SERMON XXXVII. 591 world, and to write the great things of God for the church, in all future ages? It is for your sakes, O christians, that he is thus endowed : It is for you, Q believers in Great Britain,thoughyou live as it were at the ends of the earth, and in the old age of the world; it is even for you that he was appointed and inspired to write his epistles to Rome, Corinth, and Ephesus, and the rest of the early churches. It is by his writings, that you have been enlightened in the mysteries of Christ, and the wonders of the gospel. Almost seventeen hundred years ago was he made the apostle of the gentiles, and that partly for your sakes. Paul Himself is yours. Was Apollos an eloquent man, and mighty in the scrip.- tures? It was for you, O primitive Christians, that he had the gift of oratory bestowed on him. Has any minister in our age and place of abode a peculiar talent of eloquence, hathhe a Viva- pity of fancy, a strength of expression, asweet accent, and acoin- manding voice ? It is designed for the conviction and salvation of your souls, Can he thunder like the voice of God on mount Sinai, and flash the terrors of the law, like lightning, upon your consciences ? It is to awaken you out of your carnal slumber and security in sin, to make you fly from the wrath to come, and cry out, What shall I do to be saved? Can he set the blessings of salvation in a glorious and convincing light? It is to persuado you to accept them. Has he the artof striking the passions, and touching the inward springs of the soul? Can he spread the invitations of grace before you, in alluring language? Can he dissolve his thoughts in the tenderest accents of speech; and moisten his words with his tears ? It is all designed as a means, in the hands of the Spirit, to melt your hearts to repentance, and to soften your souls to receive the impressions of the gospel? Has he the holy skill of displaying the glories of our blessed Saviour ? Canhe set off themiracles of his life ? Can he talk of his bleeding and his dying love in the most affectingmanner ? Canhe paint him in the honours of his resurrection, his triumph and his exalted state, in most magnificent colours ? It is á1l for the assistance of your faith, the kindling of yóur love, and the advancement of your joy. Not Paul only, but Apollos is yours. Is Cephas or Peter a man of boldness and courage to de' fend the truths of the gospel, or to speak for Christ amongst in- fidels? It is to leadyou onward as the soldiersof Christ, through the midst of dangers, and to encourage you to facethe persecute tang world bravely in the professión ofrthe cross. Or is the character of Cephas, as an instructor of the young, and a condescending preacher to babes ? IIc has this talent given himfor yoursakes too, tofeed you while you were babes in
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