Election Sermon

GEORGE WYLLYS, Secr'y.

An Election SERMON.

PROVERBS VIII.xix.

My Fruit is better than Gold, yea than fine Gold, and my Revenue than choice Silver.

ALTHOUGH unhappy man, while under the prevalency of his native taste and disposition, is contrary to God, and disaffected to his character and government; yet to well-disposed mind, there appears the greatest beauty, wisdom and excellency in the divine conduct. The consummate work of providence, and the moral government of the world, are the ways in which the divine character is made manifest. But how little soever, the calm, uniform course of providence, may affect the careless and inattentive; yet a series of such alarming events, as we see in these years, (the divine patronage of rights and liberty, together p. 6with the surprising steps by which this noble cause has been rescued, even to this day,) stand as a convincing proof of the wisdom and goodness of the divine government; which may well serve to fix the resolution of every sober mind, to trust in the Lord of Hosts;—well might David say,

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice.

A sacred regard to the Deity, with such religious sentiments, as reason aided by revelation will approve, cannot fail of producing the happiest fruits in life, and laying a solid foundation for blessedness in the future world.—How great is the folly of such as say unto God,

Depart from us, for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways?

Whether we consider ourselves as members of civil or religious societies—religion, in its happy fruits, will effect harmony, good order and loyalty. Since we are called to act our part, in various characters and capacities in life; and pure benevolence (in which true virtue consists) must be the leading principle; what can better become us, or form a more lasting foundation for usefulness, than a diligent and faithful attendance on the duties of our calling?—

Wherein a man is called, therein let him abide faithfully with God.

p. 6A due attendance on personal duties, must render men zealous worshippers of God, and followers of the lamb; however dignified or depressed among men. And the like attention to relative duties, must exemplify justice, temperance, chastity, benevolence, and every social virtue:—How would such a lovely conduct, garnish the body politick, adorn every society, and happify the humane race? The apostle directs to the like conduct, p. 7Rom. 12.6, 7, 8. Having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophesy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith, or ministry, let us wait on our ministring; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with chearfulness. And since no gifts are granted, no talents betrusted with us, but what are designed for improvement, to good and valuable purposes; care must be exercised, that none be neglected or basely perverted.—In order to which, it seems needful that men well understand the duty of their respective relations, — the nature and extent of the offices and capacities they sustain,— least some precious talent be neglected, or fair opportunity of doing good be left unimproved; or our brother's province be trespassed upon. Irregular and inordinate self-love, and private interest, have so much the dominion in the heart, and so various is the taste and tempers of men, that unless true benevolence, and public spirit prevent, there is eminent danger that private interest will be pursued, at the expence, or built on the ruins of the public weal. It well becomes members of communities to remember, that then do they best serve their own interest, when in proper ways they befriend the public good. But among proud, depraved, apostate creatures, what happy expedient can be found, to bring this to pass? We enjoy all the glorious privileges of the gospel of Christ; and all imaginable civil privileges; the freest state, and happiest constitution; (which heaven grant to the last posterity:) Yet all prove p. 8ineffectual to those glorious purposes.— Alas! how is the gospel abused! the civil sword despised; our liberties and privileges perverted; our public weal ma◊red, and God provoked to jealousy? Hence public calamities, and wasting judgments are threatned. Can there be a safe refuge, a sovereign remedy prescribed? I presume, men who will act the most friendly part to themselves or the public, will gladly embrace it.

p. 8Now this is presented in the words to be considered.

IN which the pious prince personates wisdom.—By which (he being his own expositor) we are to understand the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.

WISDOM here may be taken for Christ, who is the wisdom of God, and the power of God, crying aloud to man, by the prophets, and apostles, his word, and providence. Or it may be taken for the benefits of his purchase applied: which in a word, implies the being, and happy fruits of true religion. Now this is recommended to us, by its precious qualities, enriching tendency, and happifying fruits. For by me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the Earth. Riches and honour are with me, yea durable riches and righteousness: My fruit is better than gold, and my revenue than choice silver. Worthy of the highest esteem, of the most honourable, while the meanest peasant is bid welcome to intimacy with it.

HENCE agreeable to the words of Solomon, and this solemn occasion; I shall attempt to exhibit to view, the p. 9excellent nature, the happy tendency, and lovely fruits, of true religion.

EVERY cause is best known by its effects: the tree by its fruits; and the excellent nature and tendency of true religion, by its revenues. Now these are more precious than gold; yea than much fine gold. True wisdom must be most excellent and enriching, which produceth such fruits, and entitles to such revenues. It betrays a degenerate soul, ignorant both of the scripture and the power of God, to place it in the products of nature, or empty imagination, dry jejune external morality, or in an empty profession, crying Lord, Lord, or yet in a firm perswasion, and self-exalting confidence, that heaven is our own. The efforts of nature (depraved as it is) can never produce this pearl of great price. Shall we (while we can exercise reason, or see by the light of revelation) ever be induced to believe, that the heaven-born soul, who is taught of God, and formed after the divine image, and made an heir of God, and joint-heir with Jesus Christ, shall in no respects excel Seneca, or surpass the grovelling low-lifed pharisee? God forbid that the glorious gospel of grace should be perverted, and prostituted to the vilest purposes! even to elate the pride of the heart, magnify self-sufficiency, and dishonour the divine Redeemer.