Lectures on the Millennium online

terial brethren, who are anxious to do their
utmost for the advancement of Clirist's king-
dom, to take heed to themselves, especially
to take heed to their deportment among their
people. This is perhaps the most difficult
of ministerial duties. It is no doubt, impos-
sible to lay down rules, that will in all cases
regulate tiie performance of this duty.
Much must be left to that wisdom, which is^
profitable to direct. And yet, no doubt, the
danger lies principally upon one side. My
deal' yoii»S brethren, if you would not dc^



256 To Ministers^

stroy the precious souls, that you arc watch-
ing and praying and striving to save, if you
would not plant your dying pillows with
thorns and the stings of scorpions, beware
of indulging in trifling, in levity, in jesting,
in secular conversation, with your people.
Tho your conversation must needs he at
times in some measure secular, yet, if possi-
ble, let it be always mingled with a savor of
spiritual things; let it be seasoned with the
salt of grace. If you are bidden to a dinner
or a supper, neither the precepts nor the ex-
ample of Christ forbids you to go. But
do not forget, nor let any of your associates
forget, that you are ministers of Christ,
But take heed, that no man despise you.
Should any of you attend a convivial party,
and there appear intirely conformed to a
vain, trifling and wicked world, and then
plead the example of Christ in your justifi-
cation, be assured, you can hardly be guilty
of a more flagrant perversion. Thus did not
Jesus; thus did not Paul. If any of you feel
confident, that you cannot attend such pai'-
ties, and there maintain the character of
faithful ministers of Jesus, decline the invi-
tation;— tho you offend some, whom it may
seem most desirable to please, decline the in-
vitation — ^tho you expose yourselves to the
danger of removal, decline the invitation—*
tho you expose your lives, decline. Or if you
are called to perform official duties at such par-
ties, perform them, and withdraw. In no ca»e



To Ministers. 2,57

be conformed to the criminal customs of tb^
world. Scarcely any thing else is so suited
to harden sinners in their iniquities, and
confirm them in their evil ways, as such
conformity in ministers. If you conform to
their practices, or even yield them the smiles
of approbation, they may indeed show you
much kindness, they may regularly attend
upon your public ministrations, but they will
not care for your preachingo Hi^ve no com-
munion, then, with the unfruitful works of
darkness; but rather reproye them. Re-
pypye them from the pulpit; and let your most
cutting reproofs be your habitual deportment
and conversation.

But the subject of these Lectures calls
upon ministers to attend to those topics^
which relate more particularly to the Millen-
nium. Scarcely any subjects are more en-
livening and delightful to Christians, than
the exceeding great and precious promises
relating to that blessed period. Tlie in-
creased attention, that ministers have re-
cently paid to these promises, and to the
signs of their speedy fulfilment, in their
preaching and exhortations, has no doubt
Veen one of the principal means, that have
excited Christians to more fervent and
abundant prayer, in answer to which such
great things have been done for Zion's wel-
fare. Preaching upon these subjects has
also had an influence to engage Christians
^n various exertions conducive to the sanj^



158 To Theological StudenU^

great end. Have we not reason to hope
that, if ministers would preach still men
clearly, more abundantly and more earnest
ly, upon subjects relating to the Millenni
lira, the same effects would follow in stil
greater abundance.

Students in theology cannot but feel mos;
deeply interested in view of the great anc
delightful work, which they have in pros
pect. And not only they, but the whole
Christian world, have reason to be most ar-
dently thankful, that so many of them enjoy
opportunities so much superior to what have
been enjoyed by those who have gone before
them. It is astonishing, that any who are
qualified to judge upon the subject, should
consider three years a long period to be de-
voted to theological studies, preparatory to
so great and difficult a work.

If it is important for ministers to take
heed to themselres, especially to tlieir habit*
ual deportment, in their intercourse with
the world, it is scarcely less important for
theological students to do the same. They
are regarded by most persons, as ahnost in-
vested with the sacred office. The habits
and characters, which they form or estab-
lish, in this exalted grade of their pupilage,
may have an influence upon their future use-
fulness, beyond their p)wer to calculate. It
may be, that some of tliem are far from re-
alizing, how critically their actions are
scanned by all around them; probably very



To Christians^ 259

few of them have an adequate idea, with
^â–¼hat devout solicitude, with what ardent
hopes, with what fear and trembling, many
of their Christian friends are looking for-
ward to the time, when they shall blow the
silver trumpet from the heights of Zion; and
probably none of them are fully sensible of
the exceeding preciousness of the golden op-
portunities, by which tliey are distinguished.
I'ould they know what arrows of agony have
often pierced the hearts of ministers in con-
sequence of their ignorance of what they
ought to have known, and what they might
have known, theological students would
tremble at the thought of wasting a mo-
ment's time, or devoting a moment to pur-
suits, that are not intimately connected with
their high and holy calling. I would, how-
ever, most earnestly exhort them to pay very
particular attention to their precious, yrec-
ious health, upon which under God so much
is depending.

But tho the gospel ministry is so impor-
tant, so honorable, and so essential to the
accomplishment of the purposes of everlast-
ing love, yet let not Christians, who are not
devoted to the sacred office, be tempted to
feel for a moment, that they are ligiitly es-
teemed, by their Lord and Master. If thQ
least sparrow is not forgotten before God,
in what exalted estimation must he hold im-
mortal souls — im mortal souls for \vh(mi the
Son has bled, and in whom the Spirit dwells.



^60 To Christians*

If the Lord had need of a humble beast pf
burden, how much more must he need the
saints, who are the excellent of the earth—.
the saints, who are his fulness — the saints^,
who are destined to reflect his richest glo-
ries to unnumbered worlds, and shine for-
ever as jewels in his crown. Christians in
the humblest walks of life, are as really need-
ful in building the spiritual temple, as the
ministers of the gospel, tho they are not
called to act a part so conspicuous. Tho
many members, Christians are one body.
"And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I
have no need of thee; nor again the head to
the feet, I have no need of you."

Christians, you have a great work to do
for your Lord and Master, in accomplishing
the promises, which the great Unchangeable
has sworn to fulfil. There is much for you
to do, which, if neglected, the cause of Christ
will fail, and the gates of hell will prevail
against the church. It is to be deeply la-
mented, that the promises aud purposes of
God are so often misunderstood and peyvert7
ed. Many imagine, that, if God has pur-
posed and engaged to build up his church,
they may fold their hands, and sit down un-
concerned and inactive. If any in the visi-
ble church have such feelings, I would say
concerning them, "Wo to them that are
at ease in Zion."=* I will not say, that the
church cannot be built up without the exer-
tions of such. There is reason to fearj t|\at

* Amos 6-t.



• To Christians^ 261

tho they have a name that ihey live, they
are dead. But as surely as God is unchange-
able, the church cannot be built up without
the exertions of Christians. He has not
promised to build It up without their exer-
tions; but by their exertions. Now, if he
should build it up in any way, different
from what he has promised, his promise
would fail. Alas, in how many ways do
men turn the grace of God into idleness, and
into lasciviousness. The promises of God
afford the greatest encouragement to Chris-
tians, to be up and doing, working with their
might. It is by the promises of God, that
they know that their labor is not in vain in
the Lord.

Arise then, dearly beloved brethren and
sisters, the great Master-Builder of the spir-
itual temple is calling aloud to you, « Arise
and build.'* that all hearts may most
cheerfully respond , <*The God of heaven he
will prosper us; therefore we his servants
will arise and build."* Tho the sure Founda-
tion has long been laid in Zion; yet, for a
superstructure there is comparatively speak-
ing scarcely one stone raised upon another.
Be assured, Christians, this Foundation has
not been laid in vain. The superstructure
must rise; by Christian exertions, it will
rise to a height no less glorious, than aston-
ishing. Christians, it is time to awake out
of sleep. You have every encouragement
that you can reasonably wish. It is high

•Nch. 2:U.20.



£62 To Christians,

time, it is more than time, that every be-
liever was wide awake, and engaged in the
service of the almighty Builder, with a de-
gree of resolution and zeal, that the world
has never witnessed. In rearing this great
house, amazing labors, and a vast variety
of operations, are requisite. Ten thousand
hands, ten thousand hearts, ten thousand
tongues, and ten thousand times ten thous-
and more, may all find employment. What
clouds of holy incense must ascend; how
many millions of fervent effectual prayers
must be accepted and answered, before
the saints will take the kingdom. The
Lord will be inquired of by his people, to
do for them, the things that his grace has
promised. Soldiers of Immanuel, be contin-
ually at your posts. It is here, that you can
do exploits. It is here, you can put to flight
the armies of aliens, and vanquish the le^
gions of darkness. Without fainting and
without ceasing, pray to Him, that seeth in
secret, who will reward you openly, and pour
you out a blessing, that will fill earth and
heaven with amazement. Morning and even-
ing, let the fragrant incense rise from the
family altar. From Sabbath to Sabbath,
and from time to time, forsake not the as-
sembling of yourselves together, in the house
of God and at other places, where prayer is
wont to be made. Especially remember the
first Monday of the month. Let not one of
these precious seasons pass by unobserved,



To Parents, 265

If you cannot attend with many, attend with
few, or even with one. If you cannot enjoy
the privilege of uniting with even one, let
your devotions be secret^ but d© not omit a
single season for uniting in heart with Chris-
tians of all denominations in the four quar-
ters of the world, in supplications for the
best of blessings upon all mankind.

Not only pray, but watch and work. Bi-
ble Societies, Missionary Societies, and ten
thousand other objects of vast importance,
are constantly claiming the attention and as-
sistance of Christians, It is impossible,
that any one can afford particular aid to so
many objects. Let every one devoutly con-
sider, what objects have the strongest claims
upon his talents, his influence, his property;
and these objects, let him promote to the
very utmost of his power.

Ye fathers and mothers, surrounded by
your prattling babes, and tender offspring,
yourselves in miniature, that are fast rising
into childhood, into youth, into manhood,*do
you know what a treasure is committed to
your trust? Immortals, germs of everlasting
existence, each of them of more value, than
all the stars in the firmament. Do you de-
sire their salvation? Do you desire to sliine
and shout with them, when stars and suns
shall be extinguished? Be faithful to your
precious, your most endearing cliarge; de-
vote them to Christ, train them up for Him,
from whom you have received them; and



264 T« Farents.

then you may have reason to hope, that you
will finally be able to present them before
him, and say, <«Behold I, and the children,
which God hath given me."

The encouragements and obligations of
parents, to train up their children in the
way they should go, has always been great.
But never before were these obligations and
encouragements so great as at present. From
the signs of the times, and the promises of
.God, there is reason to hope, that a very con-
siderable proportion of those who are now
children, in Christian lands, will be heirs of
the kingdom. What accumulated wrath,
what aggravated woes, impend the heads of
those unnatural parents, those monsters of
cruelty, who are practically saying, that
they are willing, that their children should
be trained up for Satan^ and die for lack of
knowledge.



LECTURE XIY;

Address to Teachers; — to Magistratss^-^to
the *ijfiiient;-^to the Young,

Ye, who sustain the important and hon-
orable office of teachers, are these tilings
nothing to you? Surely the subject of the
Millennium can hardly fail to interest your
feelings. The advancement of schools and
other seminaries in almost every branch
of literature, is among the favorable signs,
that distinguish the present age. In this
you have rejoiced, and are rejoicing more
and more, from year to year. With
what raptures then, must you look forward
to the day, when these institutions shall be
as much superior to what they are at present,
as they are now superior to the schools of
the dark ages.

Instructors of youth, your profession is
undoubtedly next in importance to the sa-
cred ministry itself. In proportion to your
numbers, you can do more to enlighten and
reform the world, and introduce the Millen-
nium, than ])e!isons of any other profession,
except the ministers of Christ. Is it not
important then, my bi-ethren and sisters, (for
thus I may now address you) is it not un-
speakably important, that we should make
*25



£66 To Teachers,

full proof of our noble office,* that we should
exert all our talents, to unfold the faculties,
and to advance the literary and religious
improvement of our pupils — that we should
exert ourselves to the v ery utmost, to raise
the succeeding generation above the present;
and see how much can be done by teachers,
for the benefit of mankind^ and the regenera-
tion of the world?

To many of my fellow teachers, who are
rich in experience and reflection, I can looic
up for instruction. Most gladly would I
sit at their feet and learn. To some of my
younger brethren and sisters,! may perhaps
be able to offer a few hints, which they may
find useful in pursuing a branch of business,
which, according to its importance, is prob-
ably less understood, than any other.

It should be the great business of a teach-
er to endeavor to excite and promote in his
pupils a thirst for knowledge; to unfold and
properly direct their faculties, and to culti-
vate them all in due proportion; to store their
minds with the most useful information; to
direct and assist them in forming such hab-
its corporeal and mental, as will be most im-
portant in the business of life; in short to
instruct and train tliem in such things and
in such manner, as may be most conducive
to their usefulness and happiness in this
world, and to their glory, honor and immor^
taiitv in the world to come.

» 2 Tim. 4:5. I



To Teachers. 267

In the first place then, my dear young
Mends, you will permit me to recommend
that you endeavor to be qualified for your
business. It is doubtful whether there is any
other employment, in whicli those who are
pursuing it, are so indifferently qualified for
their work, as are many of those, who un-
dertake the business of instruction. Take
heed, then, that to the very utmost of your
power, you be well acquainted with what
you attempt to teach; that you be apt to
teach;* and that you be able to govern and
regulate a school. If any of these qualifica-
tions be lacking, you will not be likely to
succeed. How can you teach what you do
not know? You may inde«^d give your pu-
pil a 'v^'* o«,V «'^+ take the book and hear
him repeat the words of the author; but this
can hardly be called teaching. It seems de-
sirable, that you should be able to explain
to him, what he may not understand, to
question him upon his exercises, to answer
the questions that he may ask, and to tell
him much more about the subject, than he
finds in his lesson. How ridiculous is it for
any one to attempt to teach an extensive and
important branch, to which he has never de-
voted his attention for a single month.

Aptness for teaching, or facility of com-
municating instruction, is a requisite scarce-
ly less important, than knowledge itself. If
the teacher has no talent for communicating

• 1 Tim. 3:2'.



£68 To Teachers.

lii§ knowledge, it cannot benefit his pupils.
A spirit of government also seems absolute-
ly essential. It is hardly to be supposed,
that scholars will gain much information
without being well governed and regulated;
but even if they could, it would only be pre-
paring them for misrule and mischief.

Tho the two latter qualifications may be
considered more especially the gift of nature;
yet they are, no doubt, susceptible of very
great improvement.

But whatever talents you may possess for
this business, they will be vain, unless they
are exerted. Let me therefore advise you,
in the second place, to be ardently engaged
in your employment. If it be possible give
yourselves wholly' to it a branca ot butit diffi-
culty, to say the least, in serving two mas-
ters. If, while out of school, you are ear-
nestly engaged in other pursuits, there is
reason to fear, that you will not attend to
your pupils with that singleness of mind-—
that you will not feel that deep and lively
interest in your business, which is indispen-
sable to success. To excel in any pursuit,
we must be heartily engaged in it; especial-
ly to excel in school-keeping. One of the
most important and most difficult things in
this business, is to rouse the mind, that the
pupil may take fast hold of instruction.
This cannot be done by a cold, lazy, slug-
gish, stupid manner. No, you must he en-
gaged; you must be zealously affected in so



To Teachers. 269

good a cause.=^ It is desirable, that even
"wiiile out of the school, you should be en-
gaged, as far as health and circumstance and
business will admit, upon the great business
of urging forward your pupils in the ways,
of knowledge and virtue.

In the tiiird place, I would reconumend,
that you make it your daily study and exer-
tion, to gain tlie affections of your pupils to
yourselves and to your instructions. In or-
der to do tliis, it seems important, not to
say necessary, that you should love them — ■
that you should love them, with almost par-
ental affection. If you cannot love your pu-
pils, quit the business, and pursue ariy other
lawful employment, rather than that of teach-
ing. You need not make great professions
of attachment, however. Let it be manifest
by your conduct. Let it glow in your coun=
tenance, and sparkle in your eye, and flow
forth in all you do and say. By your unaf-
fected smiles, by your condescension, by
your affability, by your assiduity to assist
them to the utmost, make them feel, that you
are sincerely and deeply attached to their
welfare — .that their im})rovement is more
precious to you than gold. You must indeed
maintain your authority; you must be abso-
lute in your li(tle empires; your word must
be law; but, like that of the illustrious Gra-
ham, let it be "the law of kindness."!

•Gal. 4:18.

t Prov. 31:20 applied to the late M«. Graham by Dr.
Mastsn of New York,

23^ â– 



S70 To Teachers,

Should you be compelled to chastise, whick
it is to be hoped, will seldom if ever be the
case, let the culprit feel, and let all the
spectators feel, that it is indispensable, that
it is a painful, heart-rending" duty, and that
you would much rather receive tiic stripes
yourselves, could they answer the sauie pur-
pose. It is to be iioped, however, that the
time is near, when such distressing remedies
will be superseded by milder applications.

The love of your pupils, however, which
it is so important for you to gain, must be
considered as a subordinate object. It is
valuable and desirable principally on ac-
coiint of its assisting you to excite in them a
love of learning. The delight, which you
may justly feel, in being the objects of their
fond attachment, is a tiiHe, compared with
the advantage it will give you in this respects
If children love the teacher, they can hard-
ly fail to love the teaching. Indeed if he
gains their affections in the faithful dis-
charge of his duty, tliey will identify his
instructions with himself. While they love
to see him, and to hear him, and to speak of
him, and to think of him, they will liardlj
know themselves, whether it is his person,
or his instructions, to which they are most
attached. Endeavor, then, to io)prove the
love your pu|)ils feel for you, to excite and
increase their love of learning to the very
utmost. For the same important end ynu
will exert yourselves, to render your inj*triir;»



To Teachers. ^ ^71

tions as pleasant and delightful, as possible.
It is my decided opinion, that every step of
the way to the very pinnacle of the temple of
science^ may be strewed with flowers — with
flowers of the most fragrant odors and the
richest hues-~that children may be made to
love their studies and instructions,better than
their toys, or their sports or any sensual de-
lights/ I cannot pretend, however, that it
is in my power thus to teacl , Most gladly
would 1 go *'from Britain to Japan," and
from Japan to California, if I could gain
this most important art, I have dared to
hope, however, that in the course of twenty
years, which 1 have in a great measure de-
voted to the business of instruction, religious
and literary,! have been enabled to gain some
im])ortant information upon the subject.
From a deep conviction of its unspeakable
importance, I can most earnestly recom-
mend it to the consideration of every meta-
physician, of every minister, of every teach-
er, of every parent. But I cannot here en-
large upon the subject. Two or three hints
must suftice. Endeavor to teach the several
branches, and as far as possible, the parts of
each branch in the order, that is most nat-
ural, mjst intelligible, and most easy. Teach
those things first, which can be most easily
understood by themselves, and are most need-
ful for the understanding of ethei's. Thcv^ant
of due attention to this, has conduced, more
than perhaps almost any thing else.to rendev



272 Tq Teachers.

some studies dark, intricate, perplexinj^ and
disgustful. Endeavor to explain every thing,
that needs explanation, in the most plain,
simple,inteiligible and striking manner. Ask
your pupils many qu^tions relating to their
studies, and if time will admit, indulge and
encourage them,in asking as many questions
as they please. Cautiously guard against
embarrassing, distracting, perplexing and
weakening their minds by too great a vari-
ety of studies at the same time, or by pass-
ing too rapidly from one to another. On
the other hand, however, you must guard
against weary ing,discouraging or disgusting
them, by too great a confinement to a single
branch. In the whole business of teaching
there is perhaps scarcely any thing more
difficult to be properly adjusted than this.

Suffer me in the fourth place to recom-
mend, that you endeavor to show the use
and importance of every tiling you teach;
and never attempt to teach any branch, ex-
cept perhaps to those who are very youngs
unless you are able to show its importance.
Surely no branches ought to be taught, but
such as are useful; and for your pupils to
know the advantage, may be a }>owerful
stimulus to urge them forward in the prose-
cution; and by keeping this advantage habit-
ually in view, they will be likely to gain a
much more practical knowledge of tbe
branch »



Tq Teachers, 9.TS

I would advise in the fifth place that you
endeavor to keep the attention of your pupils
directed, not only to those things that are
unqaestionably useful, but to such as are of
the greatest importance. Some may be im-
portant to one, that are not equally so to
anothe»% It is a good general rule, never to
give up a greater advantage for the sake of