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vrfhicb 'twere wrought by the apostles were essential to the early rapid suceessof Christianity ; yet , the zeal and # ctivrty of the first Christian teachers and their adherents had a material influence in producing the effects which attended their labours ; and enforced the invitation of their liberality , ~ zeal , an 4
persevering exertions . ** It" said he , " we become lukewarm and inert , the best of causes will languish under our hands , we shall have to complain , my leanness ^ my leanness the precious words of truth will freeze on our lips , we shall work no deliverance in the earth . " Mr . W .
exhibited the considerations which should stimulate our zeal and pe ; severing exertions in support of the pure gospel . i . That it is of the hi ^ he ^ t authority , as it originated with God , was commit nicated to the world by the most glorious of all his messengers , confirmed by the most signal miracles , and that Jesus endured ail his sufferings in its defence , and sealed it with his blood . 2 .. That the
gospel is of the greatest importance to mankind , as it reveals the character of the one and only God , is the word of salvation , and the only sure record of eternal life . 3 . That the gospel is calculated to produce the most happy effects , as its tendency is to enlighten the mind , to make men virtuous and
good , to unite them in the bonds of mutual lovo * and to lead , them to the enjoyment of the m&st solid and durable peace . 4 . That if the friends of truth are inactive its enemies will not be so . 5 . That mistakes respecting the leading doctrines of Christianity are not innoxious . 6 . That the circumstances of the times in
-which we live , should stimulate us to make every possible exertion for the promotion of pure uncorrupted Christianity .- — -The preacher then attempted to show what Chri tians shou / d do if they would promote the pure gospel .
He began with exhorilng them not to attempt to throw the whole of the work . on their ministers , reminding' them that , though ministers arc to take the lead , they must assist and promote their efforts . He showed that all are called
iio promote ihe gospel and that if they would do it t they must first seek to understand the gospel for themselve :, and be free and fearless in their inquiries after truth , a " . They must live under the influence of the gospel and be imbued with its spirit . 3 . They must adorn it in their lives . 4 . That as the
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gospel is promoted % f public teaching , Christians are to psoaiote it by provid * ing for the education of pious and zealous young men for the ministry . 5 ,. By enabling their ministers to live independent of worldly business > that they may devote themselves wholly to the Work . 6 . By promoting a serious and
steady attendance on tlieir mimVtry 7 * By assisting their oaiuisters in th « . xtrculation of books , the . formation of schools for the children © f the poor , and in every practicable p £ ao $ p- faeaevolence . 8 . By free anid pious conversation with their ministers , with each
other , and with their neighbours and acquaintance , and in particular by instructing their families , &c . 9 . By doing all they can to promote the general diffusion of rational views of the gospel , and practical godliness . Mr- W . noticed the obstacles there
are to the success of the gospel in its purity , and observed that these , instead of discouraging should stimulate our zeal the more , as truth must ultimately prevail , and no good effort properly directed , can fail of sooner or later producing important ef fects . He exhorted his brethren to
unite with those who show by their exertions they are set for the defence of the gospel ; and concluded by shewing that the faithful servants of-the Lord will receive a glorious reward . After reading this abstract of the sermon , the reader " will no doubt feel , with
us , a wish that it might appear in print . It would be generally useful in the General Baptist body , and indeed amongst other denominations . The friends afterwards dined together at the King ' shead tavern , Pou try . About 60 persons sate down to dinner ; at which , as well as at the religious service , we observed several persons present , not belpnging to the general Baptists . The growing union of the friends of rational
religion of ^ every sect is the most promising feature , in the character o ( the present times . After dinner Mr . Wright called the attention of the company to tlto subject of the Monthly Repository ; the success of which is owing in a consi 4 er 4 blc degree to the exertions of the ant ^ ciu a » d liberal denomination whose meeting is here recorded *^ --Although the assembly was ' as fully attended as h ;^ s been usual , there w * W $ some persops iibsenjt who have heretofore been co « Wdcrcd as members , and absent , it w
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34 S Intelligence . —Annual Assembly of General Baptists . .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), June 2, 1808, page 348, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2393/page/56/
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