with them, in the work of the Lord; that they will ever be grateful for any information which the extensive experience of their brethren may enable them to impart on the subject of fields for Missionary action, &c. &c. and will derive joy from the reflection, that though in these transactions their respective seats of council be remote from each other, their hearts and aims are harmonious.

6. Resolved, That a suitable compensation be made to our brother Rice for his labours in originating Mission Societies, and that brethren Rogers, Holcombe and Staughton be a committee to confer with him, and decide on the subject.

7. Resolved, That the treasurer of this board be requested to give his bond to the president and his successor in office, with one suffieient security in the penal sum of ten thousand dollars.

8. Resolved, That the Treasurer take the advice of the Hon. Judge Tallmadge and John Withington, Esq. in cases which respect putting out surplus money, that may at any time be in the treasury.

9. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the practicability of obtaining the incorporation of this board; and that the two vice-presidents and the Hon. Judge Moulder be that committee.

10. The committee appointed for the purpose, having reported certain by-laws for the use of the board, they were taken into consideration, and the following agreed to.

I. This Board shall hold its first stated meeting on the first Monday in September; from which period, its meetings of this character shall be held quarterly.

II. All payments of money out of the treasury, shall be in pursuance of a resolution of this Board, and upon an order signed by the President, or, in case of his absence, by one of the Vice-Presidents.

III. Monies unappropriated, and not immediately wanted, shall not be suffered to lie dormant in the treasury; but shall be invested in some public stock, or let out on good security, so as to be rendered productive.

REV. DR. BALDWIN prayed,

and the Board adjourned.

SUBSTANCE OF THE

SERMON

DELIVERED BEFORE THE CONVENTION,

ON WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 18, 1814

MATTHEW XXviii. 20. And lo I am with you alway, even to the end of the world. Amen.

ASTONISHING as it may appear to men and angels, it is no less true-God deigns to visit man upon earth. He takes up his abode with him that is of an humble and contrite spirit: And the worshiping assemblies of his saints are assured by his word, that where but two or three are met in his Name, He is in the midst of them.

Of this Truth, in all its reality and sacredness, even the saints of God themselves are often too insensible. When awakened in the sanctuary to a just sense of it, they are ready to exclaim with Jacob on his way to Padan-Aram, "How awful is this place! Surely God is in this place, and I knew it not.'

The words before us present this truth to our View in a new and engaging form, and were addressed by our Lord Jesus Christ to his Disciples, just before his ascension to glory; when he had passed through the dreadful scenes of his humiliation, had triumphed over Death, Hell and the Grave, and was about to take possession of his Throne in the Heavens. They, for the consolation and encouragement of his saints, give assurance that his gracious presence shall continue with his church; and are for these purposes annexed to the Commission by which he has empowered his faithful Ministers to preach the gospel, and administer New-Testament Ordinances in every age and nation, till Time shall be no more.

These Words, strongly marked with a note of attention, and delivered with peculiar Majesty in the form of a Declaration, have also, all the Force and Virtue of a Promise, pledging for its Accomplishment, the Power and Veracity of its Divine Author.

That the Promise was not confined to the Apostles and other immediate Disciples of our Lord, is evident: for these have long since finished their holy course; but the Promise extends to the End of the World, and therefore must apply to the regu lar successors of those primitive Disciples.

In the illustration of the subject, let us consider

FIRST, What is contained in this gracious Declaration ; SECONDLY, Who are the persons particularly interested in it; and

THIRDLY, What are its implications.

We shall then, apply it to the circumstances of the present Occasion.

FIRST, The text declares, that the Redeemer's Presence is with his People, and shall abide with them continually.

His bodily Presence cannot be intended, for he has ascended to his Father; and the Heavens must receive, or retain him, to the Time of the Restitution of all Things. Nor does it mere ly intend his natural Presence as God: for in this sense he is present with all his creatures; who in him live, move and have their being. The Wicked, in this sense, are near to him; while in respect of his Favour, and Communion with him, they are afar off.

It must therefore mean his spiritual and gracious Presence. This includes union with his People; his Favour toward them ;. and the co-operation of his Providence and Grace, for accomplishing, through their instrumentality, the eternal counsels of his Mercy in the Salvation of men.

He is with his Church as the head is with its members; the shepherd with his flock; and the soul with the body it inhabits and animates. Saints are one with Christ: he is in them, and they in him by a vital union. They have received from him the inestimable gift of his Spirit, as a Spirit of Adoption; as a Comforter to abide with them for ever, to guide them into all Truth, and to seal them unto the Day of Redemption. He is with them as their Prophet, Priest and King.

The Direction of our Lord's Wisdom, as afforded to his People by his Spirit, Word, and Providence; his supporting, enlivening and comforting Grace, which infuses strength and courage into their Souls, enabling them to believe, hope, love, obey and suffer; and his protecting Care over them; to preserve them from the destroying power of their Enemies, the World, Sin

and Hell, are all secured by this Promise. To which may be added, as an important meaning of the Text, the Operations of his efficient Power with them in Grace and Providence, to give Success to the Efforts of those who are engaged in his Service, for the promotion of his Kingdom; till the whole sacred scheme of his salvation is brought to a happy and a grand result.

The Redeemer's Presence is really with his Saints at all Times; but not always sensibly to their apprehension. But when he lifts up the light of his countenance upon them, they realize it with joy, and with adoring gratitude. The Promise includes the Blessing considered in each of these views; but has respect to it in the first more especially.

SECONDLY, The persons particularly interested in this promise. These are the willing subjects of Christ's Kingdom, or subjects of Grace, and especially his faithful Ministers.

In a

more remote sense, the promise will apply to those who, having the gospel sent to them, or placed within their reach, are disposed, like the noble Bereans, to receive it with candour and

reverence.

1. Subjects of Grace, or regenerate souls: These are true members of the Christian Church. The Church, as a Body, a spiritual Family, has its little Children, as well as young Men and Fathers. Is it a Flock? included in its number are the weak of the Flock; the tender Lambs, and the diseased; who are, equally with the strong, objects of their Heavenly Shepherd's gracious care. The evidences of Grace in the heart are not confined to those who are rejoicing in God, and have assur ances of Covenant-interest in his Favour, who are clear in their Views with respect to the Time and Manner of their Conversion. Regenerate souls may be in doubt and perplexity concerning this great subject, and uncertain with respect to its circumstances. In the latter there is great variety, in genuine christian experience.

Unfeigned Repentance for sin, Faith in the Redeemer, Love to the Triune God, and subjection to his Government are the distinguishing characteristics of the real Christian. With these, all other gracious qualities are connected: Without them all our attainments are vain; however esteemed, ornamental, or splendid.

Repentance comprehends Conviction for sin, humble Confession of it, Godly Sorrow on account of its Evil, as it affronts God and injures his Creatures, and a hearty forsaking of it; which last, includes Denial of our Evil Appetites and Passions, and Watchfulness against Temptation.-Faith in the Lord Je sus Christ, not only assents to the great Truths of Revelation respecting his proper Deity, Incarnation, Life, Death, Resur

C

rection, Ascension and Glory, and his Ability to save; but embraces the Gospel Invitations and Promises, from a firm Persuasion of his Willingness; actually relying upon him, and renouncing every other Foundation of Hope and Confidence. Divine Love contemplates the transcendent Excellency of its Object, with Admiration and Desire; and is sweetly constrained to action by the Love of Christ. In its free and full exercise, it is associated with filial Confidence, Joy, Gratitude, and holy Zeal. But frequently, while incumbered with Doubt and Fear, it can advance no farther than to the state of Desire. intimate associates then, are Self-reproach and Godly-sorrow. -Subjection to the Divine Government consists in a sincere, deliberate surrender of the soul to God; active Obedience to his Commands, however self-denying; and Resignation to his providential Dispensations, however afflictive.

Its

In forming a correct judgment on the gracious state of an individual, regard must be had to the reality, rather than to the degree of grace. Some are truly regenerate, whose diffidence and low thoughts of themselves would never yet allow them to claim the privileges, or take the comfort, which God has annexed to their true character: while others, pleased with themselves, and confident of their happy state, are, in reality, essentially defective.-A settled choice and determination of the soul to be for God, is better than confidence-better than rap

tures.

2. Ministers interested in the Promise. These are godly men, who with Peter truly love their Lord; and with Paul are willing to spend and be spent, for the honour of his Name, the interests of his Kingdom, and the salvation of immortal souls. They are called by Christ to preach his Gospel, and have Gifts bestowed on them for their Work. Necessity is laid upon them, and woe is unto them if they preach not the Gospel. Such preach not themselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and themselves the servants of the Churches, and of immortal souls, for Jesus' sake. Their serious intention, and honest endeavour are, to preach the Word of God unadulterated, as far as they are acquainted with its sacred meaning. Not to please the Fancy, or delight the Ear; but to reach the Conscience, reform the Life and improve the Heart; and thus to "Train Immortals for the Skies."-To administer Divine Ordinances aright, in the manner God has appointed, and to the subjects he approves, is also their serious concern.

Whatever Imperfections may cleave to Churches, Ministers, or Individuals, of the state and character here described, they must be considered as interested in their Saviour's Promise: But the more they are conformed to him in their Principles,