great scale of Created Excellence and Existence, in this new world. I would not dip farther on this occasion into the depths of Prophecy. In other Sermons, and according to the subjects, the line of my abilities in this way hath been, extended to its utmost length, and would not now, in my feeble state, bear any further stretching. I have only to add, then, by way of final Exhortation, that you, who are in the active stages of life, will consider yourselves, standing as it were in the Midst of Things; called upon to be conspicuous Actors in the most busy and important scenes of that Great Drama, which the Almighty is conducting towards its Conclusion. Looking forward, therefore, as well as backward, and listening to the voice of Scripture, as well as considering the Analogy of things, it must appear to you, that there is Something more perfect and practically powerful in Christianity, tending also to its more extensive Propagation, yet to be expected before the Consummation of earthly things!-But as there are Prophecies, relating to different ages of the Church, which cannot be fully understood, and therefore not fully explained, until they are fully accomplished; We pretend not to say, at what period of the Christian Æra, this Reformation, or great Change, is to commence; nor How, or by what Means, it is to be effectuated. Here let Conjecture cease-let us be silent before God-for Silence will be our best Praise of His incomprehensible Wisdom and Goodness!— Amen! and Amen! END OF VOL. II. |