Luke i. 77. And the evangelist Mark assures us, that after his resurrection our Lord said to the apostles: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. And he that believeth not shall be damned," Mark xvi. 15. 16.

III. We should now observe the truth and certainty of this; that he who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, shall have knowledge of the way of salvation; or know what he ought to do in order to be saved. And if he attend to the instructions contained in the doctrine of Christ, he shall be saved.

1. This is evident from the doctrine itself; for it teaches men how they may approve themselves to God, the creator and governor of the world; on whom we depend for all our happiness both here and hereafter.

Men are here taught to repent, and then to bring forth fruits meet for repentance, or to walk becoming the character of Christ's disciples. Upon these conditions they are assured of forgiveness of past sins, and the favour of God.

Men are instructed to love God with all the heart, and their neighbours as themselves; and to do to others as they would that others should do to them. They are required to be holy in all manner of conversation; to abstain not from some sins only, but from all; to perform all the duties of their station and condition. And they are instructed to be careful about the frame of their minds, and to govern their thoughts and affections.

Are not these, and other things contained in the gospel of Christ, excellent rules? Is not this true religion? Does it not appear very likely and reasonable, at first sight, and after mature consideration, that this should be the right way of men's approving themselves to God? and that such should be prepared for a future happiness? They who have this perfection of sincerity, though not the perfection of innocence, cannot be finally rejected of God; but will certainly be accepted and rewarded by him.

2. We know, that this is the way of salvation from many express assurances of Christ and his apostles.

John iii. 16, " God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him, might not perish, but have everlasting life." Ch. v. 24, "He that heareth my words, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation." Ch. viii. 12, Then spake Jesus unto them again; I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness; but shall have the light of life." And says

John the apostle and evangelist, near the conclusion of his gospel : "These things are written, that ye might believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name," John xx. 21.

Therefore the will of God, taught by Christ and his apostles, is called the "word of life," Philip. ii. 16. And "the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation," Eph. i. 13. Soon after the ascension of Jesus, the apostles were imprisoned by the Jewish rulers: but were delivered by an angel, who said, "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life," Acts v. 20. And they who rejected this doctrine are said to "judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life," ch. xiii. 46.

3. We are farther assured of the truth of what our Lord and his apostles taught, from the confirmation given to their doctrine by the miracles wrought by them; works of divine power, and manifest tokens of the divine presence with them, and concurrence with them in their design.

No men could do such things "if God was not with them," John iii. 2. Our Lord was a prophet, "mighty in word and deed, before God and all the people," Luke xxiv. 19. Or, as St. Peter says, at the house of Cornelius, a Gentile," God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and with power; who went about, healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him," Acts x. 38. He had " the Spirit without measure," John iii. 34. And from him also the apostles received grace to accomplish the ministry assigned to them. They were enlightened themselves, and they taught the truth to others with perspicuity. "The Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word with signs following," Mark xvi. 20.

Beside their miraculous works of divine power, we might observe their divine temper; the spotless innocence of Jesus, and the shining virtue of his apostles; their meekness, patience, indefatigable and disinterested zeal. Whence we may be assured, they thought as they said; and were firmly persuaded, that the word they taught was from heaven, and that whosoever received it and obeyed it would be saved.

4. They who receive this doctrine are in the way of salvation; for it contains motives and considerations of great moment, to induce men to follow and obey its precepts.

Here life and immortality are set in a clear and engaging light. We are mightily animated and encouraged by the perfect example, the willing death, and the triumphant resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. And in the glory

set before us, by him and his gospel, there is what may overbalance all the influence of present and sensible things, and assist us in overcoming this world, and all its temptations.

5. To which I may add one consideration more, as an evidence of this truth; this doctrine contains some instructions which must be of singular use to us in our present circumstances.

Here are not only the necessary, reasonable precepts of true holiness; but also some excellent directions, very expedient for us in our state of frailty; whilst we are imperfect, and are surrounded with snares. "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation, and be not overcome of evil. Let your loins be girded, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord. Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace.'

These considerations amount to a full proof of this truth; and show, that they who attend to this doctrine cannot fail of salvation. The rule is right and infallible, if observed. And it is of such a nature, that they who know it, and think of it, must be forcibly engaged to act according to it. As St. Paul says: "The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth," Rom. i. 16.

SERMON XII.

THE GOSPEL THE TRUE WAY OF SALVATION.

And they said: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts xvi. 31.

IN discoursing on these words, I have already shown what is to be understood, both here and elsewhere, by believing in Jesus Christ; or the nature of faith in him. Next, the benefit here proposed and promised, which is salvation. And thirdly, the connection between faith in Jesus Christ, and salvation, with the evidence of it.

IV. I now intend to mention some inferences by way of application.

1. We perceive from the history before us, that affecting, awakening occurrences in life are sometimes of great use to

men.

The keeper of the prison at Philippi, by the shaking of the prison, and the loosening of the bands of all under his charge, was brought into great distress of mind; supposing that the prisoners had escaped, and fearing the displeasure of his superiors. But that distress was useful. He was brought to serious thoughts of religion, and a concern for eternal salvation, and how to obtain it.

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The Lord was pleased to render the conversion of Saul very affecting, who was to be an instrument in converting many others, and who was likely to meet with many difficulties in the discharge of the office for which he was designed. As he was journeying to Damascus, Acts ix. in the company of others, with a design to apprehend all whom he should find there, that called upon the name of Jesus, suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven, insomuch that he fell to the earth; and then heard a voice saying unto him; Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said; Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said; I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.-And he trembling and astonished, said; Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Much after the same manner with the gaoler at Philippi; "Sirs, what shall I do to be saved? And the Lord said unto him; Arise, go into the city; and it shall be told thee what thou must do-" And "Saul arose from the earth-And they led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus. And he was three days without sight; and neither did eat nor drink."

Possibly some appearances less awful, some means less awakening than these, might have been sufficient to work upon Saul, and convince him of his sin. Somewhat less than all this might have sufficed to induce him to become of a persecutor a preacher of the gospel; nevertheless we may reasonably think, that every part of that remarkable transaction was wisely ordered. It was suited to make deep impressions on Saul, and would be of lasting use to secure his future steadiness, faithfulness, and zeal.

In a like manner, still, remarkable occurrences in life, whether signal deliverances or afflictive events, though not miraculous, may be overruled by Divine Providence for reclaiming men from a sinful course of life, or for alarming good men fallen into negligence and security.

2. We may collect from this history, that the christian religion does not condemn or forbid the exercise of any employments and offices that are necessary and useful in this world.

This person, after his conversion to christianity, seems

VOL. IX.

still to have continued in the office of keeper of the prison at Philippi. He believed and had been baptized. And after this," when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let these men go. And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul: The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace." The order of the magistrates was sent to him; and he delivered it to Paul and Silas. He was therefore still in his former office. Nor does it appear that St. Paul had enjoined him to quit it.

Whilst therefore no sinful compliances are insisted upon as qualifications, any useful and necessary office may be discharged by a christian.

3. We cannot but observe here a just character of the christian religion. It is the doctrine of salvation; it teaches men what they ought to do to be saved.

We have formerly shown the connection between faith in Jesus Christ and salvation; nevertheless it is fit to make this remark here. Jesus is eminently the Saviour. He "saves his people from their sins," Matt. i. 21. He" delivers from the wrath to come," 1 Thess. i. 10; and will bestow eternal life upon them that obey him. Says the angel to the shepherds near Bethlehem; "I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people; for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord," Luke ii. 10, 11; and his gospel is called "the saving grace of God," Tit. ii. 11.

Such then is the word taught by Christ. It is the doctrine of salvation. It is not a scheme of natural philosophy, teaching the several orders and powers of invisible beings; or the hidden nature and various properties of material things. It is not a system of civil policy and government. It is not the art of fine speaking and rhetorical discourse. But it teaches men of every rank and condition the duties of their condition, and the several branches of piety; what they ought to do to be saved; how they ought to walk that they may please God. It affords directions and assistances for persevering in virtue; for resisting and overcoming temptations, so as that they may maintain their integrity to the end, and have peace in death, and inherit everlasting life.

4. The christian doctrine is fitted to awaken, convince, and reform men of every temper, and every station in life. We have a proof of it in the conversion of this person, who had been employed in an office which is apt to render men rough and untractable; which is, perhaps, more espe