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REVIEWS.

XXXVIII. The Dignity and Excellence of the Gospel, illustrated in a discourse, delivered April 8, 1812, at the ordination of the Rev. Nathaniel W. Taylor, as pastor of the First Church and Congregation in New Haven. By TIMOTHY DWIGHT, D.D. LL.D. President of Yale College. To which are added the Charge and Right Hand of Fellowship to the Minister, and the Charge to the People. Published at the request of the Committee of the Church and Congregation. A. T. Goodrich & Co. New York; Howe & Deforest, New Haven.

mate end, the doctrines and precepts, and the catastrophe. The first inference from the observations which had been made is, That the Gospel is a revelation from God. The remarks offered under this inference form a most triumphant exhibition of some internal evidences of the truth of Divine Revelation. The lat ter part we quote:

"To comprehend the true import of all these observations, it is necessary to remember, that there are, in different writers and speakers, emthe Scriptures, at least one hundred ployed on these various subjects; that they lived through a succession of fifteen hundred years, and in all the states of society, involved in that period; that they were of every class, from the prince to the peasant; and that they wrote in almost every form, which discourse admits, and on occa. sions as various, as were the writers themselves. Yet these characteristics belong to them all. They have the same God ever in view; the same Re

We regret that our limits forbid a particular account of this excellent sermon. We are able to admit only a few sentences by way of remark, in addition to a quotation or two of moderate length from the most striking deemer; the same salvation; the same

passages.

The text is 1 Pet. i, 12:Which things angels desire to look into. After a brief and natural explanation of the text, the preacher proposes "to illustrate the importance, dignity and excellence of the Gospel." The Gospel, (by which the preacher here intends the Scriptures at large,) is defined to be "a history of the mediatorial kingdom of the Deity." A considerable part of the sermon is taken up in describing this kingdom, in reference to its design, the theatre in which this design will be exhibited to the universe, the actors, the duration, the laws, the ulti

immortal life. Their views of holi ness, and of sin, are alike comprehensive, and exact. Their precepts all require, and all forbid, the same things. The grandeur of their views, and the sublimity of their concep

tions, are, also, every where won

derful. With an eagle's eye they all look directly at the Sun; and with an cagle's wing ascend perpetually to. wards the glorious luminary.

proper force, let me exhibit it in a single point of view.

"To impress this subject with its

"The apostle John was born in an age, when the philosophy of his country was a mere mass of quibbling: its religion a compound of pride and bigotry; and its worship a ceremoni ous parade. His lineage, his circumstances, his education, and his em ployment, were those of a fisherman,

"On what possible,natural principle can it then be accounted for, that, like the sun breaking out of an even. ing cloud, this plain man, in these circumstances, should, at an advanced age, burst upon mankind with such a flood of effulgence and glory? Whence did it arise, that in purity of precept; sublimity of thought; dis. cernment of truth; knowledge of virtue and duty; and an acquaintance with the moral character of man, and the attributes of his Maker; this peasant leaves Socrates, Plato, and Cicero, out of sight, and out of remem. brance? Do you question the truth of this representation? The proof is at hand, and complete. There is not a child of fifteen, in this house, nor, if possessed of the common educa. tion, in this land, who would not disdain to worship their Gods, or embrace their religion. But Bacon and Boyle, Butler and Berkeley, Newton and Locke, Addison and Johnson, Jones and Horsley, have submissively embraced the religion of St. John; and worshipped the God, whose character he has unfolded. Their systems have long since gone to the grave of oblivion. His has been animated with increasing vigor to the present hour; and will live, and flourish, through endless ages. Their writings have not made one man virtuous. have peopled heaven with the children of light. The 17th chapter of his Gospel, written, as it is, with the simplicity of a child, yet in grandeur of conception, and splendor of moral excellence, triumphs, with inexpressible glory, over all the efforts of hu man genius, and looks down from heaven on the proudest labors of Infidelity.

His

"Nor are the Images, formed by the mind of this Apostle, disproportioned

to his moral sentiments. Read his description of our Savior, amid the seven golden candlesticks; of the majesty of God, and of the divine as. sembly of the first-born in the highest heavens; of the angel, at whose command the seven thunders uttered their voices; of the woman, clothed with the sun; of the King of kings, at the head of his armies; of the solemn transactions at the great day; and ofthe New Jerusalem, coming down from God,

prepared as a bride, adorned for her husband; and tell me in what nation, in what writer, counterparts for them can be found? Hear him in a few plain, unadorned expressions leave every effort of Grecian genius out of comparison. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it; from whose face the heavens and the earth fled away; and there was found no place for them.

"At the same time the immensely complicated and mysterious scheme of Redemption, and the vast system of Providential dispensations, founded upon it, were distinctly comprehended by the mind of this humble man. These amazing subjects he has handled in innumerable instances, and forms; and light, beauty, and glory, have every where sprung up at his touch.

"Let us now make this case practical. Suppose the most ingenious fisherman of this country were to at tempt the same subjects; and to form a new scheme of Redemption, and a new system of Providence. What, does common sense declare, must be the character of his writings? Yet in this country fishermen, as well as all other men, are educated in a manner, far superior to that, which existed in Judea at the time of the apostle Johns and here, also, their conceptions on these subjects are enlarged, and ennobled, by his writings, and those of his fellow-apostles. I will only ask further, what man of any talents, and with any education, could now write as St. John has written?" pp. 21-23.

Dr. Dwight argues, secondly, The folly of Infidelity.

"Thirdly, this subject furnishes every minister of the Gospel instructions of supreme importance."

The whole of this part of the sermon is addressed to the pastor elect. We present our readers with the two concluding paragraphs:

"With these solemn considerations

always in full view, you will labor, earnestly, to come forth to this people

in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Peace. Your sermons, before they are brought to the house of GOD, you will water with your tears, and embalm with your prayers. You will plant the seed of life, with all humility of mind; and with many tears, you will beseech the Author of blessings to give the increase. You will remember, you will feel that you are appointed by the great Shepherd to watch this flock, in the fear of God, as one who must give an account. But what must be the account, given by a minister, at the bar of GOD, of a wasted life; of squandered talents; of sloth, and

cowardice, in his master's service; of a perverted Gospel; of an abused ministry; of faithless sermons; and of a neglected flock, left by himself to error, sin, and ruin, precluded from eternal life, lulled into the sleep of death, and led to perdition!

"With these awful considerations in view, who, that deserves the name of a minister, who, that deserves the name of a man, can fail of delivering the message of Gon boldly, fervently, faithfully, with the deepest tenderness, with the strongest yearnings of affection. Must not his heart beat; must not his voice tremble; when he rehearses to dying creatures, hastening to the judgment, the terrors of the final day, and the burnings of devouring fire? Must not his bosom heave; must not his eye kindle; must not his tongue glow; when he repeats the wonders of redemption, the sufferings of the cross, the excellency and loveliness of the Redeemer, the mercy of a forgiving and sanctifying GOD, and the glories of immortal life; when he puts his hand on the door of heaven; and, opening it for the entrance of his flock, discloses to them the throne of GoD and the Lamb, the innumerable company of angels, the general assembly of the first born surrounding the tree of Life, and singing with transport the eternal hymn; Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him, that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen!" pp. 30-32.

The concluding head is thus expressed; Fourthly, let me

from this view of the Gospel, urge every member of my audience to secure its blessings.

The whole sermon is able, animated, and eloquent. The thoughts are in a high degree sublime, and clothed in glowing and magnificent language.

The Charge to the Minister was given by the Rev. Dr. Dana, the Right Hand of Fellowship by the Rev Samuel Merwin, and the Charge to the People by the Rev. Dr. Dwight.

XXXIX. Zion enlarged by her

own energy: a discourse delivered at the meeting of the Benevolent Society, at Wareham, (Mass.) June 10, 1812. By Rev. THOMAS ANDROS, A. M. Pastor of the church in Berkley. Published by request of the Society. Boston; Samuel T. Armstrong.

THE Society before which this sermon was preached, furnishes one of the many proofs, that a spirit of active Christian beneficence is increasing in this country. The object for which this society was formed is one of the noblest, best, and most promising, which can engage the attention of the benevolent at the present day, the education of pious young men for the Gospel ministry.

The text is Eph. iv, 16.

From this passage of Scripfollowing position; That the exture the preacher illustrates the

tension of the limits of the Church depends on the exercise of energies, preserved by the divine Spirit, in her own bosom;" and then proceeds to enumerate

"some of the most obvious and important of these active principles."

This plan is satisfactorily filled up; and the whole sermon is sensible, scriptural, and well suited to the occasion. It appears to be the effort of a mind much employed on the means of promoting the best interests of mankind. There are some

inaccuracies of expression; but, on the whole, few occasional sermons contain so much that is excellent with so little alloy. Let our ministers, and our private Christians, be actuated by the principles here developed, and a bright day will rise upon the American churches. We have no room for extracts.

RELIGIOUS AND MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

REPORT ON THE INTEMPERATE USE OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS.

THE Committee appointed by the General Association, in June, 1811, to co-operate with other Committees "in devising measures which may have an influence in preventing some of the numerous and threatening mischiefs, that are experienced throughout our country from the excessive and intemperate use of spirituous liquors," ask leave to

Report,

That in the month of July last they met and became regularly or ganized, and have held four meetings between that time and the present; and that they have paid that deliberate attention to their appointment, (so far as their other duties permit ted,) which its great magnitude and importance required.

At a meeting held in August, your Committee adopted the following

votes.

"1. That, in the opinion of this Committee, it is proper and important to collect facts on the following subjects:

First, The effects of intemperance on bodily health, the mental faculties, and length of life.

Secondly, The effects of the use of spirituous liquors on the productive labor of the country.

Thirdly, The practicability of employing laborers without allowing them the use of spirituous liquors. Fourthly, The tendency of intem. perance to other vices.

Fifthly, What means have been found effectual in restraining the intemperate use of spirituous liquors. Sixthly, The quantity of ardent spirits consumed in this country.

2. That each member of this Committee express in writing at the next meeting a brief view of the best means of remedying the abuse of ardent spirits.

3. That it be made the subject of serious consideration by this Commit. tee, and that it be submitted to the. Committees with whom we are to co-operate on this business, whether it is not desirable, that voluntary as. sociations should be formed for the purpose of aiding, and carrying into effect, the objects of this Committee.

4. That the chairman be requested to communicate the doings of this meeting to the Committees with whom we are to co-operate."

At a meeting in December, the several members of the Committee exhibited their thoughts in writing on the subjects connected with the abuse of spirituous liquors, and the means of remedying the evils which

result from it.

The Committee also directed subcommittees to continue the correspondence with the committees in New-York and Connecticut, and to open a correspondence with the com. mittee in New Hampshire.

They also appointed a sub-committee to prepare and lay before them

an abstract of the laws of Massachusetts on the subject of drunkenness taverns, &c.

They also appointed a sub-committee to prepare a plan for a General, and for Auxiliary, voluntary Associations, to be formed for the purpose of discountenancing the intemperate use of spirituous liquors, and other prevalent vices.

At a meeting in April, several letters from the Committees with whom your Committee were to co-operate, were read. Among them was a let

ter from the Committee in New York, the whole of which we beg leave to incorporate in our report, at this place.

To the Chairman of the Committee appointed by the General Association of Massachusetts for the suppression of intemperance, &c.

REVEREND SIR,

THE Committee of the General As. sembly on the subject of intemperance have directed their Secretary to acknowledge the reception of three letters from your board, which afford the pleasing information that you are spiritedly exerting yourselves to accomplish the object of your appointment. The Committee of the General Assembly have held two sessions, and have prepared a report in part to the Assembly, to be convened in May next. Should any communications from corresponding committees kindly suggest any thing new, which might probably be useful, it will at some future session be incorporated into the report. The Resolutions to be reported to the General Assembly for adoption, are the following.

1. Resolved, That it be recommend. ed to all the ministers in the Presbyterian Church of the U. S. to pay par ticular attention in their public discourses, not only to actual intemper. ance in drinking, but to all those habits which may have a tendency to produce it.

2. Resolved, That it be enjoined on all the church sessions, that they exercise especial vigilance and care over the conduct of all persons in the communion of their respective churches, with regard to this sin; and that they sedulously endeavor, by private warning and remonstrance, and by public censure, suspensions, and excommu. nications, as different cases may require, to purge the Church, as far as

possible, of a sin so enormous in its mischiefs, and so disgraceful to the Christian name.

3. Resolved, 'That it be recommend. ed to the ministers and other officers, and to the members of the church in general, to exert themselves to diffuse among all our congregations, and the community at large, suitable Ad. dresses, Sermons, and Tracts on this subject, and particularly "An Inquiry into the effects of Ardent Spirits," by Dr. Rush of Philadelphia.

4. Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to all the ministers and elders in the Presbyterian church to abstain entirely from the use of ardent spirits themselves, and in their fami lies; to refrain from offering them to their friends; and to exclude them from all their judicatories and ecclesi. astical meetings; excepting always, however, from this recommendation, those cases in which ardent spirits may be necessary as a medicine,

5. Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the members of our churches to refrain from giving spiri tuous liquors to servants and other persons hired or employed by them; and that they give a marked preference to those laborers who entirely abstain from the use of spirits.

6. Resolved, That it be recommended to the officers and other members

of the churches to encourage associa tions of persons who shall bind themselves to one another and the public to obey the 4th and 5th resolutions, and to prevent in other lawful ways the use of ardent spirits

7. Resolved, That it be recommended to the ministers and other members of the churches to take such measures as may have a tendency to reduce the number of small taverns, groce ries, and tipplinghouses, in all those parts of our country, in which the excessive number, or the offensive character of such places, renders them a public nuisance.

8. Resolved, That in those states in which the laws against drunkenness may be defective, the members of the church exert themselves to procure the enaction of such as may promote the public welfare.

9. Resolved, That the Assembly publish a solemn and pointed address on this subject, to be accompanied with the above resolutions, and pub

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