increases, it is a plain and infallible consequence, that Popery must diminish. This view of the state of Christianity through the several ages down to our own times, short and very imperfect as it is, may however furnish sufficient occasion for observing, that the kingdom of God has never hitherto, in its most pure or most flourishing condition, seemed to make any near approach, or any effectual advances, towards that perfection and universality, to which it is decreed that it shall in time arrive. While it was in its most exalted state of purity, it laboured under oppression and persecution; when it flourished most in outward prosperity, and was strengthened in numbers, and enlarged in extent, it proportionably decayed in its inward graces; and, even in its most enlarged extent, never possessed more than about a sixth part of the present known world. Whereas it is decreed', that "the kingdoms of the world shall become the kingdoms of the Lord, and of his Christ;" that "all people, nations, and languages, shall serve Him;" that "the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in ;" and that "all Israel shall turn unto the Lord, and be saved." The time is not yet come for the accomplishment of these predictions; neither can we rely upon the authority of some, who, by a plausible interpretation of certain prophecies, confessedly very obscure, have presumed to determine the seasons which God hath put in his own power, so far as to conclude that it is near at hand. Yet we may be Rev. xi. 15. Dan. vii. 14. Rom. xi. 25, 26. allowed to observe, that the present state of mankind, and the circumstances of the world in general, seem to indicate a preparation for this wonderful event, and a tendency towards this important period, however distant it may be. The great progress which learning and useful knowledge of all sorts have made within these two last centuries, particularly in the cultivation of human reason, and the study of divine revelation; the prodigious advances that have been made in navigation and commerce, vastly enlarging the bounds of the known habitable world, yet, at the same time, drawing nearer to one another the several nations, by opening a free and easy communication between the most distant; the great numbers of Christian colonies that have been sent into every part, and planted in the most remote corners of the earth: all these circumstances continually increasing and multiplying, and the daily improvements, which, with unwearied diligence, and with evident success, are still pursued in all; though we see not the fruit as yet formed, nor so much as the blossom unfolded, yet seem to point out to us the seed-time and the spring, which is already preparing, and will in its due season bring forth a plenteous harvest. This particular sign of the times seems to be pointed out by the angel to the prophet Daniel': "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." 1 Dan. xii. 4. But, whatever be the secret determination of Almighty God, with regard to the particular time destined for the completion of these gracious pro-mises, it certainly behoves us to be always intent upon making the best advantage of every opportunity that shall seem to offer itself, of promoting this great end; to keep it ever in view, and to pursue it by every method that shall appear in the least conducive thereto. As we make it the daily subject of our prayers, so it ought to be the constant object of our most earnest endeavours. It is the duty of every Christian, as the glory of God and the salvation of mankind are highly concerned in it; it is more especially the duty of every minister of Christ, as the dispensation of the Gospel is committed to him, and he is appointed to attend continually upon this very thing. I shall beg leave to mention one or two of the principal means by which the Gospel of Christ may be best promoted, both among ourselves, and more at large in the world. In the first place, we ought to promote and encourage the advancement of religious knowledge, and the only mean by which it can be advanced, --freedom of inquiry. Christianity itself was published to the world in the most enlightened age; it invited and challenged the examination of the ablest judges, and stood the test of the severest scrutiny: the more it is brought to the light, to the greater advantage will it appear. When, on the other hand, the dark ages of barbarism came on, as every art and science was almost extinguished, so was Christ ianity in proportion oppressed and overwhelmed by error and superstition; and they that pretended to defend it from the assaults of its enemies, by prohibiting examination and free inquiry, took the surest method of cutting off all hopes of its recovery. Again, when letters revived, and reason regained her liberty; when a spirit of inquiry began to prevail, and was kept up and promoted by a happy invention, by which the communication of knowledge was wonderfully facilitated; Christianity immediately emerged out of darkness, and was, in a manner, republished to the world in its native simplicity. It hath always flourished, or decayed, together with learning and liberty it will ever stand or fall with them. It is therefore of the utmost importance to the cause of true religion, that it be submitted to an open and impartial examination; that every disquisition concerning it be allowed its free course; that even the malice of its enemies should have its full scope, and try its utmost strength of argument against it. Let no man be alarmed at the attempts of atheists or infidels : let them produce their cause; let them bring forth their strong reasons, to their own confusion; afford them not the advantage of restraint, the only advantage which their cause admits of; let them not boast the false credit of supposed arguments, and pretended demonstrations, which they are forced to suppress. What has been the consequence of all that licentious contradiction, with which the Gospel hath been received, in these our times, and in this nation? hath it not given birth to such irrefragable apologies and convincing illustrations of our most holy religion, as no other age, or nation, ever produced? What, in particular, hath been the effect of unrestrained opposition in a very recent instance, prepared with much labour and study, and supported with all the art and eloquence of a late celebrated genius? hath not the very weakness and impotence of the assault given the most signal and decisive victory to the cause of truth? and do not the arms of this mighty champion of infidelity stand as a trophy, erected by himself, to display and to perpetuate the triumph? Let no one lightly entertain suspicions of any serious proposal for the advancement of religious knowledge; nor, out of unreasonable prejudice, endeavour to obstruct any inquiry, that professes to aim at the further illustration of the great scheme of the Gospel in general, or the removal of error in any part, in faith, in doctrine, in practice, or in worship. An opinion is not therefore false, because it contradicts received notions but, whether true or false, let it be submitted to a fair examination; truth must in the end be a gainer by it, and appear with the greater evidence. Where freedom of inquiry is maintained and exercised under the direction of the sincere word of God, falsehood may perhaps triumph for a day; but to-morrow truth will certainly prevail, and every succeeding day will confirm her superiority. The light that arose upon the Christian world at the reformation hath still continued to increase, and we trust will "shine more and more unto the perfect day." The labours of the learned have from that time, by the blessing of God upon the |