were not carnal but spiritual. The principal one was the word of God, which is the "sword of the spirit." They were directed to preach the gospel. A preached gospel is denominated, the wisdom of God, and the power of God to the salvation of sinners. Therefore the apostle says, "The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but to us who are saved it is the power of God. It pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe; we preach Christ crucified, the power of God and the wisdom of God." Experience has shown, that the faithful preaching of the gospel is greatly feared and peculiarly opposed, by the enemy and avenger. It is that by which God does effectually beat down his strong holds-delivers his miserable captives, and destroys every thing which exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.

Thus I have briefly considered, the unpromising situation of the church, to an eye of sense, with respect to its enemies-the ground of confidence that it shall prevail-and some of the principal ways, by which it is enabled to withstand opposition; or, by which God has ordained and perfects strength out of the mouth of babes, to still the enemy and avenger. I would now request the attention of my audience, to some of the inferences and reflections, which the subject suggests. And,

1. From what has been said on this subject, we are led to admire and adore the wisdom and goodness of God, in the plan and work of redemption.

By a close attention to the subject of the text and context, and the things they suggest, such a view of the divine plan rises before the mind, as is too sublime to be expressed, or adequately to be conceived; and most strongly evinces the divinity of the sacred, scriptures, which reveal it. Although God in all things seeks his own glory, yet he seeks and can accomplish it, in no other way than by displaying him

self in the communication of being and blessedness. For this, therefore, he created the universe. For this he, in eternity, in his all disposing counsel, contemplated the existence of intelligent creatures→ men and angels; and also of moral and natural evil; without which creatures could never have so sensibly felt or realized their dependence and obligations to God for all their happiness-nor have seen all the divine perfections acted out. For this, also, he eter nally contemplated the plan of redemption, and elect❤ ed the babes, the man Christ Jesus and his brethren, to be the most highly favored subjects of his kingdom. He ordained strength out of their mouths, that they might be instruments of confounding the enemy and avenger, and of displaying the riches of his grace. In this way he has rendered his name excellent in all the earth, and exalted his glory above the heavens.

The manner, also, in which the work of redemption is carried on in the world, claims our admiration and praise. It is such as is calculated to display the power and wisdom of God. He has chosen the weak things of the world, to confound the mighty, that no flesh should glory in his presence. Christianity being circumstanced as we have seen,-its being for the most part a suffering cause, and, to an eye of sense, unlikely to be supported, not only serves to draw a line between the friends and enemies of Christ, but it proves an excellent trial to real Christians. It serves to realize to them their dependence. It gives them constant occasion for the exercise of faith in the all-sufficiency of God, and in his faithfulness to his word. It excites to watchfulness and prayer, and by calling into exercise, it increases and strengthens all their graces.

2. We learn from this subject, that it is important Christians should desire and strive to live in the constant exercise of a lively faith.-Nothing else will

encourage them to exertion-nothing else will render them confident of success, and be productive of real peace, in view of the generally low state of religion-the weakness of its friends, and the strength of the enemy. In proportion as faith is weak, and Christians begin to judge by an eye of sense, they will indulge doubts and fears-they will be alarmed and anxious, and tremble for the ark of God. In this way they may dishonor God-grieve his Holy Spirit, and give the enemy and avenger great advantage against them. Hence the importance of a lively faith and trust in God at all times.

3. The subject may afford abundant consolation and encouragement, to the people of God, at the present day, and in all times of darkness and difficulty.

The present, notwithstanding the many manifes tations of divine power, in building up his kingdom, is a day of great opposition to the church and cause of God. In many places, infidelity, error, and iniquity abound--the love of many waxes cold, and the enemy triumphs. A great part of the world lieth in wickedness, its inhabitants being under the dominion of the adversary of souls. In many parts, pagan idolatry prevails-in some Mahometan delusion -in some, popish superstition, and in many, infidel philosophy and atheism. The spirits of devils, even all the agents of the enemy and avenger, appear to gone forth into the earth, to gather nations to battle against God. In opposition to this numerous and formidable host, there are a few babes—a few followers of the Lamb, scattered through the world. They are forces, however, or instruments in the hand of God; and out of their mouths he will perfect strength. By the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, they will prevail and overcome. Never were such exertions made, to destroy any other society or institution, as there have been

be

to destroy the church of Christ. Kingdoms and societies of men, which have appeared an hundred fold stronger than the church, have been destroyed by a thousandth part of the opposition, which that has received and triumphed over. It has, indeed, often been brought low; but strength was ordainedit has been raised, and the divine hand been the more conspicuous. Here then is ground for consolation, in every day of trial. Opposition may continue and increase be much greater and more bitter than at present, even to violence, before the glorious Millenniel day but the Lord is at hand, and his people -may always be addressed in his own words, "Fear not, little flock."

4. From what has been said, let all be cautioned, not to be found engaged on the side of opposition to Christ and his people.-To use the words of Gamaliel," Refrain from these men: for if this work or this consel be of men, it will come to nought." But it has not come to nought. It has withstood earth and hell for 1800 years. It is therefore of God. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, and will be found fighting against God. Let all, therefore, who are opposed (and every impenitent sinner is opposed) be exhorted to refrain from opposition, and to come over on the Lord's side. Opposition is in vain-it is folly and madness. As well might the briars and thorns set themselves in array against the fire."Let the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth.".

5. From this subject we are taught, what is the proper business of Christians, and what they must exert themselves to do, would they be instruments in the hand of God, to still the enemy, and advance the cause of God, in their own hearts and in the world.

They must give themselves unto prayer; and make a bold and consistent confession of the name of Christ, and be ready to contend earnestly for the faith, once delivered to the saints. They must preach the gospel. This, as has been shown is a weapon, mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds, and every thing which exalteth itself against the knowledge of God. Or if we are not qualified for this, and have not a call to preach the gospel, still we are obligated to send a preached gospel unto others. We are bound to contribute to send forth preachers to destitute places, where they are either unable or unwilling to support them. Nor is ridicule or opposition a sufficient reason, why we should desist. It is to be expected, that the avenger will stir up opposition, in every possible form, when attacked in his strong holds. Had the apostles and primitive Christians desisted from their exertions, on account of opposition and discouraging appearances, the gospel, my brethren, would never have reached our ears. If we shrink from the difficulties involved in an attempt, to propagate the gospel among the destitute, or of supporting missions, and say, it will be in vain, we shall manifest that we judge by an eye of sense, and consider not that God is able to perfect strength in this way. In this way, God has, heretofore, ordained strength to still the enemy and spread the gospel. Blessed be his name that he is, even now, giving such evidence of his approbation of the exertions of his people, to advance his glory in this way, and such encouragement to them to proceed. Blessed be God, that he has opened the hearts of many, in various parts of the world, to contribute liberally of their substance, and of some to devote their time and talents to the arduous but important work of evangelizing the heathen; or of carrying the gospel and its precious ordinances to our brethren, in the borders of the wilderness. The occasion of this day, my brethren, renders these thoughts pe