An Address to the Inhabitants of the Colonies | Page 6

can say in truth, and with a sincere conscience,
That I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.[Rom. i. 16.] It is a
knowledge, and I hope an inward experience of this precious gospel,
that bears up my spirits when I am ready to sink as in deep waters, and
when I am almost overwhelmed by the many heavy and daily trials,
crosses, difficulties and disappointments, that I meet with in this, alas!
most uncomfortable situation. An acquaintance with this gospel, an
experience of its truth and power, sweetens every bitter, makes my
crosses comforts, and my losses gains. It is by this knowledge that I am
enabled to bear the cross of Christ, not only with some degree of
patience and resignation, but at some seasons, with consolation and joy;
while I at one time reflect on what our dear Lord and Saviour endured
for me, and at another anticipate the unspeakable honour and pleasure,
which, through grace, I hope ere long to enjoy at his right hand for
evermore. And to endeavour to bring you, my dear friends, to a saving
knowledge of what is contained in this gospel, is not only my duty and
inclination as a minister, but also my earnest desire and pleasure, and
that which I long for more than for any other thing that can be
named.[Rom. x. 1.]
I have often explained to you, according to my sentiments, what is
contained in the gospel. But as I fear, and am indeed well aware, that
many of you, after all you have heard, still remain ignorant, I will now
tell you again briefly and plainly, what my views of the gospel are; that
by putting this book into your hands, you may, if you please, more
carefully and attentively examine and search for yourselves, whether
what I lay before you be agreeable to the holy scriptures, or otherwise;
and consequently, whether you ought to believe, or to reject it.
The gospel, I conceive, in its most extensive sense, comprehends the
whole revealed will of God, recorded in the holy scriptures of the Old
and New Testament [Tim. iii. 16.].
This sacred book, which we call the Bible, describes the original state
of man, as a state of perfect purity and innocence. He was made in the

image of God. He was made upright [Gen. i. 26, 27.; Eccles. vii. 29.].
His understanding, will, his affections and conscience, his body and
soul, were free from defilement, guilt, or guile, and while he continued
so, he was not liable to pain, misery, or death.
But man did not continue in this state. Our first parents disobeyed their
Maker. By sinning against God they lost their original righteousness,
and became earthly, sensual, devilish. Such are all his posterity: for
who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Man is now the very
reverse of what he was when first created. His understanding [2 Cor. iv.
5; Ephes. iv. 18.; Titus i. 15.; rom. viii.7.] is darkened, yea darkness
itself; his will, his carnal mind, is enmity against God; his conscience is
defiled; his affections, no longer fixed upon God his Creator and
Benefactor, are engrossed by the vain and perishing things of this world;
by sin his body is become mortal. Subject to pain, disease, and death
[Rom. v. 12.]; and his soul is exposed to the displeasure of God, and to
the curse annexed to the transgressions of his holy law. All this misery
is implied in that awful threatening, In the day that thou eatest thereof
thou shalt surely die[Gen. ii. 17.].
And is not this threatening, at least in part, already put into execution?
Whence is there so much ignorance and contempt of God? Why do
mankind so eagerly, so universally pursue the vain pleasures and follies
of the world, while they seldom think of God their Maker? From
whence proceed the infidelity, blasphemy, lying, theft,
sabbath-breaking, slandering and the many horrid evils, which every
where abound? Whence is it that so many in this colony, labour under
such sore and complicated disorders, pains, and miseries? Why are so
many, both young and old, taken away by death? And why is it that
others who see all those things, do not take warning by them, to prepare
for their own latter end? Brethren, all these are so many undeniable
proofs and evidences of what I have said; namely, that we are fallen
and guilty creatures. These are the effects of Adam's sin and
disobedience. The certain consequences of which would have been
unavoidable and endless misery, both of soul and body, to himself and
all his posterity, had not some means been provided, some way laid
open, for his and their recovery.
But, blessed be God, a door of hope is