will is revealed. This revealed will of God, therefore, is undoubtedly the source of all our relations to him, as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, uniting in one mysterious counsel, and in offices of ineffable love, for the redemption of an apostate world. This will of God to show mercy and not wrath, induced him to make known the mystery of godliness, hidden for ages in the infinite depths of his incomprehensible nature. And this revealed will of God is also the sum of all our divine knowledge. This will, and this alone, creates therefore all our obligations and duties; gives origin to faith and hope; to peace and joy; to confidence and expectation; to love and labour; to sacrifice and service. This will determines what is truth; what is faith; what is obedience; what is the nature of piety; what is the life of piety; what is the final end and purpose of piety; what are the laws of growth and maturity to piety; and what shall be the fruita of pioty in its everlasting. 'under a pretended compliance with what is not revealed, is fanaticism and treasonable disobedience. Difficulties there may exist both in the way of faith and obedience to this will of God, but difficulties do not affect positive knowledge. Trials may lie like so many obstacles in our way, but trials do not weaken truth. Conflicting demands upon our time, talents, obligations, and services, will present their urgent claims, but these do not neutralize the supreme will and demands of God. In regard to Christian missions therefore-while there are a thousand perplexing questions, and innumerable, and in many cases insurmountable difficulties-and while, so far as permitted, selfishness, and carnal wisdom, and national partiality, and immediate local interests, (in themselves good and great,) will multiply difficulties and discouragements, and while some men will even boldly and blasphemously deny both hich is the principle of missions, inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. This is the chief end and purpose of every church, and of every Christian. To secure this end, God has evidently adapted the gospel, and the church, and the ministry; and to this end also has God adapted every Christian, both by the natural and spiritual nature he has imparted to him. For what is the essence of Christian piety, but conformity in nature, disposition, and desires, to God as manifested in Christ? And the very character of Christian life, what is it but sympathy with Christ in doing the will of God for the redemption of the world; in seeking and saving the lost; in preaching the gospel to every creature; and in doing good unto all men, as we have opportunity and ability? Prove thou thy words, the thoughts control That o'er thee swell and throng; They will condense within thy soul, And change to purpose strong. |