7. The consent of good men, in all Christian nations, to promote the design. And,

8. The preservation of our own country, to carry on the work, amidst the ruin or infidelity of other nations. may be added,

To which

9. The subjugation of so large a portion of Asia to the British dominion.

Behold, then, my brethren, the great undertaking, for the promotion of which you are now assembled. If it were in the power of this assembly to diffuse the blessings of religion over the whole world, would it not be done? Would not all nations be blessed? You perceive that some take a lively interest in this subject, while others are less concerned.

this difference?

What is the reason of It is this: Every man,

who hath felt the influence of religion on his own heart, will desire to extend the blessing to the rest of mankind; whereas, he who hath lived without concern about religion, will not be solicitous to communicate to others a gift which he values not himself. At the same time, perhaps, he is not willing to be thought hostile to the work. But there is no neutrality here. "He that is not with Christ," in maintaining his kingdom on earth, "is against Him." And so it appeareth to God," who searcheth "the heart." Every one of us is now acting a part in regard to this matter, for which he must give an account hereafter. There is no one, however peculiar he may reckon his situation or circumstances, who is exempted from this responsibility. For this is the criterion of obedience in the sight of God, even our conduct in receiving or rejecting the "record which God hath given "of his Son." And no man "receiveth

"this record" in sincerity and truth, who will not desire to make it known to others. You have heard of the conversion of Mahometans and Hindoos. Yes, our Lord hath said, "Many shall come from the East and " from the West, and shall sit down with "Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the "kingdom of Heaven; but the children of "the kingdom shall be cast out."

Begin, then, at this time, the solemn inquiry, not merely into the general truth of Christ's religion, but into its divine and converting power. You observe, that in this discourse I have distinguished between the name of Christianity, and the thing. For it seems, there are some who having departed from the ancient principles of our reformation, admit the existence of the Spirit of God, yet deny his influence; who agree not with the Apostle Paul, that the "Gos“pel cometh not in word only," but “in

power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in "much assurance." Begin, then, the important inquiry; for "the time is short," and this question will soon be brought to issue before an assembled world. In the mean time I shall offer to you my testimony on this subject.

The operation of the grace of God, in " renewing a right spirit within us," (Ps. li.) is a doctrine professed by the whole faithful Church of Christ militant here on earth. The great Author of our religion hath himself delivered the doctrine, in the most solemn manner, to the world. Verily,

66

verily, I say unto you, Except a man be "born again, he cannot see the kingdom of "God." Verily, verily; it is an undoubted truth, an unchangeable principle of the heavenly dispensation, that, except a man be renewed in his mind by the Spirit of God, he shall not have power even to see or

behold the kingdom of God. What, though many in our day deny this doctrine? A whole nation denied a doctrine, greater, if possible, than this. The very name and religion of Christ have been denied in our time. But if our Saviour hath delivered any one doctrine of the Gospel more clearly than another, it is this of a spiritual conversion; and the demonstration of its truth is found in all lands, where his Gospel is known. Christians, differing in almost every thing else, are agreed in this. Differing in language, customs, colour, and country; differing in forms of worship and church government, in external rites and internal order; they yet agree in the doctrine of a change of heart, through faith in Christ; for this hath been the grand characteristic of Christ's religion among all nations, tongues, and kindreds, where the Gospel hath been preached, through all ages down to this day. This is, in fact, that which distin