"We cannot reasonably think otherwise, than that the beginning of this great work of God must be near. And there are many things that make it probable that this work will begin in America.—It is signified that it shall begin in some very remote part of the world, with which other parts have no communication but by navigation, in Isa. 60:9. "Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring my sons from far."

Showing The Obligations That All Are Under To Acknowledge, Rejoice In, And Promote This Work; And The Great Danger Of The Contrary. SECTION I. The danger of lying still, and keeping long silence, respecting any remarkable work of God.

If there be any change in God, that change must be made either by something without himself, or by something within himself, or by both together. But it cannot be by any thing without Himself; for in Him all created dependent beings live and move, and enjoy the beings they have; and all the changes that are among them, are from the pleasure of this unchangeable Being, he changes them, but it is not possible for Him, upon whose pleasure they so entirely and absolutely depend, both as to their beings and workings, to suffer any changes Himself from, or by them.

God's people at such time as this, ought especially to abound in deeds of charity, or alms-giving. We generally, in these days, seem to fall far below the true spirit and practice of Christianity with regard to this duty, and seem to have but little notion of it, so far as I can understand the New Testament.—At a time when God is so liberal of spiritual things, we ought not to be strait-handed towards him.

There is one reflection connected with this subject still more sad; it is, that some in whom we once delighted, and in whom we reposed strong confidence, have turned aside from the ways of truth and righteousness in which they appeared to be walking, and though they may be still walking up and down upon the earth, are dead to us, and to all those interests which once seemed to be common to them and us. And as to those who remain steadfast, and have continued their pilgrimage without turning aside into crooked ways, what a sad change has time made upon their bodies!

Rule VI. Distinction between faith and spiritual sense. - Or the spiritual sense that we have of acceptance with God, there are a number parts or degrees; as, first, hereunto belongs peace with God: Rom. v. 1, "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God." This peace is the rest and composure of the soul emerging out of troubles, upon the account of the reconciliation and friendship made for it by the blood of Christ. And it hath, as all peace hath, two parts, —first, a freedom from war, trouble, and distress; and, secondly, rest, satisfaction, and contentment in the condition attained; —and this, at least the second part of it, belongs unto the spiritual sense that we inquire after.