NOTICE. THE following Discourse was intended exclusively for the audience to whom it was addressed. Desirous to preserve the facts it contained relative to their origin as a Society, they have requested its publication. Some parts are here thrown into notes, that then occupied a place in the body of the Discourse-information being the only thing intended. It is still hoped that this consideration will both account for, and justify, a minuteness, which to a stranger may appear unnecessary, but to a Parishioner, will be interesting like family portraits, estimable only to the domestic circle, whose ancestry they transmit. To that Society to whom the author has so long and so happily ministered, he now affectionately and respectfully inscribes it, with his most earnest prayers for their temporal and immortal welfare. JAMAICA PLAIN, April 28, 1842. 176849 SELECTION OF SCRIPTURES READ, AND HYMNS SUNG, ARE INTRODUCED BY REQUEST. 1. Brethren, my heart's desire, and prayer to God, for you all is, that you may be saved. 2. I wish, above all things, that thou mayest prosper, and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3. I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even that thou walkest in the truth. 4. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, which have witnessed of thy charity before the Church. I have no greater joy than to see my children walking in the truth. 5. We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their works' sake, and be at peace amongst yourselves-holding fast the possession of your faith, without wavering for faithful is he that hath promised. 6. Be not as children tossed to and fro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive you. But proving what is that good, and perfect, and acceptable will of God. 7. Wherefore, give the more earnest heed to the things thou hast heard, lest at any time thou let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, how shall we escape so great salvation? 8. Gird up the loins of your minds then, and be sober, and hope to the end. Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 9. For if ye do these things, ye shall never be moved; and so an abundant entrance shall be ministered unto you into the kingdom of our God. 10. Brethren, I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give at that day. And not to me only, but unto all them also, that love his appearing. [Then sung 511th Hymn, C. M., from 5th verse.] 5. If I a faithful servant am, Of Jesus and of God, I need not fear the closing scene, Nor dread the appointed road. 6. This scene will all my labors end; With comfort I'll review the past, And triumph though I die. |