SECTION V. 629 . Jesus that we fulfil it. But let us descend to more particular forms of solemn exhortation, which perhaps may strike our con- sciences in a more sensible manner, and print the duties deeper . upon our hearts. First then, we exhort and charge you, we charge and ex- hort Our own souls, by all the ancient transactions between God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, for the salvation of sinful men, by all the eternal counsels of peace that passed between them to recover lost mankind to the favour and image of his Maker, that we preach this gospel with faithfulness, and be instant in the sacred work. It is the effect of these divine coun- sels that we publish to sinners ; it is the merciful product of this sacred covenant of redemption that we are sent to proclaim to a lost world : this is the gospel that is put int0 our hands : God grant we may speak as becomes creatures entrusted with mes- sages of such a heavenly original, with affairs of such divine solemnity. Secondly, We exhort andcharge -you, and we would charge ourselves to fulfil our ministry, by the invaluable treasure of this gospel which is put into our hands, by that word of life which is committed to our ministration. Let us speak with such a serious zeal as becomes the oracles ofGod and the embassies of his mercy, with such compassion to dying souls as is manifested in this gos-, pelof love, with such inward fervour and holy solicitude for the success of -our labours, that if it were possible not the soul of one sinner within the reach of our preaching might miss of this par- douing mercy and eternal joy. Oh let us not dare to trifle with God or men : let us not dare be cold and lifeless in pronounc- ing the words of everlasting life, nor lazy and indolent in car- rying these errands of divine love to a lost and perishing world. Thirdly, Wecharge and beseech you, and we charge our- selves, by the mercies of the living God, which we hope both you and we have tasted, by thegrace of our Lord Jesus Christ, which wehope we have felt and received, that youand we pro- claim these mercies with a sacred zeal, and that in the name of God and of our Lord Jesus, we offer them to amiserable world with holy importunity. If ever we have known this wondrous compassion of God to ourselves, if ever we have tasted that ,the Lord is gracious, let us remember the relish we have had of this infinite compassion and condescending grace, when we were perishing under the power and guilt of sin ; and with an imitation -of that divine piety, let us entreat sinners to be saved. Let us remember all the alluring charms, theheavenly sweetnesses of forgiving, sanctifying and saving grace; and do our utmost to set them all before sinners in the most inviting light, that we may win sinful men to accept of the same salvation. Fourthly, We exhort and charge you, and we charge otir- li;
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