness, 289
his character as a practical writer, 437
an

tent being, iv.

what,

Co?niniinit!/,

member

iv.

470

who

of a, 471.

Company, a dissuasive from keeping

bad, ii. 119 consequences of keep-

ing bad, 123.

Compassion, the duty of, to the. sick,
99 a wise and happy way of
iii.
expressing it, 104.
Concubinage, what, iv. 465.
Conduct, rules of ministerial, v. 497
towards other ministers, 499.
Conjhigration, the general, v. 395.
Conformity, Doddridge's view of, i.

114,

117.

Confucius, whether an atheist, iv. 372.

ConncU, Brvan, a remarkable account
of,

i.

129.

Conscience, how far an argument for

a future state, v. 519.
Consciousness, men have not one comi

mon, iv. 302.

future,
Contingency, what, iv. 384
known, io God, 385. 387. note.
Conversation J general maxims for, v.

494.

1MDX.

595

Conversion, mistakes about, i. 310.

whether the mind be passive in, v.
240.
Conviction, necessity of, i. 242.
Correspondence, Dr. Doddridge's very
extensive, i. 105.
Cotelerius, liis edition of tlie Apostolic
Fathers, v. 19.
Couplet, his opinion of Confucius, iv.
373.
that
Covenant, that of work?, v. 201
of grace
of redemption, what, 261
and works, wliat, 270 that made
wit!i Aijraham, what, 272.
whether difCovenants, wliat, iv. 453
ferent from conditional promises, ib.

Deynoniacs, a remark on those of the

New I'estament, v. 85 the case of
the, discussed, 360
principal wri-

his
Cradack, his harmony, v. 473
character as a commentator, 474.
Creation, the Mosaic account of the,

account of the Jews,

39.
Directions ^or communion with God, i.
356 to christians walking in dark-

V. 118.
Credibility of the Gospel-history, v. 50
of the Id I'estament-history, 6 1
of Jesus as a divine teacher, v. 80.
Cudxoorth, Dr. on eternal and immu-

table morality, iv. 414.

his notion of virtue, iv.

Cumberland,
435.

Cijpriun, his thoughts

on war,

v.

283.

on the,

ters

3ci3.

Demonstration, strictures on the term,

as used by Doddridge, iv. 282.
Des Cortes, his detlnition of the liuman
mind, iv. 301
his opinion of the
seat of the soul, 310, (see Cartesius),
Devotion, a scheme of, i. 45, 162
Doddridge's observations on, 163,

Diarits, their use,

i.

10.

Diodorus, Sicukis, iiisaccountof Moses,

V. '^9.

of Corinth,

Dioniisins,
V.

writings,

his

21.

Di(yn, Cassius, his

V.

ness,

408

to awakened sinners, 522.

Discourage/nents, the Ciiristian's, i.336.

Dissenters, practical writers among the,
V. 432.
Dissenting Interest, means of reviving
the, i. 84. iv, 201.
Disseitation. on Sir Isaac Newton's
chronology of our Lord's ministry,
iv.
135
on the inspiration of the

New

David, remarks on his riches, v. 128.

Davies, Mr. Samuel, a letter from, to
Dr. Doddridge, v. 549^ a letter of
the Bishop of London respecting
him, 555.
Day, proceedings of the last, v. 3(i7,
Death, a serious view of, i. 3ti8
and
judgment a view of, 448 a meditation on, 454
directions for honouring God in, 4 56 the christian's
triumph over, iii. 40.9 a deiinition
of iv. 514
that denounced
tj

Testament, ttiS.
Ditton, Mr. on the Resurrection,

v.

58.

Divinity, see 'Theology.

Divorce, observations on, v. 276.

Doctrines, those of the NewTestament,
true

and divine,

v. 89.

239 prayer against, 240.

Deliverance, cut of the hand of our
enemies, iii. 149.
Delivery, observations on, v. 4(30
on
Theatrical, 462, note.

Doddridge, John, some account of him,

15
i.
another of the same name,
16
Daniel, ib.
Philip our author's
uncle, some account of, 21.
Doddridge, Dr. his birth and education,
i. 15
his entrance on the ministry,
26 his tuition, 39 his marriage,
97
his private character, ib.
his
last sickness and death, 183
remarks
on his acquaintance with Greek
authors, 81
on his command of
language, 83
the person and deportment of, described, 204 his
children, ib.
funeral sermon by
Mr. Orton, ib. Dr. Kippis's summary character of, 205 his manner
of reproving licentiousness, v. 533.
Doddridge, Mrs. letter of, to her children, on the death of her husband,

Deluge, heathen writers whicli mention the, V. 59. remarks on its universality, 123
Dr. Burnet's remarks

Dodicell, Mr. his mistake about the

scriptural Canon, v. 25
his notion

on the, 123.
Democracy, what,

of baptism, 321,
Douislas, Dr, bis criterion,

Adam, v. 201.
Decay, symptoms
38(j

391

of

in

religion,

i.

directions for recovery from,

one under, 392.
prayer
a table
for

of, in
Definitions,
lectures, iv. 29 5.

Delays, the danger of,

Doddridge's

in

religion,

i.

iv.

472.

i.

201.

v.

58,

596

INDEX.

Dreams, the phenomenon of, iv. 344.

remark oi his on devo-

Viiclud, Dr. a
tion,

12, 179.

i.

Duels, the unlawfulnesb of,

iv.

483

New

writers against, ib.

Duration, how we get our ideas of,

iv. 3 IS.
JDuties, the principal heads of christian,
V. 273, 28tj.

Bark, Dr. sacramental exercises of,

recommended, 336 his character

i.

as a practical writer, v. 434.

Earth, concerning the renovation of
the, V. 400.
Education, academical, plan of, under

Dr. Doddridge,

i.

GO

importance

of children, sermons
on,
published, 87,
arguments to enforce, ii.27 the probable
advantages of a pious, 29 the importance of success
33 advices
of a learned,

tJ2

lirst

ii.

in,

on, 40.
Edivurds, President, his treatise on
Original Sin, an answer to Taylor, ii.
3S0 his treatise on the Will recommended, iv. 341 on the Nature of
true Virtue, 436, note.
EdiLwds, Dr. John, his character as a
criiic, V. 477.
Elders, their expedience, i. 56.
Ekins, Miss, Doddridge/s guardianship
of, i. 1(31. V. 539.
Election, personal, v. 257.
Eloquence, true, what, i. 52.
Emhjn, his notions of baptism, v. 319,
573.
Empire, the Assyrian, the antiquity of,
V. 127.
Encouragements, the christian's, i, 339.
Enemies, deliverance out of the hand
of our, ill. 147
remarks on tlielove
of our, V. 418.
Enoch, character and translation of,
iii. 329
a singular account of his
translation, 340
practical reflections
on the same, 34 1!
Epicteius,
his
observations on the
Christians, ii. 324.

Epigram,

satirical, i. 107.
Episcopacij, the divine right of diocesan,
what, v. 300 the argument discussed, 301
the introduction of, 307.

Erasmus,

his character as a

commen-

tator, V. 472.

Esther, remarks on the book of, v. 139.

Eternity, something existed from, iv.

349 tlie

Eucharist, how far necessary, v. 341.

Eusebius, quotations from., concerning
the autiiority of scripture, iv. 175
his testimony in favour of the genuineness of the
I'estamcnt,

world not from, 350.

Ethics, a delinition of, iv. 301.

v.

15.

Evans, Dr. his character, as a practical writer, v. 432,

Evidences, internal and external, of
Revelation, what, iv. 557
what
kind of interna], may be expected,
558
what kind of external, 564.
Evidences, internal, of Christianity,
V. 415.
Evil, natural, a defmition of, iv, 302
God foreknows all, 388, note of the
permission of moral, 423
t he source
of moral, V. 163,208, note.
Examination, divine, the soul submitting to, i. 314.
Executions among the Jews, iii. 236.
Existence, wliat, iv. 299.
Exposition, directions for public, v.
471, 475, 477.
Expositor, Family, an account of, i. 92.
Eijre, Mr. his proposal to Mr. Doddridge, i. 21.

Faculties,

definition of,

303 the

iv.

enumerated, ib. of the

mind, remarks on the, v. 236.
Faith, in what sense the gift of God, ii.
570 in Christ, what, v. 218 the
Gospel absolutely requires, 220
justifying remarks on, 221
wiiether
how
a condition of salvation, 222
imputed for righteousness, 223
what articles of, are fundamental,
princijjal

225,

Mosaic account of the, v. 121,

the scripture account of tlie, 198.
Falshoods, remarks on tiie unlawfulness
of, V. 276,
Farmer, Mr. his Dissertation on miracles, iv. 545.
Fall, the

Rev. Mr. Benjamin,

Fuivcett,

Dod-

dridge's favourable account of, iv.

276,
Fell, Bishop, his character as a commentator, V. 473,
Finne, Mr. some account of, v. 544.
Fitness, moral, discussed, iv. 416.
Flavel, Mr. a pathetic remark of, on
care over the welfare of children, ii.
36 his illustration of Christ, inter-

ceding,
ners

243

his

token for mour303 his

iii,

recommended,

character as a practical writer,

431.

v.

IKDEX.
as a practical writer, v. 438
his singular notion on tlie miracles of

his great trial in the loss

of a son, and iiis behaviour on that

occasion, 50.
his conduct to a cen*
tinel, 62.
how he treated his guests
for swearing, 63.
his affecting interview with Doddridge at Leices-

the Egyptian Magi, iv, 555.

Flcmming, Mr. his opinion on the conflagration, V. 3D9
on the rise of
the beast, -i-OO.

Mi.

anism,

his

checks on Antinomi-

2S9.

v.

abridgement of Vandale,

Fontenelle, his

363.
Ford, Mr. a character
Foster, Dr. on heresy,
V.

remarks

Fothergill,
i.

of, v. 545.
v.

of,

13U.

V.

470.

FrieiuMup, Doddridge's idea of, i. 99.

Fry, Mr John, his case of marriages
between kindred, iv. 4Gi.

Dr. his theory of the brain, iv.

308.
Gardiner, Co\. James, Memoirs of his
Life, i. 85.
remarks on tliis performance, 86. Dedication of a sermon to, iii. 28. a sermon occasioned by his death, iii. 350. remarkable passages in the Hie of, iv. 9.
his ancestors and relatives, 10.
his
education, 11.
his love of duels, 12.
his reply to a challenge after Jiis
conversion, 12.
his remarkable deliverance from a bullet shot, 13.
his
criminal amours, 16.
his military
preferments, ib.
his fine constitution abused, 19.
a remarkable saying of his at the height of his profligacy, 9.
his first convictions, 20.
his remarkable conversion, 22.
remarks on it, 27. challenged to
dispute with a deistic Lady, 30.
the result of it, 31. extracts of letters writtcii by him to his mother, 34.
his entering upon a methodical
manner of living, 38. his remarkable visit at a nobleman's house, 39.
the nobleman's remarkable observation concerning him, 41.
a comGall,

municant with Dr. Calamy, 41.

mother's death, ib.
his remarkeble piety, 42. extracts from his
letters and diary, 43.
a letter of his
to Lady Douglas, 44.
a remarkable
liis

dream of, 5 1
V.

67.

deportment at

his

social

worship, 71.
his regard for the reputation of his friends, 73.
his religious opinions, 73,89.
his liberality to the poor, 75.
his going to
Flanders, 77
his return, 81
his
severe illness, ib.
his death, 102
the immediate effects of it among the
soldiers, 103
an account of his person, 106
poetical jjieces on his
death, 107.
Gardiner, David, Esq. dedication of

his fathci-'s life to, iv, 7.

Lady Frances, dedication of

a sermon to, iii. 350.
GurtJiivaiie,zn account of his harmony,
v. 473.
Gardiner,

Gatakcr, his character as a critic, v.

476.
Geddcs, Dr. his account of the Spanish
Inquisition,

iii.

!.

Gemus, remark on Doddridge's,

i.

79.

Genuineness of the books of the Nevy

Testament, v. \6.
Gift, in what sense faith is a, ii. 571.
Gifts, supernatural, what, v, 100
of
their abuse, 1 10.
T-ii>.'>xri, remarks on, i. 576.
God, on the existence of, iv. 346 the
being of, proved from the existence
of the material world, 360 from
universal consent, 361
from the
works of nature, 362 from divine
interpositions, 366
the argument of
Cartesius for tiie being of, 367
objections to this, answered, 368, note^
whether the idea of, be innate,
370 the argument of Tillotson for
the being of, 370
his eternity, 374
ihis omnipotence, 375
his power
376 his continued agency and
energy, 377
his knowledge, 382
his omnipresence, 384
his wisdom,
389 his liberty, 391 his happiness, 392
his unity, 393, 397 note
incorporeal, 401
the infinity of,

marries Lady Frances

domestic charac-

Erskine, 53.

VOL.

ter,

227.

on reputation,

Frank, Professor, on the most useful

way of preaching, i. 22 his Manuductio,

regard for public wor-

ter, ib.

him

Fletcher,

597

his
ship, 54.

some account of

Bishop,

Fleettfood,

his

4 F

objections to this answered,

his moral rectitude, 419 his
holiness, 420 his goodness, 421 of

404
407

the spring of action in, 425

his incomprehensibility, 430 his vera-

INDEX.

598

his fore507
his justice, 50S
knowledge, V. 67 his nature, perfections and providence, 161.
Good, natural, definition of, iv. 302
city,

Hammond,

the public, strictures on, 572, v. 279.

Goodivin, Dr. Thomas, his character
as a practical writer, v. 430.
Gospel, the credibility of its history, v.
50 objections to the credibility of

the, answered, 54.

Gotigh, the author of an inquiry, kc.
i.84.
Gort?-H/He?2f, of civil, iv.470-.Cambray
on, by whom written, 470 vote
supreme civil, what, 471 thf- origin
wriillustrated, 475
of civil, 472

479, 482 Patriaron, 475,

chal, discussed, 476 the origin and
479, note the best
design of
justly found431 liow
form

ters

7iote,

civil,

far

of,

ed

conquest, 493.
Governors, see Magistrates.
in

Grace, growth in, marks of, i. 421

prayer for grov/th in, 428 a defini-

232 special and common,

whether irresistible, 237
what, ih.
whether common be suliicient, 239
the covenant of, what, 270.
Gratitude, a remarkable instance of,
tion

V.

ol',

i
128.
GrOlius, remarks of, on a military cus-

139
his Mare Liberum, iv.
notion of an oath, 457
liis character as a commentator, v.
474.
Grosvenor, sermon of, against popery,
his Mourner recommended,
iii. 120
303 his character as a practical writer, V. 433.
Grove, Mr. devotional exercises of, re-

tom,
449

ii.

his

i. 356
a remarkable
passage tVom his posthumous works.
his opinion of the spring of
iii. 48
his chaaction in the Deity, iv. 427

commended,

racter as a practical writer, v. 433.

Guilt, aggravation of, i. 245.

deHabit, mental, defined, iv. 331

pends much on the memory, 332.
Hales, of Eton, his character as a practical writer, V. 430.
Halt, Bishop, his character as a prachis character as
tical writer, v. 429
a commentator, 475.
Hallet, Mr. h.is notion of heresy, v. 229
his notion of baptism, 321
his
notion of the place of the blessed
the resurrection,
373 his
after
cliaracter as a critic, v. 476.

his character as a

commen-

tator, V. 472.

Harris, his character as a practical

writer, v. 434.
Hartley, Dr. on the existence of natural
and moral evil, iv. 424, note his
opinion concerning the millenium,
his opinion respecting goV. 401
vernments, 414.

Heathen

Rites,

how

far

an argument for

a future state, iv. 519.

Heathens, remarks on their salvation,
V. 226.
Heartn, the happiness of, v. 378.
Hebden, his discourse on regeneiation,
ii.371.

Hebretvs, epistle to the, testimonies to

its authenticity, v. 27.
Hegesippiis, his writings, v. 21.
Heinsins, his character as a commentator, v. 473.
Hell, concerning the fire of, v, 390.
Henry, Mr. his character as a practical
writer, v. 433
as a commentator,
474.
Heresy, the subject or,discussed, v. 227.
Heretics, whether the scripture was

corrupted by the, v. 33.

Hernias, his Pastor and other writings,
V. 18.

Hermias, his Irrisio Gentium, v. 23.

Hermipjms, his remark on the Jews,
V. 38'.

Hervey, Mr. James, dedication of a

sermon to, i. 1 15, ii. 587.
Hidings, of Gods face, remarks on the,
i. 401
prayer of one under the, 4 12.
Hierocles, his testimony concerning
Christ, V. 12
his account of Apol-

lonius, ib.

Highlanders, the Scotch, an observation on,iv. 132.

Hildrop, Dr. his notion concerning the

immortality of the animal creation,
iv.527.
Hindoos, their pretensions to antiquity
exposed, iv. 350.
Hobbs, his idea of plastic nature, iv,
372.
Holivell, M'-. on the use of animal
food, iv. 447. note.
Homer, Mr. Doddridge's remarks on,
i. 23
observation of, on parents and

children,

ii.

81.

Hopkins, Dr. on the causation of

424, note.
Hopkins, Bishop,

sin,

iv.

character as a
437.
Horace, a remark of, on the influence
of education, ii, 30
his remarkable
practical writer,

his
v.

599

INDEX.

wish for youth, 57 observation of,

on human degeneracy, 82 a remark
on liis Juda-His Apella, v. 38.
Horneck, his character as a practical
writer, v, 437.
Horse?nan, Mr. his encouragement to
Mr. Doddridge to study the law, i.

21.

Hone, Mr. posthumous sermons of,

commended, i. 604 a remark

on disputable points,

278

iii.

re-

ot,

his

character as a practical writer, v.

431.
Hospital, see Infirmary.
Hume, Mr. his notion of virtue, iv.
436, note.
Humiliation, a sermon, on a day of
public,

29.

iii.

Hunt, Dr. Thomas, a letter of, to Dr.

Doddridge, i. 90 a singular conjecture of, respecting Enoch, iii. 339

conjecture respecting the fall

of angels, v. 375.
Huntingdon , the Countess of, dedication to, iii. 261.
Hard, Dr. his view of prophecy, v. 76.
Hutclieson, Dr. his notion of virtue, iv.
433 his mode of ascertaining tlie
degree of virtue and vice in any
given moral character, 438 his definition of a miracle, 544.
Hymns, Doddridge's, iii. 433 a table
to lind any one of them by the firat
line, 645
an index, in order to find
any one of theiii, by the title or contents, 649.
his

Hughes, Mr.letters from Dr. Doddridge

505.

to, V.

Jackson, Dr.

liis

Eternal truth of

recommended,

scriptures

his character as a

ii.

tlie

358

theological wri-

430.

James, the epistle

V.

of,

its

authenticity,

27.

Jameson, Mr. his notion of virtue,

436.
Idea, a definition of,

310

whether

mind,

any

iv.

299

321

iv,

innate,

the

in

human

ib.

Identity, personal, wherein

iv.

Locke's notion

it

consists,

of, ih.
the
of the subject, 344.
punishment with death, v.

difficulties

Idolatnj,

133.
Jenks,

its

of,

recommend-

ed i. 606.
Jennings, Mr. John, Doddridge's tutor,

173

Rib-

135.

Jerome, his view of inspiration, v. 97.

Jeivs, theirexpressions concerning Jesus

and

325 restoration
407 their preservadistinct people, 84 their

his followers,

of the,

v.

ii.

79

tion as a
conversion, 406.

IgnatiuSf his writings, v. 18.

Images, remarks on the use of, v. 293.

Imagination, or fancy, what, iv. 303.
Immateriality, the Soul's, investigated,
iv. 524
authors on the subject of,

528.
Immortality, the Soul's, arguments to
authors >iho have
prove, iv. 514
written on the subject of, referred to,
iv. 522.
Imposition of hands, v. 288.
Impressions, extraordinary, v. 253.
Imputation, what, v. 204
of the sin of
iv.

Adam

to his descendants, ib.

remarks on,

Incest,

many

Indolence of

v.

278.

christian ministers

lamented, i. lOS.
baptism of, v. 235.
Infinite, simply, a definition of, iv. 348
whether a negative or positive
idea, ih.
whether simple or compound, ib.
Infirmaries, their great use, iii. 106
some account of ditferent, ih.
Influence, the necessity of divine, ir.
48
remarkable testimonies of heathen philosophers concerning it, 485
and those of scripture, 490 revarious methods
flections on, 495
inierences from these varieof, 499
Infants, the

516 of divine, gracious, v. 232

the importance of gracious, 235
the manner of, mysterious, 237
some heathens seem to have had a

ties,

notion

of,

242.

Injuries, the forgiveness of, r^raarkson,

v.

Mr. devotions

ii.

at

wort h, v. 559.
Jennings, Dr. discourses of, to young
people, reconmiended, ii. 87
re-*
inarkson the Mosaic account of the
creation, v, 119
his character as a
praclicafwriter, 434.
Jenyns, Soame, Esq. his view of the internal evidence of the christian religion, V. 416.
Jephtha, the sacrifice of his daugliter, v.

ter, v.

some account of him, i. 22

an account of his academy

418.

Inoculation, whether lawful, iv. 505.

Inquisition, cruelties of the, to some

Spanish divines,

F2

iii.

51.

600

INDEX.

New

Inspiration, of the
dissertation on the,

Testament, a
168

iv.

of

Old Testament, arguments

for tiie,

tlie

195
divine, what, v. 93
of superintendency,\vtiat,2i.
plenary, what,
94 of elevation, what, zT*. of sug-

gestion, what, ib.

ol'the New 'JV-stainent, testimonies concerning tlie,

96

superintendent, the New Testaby,

objections

iiient written

97.

to

the plenar}', of tlie apostler. considered, 100 of suggestion, many

things in the New Testament written by, 103 that of the Old Testament proved, 14.
Instinct, a definition of, iv. 330.
Institutions, positive, what, iv. 561.
Intercession, tliat ol Christ, what, ii.
i?42
illustrations of the, 245
whether oral, 247
ever effectual, 249
reflections on the, 252
the doctrine
of, v. 205 that of good men, 2y3.
Invasions of England, a remark on, iii.
35.
Invitation to thirsty souls, ii, 591.
Josep/nis, a remark on his testimony
concerning Jesus, ii. 326 the destruction of Jerusalem, 356
the controverted passage ui, v. 12 remarks
on his works, 84.
Job, remarks on the book of, v. 137
writers who have discussed the subchap. xxxi. 28, no
ject of, 138

on

the Jews, ii. 311

the gospel, ?>jZ

monies concerning

argument
/o//H,

for persecution,

second epistle

iii.

141.

Irencrus, his writings, v, 21

concerning

llie

his testi-

inspiration of

the scriptures, 96.

Israelites, iheir

borrowing of the Egyp-

tians, V. 130,

Jade, quoted by early writers, v, 28.

Julian, the apostate, his attempt to rebuild the temple, ii. 356
his testi-

mony

for

the

New

Testament,

v.

remarks on,

v.

31.
Justification,

eternal,

264.
Justin,

gospels, 96.
Juvenal, an observation of, on deportJiient towards children, ii. 47
on
purity of example, 52
on the force
of example, 53,54
his account of
Moses, V. 38 linus of, on prolix
writing, V. 573.

K
Kenn, Rp,

lines of,

52.
Kennicolt,

concerning dreams,

iv.

on the

text, v.

state of the printed

14.

King, Mr. David, kindness

dridge,

of, to

Dod-

iOS.

i.

Kingdom of God, what, ii. 432, 465

Avhat meant by seeing it, 437' the
unregenerate cannot enter into it,
cannot be relished by the un-

439

regenerate, 448 its excellency, 466

the misery of exclusion from it,
474.
K'ppis, Dr. his preface to Doddridge's
Lecture^, iv. 284.
Kirzvan, Richard, Esq. his notes on
Genesis, v. 121.
Knmiltdge, the imperfection of our, iv.
344 the word of, what, v. 107.

Iambs, of Christ's flock, who, ii. 387.

Lampe, his Epitome of ecclebiastical
Jiistory,

commended,

iv,

253.

languages, the confusion of, at the

tower of Babel, V. 126.
Lardner, Dr. his vindication of the
story of Lazarus, against Woolston,

iii. 390
his collection of christian
on the destructestimonies, v. 24
tion of Jerusalem, 82
his gospel
]iistory,477.
Latham, Dr. his discourse at the ordination of Messrs. Gregory and
Dodge, iii. 175. v. 510.
Z.flU), divine, its curse on the offender,
i.

259

Roman;

definition of a, iv. 471

the

on the, iv. 472, note

of nature, what, 510
the Mosaic^
writers

345.

V.

Mr, William, striking remark of,

on man's condition by nature, ii. 197

Luzv,

the historian, his account of

Moses, V. 37.
Martyr, his testimony agains

Justin,

of, its atithenticity,

V 23.
Johnson, Dr. an observation of, with
regard to Watts, i. 162.
Jones, Sir William, on tiie chronology
of the Hindoos, iv. 350.
Jones, Mr. William, his remarks on
distinct delivery, v. 4G1, iiote.
exercises of,
Joy, in God, i. 430
434.

mony

spread of

various testithe Christians,

V. 9
his writing.i, 20
his remark
concerning the Greek writers, 39
concerning the inspiration of the

tlic

his

his

churaeter as a practical writer,

V. 437,

INDEX.
what,

472

municipal,
what, 488.
Lazarus, of Bethany, some account of,

Laws,

civil,

wliat, iO.

iv.

ot nations,

iii.384.

Clerc, his edition of Hammond, v.

47'2
a remark, on hisharmonv, 473.

Lt

Lectures, Dodch"idge's course of, iv.

219 tlie principal advantage that

may

be derived from them, 281

Doddridge's academical, remarks

on, i. 62. notes. 6361.

Lecturing, Doddridge's manner

of,

1.

68.

Lee, his character as a commentator,

V, 475.
Leechnun, his sermons on the temper,
&c. of a minister, iii. 248.
Leig/don, Abp. the works of, i. 94
preface to his expository works, 1 18
of the Lord's
explication
liis
his character as a
prayer, v. 294
practical writer, 438.

from Dr. Doddridge to his

one to a young
friends, v. 505
lady, on breaking her arm, 517
one to a young lady, preparing for
a voyage, 523 to a young gentleinan, on his recovery from illness,
531
one to a person of quality,
Avho had spoken licentious words,
533 one to a lady, under dejection

Letters,

ofxnind, 556.

Liberty, natural, definition of, iv. 333

and necessity, three questions on,
external, dediscussed, 333, note

philosophical, defined,

com336 moral, definition

fined,

334

of, ib.

337 ofspontawherein it consists, ib. of

Doddridge's notion
choice, 338
plete, definition of,

niety,

controverted, ib. of indifference

notion of, what, 341
enumerated, ib.
writers on,
philosophical, much impaired, 342
how far brutes possess it, 343 the
abuse of, why not prevented in man,
423, note, 424, 7iote.
Library, when a snare, i. 67.
Lie, a definition of, iv. 450
extends
to actions, ib. whether in any case
lawful, 451.
Liglitfoot, bis illustrations of scripture,
V. 476.
Limborch, a remarkable confession of
Orobio to, iii. 136.
Liturgies, a remark on, iv. 49S
of,

340

Locke's

601
useful books,!. 9. Writers of, wherein defective, 10.

Locke, Mr. an observation of, on the

force of example, ii. 124
his notion
of the essential j)roperties of body
and spirit, iv, 301 on the power
of forming volitions, 303 on the
sources of our ideas, 313
controverted, ib. note
his accoimt of the
association of ideas, 317
his definition of a miracle, 543
his character as a commentator, 473.
Lnnginus, his account of Moses, v. 38.
Lottery, remarks on ill success in the,
V. 514.
AH?fov, the signification of, ii. 377.
Louis, the xiv. a saying of his, just before his death, iv. 18.

Loivman, Mr. Moses, his commentary

on the revelation, recommended, ii.
357
his proof of the being of a
God, a priori, iv. 371 his remarks
on the angel of the Lord, v. 172

his

scheme

for interpreting the

whether they ought

ed, V. 295.
Lives, those of pious

to

be establish-

men, the most

book

of Revelation, 410.
Lowth, Bishop, his prslectious

on the
poesy, v. 76.
Loivth, W. his character as a commentator, V. 472.
Lucas, Mr. his character as a practical
writer, v. 436.
Lucian, his remarks on the cliristians,

Hebrew

325
them, V.
ii.

his

testimony concerning

8.

Lucretius, his objections

soul's

immortality

against the

answered,

iv.

521.
Ludolph, an observation of, on oppression,

iii.

130.

Luxury, amongst the Jews, in the days

of Solomon, iii. 237.
Lyttleton, Lord, his observations on
yt. Paul's

conversion, v. 89.

M
Cullock, Rev. Mr. the extraordinary success of his preaching, iv. 88.

Mc.

of, remarks on,

364.
Magistracy, the office of, v. 284.
Magistrates, of our obedience to, v.
27 S.
Mahometanism, a remark on the pro-

Magic, the operations

v.

gress of,

V.

92,

Malphigius, on equivocal generation,

iv. 354.
Manton, Dr. his character as a prac*
tical writer, v. 431.

602

INDEX.

Markius,

his definition

Hebrew

More, Mr. Henry, author of the poem

of Christ, to bear the, on the

body, what, ii. 139.
Marriage, what, iv. 457 mankind
should be propagated only by, 4jS
the duties of, 4yj
to whom vir-

4(32

what cases

may

be dissolved, 464.
Marriages, how to be contracted,
it

iv.

484.

Martyrdom, a remark on,

574.

iv.

92.
text, V. 48.

Masters,

obligations of, iv. 484.

Maximns, Tyriiis, a remark of, oil
divine influence, ii. JS';^.
tlie

Mayo, Mr.
dridge,

i.

his attention to

young Dod-

20.

Mead, Dr. on the

diseases

mentioned

Medii, Mr. Joseph, his conjectures on

the sabbath, v. 314. concerning

baptism,

321

360

niacs,

concerning

Demo-

the

character
writings, 47 d.

of

liis

expository
Melito, his writings, v. 21.
Jilemory, what, iv.303, a survey of the
human, 314, how accounted for by
the Cartesians, 315, 31(3.
MessiaJi, expectations of the, among
the Jews, v. 77, among the Heathens, ib.
Method, remarks on that of the scriptures, v, 151.

Methodists,

some remarks on

the,

i.

Testament,

133.

v.

Miitiades, his ^^liting^, v. 22.

J\/i>id, the human, definition of,

301
307.

its

Aliinsters,
tlie

dependence on
tlie

dilHculties

tlie

temper and

primitive,

iii.

on the same, 188

respecting the Jewish priests, v. 148.

Morris, Mr. his opinion, on the rise of
the beast, v. 409.
Mosaic account of the creation, v. IIS
the

171

conduct
reflections

labours

of, ib.

iv.

body,

of,

215

opposition

to,

217 t!ie awful account of, 218

encouragement of, 219 methods
of ordaining, 225.
Mimitius, Felix, his affecting account
of sacrificing cliildren,
Miracles, definition of,

ii.

GI.

542 bv
Mr. Locke, 543 by Dr. Chandler,
iv.

fall,

121.

Moses, probable allusions

the heathens,

Motion, not

among

to,

v. GO.

essential

to matter, iv,

35!},

Motto, Dr. Doddridge's,

Johnson's opinion of it,
Miuiroes, family of the,
of, iv. 104, 123.

107 Dr.

i.

ib.

some account

N.
Nature, the human, its present depravity, V. 195
concerning things in a
state of, iv. 447
a state of, what,
470 thelawof, what,511 the light

of, wiiat,

?Y>.

Mr. kind

Ncal,

111. 113.

Michalis, concerning the inspiration

of the Now Teilament, v. 99,
Miles, Dr. Henry, a letter of, concernmg L'-'ighton's works, i. 93.
Mills, Dr. Iiis various readings of the

New

on the death of Dod<lridge, i. 204.

More, Mr. on suicide, iv. 505.
Morgan, Dr. his strange calculation,

of

in scripture, v. 3ci0.

soul, iv. 310.

Masorites, their care of the

of

v.

Marks

tue prohibits,

544 by Dr. Hutcheson, ib.

by
Dr. Clarke, ib. by Dr. bykes, ib.
by Dr. Chapman, 545 i)y Mr.
Farmer, ib. note uncontroled, what,
553 objections against, 553 those
of the Egyptian Magi. ib.
remark
on those of the New Tertament, v.
85 pretended ones, Sci objections
against, some account of, 129.
Monarch/, what, iv. 471 a mixed,
what, 472 its excellency, 481.
More, Dr. his opinion of the seat of the

of personality,

V. 177.

Dodchidgeand

offices

of,

his family,

to

i.

Dr.

193.

Needful, the one thing, iii. 28t>.

Nero, the cruellies of, to the christian?,
ii. 359.
Nevj Testament, the books of the,
proved to be genuine, ii. 321.
Nemnan, Rev. 1^1 r. John, an oration
at tlie grave of, iii. 404.
Neidon, Sir Isaac, his scheme of the
cnronology of our Lord's ministry,
155
remark of,
the curious
iv.
conct ruing tlie Pentateuch, v. 46.
Neiuton, Bishop, oti the prophecies, v.
(37
on the destruction of Jerusalem,

82.

Nichols, Dr. his hypothesis respecting

the Mosaic account of the creation,
V. 120.
Notninatist,

who, iv. 300.

Nonconformist, pr'mc\iia\ writers
the, V. 430.

among

INDEX.
Norris, Rev. Mr. John, a sermon on
the death of, iii. 3'J9.
Non-is, his character as a practical

60S
on the subject of promises, 454 his
view of the evidences of Cliristianity,
Y.

419.

Pantanus,

writer, v, 43(3.

Number

of the beast, wliat, v. 409.

Au?)iemus, liis account of Moses, v. 38.

his writings, v. 23.

Pantheists, who, iv.355.
Papias, his writings, v. 20.

Pappus, a celebrated fable related by,

O
Oaths, what, iv. 434,
Obedience, passiv'e, what,
far justifiable, ib.

Obligation, moral, what,

ground

of,

Obscur:i!/,a.

liow
415 the

430

iv.

iv.

i8, i:\9,note.

chargeof,on the scriptures,

refuted, v. 1j2.
Officers,

ecclesiastical, a survey of, v.

21)8.

Oligarchy, what, \x. 47 1.

One thing needful, wliat meant by, iii.
28(3 what included in, 287 why
the care of the soul is thus represented, 200 reflections on, 297.
Oracles,
the Sibylline, remarks on
V. 78
cessation of, among the heathens, 86 of heathens, 303.
Ordination, some account of Dod-

dridge's,

i.

47

methods

of,

among

Dissenters, iii. 223.

Origen, a remark of, on inspiration,
iv. 175, V. Q6
on war, 284.
Origin of moral evil, remarks on the,
V. 208, note.
Ornbio, a remarkable confession of,

iii.

136.

Orphans, the hope of, ii. 156.

Orthodoxy, concerning the standard of,
V, 230.
Orton, Mr. Job, his funeral sermon for
Dr. Doddridge, iii. 411.
Osivald, Mr. on the use of animal food,
iv. 447, note.
Ovid, lines of, on the mortal body,
iii. 388.
Ouen, Dr. John, a remark of, on
scripture phraseology,
41
ii.
on
saving to the uttermost, 223 on
Christ's manner of intercession, 247
a remark of, on toleration, iii. 124

contains what

is

most

essential in

the controversy, ib,

his character
as a practical writer, v. 430.
Oiven, Dr. Henry, his observations on
the four Gospels, v. 98
his modes
of quotation used by the evange-

lical writers,

105.

P
Pflzn, what, iv. 302.

Pakij, his definition of virtue, iv. 436

on the doctrine of property, 449

v. 96.
Parents,

address to, concerning the

education of their children, ii. 59
reflections of pious, on the death of
wicked ciiildren, 173 the rights and
obligations of, iv. 469.
Passions, what, iv. 303 Watts's description of them, iv. 303, 326
survey of the, 326 division of the,
according to Des Cartes, 328 their
origin, 329.
Patient, definition of, iv. 302.
Patrick, Bishop, his character as a
commentator, v. 471.
Patriotism, remarks on, v. 417.
Pearce, his character as a commentator, v. 473.
Pcirce, his notion of Christ as the
guardian of the Jews, v. 172 of in-

fant

communion,

'340.

Pentateuch, whether
V.

Moses wrote

the,

43.

Perfection, of christian, v. 250.

Perfections, definition of, iv. 333.
Perjur/j, what, iv.

433

heinous crime,

ib.

Persecution for religion, the unlawfulness of, iv. 499

remarks on, 574
tiie absurdity and iniquity of, iii. 1 17

pleas which have been urged in

favuur of, 131- Job xxxi. 28. no argument for, 141 reflections on, 143

V. 284.
Perseverance of the saints, what, v. 242.
Persius, a remark of, on forming the

young mind,

ii.

30.

Person, ihe word, definition of, v. 176,

181
observations on, 177, note.
Persons, distinction of, in the Godhead,

v. 187.
Peter, second Epistle of, its authenticity, v, 27.
Petty, Sir William, his thoughts on population, iv. 332.

Pharoah, God's hardening the heart of,

V. 132.

Philemon, tlie poet, his acquaintance

with the decalogue, v. 39.
Philo, Judseus, a saying of, concerning
the Logos, ii. 243
iiis ojjinion concerning the seat of the soul, iv. 309.
Philosophy, natural, a definition of, iv.
301.

INDEX.

604!

Phocyhdes, his acquaintance with the

Mosaic laws,

v.

39.

Phrenzy, the phenomenon

345.
89.
Piety, a persuasive to eminent, i. 369
a prayer for, 375.
Pilate, the acts of, ii 325.
absurdiPlastic nature, what, iv. 379
ty of the doctrine of, ib.
Plato, a remark of, concerning divine
liis hope of a diassistance, ii. 48ti
vine revelation, iv. 553.
Pleas, vanity of those confided in by
sinners, i. 251.
Pleasure, wliat, iv. 302.
Pliny, a remark of, concerning his uncle, i. 10(3
his account of the christians, ii. 323, 353
his testimony
concerning the christians in Bithyiiia, V. 8
concerning the christians'
view of Christ, 1 1 a remark of, to
Eufus, 513 on the death of l>is
uncle, 514.
Pliny, the elder, his account of Moses,
V. 37.
Jivzufjiah-Mr, remarks on, i. 574.
Pneianutology, definition of, iv. 301.
his testiPolycarp, his writings, v. 19
Pieffers,

Mr. Win. a

of, iv.

letter of,

i.

mony

to Paul's inspiration;^ 96.

Polycmtes, of Ephesus, an Epistle

of,

v. 24.

Polygamy, the subject of, discussed, iv.

460 writers on, enumerated, 4(31,
remarks on, v. 277.
note
Poole, his character as a commentator,

V.

475.

Poor, Doddridge's care for the, i. 126.

Pope, Mr. a remark of, on moderation,
i.

152.

Porphyry, his thoughts of Christ,

325 V.

ii.

11.

Thomas, a remarkable account

Porter,

of, iv. 84.

Positive

institutions,

a definition

of,

iv, 5()1.

Possessions, demoniacal, v. 360.

Posteriori, a, argument for the being of

a God, iv. 371,

Poverty, of spirit, remarks on, v. 418.
Poner, active and passive, what, iv.
303.
Pollers, miraculous, the most considerable, v. 109.
Prayer, family, objections to, answered,
i.

forms how
extemporary or

603

of,

far use,''ul,

iv.

498 the
for
Lord's, remarks on, v. 294
the dead, 380 one of Dr. Doddridge's before composing sermons,
457 directions for, 467.

497

free,

Prayers, fora family, i. 612 theJewiMt,

now used in the synagogues, v. 29t>.
Preachers, the peculiar advantage of
being experimental, i. 69.
Preaching, specimens of Doddridge's

manner

in private to himself,

of,

i.

Dr. Doddridge's manner 51

his popularity 54 on different

30

of,

in,

445

lectures on,

v. 425
general directions concerning, 464.

strains of, v.

Predestination, what, v. 257

the principal writers on the subject of, 258.
Price, Dr. his doctrine of moral fitness

and

unfitness, iv, 414, noteoi\ civil

liberty, 479.

Primatt, Dr. Humphrey, on mercy to

brute animals, iv. 444.
Principles of the christian religion in
verse, iv. 229.
Priori, a, whether there be any proof
of the being and attributes of God,
iv.

wherein

371

posteriori,

it

differs

from

il>.

Procopius, his account of an African

monument, v. 61.

Promises,
fuhillecl,

453 should be
conditional, whether

what,
ib.

iv.

different from covenants,

Propagation, of Christianity,

ib.

i. 110.
Properties, definition of, iv, 300,
Property, on the division of, iv. 447
whether the sea can become private,

449.
Prophecies, the chief, of the

Old Tes-

of the Messiah and

his kingdom, 68 of the seventy
weeks
Daniel, 72 double sense
tament,

v.

64

ol

75.
Prophecy, the
of,

gift of, what, v, 108,

Propositions, a table of the, contained
in Doddridge's Lectures, iv, 287

whether any innate, 312.

Providence, reflections on the conduct
of, iii. 52 submis:>ion todivine, 302~
niysterious, future revelations of, 369.
Psalms, an objection to some passages
answered, v. 138.
remarks on, i. 574,
Punishments, what, iv, 486
in the,

^vx'xc;,

wliether

lawful,

ib.

capital,

duration

of

future, V, 389.

Doddridge's conduct towards

71, some who behaved ill, 159.
Purgatory, what, v. 379.

Pupils,
his,

i.

Puritans, practical writers among the,

V, 429,
Pye, Dr. Samuel, his Moses and Bo"iingbroke, v. 121.
Pyle, his character as a commentator,
V. 47 i.

Index.

605
remark on a

Retribution, a

primary, dcfijiitionof, iv. 320

secoudaiy, ib. Locke's division ot,

S.ualit2es,

iv.

children, 51.

brutes,
Rapiii, a

iv.

527.

remark

on the eloquence

of,

of the pulpit, V. 449.

Rca/, liis thoughts on the torrid zone,
i'v. 354.
Reading, Mr. Doddridge's uncommon
diligence in,

i.

22.

Readings, various, remarks on, v. 34.

Realists, who, iv. 300.
Redemption, the covenant of, what, v.
261 the extent of, 263.
Rectitude, moral, what, iv. 416.
Redi, his opinion of plants, iv. 306
of equivocal generation, 354.
Reformation, necessary to National
success,

iii.

29.

Regenerate, address to the, ii. 536.

Regeneration, what it signified among
the Heathen, ii. 376 not baptism,
377, 379, 394 the nature of, 39(3
the marks of, 400 the necessity of,
429 the necessity of divine influence
to produce it, 48 I.
Reid, his opinion of memory, iv. 317.
Religion, true, very rare, i. 217
an

immediate regard to, urged, 235

importance of family, 593 objec-

tions against the Jewish, answered,

V.

147 the

Resolutions, some made by Doddridge,

i. 30
respecting the pastoral office,

on

marriage, 98
for the
revival of religion, iii. 229, ?32.
Restoration, the doctrine of universal,
V. 393.
Resurrection, doctrine of the, discussed,
V. 368
of the place of the blessed
after the, 373 of the place of the
damned after the, 375.
his

VOL.

V.

its

the, 419.
Reynolds, Bishop,

character

of,

as a

practical writer, v. 429.

Rich, his short hand, iv 61.
Ridgleij,

vinity

Dr. Thomas, his body of

recommended, iv. 28 U

di-

Rising, remarks on early, i. 32.

Robertson, his character as a conmientator, V. 474.

Rollin, a

remark

Pat rod us,

iii.

of,

on the death of

386.

Rome, church of, Doddridge's remarks

on the, i. 123.
Rulers, obedience to civil, iv. 483.
Rules, Doddridge's, for the direction
of his conduct, i. 24
a caution respecting them, 26.

Ruthcrfoid, his notion of virtue,

iv.

436.

Sabbath, of the christian, v. 310 of

the Patriarchal and Jewish, 312.
Sacraments, wliat, v^ 342
wiiether
there be more than two under the
New Testament, 563.
Sacrifices, thoughts on human, v. 135
objections to, answered, 147.
Saints, character of some Old Testa-

ment,

V. 140.

on the conduct
43.
Salvation, what things cannot avail for
our, i. 266
glad tidings of, 272
reflections on, 277, 284
the sinner
urged to accept of, 286 the sinner
yielding to a free, 291
a solemn
address to those who reject, 292
by grace, ii. 555 how Ihrougli
Sallust, his observation

156.

Remonstrants, their notion of election,

V. 260.
Repentance, what, iv. 510.
Resistance, whether lawful in any case,
iv. 479.

57

authenticity, v. 28.
Revelations, particular, v. 254
a
scheme for interpreting the book of
of,

imperfect promulgation

of, considered,

Jfags, his remarkable death, i. 37.

Rainboiv, remarks on the, v. 125.
Ramsay, his peculiar notion concerning

of,

who have vvrilteii

on the book of, v. 413 our great
need of a divine, ii. 315 a divine
possible, iv. 546- desirable, 547
this illustrated by ancient Heathen
authors, 549
objections to, answered, 550
room to hope for a divine,
552 -Socrates and Plato hoped for
a, 553
traditional, 567
the book

on the educaon the power

of evil over tlie mind, 30 on the
share of parents in educating their

slate

521.

Revelation, authors

ih.

Quintilian, a remark of,

tion of children, ii. 21

of

v.-ar,

iii.

faith, 557.
Sanderson, Bishop, on the obligatioa
of an oath, iv. 455.
Satan, the suggestions of, v. 365.
Satisfaction, see Atonement.
Saul, the execution of his descendants,
V.

134,

606

INDEX.

Saundei's, "Rev. Nfr, letters from

Dod-

dridge to, V, 559.

Saunders, Miss, a letter from Doddridge to, V. 579.
Sttundersoif, Rev. Mr. Jonathan, ii. 553.
Sawin, liis thoughts on hardening
Paaraoh'5 heart, v. I.3J
his illustrations of scripture, 475.
Scheme, wlielher any one be fitter than
the rest in the view of God, iv. 391.
Scientia Media, what, iv. 388
re-

marks

on, ib. note.

Dr.

his

a Greek translation
Christ's time, 42 con-

antiquity, v. 40

of the, iO

^genuine,

catalogues of them, 41
in

tradictions charged on the, answered,

objections to tiie style, meV. 142
thod, &c. answered, 130,

Seagrave, Mr. remarks on a pamphlet

of, i. 550.
Search, Edward, Esq. see Tucker.
Seeker, Archbishop, his character as a
practical writer, v, 438.
Seder, 01am Rabbah, remarks on, v.
42.
Seed, Rev.

of,

on

449.

Mr. an observation

inspiration, iv. 191.

Selden, his

Mare Clausum,

Self-dedication

example

of,

iv.

recommended,
344

ed, 348.
Self examination,

341
the same, abridg-

enquiries

i.

about,

i.

311.Self-existence, definition of, iv. 34(3

not essential to matter, 355.

Seneca, a remarkable passage from,

concerning divine assistance, ii. 485
concerning the influence of love,

iii.

Heptiiagint,

some remarks on

the, v. 48.

Sermons, remarks on Doddridge's manner of composing, i. 49 the Berry-

recommended, ii. 212 rules

composing, v. 439, 456 on ti)e
style of, 448
on the delivery of^
Street,

for

460.

Dr. Doddridge's treatment

of, i, 98
the obligations of, iv. 484.
Seieru^, Alexander, his thoughts of
Christ, ii. 325.
Shafiesbury, remarks of,on persecution,
iii.

434,

J28

sermon occasioned by

his notion uf virtue,

iv.

a funen;!
death,

his

iii. 369.
Shepherd Kings, some account of the,

V.

40.

Sherlock, Dr. \Vm. his chaiacter as a

practical writer, v. 436.
Sihbs, character of, as a practical wri-

429.

V.

ter,

remarks on the,

oracles,

v.

78.
Sicili/,

expedition

to,

iii.

Sick, anointing the, v.

41.

288

directions

489.
Simon, Faliier, his hypothesis respecting the Pentateuch, v. 46.
for visiting the,

a remark of, concerning

divine influence, ii. 485.
Sin, God not the author of, v. 163,
208, note of the unpardonable, 254
original, wiuU, 205
the imputation of, to Adam's posterity, 205.
Sinner, the careless, alarmed, i, 226
a prayer in behalf of an impenitent,
302 the dee|)ly convinced, encouraged, 304
his reflection on those
encouragements, 308.
Sinners, an exhortation to, ii. 270
directions to awakened, 522.
Sins, prevailing national, iii. 37.
Slavery, how far the trade of, is lawful,
iv. 485
writers on the subject of
the Negro, ib.
Smith, Dr. Adam, his idea of virtue,
iv. 436.
Smith, Rev. J. P. on the permission of
sin, iv. 424, note.
Socrates, his hope of a divine revelation, iv. 553.
Sodnm, the destruction of, v. 131
the Heathen accounts of its destrucSimplicius,

tion, 60.

Soldiers, Spanish

304.

Sa"cants,

Christianity, v. .74.
Rev. Air. James,

Shepjjerd,

Siln/lline

character as a practical
writer, v. 436.
Scougcd, Mr. a remark of, on humility,
his character as a practical
ii. 24
writer, v. 437.
Scriptures, the Old Testament, their
Scott,

Sharpe, Dr. Gregory, Lis defence of

of,

iii.

33 a

and

Italian, cruelty

friendly letter to pri-

vate, iv. 147.

Solomon, remarks on the song of, v.

140 writers on the, ib.
Some, Rev. Mr. some account of him,
34 his son's death, ib. Dodi.
his
dridge chosen his assistant, 38
discourse on the revival of religion,
41 some account of, iii. 189 on
inoculation, v. 547.
Somerset, the Duchess of, a letter from,
to Dr. Doddridge, i. 90.
the human,
Soul, care of the, iii. 283

where seated,

iv.

whether

303

it

607

INDEX.
always thinks, 523 immortality of
the, 514, 322 its immateriality considered, 524
whether it he extended, 529
concerning the original of

for sermons,

448

on

harmony

of,

451.

on the choice of, in sermons,

439.
tlie intermediate state oi Suhlapsariam, their scheme, what, v.
261.
the, between death and the resurrecSubscription to articles of religion extion, 376.
amined, iv. 456.
Souls, the evil and dangerof neglecting,
iii. 220, 252
excuses for neglecting, Submission, the duty of, exemplified,
reasons for, on the death of
i. 146
242.
a child, iii. 309.
South, Dr. his character as a practical
Succession, how we get our ideas of,
writer, v. 43(3.
iv. 318.
Space, our idea of, iv. 398.
Spartian, his testimony concerning Suetonius, his account of the christians

the, 531

Su}ijecti,
v.

Doddridge concerning Col. Gardi-

323 a remark of, concerning

Augustus Caesar, iii. 396 his testimonies to the cruelties of Nero

ner, iv. 23, 29.

Spencer, on tlie laws of the Hebrews,
V. 145
his remark respecting the

respectagainst the christians, v. 8

ing Christ, ii.
Sufferings, the duration of future, dis-

tiseof blood, 238.

Spinoza, his doctrine confuted,

cussed, V. 382.
Suicide, the unlawfulness of, iv. 505.
Supralapsarians, their scheme, what,

Christ, ii. 325.

Spears, Rev, Mr. a letter of his to Dr.

wherein he

differs

353
from Lucanus,
iv.

and Plato, 354.

^/)7V, the Holy, necessity of assistance
from, i. 330 a prayer for the,
334 the Holy, his names, titles,
and worship,
attributes,
works,
V.
184
whether a person or a
power, 185 his proceeding froni
theFather and the Son, 186 a defiAristotle,

534

the gift of discerning, ^i'hat, y. 108.

Spontaniety, wherein it differs from rational volition, iv. 302.
Slate of nature, what, iv. 470
of free-

dom, 47 8.
character as a
practical writer, v. 436.
Stebhin^, Dr. concerning heresy, v. 227.
Sleffe, Rev. Thomas, some account of
his
ills life and character, iv. 249
his favoubirtli and education, 250
his
divinity, 255
rite authors in

Bishop,

his

piety, 256
interesting
concerniug the ministry, 258

letter

his

his

atfecling letters to his mother, 263

has an invitation to Taunton, 271
his sermons, 272
is seized with the

smallpox, 274 his death, 276.

Stonehouse, Dr. and Mrs. their testimony concerning Doddridge, i. 161.
Strubo, his account of the lawof Moses,
V. 37.

remarks on that of the New

Testament, v. 106 remarks on that
of the scriptures, 150 what, proper

Style,

v,261.

Mr. an expression of, on

excessive fondness of mothers to
character of,
their children, ii. 48
as a preacher, v. 508.
Supper, the Lord's v. 335 abuses of
directions for admi338
tlie,
nistering the, 485 on the perpetui-

Superrille,

574.
a remarkable anecdote conwhen vicicerning profane, iv. 64
ous, 455.
ty of

nition of, iv. 300.

Spirits, of superior, created, iv.

Spratt,

ii.

it,

Szvearing,

on immorby the Heathen phi-

Dr. his thoughts

S/jkes,

tality as held

his definition of
losophers, iv. 521
a miracle, 544 his view of prophehis enquiry into the decy, V. 76
moniacs, 360.
Sympathy, Dr. Doddridge's, a remark

oil,

i.

131.

Tacitus, his account of the christians,

Christ, 325, 359
ii. 323 of Jesus
his testimony concerning the multitude of christians, v. 8 concerning
his account
the death of Christ, 11
of Moses, 37.
Taste, Mr. Doddridge's diligence in
forming his, i. 23.

Tatian, his writings, v. 21.

Taylor, Dr. John, of Norwich, strictures on, ii. 378 his notion of fiith,
219 his scripture doctrine of
V.
prayer, 295 his Hebrew lexicon,

546.

G2

608

INDEX.

Mr. liis character as a practical

writer, v. 432.
Tears of Jesus, meditations on the, iii.
Taijlor,

3S3. not unworthy of the most exalted magnanimity, 389.

Temper, the christian, described,!. 316
a prayer for the, 327.
^Temple, Sir William, an observation of,
nil tiie Dutch, iii. 130
his essay on
tlie excess of grief recommended,

303 whether

an atheist, iv. 372

a wild insinuation of, v. 42.
Temptalions, cautions against various,
K 378 a prayer against, 385
those
of Satnri, V. 365.
I'ertuUiaii, his
testimony concernin,'^
the propagation of ciirislianity ii.
353 his observation on persecution,
130 the testimony of, concerniii.
ing tiie authority of scripture, iv,
175
remark of,
his works v. 24.
on inspiration, 96 his thoughts on
var, 283.
Testament, the Nevv,the genuineness of
the, V. 14
passages in the New,

<luoted

heatiien

by

writers,

26

proved to be genuine, 30.

from antiquity, to the
books of the New Testament, V. 16
to tlie books of the Old Testament, 58.
Theft, whether the Spartan was justifiable, iv. 449,

Testimonies,

Theology, a definition of,

Thenphdus, of Antioch,

22on

iv.

543.

his writings, v.

the inspiration of the scrip-

tures, 97.

Thompson,

lines of,

on the pleasure of

instructing children,

ii.

28.

Thought, what, iv. 300 not the effect

of mailer, 357.
Thoughts, on the clioice of, in composition, V. 452
on the manner of
arranging the, 454.
Tilhtson, Archbishop, observation of,
on care foi children, ii. 36 on frtein convenalion, 47
'loni
on tlie
force of example to children, 54
his argument for the being of a
Goil, iv. 370
his character as a

practical writer, v. 435. strictures on

the style of, 451.

Time, Doddridge's great improvement
of, i. 32, 103
remarks on mispending, 138
a definition, of, iv. 318.
Tindal, Dr. his objections against revelation, from the perfection and
plainness of natural religion, iv. 550
the fallacy of, exposed, ii, 315.

Toland, his Amyntor, v, 16, 29.

Toleration, remarks on, by Mr. Baxter
and Dr, Owen, iii. 124,
Tongues, the gift of, what, v, 108 the
giit of interpreting, what, ib.
Topladt), on predestination, v. 258.
Tradesmen, tlie studies of, i. 72.
Tree, that of life, v. 202 that of knowledge, ib.
Trinitij, opinions of the ancient fathers,
concerning the, v. 189 opinions of
ancient heretics respecting the, 19!
opinions of the moderns on the, 192,
Triumph, the Christian's, over death,
iii. 409.
Truth, what, iv. 449
logical, 450

ethical, ib.

Tucker, his light of nature pursued, iv.

523.
Tully, observations of, on popular eloquence, iv. 200 a stricture on his
book De Natura Deorum, 374,
Turner, Dr. kind attention of, to Doddridge, i. 196.

Turretin, Francis, his

recommended,

iv.

Instit.

28

Theolog,

1,

Tuscidans, their singular

defence, V 283,
Types, what, v. 344.

mode

of

self-

U
Unanimity, christian, what, iii. 265
arguments for, 268
Understanding, what, iv. 303.
Union, personal, in Christ, v. 178,
Unregenerate, the character of the, ii.
384 marks of the, 38'3 cannot
see the kingdom of God, 439
canhow vain their
not relish it, 448
hopes of heaven, 460.
Usefulness, thechrisiian urged to cultivate, i. 438
breathing after, 446.
Usher, Archb, his plan for the reduction
of episcopacy, v. 308.
Usuni, whether condemnable, iv, 448
Ijentham's essay on, ib. note.

V
Facuum, whether there be
f'alentinian 111. a

a, iv.

35Q.

remarkable ambassa-

dor of, V. 282.

Fandale, on the Heatiien oracles, he,
V, 363.
Fan Helmont, his opinion on the seat of
the soul, iv. 309.
Farious readings, Michaelis's observations on, V. 02, note.
Farm, his account of the Jewish nation, V. 39.
1

-^-

INDEX.
Versions, ancient, of the Bible, some
account of, v. 48.
Vice, what, iv. 414.
Victor, a passage from liis chronicon,
V. 33.
Virtue, what, iv. 414, 416 definition
of,

433 the

considered,

degree

of,

any ciiaracter, 437 the principal

means of promoiing, 495 the practice of, beneficial to individuals, 336
its influence on society, 538 the
scriptural means of,^v. 290.
Virtues, of the divine, social and perin

the principal branches

personal, 494.
486 the sick,
pastoral,
302 the power of
what,

sonal,! v.

of

440

human and

Visiting,

4S9.
Volition,

v.

iv.

forming, 303.
Voivs, what, iv. 454.
Volsci, a singular circumstance attending their war with the Romans, v.
283.

W
offensive and defensive, strictures
on,iv. 572 just and unjust.strictures

whether
on, 573
definition of, 489
offensive and
in any case lawful, ih.
defensive, 490
public and private,
491
stratagems in, how far lavvfui,
492 the lawfulness of, v. 280 strictestimonies from
tures on, note, 281
the Fathers respecting, v. 283.
IVarburton, Dr. his divine legation of
Moses, ii. 35^, 361, Z6j his view
of a future state as maintained by the
Heathen philosophers, iv. 520 remarks on his notion of equal provihis hypothesis
dence, V. 132, 368
concerning the book of Job, 138.
JFwd, character of, as a practical writer, V. 429.
Warrior, the christian, animated and
crowned, iii. 350.
JVaterland, Dr. his treatise on regeneration, ii. 375
his idea of space, iv.
399 of virtue, 436 his definition
of the word person, v. 181.
Watts, Dr. Isaac, Doddridge's first acquaintance with, i. 40 a letter from,
to xMr. Longueville, 95
remark* of,
on moderation, 152 his opinion

Wellingborough, a dreadful fire at, ili. 7

a sermon on the occasion, 9.
Wells, an account of his harmony, v.
473 his character as a commentator, 474.
Wesley, Mr. John, his predestination
calmly considered, v. 258.
West, Gilbert, Esq. epitaph of, on
Doddridge,!. 201.
Weston, Mr. on the regard paid to
miracles, among the Heathen, iv.
554, V. 57.
Whichcote, Dr. remarks of, on dissent,

i.

112.

Winston, his peculiar notion concerning

the epistle to Diognetus, v. 20
his
opinion of the apostolic constituhis opinion of the Mosaic
tions, 35
account of the creation, 119 his
opinion respecting the state of the
blessed after the resurrection, 373
concerning the duration of future
394 his
happiness and misery,
opinion on the cause of the conflagra-

concerning body and spirit, iv, 300

on the sources of our ideas, 312
]iis Huin and Recovery, v. 209
his
character as a practical writer, 433.
Webster, Eev. Mr. his account of Col.
Gardiner's letter, iv. 34.

tion,

War,

609

397

remark on

harmony,

his

473.
Whitby, Dr. his peculiar notion of faii'n,
V. 2 IS
of the bodies of the damned,
392 his
the
resurrection,
after
character as a commentator, 472.
Witherspoon, Dr. remarks of, on injurious treatment, i. 149.
Wilkins, Bishop, his character as a
practical writer, v. 435.
Will, how far it influences the judgment, iv. 343 the divine, how to be
distinguished, v. 240.
Williams, Dr. his christian preacher, i.
22 his influence of religious prac-

tice in

our enquiries after truth,

419.
Williamson, Rev.

Mr. conduct

of,

iv.

to

199 preaches his

funeral sermon, 200,
Wisdom, the word of, what, v. 107.
Wit, some account of, iv. 332.
Witsius, his jEgyptiaca, v. 145
his
illustrations of scripture, 475.
Wood. Dr. letters from Dr. Doddridge

Doddridge,

i.

to, V. 535.

Wood, Mr.

letters

from Dr. Doddridge

to, V. 552.

Woollaston, his notion of virtue, iv. 433.

Wonlston, objections of, answered by
Lardner, iii. 390, v. 58.
Works, covenant of, v. 270.
World, not eternal, iv. 350 eternity of
.

the,inv/hatsensemaintaineUby some
ancient philosophers, 354.

INDEX.

610

Worship, public, writers in defence of,

iv. 496.
Worthington, his scheme of the milleiiium, V. 405.
Wright, Dr. on regeneration, ii. 371
Ins character as a practical writer,
V. 432.

Year, the great Platonic, v. 405.

Young persons, address to, ii. 70,79-
reminded
friendly cautions to, 104
of judgment, 189.

Zinzendorf, Count, some account of,

X
Xcnophon, a remark
vine inlluence,

ii,

i.

concerning di4S6.
of,

]]0.

Zuinglius, a saying

mortal wound,

END OF THE FIFTH VOLUME.

ERRATA.
Vol. Pafre. Line,
81

108
471
II

17

325
III.

136

IV. 229

334
433
V.

421

495

BAJNlSjTRlNTER
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56 for grace
that it was.
33
that was
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too-edged

two-edged.

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iv.

97.

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