Sermons on Various Important Subjects | Page 8

the
former occasioned by allusions to the sciences and usages of the age,
than in the other writers of that holy book. The Apocalypse is indeed
abstruse, but this is not occasioned by the language, which is plain, but
by the subject. That book is chiefly prophetic; and therefore expressed
in the metaphors of prophetic style. Prophecy is not generally designed
to be fully understood, till explained by the accomplishment.
To take occasion from those who might object to the illiterate character
of primitive gospel ministers, a Paul, and a Luke were found among
them; but neither of them was among those first called to the Christian
ministry. Those first sent forth to preach the gospel were unlearned
men. The great truths of the gospel had been taught, and many had
received them before these (especially St. Paul) had become

believers--that the faith of the first followers of Christ, might appear,
"not to stand in the wisdom of men, but in power of God."
Had the primitive ministry been learned philosophers, or renowned
rhetoricians, suspicions might have arisen that mankind had been
deceived, that they had been bewildered by the subtlety of science, or
charmed by the fascinating power of eloquence, into the belief of a
scheme which they did not understand. This cannot be suspected when
the character of the first Christian ministers is considered, and the
progress which Had been made in propagating the gospel, before any of
the learned were joined as their assistants in the work.
The propriety of the gospel method, may be farther argued from the
nature of the gospel. Wisdom of words is not necessary to
communicate gospel truths, or deep penetration, sufficiently to
understand them. It was a remark of the apostle "that not many wise
men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, were called."
The same observation may yet be made. People of plain common sense
more often receive the gospel, and favor the things of true religion, than
those who affect superior powers, and to understand all mysteries.
Those who are wise in their own imaginations, often reject the counsel
of God against themselves, and put from them offered salvation. The
manner in which the apostles and their fellow laborers preached the
gospel, hath also been objected to as unwise. Their preaching was
chiefly a plain unaffected exhibition of truth, laid before those who
heard them, and left with them. To produce faith in Christ, they
declared the time, place and circumstances of his birth, referring to the
prophecies which foretold them--declared the concurring testimonies of
angels and inspired persons, who gave witness for him--exhibited
sketches of his life--his teaching--his miracles--declared his prediction
of his own death, with the manner, time, and place--also of his
resurrection on the third day, and the fulfillment of those predictions.
They referred to his foretelling Peter's fall and recovery; Judas'
treachery and end, with the events which followed--they referred also
to Christ's teaching and miracles--to those which attended his
sufferings and resurrection--they adduced the evidence which they had
of his death and resurrection--declared the opportunities which they had

with him after his passion--the instructions they received from him--the
orders which he gave them, and his ascension from the mount of Olives,
of which they were witnesses, "confirming their words with signs
following."
To persuade men to receive and obey the gospel, they declared the
consequences to those who received, and to those who rejected it --that
the same Jesus who had died on the cross, was appointed by the Father,
"to be the Judge of quick and dead--that he would come again in like
manner as he had gone away--that all mankind must appear before his
judgment seat to give an account of themselves, and receive the deeds
done in the body," that those who flee for refuge to the hope of the
gospel, will find mercy, and be made forever happy with God, but
those who neglect the gospel will be sent away into everlasting
punishment.
Such interesting truths, those ministers of Christ laid before mankind,
and left with them for their consideration. But they used no rhetoric to
impress them. Neither did they appeal to the passions of their hearers;
in which they followed the pattern set them by their Lord, who "did not
strive, nor cry, nor cause any man to hear his voice in the streets." With
only a fair statement of those truths, accompanied with the offer of
"mercy and grace to help in time of need," they left mankind to choose
for themselves and abide the consequences.
This some have thought an improper manner of calling men into the
kingdom of Christ; that had been more pathetic in their addresses, and
more argumentative in their applications, they would have labored with
more effect; that this plain and