7. The consent of good men, in all Christian nations, to promote the design. And,

8. The preservation of our own country, to carry on the work, amidst the ruin or infidelity of other nations. To which may be added,

9. The subjugation of so large a portion of Asia to the British dominion.

Behold, then, my brethren, the great undertaking, for the promotion of which you are now assembled. If it were in the power of this assembly to diffuse the blessings of religion over the whole world, would it not be done? Would not all nations be blessed? You perceive that some take a lively interest in this subject, while others are less concerned. What is the reason of this difference? It is this: Every man, who hath felt the influence of religion on his own heart, will desire to extend the blessing to the rest of mankind; whereas, he who hath lived without concern about religion, will not be solicitous to communicate to others a gift which he values not himself. At the same time, perhaps, he is not willing to be thought hostile to the work. But there is no neutrality here. "He that is not with Christ," in maintaining his kingdom on earth, " is against Him." And so it appeareth to God, "who searcheth the heart." Every one of us is now acting a part in regard to this matter, for which he must give an account hereafter. There is no one, how

ever peculiar he may reckon his situation or circumstances, who is exempted from this responsibility. For this is the criterion of obedience in the sight of God, even our conduct in receiving or rejecting the "record which God hath given of his Son." And no man "re"ceiveth this record" in sincerity and truth, who will not desire to make it known to others. You have heard of the conversion of Mahometans and Hindoos. Yes, our Lord hath said,

Many shall come from the East and from "the West, and shall sit down with Abraham, "and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of "Heaven; but the children of the kingdom "shall be cast out."

Begin, then, at this time, the solemn inquiry, not merely into the general truth of Christ's religion, but into its divine and converting power. You observe, that in this discourse I have distinguished between the name of Christianity, and the thing. For it seems, there are some who having departed from the ancient principles of our reformation, admit the existence of the Spirit of God, yet deny his influence; who agree not with the Apostle Paul, that the

Gospel cometh not in word only," but "in "power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much "assurance." Begin, then, the important inquiry; for the time is short," and this question will soon be brought to issue before an

assembled world. In the mean time I shall offer to you my testimony on this subject.

The operation of the grace of God, in "re"newing a right spirit within us," (Psal. li.) is a doctrine professed by the whole faithful Church of Christ militant here on earth. The great Author of our religion hath himself delivered the doctrine, in the most solemn manner, to the world. "Verily, verily, I say " unto you, Except a man be born again, he "cannot see the kingdom of God." Verily, verily; it is an undoubted truth, an unchangeable principle of the heavenly dispensation, that except a man be renewed in his mind by the Spirit of God, he shall not have power even to see or behold the kingdom of God. What though many in our day deny this doctrine? A whole nation denied a doctrine, greater if possible than this. The very name and religion of Christ have been denied in our time. But if our Saviour hath delivered any one doctrine of the Gospel more clearly than another, it is this of a spiritual conversion; and the demonstration of its truth is found in all lands, where his Gospel is known. Christians, differing in almost every thing else, are agreed in this. Differing in language, customs, colour, and country; differing in forms of worship and church government, in external rites and inter

nal order; they yet agree in the doctrine of a change of heart, through faith in Christ; for this hath been the grand characteristic of Christ's religion among all nations, tongues, and kindreds, where the Gospel hath been preached, through all ages down to this day. This is, in fact, that which distinguishes the religion of God in Asia from the religions of men. In every part of the earth, where I, myself, have been, this doctrine is proclaimed, as the hope of the sinner and the glory of the Saviour, And again, in every place it is opposed, in a greater or less degree, by the same evil passions of the human heart. In rude nations, the same arguments are brought against it, in substance, which are used here in a learned country. Among ignorant nations a term of reproach is attached to serious piety, even as it is here among a refined people; thereby proving what our Lord hath taught, that the superior goodness inculcated by his Gospel would not be agreeable to all men; and that some would revile and speak evil of his disciples, "for righteousness sake;" thereby proving what the Apostle Paul hath taught, that "the

Cross of Christ is an offence" to the natural pride of the human heart; that "the carnal "mind is enmity against God;" and that "the natural man receiveth not the things of

"the Spirit of God, because they are spirit"ually discerned.” *

I have thought it right, my brethren, to deliver to you my testimony at this time; to assure you that the Gospel which begins to enlighten the East, is not "another Gospel," as the Apostle speaks, but the same as your own. There is one Sun; there is one Gospel. "There is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;" and there is one JUDGMENT. May we be all prepared to give our answer on that day!

You are now invited to contribute some aid towards the extension of the religion of Christ. You are now, to present "your gifts" before Him who was born Saviour of the world; and

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The late learned and judicious PALEY has given his dying testimony to the truth of this doctrine. (See his Sermons, p. 119.) “A change so entire, so deep, so important as this, I do allow to be a CONVERSION; (he had said be“fore, there must be a revolution of principle; there must "be a revolution within ;') and no one who is in the situation "above described can be saved without undergoing it; and " he must necessarily both be sensible of it at the time, and "remember it all his life afterwards. It is too momentous an event ever to be forgot. A man might as easily forget "his escape from shipwreck. Whether it was sudden, or "whether it was gradual, if it was effected (and the fruits "will prove that,) it was a true conversion; and every such 66 person may justly both believe and say it himself, that he 66 was converted at a particular assignable time."

Paley here speaks the language of the true Church of Christ, in all ages and nations.