SEAM. AV.] A RATIONAL DEFENCE OF TH-E--G-O'SPFL. 257 land of heathens again ! Those of us that believe this gospel from the heart, have needof courage to maintain our profession of it, especially in some companies and. conversations. We should prepare ourselves to encoun- ter the false reasonings of unbelievers, as well as harden our faces against their ridicule. Let us therefore medi- tate this sacred text, that each of us may pronounce boldly the words of thisgreat apostle, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Now, that our meditations may proceed regularly on the present theme of discourse, let us consider, I. What the gospel of Christ is, that we may not mistake it. II. What is included in this expression, I am not ashamed of it. III. What there is in this gospel that might be sup- posed any way to expose a man to shame; and I shall take occasion under this head to give particular answers to sorne of the most important objections that might be made against the gospel, and shew that there is no just reason to be ashamed of it. IV. I shall consider what is that general answer to all objections ; that universal guard against sinful shame which is contained in my text, and which will bear out every christian in his faith, and profession of the gospel of Christ, viz. that it is the power of God to the salvation of every one who believes. And, V. I shall draw some proper inferences. First, What is the gospel of Christ? I answer in general, It is a revelation of the grace of God to fallen man through a Mediator. Or, It is a gra- cious constitution of God for the recovery of sinful and miserable man, from that deplorable state into which sin had brought him, by the mediation of Christ: Or, in the words of my text, it is the power of God, or his powerful appointment, for the salvation of every one who believes. The word gospel, in the original, Ev277 ov, signifies good news, or glad tidings. And surely, when a sinner, who is exposed to the wrath of God, is sensible of his guilt and danger, it must needs be glad tidings to him to hear of a way of salvation, and an all -sufficient Saviour. This constitution of God for our salvation has had various editions, if I may so express it, or gradual disco VOL, I. S
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