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A SERMON.

REVELATION xiv. 6, 7.

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying, with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

THE glory of God, the love of Christ, and the salvation of sinners, suggest constraining motives for propagating the Gospel. The command to teach all nations, and the promise that the word shall not return void, present a warrant and encouragement to vigorous exertions for converting the heathen. Christians have always recognized the obligation, and professed a submission to this duty; yet they have criminally neglected the means, or ignobly slumbered in the work.

In the dark period of ignorance and oppression, when the Church fled before an implacable enemy, it was impossible to devise liberal plans, or prosecute any benevolent design for the enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom. Her situation precluded every generous effort. But why, in more prosperous times, did believers abate in their zeal? Why for the space of three centuries, when placed beyond the reach of persecution, have no strenuous measures been adopted for extending the knowledge of the Savior? Men, eminent for their piety and talents, have, in succession, been raised up in the Church. Many, during