here the instrument used, and the agents by whom it is employed. Let us briefly attend to each in order.

1. The instrument, is " the declaration of "God's glory."

We have already explained the meaning of God's glory, under the first head, as referring to the display of God's perfections in the plan of redemption through Christ. In this view, the gospel is God's glory, and to declare this glory, is to preach the gospel. By this gospel, and in no other way, are sinners converted. The law is a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ'; but the law alone does not convert. The Spirit of God uses the gospel to create sinDoes the ners anew, and not the law. preaching of the gospel, then, make void the law? God forbid! It establishes the law; for it exhibits "Christ as the end of "the law for righteousness'." He magnified the law by his obedience; he satisfied it by his death. In him is life, and in him alone. He is "the image of the invisible "God"," and in him God is reconciling the

s Gal. iii. 24.

t Rom. x. 4.

u Col. i. 15.

world unto himself.

In this character, He

constitutes the sum and substance of the gospel. To him the eye of faith must be directed; and from his grace sinful men must obtain ability to glorify God. To exhibit these truths, is to preach the gospel; for preaching the gospel is not preaching morals, or the law, but Christ. In him, and in him only, there is" redemption through his blood, "the forgiveness of sins according to the "riches of his grace"." He came "to save "that which was lost":" his blood cleanses from all sin": he saves his people from their sins'.

These truths, which are gospel truths, make the gospel the instrument in the hand of the Spirit to awaken dead sinners, and give them life. Though under the condemnation of the law, yet pardon is freely offered through Christ. God, though he is righteous and holy, manifests himself as gracious and merciful. In this view, as able to forgive without violating his justice, he has made himself known to us. The gospel knows of no God but God in Christ,

x 1 Cor. v. 19. a 1 John i. 7.

y Ephes. i. 7.

Matt. i. 21.

≈ Matt. xvii. 11.

As such, we are commanded to fear, love,

The glory of God

obey, and trust him. consists pre-eminently in his being just, and yet the Justifier of the ungodly who believe in Christ. And this exhibition of God as a God in Christ, was that, which the Apostles and primitive Christian teachers gave. This same exhibition you find in the writings of the first Reformers, as also of the most eminent ministers of the gospel in Europe, who succeeded them. This is the exhibition which breaks the hard heart, and captivates the wandering affections. What wonderful success crowned the labours of the Apostles, and in later days, the labours of the Reformers; and in still later days, the labours of Whitfield, Tennant, and a host of worthies. They preached the Lord, the Lord God gracious and merciful, through Christ. They preached Christ crucified, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. They exhorted sinners to flee to the city of refuge; to accept of salvation as a gift. Thus is Christ now preached by Vanderkemp, Carey, and others, whom God hath blessed. Thus is the glory of the Lord declared with success among the Hottentots and Hindoos,

and other Pagans; and thus will it be declared to all the nations before their conversion. The gospel, the glad tidings of a Redeemer, a Surety, through whom sinners can be restored to the favour of God, and enjoyment of heaven; this is the instrument by which the world will be converted to the faith.

2. The agents who will use this instrument, are described as "those that escape," viz. from the corruptions of their brethren. These God will" set as a sign" among nations. They will be Gentiles and Jews.

the

The Church at present, as you know, is composed of Gentiles. Very few of the descendants of faithful Abraham have, since the apostolic period, united themselves to her. She is divided into parties, between whom there is much disagreement, to say the least, and but little friendship or harmony. The different denominations who belong to her, are all more or less corrupted. It is from those who escape these corruptions, that God will raise up Missionaries. to declare his glory to the nations. Missionaries must be men such as the apostles and martyrs were. Those whose labours

God will own, must be pre-eminently holy men, men who like Caleb follow the Lord fully. Until such men appear to undertake the work, success need not to be expected. Such men God will raise up when he is about making the new heavens and the new earth.

Previous to that period, the Gentile Churches will fall far short of their primitive glory. They will become more and more worldly and corrupt, so as to draw down upon them the displeasure of God. From those who then shall escape the corruption, God will send forth his messengers. But more particularly are the Jews meant. They will be converted before the Heathen shall be universally subdued to Christ. Though we have reason to expect that the whole nation will return to the promised land, yet previous to such restoration, God will snatch many of them from the midst of their countrymen, and make them monuments of his grace. As the casting of them off was the reconciling of the world, so the receiving of them shall be life from the dead". From a variety of

c Num. xiv. 24.

d Rom. xi. 15.