NATIONAL PREACHER: OR ORIGINAL MONTHLY SERMONS FROM LIVING MINISTERS OF THE UNITED STATES. EDITED BY REV. AUSTIN DICKINSON, NEW-YORK. "The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."-John, xii, 49, VOL. XI. FOR THE YEAR ENDING MAY, 1837. NEW-YORK: PRINTED BY JOHN F. TROW, 36 ANN-STREET. A6 V. 11-12 CONTENTS OF VOL. XI. 38447 Page Union of Christians essential to the world's conversion.-E. Holt. The exceeding sinfulness of sin.-D. Van Volkenbergh. The nature, necessity and evidence of Repentance.-R. W.¡Bailey. Lessons from Autumn.-J. B. Waterbury. The influence of Christ's coming on human destiny.-G. Shepard. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1831, in the Office of the Southern District of New-York. NATIONAL PREACHER. No. 1. VOL. XI.] JUNE, 1836. [WHOLE NO. 121 SERMON CCXVIII. BY REV. TRYON EDWARDS, ROCHESTER, NEW YORK. THE INFINITE WORTH OF THE SOUL. PSALM xlix. 8. The redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth forever. THESE Words suggest a topic of thought, demanding the most serious consideration. They involve two propositions. 1. That the soul of every individual is of infinite value; "The redemption of their soul is precious."-2. That there is a period, beyond which, there is no hope of its salvation; "It ceaseth forever." of "The I. THE SOUL OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL IS OF INFINITE VALUE. redemption of their soul is precious." This is the first truth presented to our attention. Now in estimating the force, or ascertaining the truth any assertion, we are accustomed to examine the evidence by which it is supported. This is the case, in courts of justice, for example, where the testimony of witnesses is taken, as to the point in question. The question before us is, "what is the value of the soul?" We assert that its value is INFINITE. Do you ask for the evidence? To prove it, we shall summon witnesses FROM THREE WORLDS. Their testimony shall be given, at the bar of common sense. "Judge ye," as to its weight. And, 1. The first witness to the value of the soul whose testimony shall be presented, is the infinite and ever-blessed God. He tells you that the soul is immortal; that it is not only capable of, but destined to, endless expansion and growth; and that through the ages of eternity, it shall forever be rising higher and higher amid the glories of heaven, or sinking deeper and deeper in the unspeakable bereavements and woes of hell. In the strong language of interrogation, he asks, "what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul; or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" And again, he tells you, that the "redemption of the soul is precious." Such are one or two of God's many assertions, as to the value of the soul of man. But it is a common maxim, that actions speak louder than words. What then is the testimony of Jehovah's conduct? What his practical estimate of its worth? What has he done for its salvation? GOD THE FATHER, to redeem it, devised a scheme of salvation, and for its execution, he freely gave his well-beloved son-a gift, in comparison with which, the treasures of a universe are but paltry trifles. JESUS, to save it, took upon his own soul VOL. XI. No. 1. |
