Dan. xii.3. AND THEY THAT BE WISE SHALL SHINE AS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE FIRMAMENT; AND THEY THAT TURN MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS AS THE STARS FOR EVER AND EVER. It is well and truly said by the wisest of men, "He that winneth souls is wise." There is no business or labour to which men are called, so important, so arduous, so difficult, and that requires such wisdom to perform it. The amazing worth of the soul, makes the labour so exceeding important, and of such infinite concern. He that knew the value of souls said, "For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" And the worth of the souls of men farther appears from the greatness of the price that was paid for their redemption. "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot." The work of winning souls is therefore very important, because they are valuable beyond conception; as might be proved from many considerations. The work of winning souls is not only very important, but arduous and difficult to the highest degree, and requires great wisdom. Men are moral agents, and are therefore so different one from another, that those means which may be highly beneficial to one may not only be useless, but hurtful to anothers. For the tempers and dispositions of mankind are as various as their faces, and therefore the art of winning them to the ways of truth, and turning them to righteousness, is more difficult, and requires greater wisdom than can well be imagined; for when we have found the method of winning some, we have still to learn and try different methods with others, who are of very different tempers and habits of thinking. And herein the Wisdom, (as well as the goodness) of God is abundantly manifested; for he knowing the infinitely various states of his poor fallen creatures, raises up men of like passions with themselves, to proclaim the Gospel unto them; men of various and different abilities, of different sects, modes or worship, of different manners, habits of thinking, variously educated, &c. that so all men in general where the Gospel comes, should be able to hear some one or another to their souls advantage. Winning souls to Christ is rendered still more arduous and difficult, by reason of the powerful enemies that oppose it; the world, the flesh, and the devil, with their numerous hosts, endeavor as much as possible, to hinder any from turning to righteousness; and they must be wise and vigilant indeed, who win souls, in opposition, to all these powerful and cunning adversaries. What renders the labour of turning men to righteousness still more difficult, is, their natural aversion to that which is good, and their proneness to that which is evil. Were they only held in chains of servitude by these foes, against their own wills, the work would be much easier than it is now; but alas, the inclinations of men are generally strongly bent to the service of sin, as all those will find to their sorrow who seek in earnest to turn them from their evils ways. But what renders the important service more abundantly arduous, and very discouraging, is, that faithful ministers frequently experience to their great grief, that they have all their labour to do over and over again, even where they might have thought the difficulties past, and the work well nigh finished. This was the case with St Paul, as he laments in his epistle to the Galatians, in the most pathetic manner. "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another Gospel." It was thus that the blessed Apostle St Paul, lamented the defection of his spiritual children; and thus it is to the present day; and there are none who are unacquainted with the subject, that can imagine the heartfelt grief which the true ministers of Jesus Christ experience when they find their labour has been thus bestowed in vain. There are three or four observations ... that I have found true by experience, and which more properly come in here than any whereelse. One is, that they who would turn men to righteousness, must not only hold forth these important truths to their hearers, but must do it in such a manner as to impress those who hear them with the idea that the speaker believes, and feels what he holds forth to others. For want of this serious and earnest manner, the effect of many judicious discourses is lost. And where people find nothing in the manner of delivery to engage their attention, they will soon grow weary. I heard of a Divine who once put this question to an Actor, "Pray, Sir, can you tell me what is the reason that your houses of entertainment are always so crowded, where you present fictions; while our houses of worship have so few to attend them although we hold forth the most important and interesting truths?" "Yes," says the other, "I can give you the reason: We represent things that are false, as though they were true, as though they were false." It certainly is a matter of great importance, and requires great wisdom to speak what we ought, and speak it as we ought, so as to have the greatest effect upon our hearers. I have made another observation, that they are commonly the most successful preachers, who most earnestly and frequently address their hearers with the general calls, exhortations, and invitations of the Gospel. Some preachers are so tied up to particular systems, as almost to be afraid to mention any thing of the kind to their congregations: but I never knew any such remarkably blessed with success; but, on the contrary, those who have earnestly invited mankind in the language of the Scripture, saying, "O taste and see that the Lordis good;" "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk, without money, and without price," &c. "Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," &c. These are generally the most successful, and have, by far, the greatest number of seals to their ministry. Permit me to make another observation, That the Lord most frequently blesses those who go out of the common road, such as teach not only publicly, but from house to house, as the Apostles did; yea, such as are instant in season, and out os season; who venture out into the streets and lanes of the city, the highways and hedges, and compel the people to come in. Those who, as it were, thus make themselves vile in the sight of men, for the love which they bear to precious souls, such the Lord will honour by giving them success. Another observation, which will be found universally true, is, that the most successful ministers are such as sow their seed weeping, watering it with their prayers and tears. "They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." All our success in the Gospel depends upon the divine blessing, and therefore it is necessary to lift up our continual cries to the throne of grace, that God would bless our labours; and those who thus seek earnestly and fervently, are most likely to obtain the desire of their hearts. I shall now observe, that all ministers of the Gospel must take heed to themselves; for unless their manner of life is in some good degree consistent with their preaching, they cannot be very successful: the nature of things forbids it. For in case it is not so, the people will be so far from attending to any good advice such an unworthy minister may give, that they will use this proverb. "Physician, heal thyself." And as mankind are generally more led by example than precept, it will be abundantly more likely that they will follow the evil ways of their teachers, than that they will profit by the good counsel they may sometimes give them. Some ministers that I have heard of, who were sensible of their own deficiency in point of conduct, had addressed their hearers with such words as these, 'Do as I say, but not as I do.' And the advice our Saviour gave to his disciples respecting the Scribes and Pharisees, saying, "The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not." But of himself he said, "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls." And the holy Apostles not only gave good instructions to their hearers, but set them such living examples, as were safe for them to follow. ... the Apostles set such examples that they could safely recommend to the imitation of the believers; and that their great success much depended upon the holiness, uprightness, and purity of their lives. It is therefore necessary for those who would win souls, and turn many to righteousness, to "walk in wisdom towards them that are without." And to see that they "walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise." ... O what wisdom and innocence are requisite for those who would turn men from their sins! And happy are they who are thus qualified for the work. ... It is necessary for the ministers of Christ to have the same spirit and temper in them, that he had in himself; to avoid selfishness, envy, pride, wrath, and every evil disposition: to be governed by the glorious principles of universal benevolence, humility, meekness, and resignation to the will of God. They must desire to glorify God, to honour Jesus, to save their own souls, and those that hear them. They must in all their principles and motives, in all their thoughts, words, and actions, imitate and follow the example of Christ and his Apostles. They ought to be what St Paul exhorted Timothy to be. "But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." "Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life." "Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." These are the necessary qualifications of those who shall have the sublime happiness of turning many to righteousness, and os shining as the stars for ever and ever. But alas! "Who is sufficient for these things?" But God is able, and in all ages he hath raised up and qualified some of the sons of men to be his faithful witnesses, and to turn their fellow creatures to righteousness. May the Lord, who has the residue of the Spirit, increase their number in these days! I come, secondly, to shew when men may be truly said to be turned to righteousness. And upon this I need not be length, as what has already been said will give a general idea of that religion which I mean to recommend. They who are truly turned to righteousness, are such as have been convinced of their undone condition, have seen and felt the evil of sin, have been made to hate and forsake iniquity, to fly from it as from death; and "have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them." They are such as have through grace been brought truly to repent, and unfeignedly to believe the holy Gospel; have been made to cease to do evil, and have learned to do well: have acknowledged their transgressions, and obtained pardor and forgiveness at the hand of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. These are turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to the service of God. They are truly turned to righteousness, as they have been brought to renounce the ways of sin, and to chuse the service of God for their portion. Or more particularly, they have received the Lord Jesus as their righteousness and strength; He has been of God made to them "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." They can now say, "In JEHOVAH have I righteousness and strength." They are justified, or acquainted, pardoned and accepted through Jesus Christ the righteous." They love the Gospel, and are not ashamed of it, "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith." They rejoice in "the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe." They seek to be found in Christ, not having their "own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." But they do not only trust in Jesus Christ the righteous, and in the righteousness and salvation which he hath revealed; but the principles that dwell within them, and by which they are governed, are principles of righteousness and true holiness: and from thence the fruits of righteousness spring forth to the glory and praise of God. Thus they become truly righteous in heart, and are conformed to Jesus in the image and spirit of their minds. Their religion is not like that of the Pharisees, which was wanting in four great articles, "Judgment, mercy, faith, and the love of God," those most important things; but they who are turned to righteousness, love God with all their hearts, firmly believe and confide in him; they love his commandments, and delight in his ways. They who are turned to righteousness, practise it; their thoughts, words, and actions, are righteous; they follow after righteousness, and by their conduct prove that they are righteous persons, and are truly born of God. St John says, "Little children, let no man deceive you: He that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous." "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness, is born of him." Whosoever doeth not righteousness, is not of God." So that nothing can be more evident, than that those who are turned to righteousness, manifest the same, by doing righteousness. The very design of the Gospel is to make men holy, and to cause them to bring forth good fruits. The language of the Prophet Micah is beautiful, and comprehends every thing in a few words. "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth JEHOVAH require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." And the words of St Paul are to the same import. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men, hath appeared, teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." In this excellent passage our duty towards ourselves is included in living soberly; that which we owe to neighbor is comprehended in living righteously; and the obedience and service due to our Creator, is expressed by living godly. This is what I understand in brief by being turned to righteousness; much more might be added, but I forbear, as much still remains to be said of that which I proposed. I come, Thirdly, to shew that they who turn many from sin to righteousness, have the most indubitable evidence of their being true ministers of the Gospel, and are the most highly honoured of all mankind. Nothing can be more evident from Scripture, than this position, that those whom God hath not sent, and who are not qualified in some good measure by his grace, for the work of the ministry, and those who do not stand in his counsel, and cause the people to hear his words, shall not profit them at all. God will not bless those with success whom he hath not sent, and he will not send those who are strangers and enemies to him, on this most important errand of turning men to righteousness. "Thus saith JEHOVAH of Hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you; they make you vain, they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of JEHOVAH. They say still unto them that despise me, JEHOVAH hath sais, ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of hsi won heart, no evil shall come upon you. For who hath stood in the counsel of JEHOVAH, and hath perceived and heard his word? Who hath marked his word and heard it?" I have not sent these Prophets, yet they ran; I have not sent these Prophets, yet they ran; I ahve not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings." "Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith JEHOVAH, that steal my words every one from his neighbor. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith JEHOVAH, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I amagainst the prophets, saith JEHOVAH, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith JEHOVAH, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies and their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith JEHOVAH." Words cannot be more full, plain, and positive, that such whom the Lord hath not sent, and who are not qualified by him, and who do not cause mankind to hear his words, shall not profit the people. And if he who has the power to bless in his own hand, has declared that their words shall by unprofitable, it is not possible for them to be successful in turning men from iniquity. And how, in the nature of things, is it possible that they should turn men to righteousness, when they do not sop much as intend or desire it, and are themselves unacquainted with the ways of wisdom and truth? To suppose that God will send such, or bless them in their ministry, is highly absurd. Would an earthly king send an Ambassador upon the most important embassy, whom he knew to be an enemy to his crown and dignity, and who was not only totally unfit for the employment, but altogether bent upon overthrowing the very purpose of the king? And can any reasonable man for a moment imagine, that God, the infinitely wise, who knows the hearts of all men, will send forth bond-slaves of the devil, upon the important errand of turning men to righteousness? the idea is too ridiculous to admit even for a moment. But our Saviour not only represents wicked teachers as useless, but as hurtful and dangerous, and therefore he says, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits: Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart, bringeth forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." And to the Pharisees he said, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." From these words of our Saviour, we plainly see that wicked men can never be good ministers, and they are so far from being useful, that they are highly dangerous; and instead of saving the souls of others, they are in the greatest danger of being plunged into perdition themselves. Therefore it must certainly follow, that such as win souls to God, and turn many to righteousness, are true and faithful ministers, whom the Lord hath raised up, called, qualified, and sent forth. This is the greatest proof that any can desire, and is the most certainly to be depended upon. For it is evident that the very purpose for which Christ sends his ministers forth, is to do good to the souls of men. The commission which he gave to St Paul is a direct proof of this. "I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of those things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee: delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them who are sanctified by faith that is in me." And it is plain that nothing gave St Paul and the rest of the Apostles such assurance of their being truly called and sent of God, as the success they had in winning souls to Christ; and their greatest joy was to behold their converts continue to walk in the truth. A few passages from their epistles will confirm what I have said. St Paul says to the Corinthians, "Am I not an Apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an Apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine Apostleship are ye in the Lord." And again to the same Church, "Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or nood we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commondation from you? Ye are our epistle written in ouyr hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart." And to the Church of the Thessalonians says, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy." "For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." And to the Hebrews he writes thus, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." And St John says, "I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father." And to the beloved Gaius he thus writes, "For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." These passages, and many more which might be quoted from the writings of the Apostles, plainly shew, that they esteemed the conversion of men, as the best evidence of their Apostleship; that it gave them the greatest joy to see the believers continue faithful; and on the other hand, the most bitter sorrow when those who had begun well, turned back, and apostatized from the truth. It is then plain and evident, that such who turn many to righteousness, are true ministers, called and sent of God; those he will bless, and make them successful, and none but them. These honour God, by obeying him, and he will put the highest honour upon them, by making their ministry effectual for the good of mankind. As it was said of Levi, so it may in measure be said of each of them, "My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity." O how much better it is to have joy and honour of turning many to righteousness, than to have the highest fame, and loudest applause of mortals; and all the riches, dignities, and preferments that ever were bestowed upon any of the sons of men on earth! But this naturally brings me, Fourthly, to consider the glorious reward which they who have been wise to win souls, and have turned many to righteousness, shall certainly obtain from the Lord the righteous Judge at his appearing. My text informs us, that the wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmanent; or as our Lord expresses it, "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father" And they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. When our Lord shall come he shall raise the bodies of his saints, and fashion them according to his glorious image and likeness. And as he will shine in radient glory and brightness, so shall they also shine in his kingdom. St Paul says, "When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." And the beloved disciple says, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." This honour all his saints shall have; but who can conceive the glory which they shall have in that bright day, who have turned many to righteousness? I will spend a few minutes in the consideration of this glorious and important part of my subject. The work of the ministry is the greatest trust by far that ever was or can be committed to the hands of men, and therefore it is a most difficult and dangerous post; on one hand there are the greatest threatnings in case of unfaithfulness, and on the other the most glorious promises, to those who act well their part. Often have I trembled when I have thought upon such passages as these. "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the righteousness man, that the righteousness sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul." And the words of our Lord are almost as terrible. "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season; blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming: and shall begin to beat the men servants and maidens, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him asunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers." These are threatenings sufficient, one would think, to rouse the most secure to look about them, and consider how they fulfil the duties of their stations, and what they have just reason to expect from the hand of the Lord at his coming. But on the other hand there are great encouragements, and incitements to be faithful in this most important service. St Peter writes thus, "The elders which are among you, I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint but willingly and of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heeritage, but examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." And the Lord Jesus sent his message to the angel of one of the seven Churches, and it may be applied to all true ministers, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of life." These are very great encouragements to faithfulness; and happy are they who endure to the end, who look not back; who endure temptation; for after they are tried, and found faithful, they "shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." The holy Apostle St Paul was a faithful labourer in his Lord's service; he won many souls, and turned great numbers to righteousness, and was able to say at last, "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall giveme at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." O how vast, rich, and glorious are the rewards prepared for those who have truly loved and faithfully served the Lord on earth! And especially for those who have been the happy instruments of bringing many to the knowledge and obedience of the truth. I will mention a few particulars. 1. They shall receive the approbation of their Lord, the plaudit of their Judge, with the promise of great advancement in the kingdom of Christ, and immediate admission into happiness. "Well done thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." He that acts in such a manner as to gain the commendation of his Saviour, and has this testimony that he pleases God, need not regard what men may think or say of him or his conduct. Lord grant me this approbation at last, and it is enough. Let men scorn and despise me, so that thou dost approve of me, I am content. 2. They shall not only have the favour and approbation of their Judge; but shall receive from his hand a crown of life, of righteousness, of glory that fadeth not away, as I have already observed. 3. Our Lord will invest them with the sceptre or rod of government, according to his promise, "And he that overcomethy, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: (And he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers:) even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star." Here glory, honour, dominion and power seem united, and these shall be given to conquerors. 4. The greatest and most amazing promise in all the Scriptures seems to me to be this, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father upon his throne." Who could have believed that such immortal honour, and such high and glorious dignity should be granted by the Lord to any of the sons of men? But he hath promised, and he will perform. He will make his faithful servants partners with him in his inheritance, kingdom, crown, sceptre, throne, power, authority, and all his royal dignities. He will make them kings and priests to God, and they shall reign on the earth. They shall inherit all things, being heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, and having suffered with him in the flesh, they shall be glorified with him in his kingdom. Truly such may say with St Paul, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worrthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding eternal weight of glory." When the glorious Saviour shall come with all his saints, and present his whole Church before the Father, saying, "Behold I, and the children which God hath given me." Then shall all his faithful ministers, who have turned sinners to righteousness, present before the glorious Redeemer the souls they have won, which shall be their joy and crown of rejoicing in the presence of their Lord Jesus Christ at his coming. These shall be their witnesses, their seals, the fruits of their labour, their glory and their joy. O with what amazing transports of joy, will those faithful labourers, who have sown the precious seed of the word in tears, shout the harvest home, bringing the ripe sheaves of glory in their arms, safe into the kingdom of their Lord! Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his labours. When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond all that they looked for. And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall say within themselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverb of reproach: we fools accounted his life madness, and his end to be without honour: how is he numbered among the children of God, and his lot is among the saints!" O glorious portion indeed! Who would not earnestly wish to possess such glory at this? Then let us all be wise unto salvation, faithful in our several stations, and endeavour each in our little sphere to be useful.Let us all as far as our influence extends, seek to win souls to the knowledge and obedience of the truth, and turn as many as possible to righteousness, by letting our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven, as our Lord advises: To which purpose St Peter thus writes, "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul: having your conversation honest amongst the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." Let us remember that the Scripture says, "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." And that the crown of righteousness shall not only be given to St Paul, and those who, like him, have turned many to righteousness, but unto all them who love the appearing of Jesus Christ. However humble our stations, and small the circle of our acquaintance, and confined the spheres in which we move, yet, if we are truly wise, and faithful in our lot, we shall gain the approbation of our Judge, and shall shine like the sun in the kingdom of our Father, as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever. Let us then improve our time to the glory of God, to the advantage of our own souls, and the good of mankind; that we may be so happy as to hear the approving voice of Jesus, saying unto us, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;" and each one of us have the satisfaction of obtaining the plaudit of our Advocate and Judge, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." It will doubtless be expected that I should say something of the life, ministry, and character of the late Rev. Mr. Wesley; on the account of whose death I have delivered this discourse. But in many respects I am totally unqualified to speak any thing concerning him. 1. I am but a young man; compared with him I am but of yesterday, and know nothing. 2. I had but a very slight and small personal acquaintance with him, indeed the little I had could hardly be deemed any at all: I knew him by sight; I have heard him preach; he knew my name; and we have spoke together, as far as common salutation, once or twice, but not more. 3. I never belonged to his society in my life, nor did I receive my religious impressions under his ministry, or that of nay of the preachers in his connexion. 4. I have never heard more than about a score of sermons from himself and all the preachers in his connexion put together; nor ever was in half that number of his chapels and preaching places in America and Europe. 5. I was never in my life in one of those little societies, in which his people meet, called classes. 6. I have never yet given his numerous writings a perusal, having only read some sermons, and other little tracts, some numbers of his Magazine, a few of his Journals, and part of his Appeal. It may therefore be though that I have no business to say any thing about him, as I know very little personally, and as others, that are well qualified, have spoken, and will speak of him in some measure as he deserves. But though in all these respects mentioned I am unqualified to speak of him, yet in several others I am as well or better qualified then most, or, perhaps, any person in the world; and what I shall say of him will, perhaps, be as much or more regarded than what mey come from any other person, from the following considerations. 1. What I shall say will not be the voice of prejudice, either for or against him. I have no party views, nor any hope or expectation from any party. I am neither a Calvinist nor an Arminian. I seriously wish both those names were buried in oblivion. 2. When I first came into England, being in company with several ministers, and others, an Old Gentleman put this question to me, and great emphasis and importance, "Are you a Calvinist or an Arminian?" To which I replied, "I am neither Calvinist nor Arminian." At which he seemed greatly surprised, imagining all Christians must rank under one or other of these names. He then desired to know of what religion I was. I gave him the following information: "Sir, my religion is this, I read the Bible for myself, and what that teaches me to believe, I sincerely believe, according to the best light I have, without any regard to what others may think; and what I find there commanded I endeavour to practise. I do not rank under the standard of Calvin, nor Arminius; I know nothing about them, having never read their works, and I am determined never to call myself after either of their names, or that of any other man." This is still my determination, I lean to neither of these parties, neither have I any prejudice against either of them. I wish to embrace them all in one grand system of benevolence. I am determined to call no man master on earth, and I sincerely desire and hope that none will ever call themselves after my name; as there is nothing to which I have a greater aversion. To prevent this, I have hitherto carefully avoided forming connexions, or making separation from churches, or endeavouring to attach any party to myself. 2. I am in some measure qualified to speak of the effects of the labours of those in connexion with the Rev. Mr. WESLEY, having travelled much in those parts of America where his societies are planted, and have had great opportunities of hearing, not only what the friends of the work have said, but the acknowledgements of those who have not borne any great good-will to Mr WESLEY, or his preachers. I am not greatly fond of funeral panegyrics, and seldom spend much time in speaking upon the character of any one; as there is oftentimes more spoken upon these occasions than strict truth can justify. And I feel an utter aversion against giving flattering titles to any man, however great or esteemed. But in the present instance I shall not pretend to mention the tenth part that might be said with the strictest veracity; I shall not presume to enter into a detail of Mr. WESLEY'S life, this will no doubt be done by the proper persons, who are well qualified for such a work; nor shall I attempt to draw his character, (farther than I trust it will be found to accord with the discourse already delivered,) this I leave to those who are able to do it more justice than I can pretend to have in my power. I shall only mention a few facts of public notoriety, and give my opinion without partiality, and I trust without hypocrisy. 1. Few, if any, in our days, have been so long in the work of the ministry; being first ordained Deacon in the Church of England, (whereof he was a member,) as early as the year 1725; sixty-six years therefore this most industrious man employed in seeking to do good to his fellow-creatures; by ministering to their necessities, both temporally and spiritually. Fifty-two years he was a field-preacher in England; (for he had frequently preached out of doors in Georgia when the houses would not contain the congregations.) He bagan in March, 1739, to preach in the fields at Bristol, and soon after in other places. 2. I believe than none will think that I go beyond the truth in supposing that he preached far more sermons in his life-time than any other man ever did, or perhaps ever will. He informs us, in his Appeal, that he preached eighteen or nineteen sermons in a week, constantly through the year, which is almost a thousand sermons a year, and at which rate he must have delivered fifty thousand sermons in his,life-time; besides meeting the classes and societies, writing letters and books, performing journies, and a multitude of other labours, too many for me to mention. Fifty thousand sermons may perhaps be a little more than the truth, but if he preached half the number, it far exceeded what any other man ever I heard of could pretend to have done; and this, probably, is as much less than the truth, as the other computation exceeds it. I will quote the passage out of his Appeal, which is the foundation of what i have said above. He there says to his adversaries, who charged him with a design to enrich himself,--- "For what gain (setting conscience aside) will you be obliged to act thus? To live exactly as I do? For what price will you preach (and that with all your might, not in an easy fashionable way) eighteen or nineteen times every week? And this throughout the year? What shall I give you, to travel seven or eight hundreds of miles, in all weathers, every two or three months? For what salary will you abstain from all other diversions, than the doing good, and the praising God? I am mistaken if you would not prefer strangling to such a life, even with thousands of gold and silver." [See his first Appeal to Men of Reason and Religion, page 47, 48, seventh edition.] 3. I believe I may venture to say that no man ever preached the Gospel to so many people as Mr WESLEY did in his life. He must have preached to several millions in the whole; for he not only to the last kept journeying from place to place, preaching to very numerous congregations, but he lived so long as to preach to three or four successive generations. During the time that the late Rev Mr WHITEFIELD preached, he probably preached to more in proportion than Mr WESLEY did, but then his ministry lasted but thirty-four years and a quarter, from his ordination to his death. Mr WESLEY being continued in the ministry nearly twice as long, certainly preached to many more, though likely not to double the number. But these men I esteem as faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ; both laboured abundantly for the good of mankind; both sought by all possible means to win souls, and turn many to righteousness. It is true, they differed in some things, but it is a thousand pities such strife and animosity should have arisen among their followers; for they agreed in most points, as I myself can testify, having heard them both. Both declared man's fallen, helpless, undone condition by nature and by practice, and the necessity of an all-powerful Saviour to deliver him from his state of sin and misery. Both declared salvation through Jesus Christ to all sorts and conditions of men, and invited all without exception, to come to him by faith, and heartily trust their souls in his hands. Both insisted largely on the necessity of the new birth, and that all men must be renewed in the spirit of their minds, or they could not enter into the joys of heaven. Both held up the doctrine of justification by faith, without the deeds of the law. Both held that men might obtain the pardon of their sins, and the assurance of the love of God, by believing in the name of Jesus; and that men might certainly know that they were passed from death to life. Both preached up holiness of heart, life, and conversation, or sanctification, as necessary to follow justification, and to fit the souls of men for the glories of heaven. Both believed in God; and in our Lord Jesus Christ. The believed alike of his divinity, incarnation, birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, session at God's right hand in the heavens, of his intercession, and his coming again in glory. Both alike preached that salvation is wholly owing to the grace of God, through Jesys Christ, by the work of the Holy Spirit. Both believed in the work of the Spirit alike; that it convinces of sin, leads to a Saviour, reveals Christ in all his offices, and in all his mediatorial fulness to the soul; bears witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God, and heirs of glory; that it is given to all true believers as the Spirit of Adoption, by which they cry, Abba Father: that thereby they are comforted, supported, strengthened, sealed to the day of redemption; are made active in the service of God here, and assured of an open entrance into his presence hereafter. In all these, and many others, these truly great and good men agreed. They were both true ministers of Jesus, faithful in his service, and highly blessed and honoured of him, in being made the instruments of the conversion of many thousands of their fellow creatures. I honour them both; and what I say of one does not in the least tend to disparage the memory of the other. Both have done well in their generation; and both have departed in full faith and triumph to their Lord, who has doubtless welcomed both of them into his presence, given to each of them his approbation; and as both of them did certainly (by that wisdom with which God inspired them) win souls, and turned many to righteousness, so both of them shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, as the sun in the kingdom of their Father, and as the stars for ever and ever. 4. But now to return particularly to Mr WESLEY. The good which he hath done, either immediately by his own labours, or mediatyely through the labours of those in connexion with him, is inconceivable. I have had an opportunity of hearing the fame of this in those parts of America where nothing but carelessness, ignorance, vice, profaneness, and immorality of every kind abounded: Where Sundays were days of diversion, and where there was not so much as the form of religion, piety, or devotion before his preachers came thither. I have heard even those who disliked both Mr WESLEY and his sentiments, say, "These Methodists have done a great deal of good, by civilizing the people in this country." But I trust and believe that more than a bare civilization hath taken place in the minds of vast multitudes under the preaching and labours of Mr WESLEY, and his ministers. At this present time there are more than an hundred and twenty thousand souls in that conexion; all of whom are believed to be either in a state of salvation, or earnestly seeking it. Yea, and they must evidence the same by their conduct, or they are not suffered to remain in the society. And how great is the number that in fifty two years past, the time since the society first began, have gone triumphing home to a better state, both preachers and people? These are the seals of his ministry, and shall be for his joy and crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord. These are his glory and joy, together with all those who are yet in this mortal state, and shall in die season follow him home. If he that converts one sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins, by preventing them from being committed; what unknown advantage hath been derived to the world from the almost unbounded labours and surprizing successes of thie faithful persevering minister of Jesus? He certainly deserves great honour and esteem for the good that hath been done by and through him to such vast numbers of mankind. But the applause which Jesus shall give him in one moment, far outweighs all that the whole race of men could give him in an age were they agreed. But there art some on earth, who are so far from being willing to allow Mr WESLEY a place in heaven among the blessed, and that he shall be applauded by the Saviour, that they not only positively declare him to be damned, but seem to speak of it with such pleasure and joy, as though they delighted in the idea of his being eternally doomed to have his dwelling in the lake of fire and brimstone. Horrid thought; that a man who devoted all his life, talents, wealth, and influence to the glory of God, and the welfare of mankind, should be cast off for ever from him that he loved, and constantly served on earth! But these uncharitable censorious revilers of the pious dead, have yet their religion to seek. It is no great breach of charity to say that their temper shews whose children they are. But in vain have they attempted to intimidate me, and prevent me from speaking in favour of this venerable servant of Christ, whose blessed memory they would wish to load with the most bitter, false, and malicious accusations.* But God hath blessed him, and he shall be blessed through all ages, for evermore. [* A letter which the Author received signed E. Tomlinson, on the Tuesday evening after he had given notice that he would preach a Funeral Sermon for Mr. Wesley on Thursday evening, was filled with the most false, bitter, and malicious accusations and reproaches against the name and character of this truly great and good man, and the most opprobrious reflections upon his memory, cautioning the Author, and warning him not to speak more than he knew, concluding with these words. "Therefore as a true servant of God, be cautious of setting forth a bad Character."] I purposely omit speaking of the piety and holiness of his life, his unbounded liberality, and the many other excellencies of his character, and his happy and peaceful death; partly, because I expect these things will be published by those who are much better qualified than I am for such an undertaking, neither would I wish to interfere with their designs; but chiefly I avoid saying any thing upon those topics, because I only intended to speak of his public ministry, and the success which has attended it, and the glorious rewards which await him in the kingdom of his Lord. I place myself upon this ground, leaving all other circumstances out of the question, Did he preach Jesus Christ, and full salvation through him to mankind? Did he by his ministry and influence win souls to Jesus, and turn many to righteousness? Did he do much good in his day and generation? If these questions must be answered in the affirmative, it is enough for my purpose; I may in that case affirm, without hesitation, that he shall shine with uncommon lustre in the kingdom of God, and shall partake of all those dignities which the Saviour hath promised to those that are faithful unto death. If the character of Mr. WESLEY corresponded with that which I have drawn of a faithful minister in this discourse from the sacred writings, (as I doubt not but it did) then we may truly say of him, "He hath fought a good fight, hath finished his course, and hath kept the faith; and henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give him at that day." And blessed be our Saviour, not to him only, but to all them also who love his appearing."                                                      Return Home