Lectures on the Millennium online

have a sufficient acquaintance with history,
may gain much light and satisfaction from
the writings of Bp. Newton and Mr. Faber.
I would not be understood however as inti-
mating, that I consider these writers correct
in all their opinions. In some points they
have undoubtedly failed; and whether Mr.
Faber is correct in supposing Antichrist to
be a po\^er different from the man of siih I
have not yet been abl^ to form a decided
opinion; tho I fear he if5 wrong.

But, my brethren and friends, we have
something else to do in relation to this sub-
ject, besides attending to the prophecies. Are
we not called upon, with a voice equally loud
and clear, to attend to the signs of the times?
It is only some of the most prominent and
important of these, that we have been able to



Duties relating to the Millennium. 239

consider, in these Lectures; and these we
have noticed in a very cursory and imperfect
Planner. If it is interesting, laudable and
important, for the statesman and merchant
to observe and consider the signs of Ihe
times in relation to the kingdoms of this
world, liow much more interesting, im-
portant and laudable, must it be for those
who are waiting for tlie consolation of Israel,
to consider the signs of the times, as they
relate to the kingdom of heaven. With what
solamn, tender and trembling solicitude, did
we watch the signs of the times, during the
late war. How did our hearts exult, when
we could discover the least tokens of an
honorable and lasting peace. And shall we
not be equally solicitous with regard to every
indication of that blessed period, when war
shall entirely cease; when we shall be en-
tirely free from the disnral apprehension —
when the art of war shaJl be unstudied and
unknown! and not only when war shall
cease, but when those dreadful lusts and pas-
sions, whence wars and fightings proceed,
shall be, not merely restrained, but almost
entirely extirpated; and when the cessation
of war shall be only a part, and compara-
tively a small part, of the blessings, that
shall constitute the blessedness, which God
has promised. If we could feel indifferent to
the signs of such a time — of such a period,
would it not seem enough to make the stones
cry out, and the beasts of the field rise up in
Judgmernt against us?



240 Duties relaiing to the Millennium*

But how shall we gain a knowledge of
these important signs? In reply to this ques-
tion, 1 sliail make a few remarks. It was
observed in a former Lecture, that in order
to have a clear view of the wonders of the
present age, we must have some acquaintance
with former ages — we must know something
of history. ' For this purpose, you will per-
mit me to recommend to you three books,
which I consider better than any other. In
the first place, 1 would recommend the bible,
which is incomparably the best book, that
ever was written, not only upon doctrines
and duties, but also upon history. By tiiis
book we are led back to the foundation of the
w orld, and into the abyss of eternitjr — to the
eternal purposes of Mim, who worketh all
things after the counsel of his own will. lu
this book the history is all true and impartial;
the facts are selected and arranged by infinite
wisdom; and so related, as strikingly to show
their importance, and connexion with the
kingdom of God. 'Ne.xt to the bible, 1 would
recommend Edwards's History of Redemp-
tion. It is probable that no man uninspired
ever wrote a more valuable book upon the
subject of history than this. To gain a clear
idea of tiie signs of the times, however, some-
thing more is necessary. I very much regi'et,
that after making diligent search for several
years, I liave been unable to find a compend
of history, that f can in all respects recom-
mend. Periiaps no book is more needed for



Duties relating to the Millemmim. 241

the benefit of the rising generation, than a
well-written work of this kind. Whelpley's
Compend of History, tho in some respects
very imperfect, is probably the best work of
the kind, that has yet appeared. It unites
two grand excellencies, which I have not
found in any other It is in general very in-
teresiing, and in a good degree serious.
With regard to the present state of the world,
1 know of no book, to which I can refer the
young reader for complete information,
Horn, Staughton, Lord arid Brown have
published books upon missions, which may
doubtless be read or consulted with advan-
tage. But missions constitute but a single
feature of the present age. Much valuable
information upon the present state of the
world, with regard to religion, may be col-
lected from the Christian Observer and Pan-
oplist. A work that has been more partic-
ularly devoted to this object, and is still de-
voted to it, from week to week, is the Boston
Recorder. It is probable, that no where else
in so short a compass, shall we find so much
information, upon this subject, as in this ex-
cellent paper. Kext to a good compend of
History, a well written volujne of a moderate
size and price, upon the happy and distin-
guishing characteristics of the present age,
appears to be most desirable.

A pt ivate weekly meeting, held by a se-
lect number of friends either male or female,
for the purpose of reading select portions of
21



£42 Buties relating to the Millennium^

religious intelligence, from the Panoplist or
Recorder, and conversing together upon the
wonderful works of grace and mercy, tliat
God is now accomplishing in the worlds may
be attended with great advantage; especial-
ly if such meetings are introduced and con-
cluded with fervent effectual prayer. The
advantage of such meetings, however, will
depend very much upon the temper and abil-
ity with which they are conducted. There
is reason to fear, that social reading is some-
times almost useless, in consequence of the
very imperfect manner, in which it is per-
formed. As very few are capable of read-
ing to others, with even tolerable propriety,
what they have not read before, it may be
advisable for those who read in these meet-
ings, to devote a little time to prepare them-
selves to perform this important exercise
in the best possible manner. If those, who
take the lead in these meetings,are sufficient-
ly qualified, their usefulness may be greatly
increased by having them open for the at-
tendance of all who may be disposed. The
monthly concert for prayer, is in some
places conducted in a manner very similar
to what has now been described. It seems
excecdine:ly desirable, that such meetings
should be attended as often as once a week,
at least, till those, who attend them, gain a
good general acquaintance with tbe signs of
the times.



Duties relating to the Millennium, 243

But the subject of the Millennium calls
for something more than merely exertions to
gain information respecting the signs of the
times, and the duties they involve. The
great end and use of knowledge, is action.
If this knowledge does not excite us to be
up and doing for the advancement of Christ's
kingdom, we may as well be without it.
Nay, to us it will be worse than in vain;
*'For to him that knoweth to do good, and
doeth it not, to him it is sin." If the word
and providence of God are unitedly pro-
claiming, "Behold the Bridegroom cometh,"
surely we are bound, not only to aitend to
the call, but to use our utmost exertions to
prepare for his reception, and to bring him
on his way. If proclamation were made,
that our much respected chief magistrate
was on his way to visit us, would it not in-
stantly excite a deep and lively attention?
And should we not, in such a case, feel dis-
posed to make preparation to give him a re-
ception, corresponding to the dignity and
importance of his character and office? Shall
we not then exert ourselves to honor Him,
who is Head over all things to the church;
the King of Zion, and the Lord of lords?
Shall we not exert ourselves to hasten his
approach?

But what is to be done? and wiiat can we
do for the promotion of an object, so great,
so glorious, and so desirable? Much; there
is much to be dowe^ and my brethren and



£44 Bidies relating to the MiUenniuiU.

friends, there is much for us to do. Th©
gloiious Miiieimial period is to be introduc-
ed by means. Even if the age of miracles
sitould return, and they should become as
common, as in the days of the apostles, we
may be assured, that means will not be su-
perseded. They were very far from being
superseded then. Never were the servants of
Christ more laborious in spreading the gos-
pel. But there seems no reason for expect-
ing, that the age of miracles will return, or
that any thing miraculous will take place to
introduce the Millennium, except the de-
struction of vast multitudes of the wicked,
immediately before that day, and perhaps
some other things which may be very inti-
mately connected mih that destruction.
Christ will then tread the wine press of his
wrath alone, and of the people there shall be
none with him.^ The worsderful and amaz-
ing; events that will introduce the Millenni-
um w\\\ be principally effected by human in-
strumentality. Behold the stupendous
wiieeis of divine providence already in mo-
tion, the wheels within wheels, urged for-
ward by the hand of omnipotence, and roll-
ing forward to the blessed consummation,
Tho the Spirit of God must move the wheels,
yet he makes us^ of human agents at every
tiirn. To assist in urging forward these
wheels, we are allowed the distinguished
honor of using our exertions; and not only
allowed, b^t required — most urgently are

*Is. 63:-3.



Duties relatins: to the Millennium, 245



"a



we required to apply our hearts, our
tongues, our counsels, mir property, our in-
fluence, our prayers, our talents, our ut-
most exertions, our every effort, to the bless-
ed work.

Some may imagine, that they have no time
to engage in this work; that they have so
much to do for themselves, their families and
ieliow men, that they have no time to spare
for the advancement of Uirist's kingdom.
Dear reader, is this your case? Is the king-
dom of Christ then nothing to you? Is death,
judgment, eternity, nothing to you? nothing
to your family? nothing to your fellow
men? And are the overwhelming scenes of
the world to pome, scen-es, in which you
and they are to have a part, nothing to
you? Are you willing it should be forev-
er true, as it relates to you and them,
that Christ is dead in vain? Are you will-
ing, that to you and them the pearly
gates of Paradise should be opened in vain?
And are you certain, that notwithstanding
all the cares and toils, to which you are call-
ed from day \.o day, you have nothing to
do, for the salvation of your own soul, or the
souls of others? — nothing to do for the ad-
vancement of the glory of God, or the king-
dom of the Redeemer? Are you certain, that
it is your duty to seek first what you shall
eat, what you shall drink and, wherewithal
you shall be clothed, and how the temporal
wants of your connexions and friends shall
21^



246 Duties relating to the Millennium^

be suppiied? Do you entertain a hope, that,
if you diligently seek these things, all tiie
blessings of the kingdom of heaven will be
added? Are you certain, that, when Christ
invites you to the marriage supper of the
Lamb, it is your duty to go to your farms
and your merchandise? Dear friend, be not
deceived. Eternity is at hand,* behold, the
Judge standeth at the door; and all the felic-
ities and glories of the upper world are de-
pending — are depending upon your exertions
—upon the exertions of perhaps a single day.
O then, be entreated to awake from your dire
delusion; to awake without delay — to awake
to righteousness. ''Belmld the Bridegroom
Cometh, go ye out to meet him.'* If you are
determined to lull yourself down in this fatal
security, to say to the inviting, pleading Sa-
vior, *<Go thy way for this time," and to
say to yourself, **A little more sleep, a little
more slumber," you may have your wish;
but be assured it will he bitterness in the end;
ycm may have your wish, but at the last it
will bite like a serpent and sting like an ad-
der — you may do according to the desire of
your heart, but know thou, that for all these
things, God will bring thee into judgment.
And how wilt <«thou mourn at the last, when
thy flesh and thy body are consumed, and
say, How have I hated instruction, and my
hcijrt (' -^spised reproof, and have not obeyed
the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine
ear to them that instructed me!" Be entreat-
ed then, dear reader, if still regardless of the



Miities relating to the J^llemitum, 247

kingdom of Christ, be entreated immediately
to repent. Immediately forsake tliy wicked
ways and tliy uniighteous thoughts, and turn
unto the Lord, and he will have mercy on
thee — he will abundantly pardon. Precious
immortal soul, be not deceived. Do not
vainly imagine, that you have no time to at-
tend to the kingdom of Christ. Tiiis is so
far'from being true, and when you come to
stand before die judgment seat of Christ,
you will see and feel, that it is so far from
being true, that God doe^ not allow yoa
time to do any thing else. He requires, that
whatever you do, or say, or think, should
be directly or indirectly conducive to the ad-
vancement to the kingdom of his Son,
Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever
you do, you must do all to the glory of God.
Tho you may now find it easy to excuse }^our-
self to your conscience in neglecting to en-
gage in tiie service of Christ, y%U be assured,
you will not find it so easy to excuse your-
self, when God taketh away your soul — you
will not find it so easy to excuse yourself,
when you stand at the bar of Christ. Tho
it may now be easy for you to make lyes
your refuge, yet be assured, the storm of al-
mighty wrath is gathering, and the h^il
shall sweep away the refuges of lyes, and
the waters shall over flow che hiding places.
Oijce more then, O unbeliever, permit me
to entreat you, as your eternal all is at
stake, permit me to conjure you, if you
have the least regard for your own salvation.



5248 Duties relating to the Millennium*

or tlie salvation of others, to flee from the
wrath to come, to lay hold upon the hope set
before yon, and engage witli all your heart,
and with all your powers, in building up that
kingdom, which is not meat and drink, but
righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy
Ghost. If you thus engage, and persevere
in your exertions, and are nevefi' weary in.
well doing, the Omniscient alone can tell,
how mucli you may do to promote the best of
causes— how much you may do for your own
soul and the souls of thousands. But if you
refuse— No! you must not refuse; you must
not neglect so great salvation. Heaven for-=
bids; hell forbids; your own conscience for-
bids; God forbids; Christ forbids; the Holy
Spirit forbids; angels forbid. «*The Spirit
and the bride say, Come; and let him that
hearetli, say, Come; and lei him that is
atiiirst, come, and whosoever will, let him
lake ot the water of life freelv."



LECTURE XIIL

Mdress to Ministers^ — to Students in Theolr
ogy; — to Christians^ — to Parents,

Shali 1 presume,to address the ministers
of the gospel upon a subject, that is peculiar-
ly delightful to their hearts? Dearly belov.
ed and highly respected Fathers and Breth-
ren, it is with fear and trembling, that I
presume to offer a word of exhortatiim to
those by whom I ought rather to be exhort-
ed myself. Tho I may be able to suggest
little or nothing, but what you have known
before, it may possibly be useful to stir up
your pure minds by way of remembrance. No
doubt, my brethren,you have often been able
to witness from your own experience, that
*<this is a true saying, If any man desire
the office of a bishop, he desireth a good
work " And have you not frequently upon the
bended knees ofyour souls rendered most hunir
ble and hearty thanks to Jesus Christ your
Lord who hath enabled you for that he count-
ed you faithful, putting you into the minis-
try?''^ But never before did the above say-
ing appear so strikingly true; and never be-
fore had ministers in general such abundant
reason hi thank Jesus Christ for putting

*i Tim. 1:12, aad *:1.



250 To Ministers,

them into tiie ministry. Happy, (lirice hap-
py ye, who are able to execute the sacred,
the more than angelic office, with vigor, with
constancy, with singleness of mind, and with
success; who have health to be instant in sea-
son and out of season, who are not compelled
to leave the word of God to serve tables, but
by night and by day can give yourselves
continually to reading, to meditation, to
prayer, and to the ministry of the word. How
bright and animating is the prospect before
you! <<Lift up your eyes, and look on the
iields; for they are white already to harvest.'^
Never before could the spiritual reaper an-
ticipate such an abundant harvest, such glo-
rious wages. Never before at any one time
were there so many, who, after going forth
and weeping, bearing precious seed, have re-
turned with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves
with them. Ye officers in the army of Jesus,
your almiglsty Captain is leading you on
from conquering and to conquer; with the
dear, precious little bands committed to
your cliarge, he is leading you on to vic-
tory, to triumph, to glory. If you can-
not scale, nor batter down the broad and
lofty walls of Babylon, you shall be enabled
to divert the waters of Euphrates; the long
hidden treasures of wickedness shall be
brought to light and destroyed; and Baby-
lon shall be as when God overthrew Sodom
and Gomorrah. Ambassadors of God, you
will not be compelled hereafter, as you ha^e



To Ministers, 251

been in time past, to take up the (lishearte!i»
ing, heart-rending complaint/' Who hath be-
Jieved our report?" The time is near, or has
already arrived, when the word of God from
your lips, like the rain and the snow that
water the earth, and make it fruitful, shall
not return void, but shall accomplish the
pleasure of the God of grace, and prosper in
the thing whereto he sends it. Ye heralds of
salvation, thank God and take courage.
You are honored with an agency in tiie
work of salvation and in introducing the
Millennium, above men of any other profes-
sion, and probably above the angels thpm»
selves. In proportion to their numbers, the
faithful ministers of Jesus, have perhaps ten
times more influence in building up his
kingdom, than other Christians. Tho the
happy state of the world, that will charac-
terize the Millennium, will consist in a great
variety of things, yet it will consist most pe-
culiarly and most eminently in the holy love,
that will glow in tiie hearts of all. The
grand instrument of producing this love, is
the gospel; and the principal instruments
of dispensing the gospel, and niciking it ef-
fectual to the salvation of sinners, are thu
faithful ministers of Christ. Generally
speaking, it is by the foolisimess of preach-
ing that God is pleased to call in his chosen.
O ye ministers of the evei-lasting gospel, it
is to you, that ang( Is are looking, as the
leading and mo^t distinguished injotruments



252 To Ministers^

of ushering in that blessed day, that shall fill
heaven with new raptures, and bring a rev-
enue of glory to God, that shall transcend
the anticipation of angels. Arise, then, ye
highly favored of the Lord, and with reno-
vated ardor apply yourselves to the great
and difficult work, to which all your powers
and faculties have been so solemnly conse-
crated.

In general you know your duty much
better than 1 can tell you. My younger
brethren, however, will pardon a few sugges-
tions, designed more particularly for them,
and whicli possibly may prove useful to
some. Every day then, most solemnly
charge your own souls to be wholly devoted
to the great and honorable work, in which
you are engaged. Let nothing but the most
imperious necessity, divert you for a mo-
ment, fi'om the business of your high and
holy calling. Generally speaking, it is the
duty of your people to afford you the neces-
saries,' the comforts, the conveniences, and
perhaps some of the delights (»f the present life.
But, if those to whom you minister are unable
«r unwilling to affoi'd you all these, do not
hastily conclude, that it is your duty to leave
undone any part of your sacred work, for
the sake of procuiing them. Surely you
ought to content yourselves with very indif-
ferent accommodations and indifferent fare,
rather than neglect the souls of >our people,
and famish your flocks with sermons unfit to



To Mnisters, 253

be heard. If your people so rebel against
Christ, as to refuse to make reasonable ex-
ertions for your comfortable support, it is no
doubt, in most cases, your duty to leave
them,and shake off the dust of your feet against
them, rather than leave your sacred work
for secular employments. Take the most
earnest heed, that you do not engage in any
study or any pursuit, that will turn you aside
from the duties of your office. Of this you
may be constantly in danger. Do not seek to
excel in any art or science, that is not most
directly and intimately connected with your
profession. Almost all the arts and scienc-
es have a remote connexion with theologyi
hut a very inconsiderable acquaintance with
most of them, such as may be acquired in a
few years, should satisfy a minister of the
gospel. Ought we not to consider it really
disgraceful for a minister to be a great nat-
ural philosopher, a great mathematician, a
great botanist, a great chemist, a great
anatomist, a great farmer, a great gar-
dener, or a great mechanic, &c. &c.? Tho he
might find it of some advantage in \m pro-
fession, to be great in these respects, yet
there is reason to fear, that by withdrawing
his attention and affection from more impor-
tant pursuits, the disadvantage would be tQn
times greater. It is indeed desirable, ex-
ceedingly desirable, as it respects the ad-
vancement of Christ's kingdom, that some
Chriitians should be great in all these res-
22



Q54 To Ministers,

pects| but not for the ministers of the gospel^
who are most solemnly bound to give them-
selves wholly to their sacred work. If I
had tiie charge of souls, as I once had^ I
should infinitely prefer to have a few thou-
sand select passages of scripture engraven
upon my memory and deeply impressed up-
on my heart, to being a Cicero in Latin^ a
Newton in philosophy, or a Silliman in
chemistry. If a minister is well acquainted
with the human heart, especially with the dis-
tinguishing exercises of the righteous and the
wicked, if he is well instructed unto the king-
dom of heaven, if he is mighty in the scrip-
tures, if he is an eloquent man,apt to teach,
and a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,
the intellectual attainments, which he may
want, should be considered as nothing com-
pared with those he has acquired. Were all
ministers such, the prospect of tiie Millen-
nium would be much more animating than
it is.

But tho ministers must give themselves
wholly to their sacred work, they must take
heed that they do not go beyond their
strength. Had I exercised sufficient caution
in this respect, during three or four of the
first years of my ministry, no doubt it might
have j)revented a separation from a dearly
beloved flock, which was so exceedingly try-
ing to me and to tliem. Some seem to im-
agine, that there is no sin in a person's de-
stroying his constitution, his usefulness, and



To Ministers* 255

perhaps his life, in the course of a few year%
if he is but engaged in advancing the king*
dom of Christ. But surely the health and
strength of a gospel minister is too precious
to be thus abused and destroyed. It is in*
deed better to wear out, than rust out; but to
break the constitution, and to destroy healthy
usefulness and life at once, is by no means
wearing out. It is no doubt the duty of ev-
ery person fairly to wear himself out in the
service of the best of Masters, and to do the
most possible labor through the whole
course of life in the advancement of the best
of causes. But the solemn declaration of the
apostle, <'Do thyself no harm," is designed
for the admonition of all. In the precious
seasons of religious revival, however, as they
are not generally of long continuance, it
maybe the duty of ministers to do more, than
they are able to do habitually from year to
year.

Let me earnestly entreat my young minis-