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desire may, according to commendable practice, be sent over, in a particular account, within the year. And it may assist us, in the regulating our expenses, if you be pleased to let us know, by the first conveniency, what further charge you judge you shall be put to by perfecting the printing of the Bible. The use of that Divine book, and also a constant use of catechisms, we judge most necessary for the In-nation, with privilege of protecdians' instruction in religion. And we also think it may conduce to unity and order, if the same catechism be generally taught amongst them."

Answer of the Commissioners.

"Right Honorable, "We received yours of the 15th of May, 1662-That it pleased the Lord to put it into the heart of our dread sovereign, the king's Majesty, with his most honorable Council, to cast a favorable aspect upon these so far remote parts of his dominions, not only to the owning of his subjects, the people of his own

tion, and confirmation of our wonted liberties to the rejoicing of the hearts of many, the Lord's poor people here, that were before sad, and to the shame of those, who were the enemies of the peace of our Zion; but al

"If our stock do increase, which, we hope, hereafter it may; especially since his Ma-so, as by the information given jesty himself has graciously pleased particularly to countenance this work, and to secure, both what has been, and what may be given towards it, by a legal settlement, which before was wanting :-If, we say, our means increase, we shall consider of some employment, in the way of trade and manufacture, to employ the Indians in. Or if, in the interim, there occurs to you any thing about this, or any other matter, that, you judge, may tend to the promoting of that good work, wherein we have the happiness to be jointly engaged, your informations and advice will be, as well as your assistance, very welcome to us." "Signed in the name, and by the appointment of the corporation for the propagating of the gospel in America.

Pr. ROBERT BOYLE, Gov." London, May 15, 1662. "For the worshipful, the commissioners of the United Colonies of New England, in New England, These.".

us by your honor's letters, extending his royal favor to our neighbors, the barbarous natives, and that in such wise, as no other interest or concernment can be any motive therein to his Majesty, save only his unfeigned love to the honor of God, and bowels of compassion to poor mankind, the experience, not only of a kingly, but also of a fatherly, god-like spirit; especially considering the objects of this his bounty, who are such of whom it may be truly said, that being beheld in their own savage ways, and customs, there is very little more of the relics of that glorious image, put upon our first parents, to be seen in them than this, that they are of that race :-The consideration whereof, together with the gentleness and candor of your generous minds, expressed in yours to us, breathing forth your unfeigned desires to advance the interest of the Lord Jesus Christ; so that the labor and difficulties inevitably accompanying such

an undertaking have not deter-Lord in the use of the means red. your truly noble spirits from afforded." the acceptance thereof;-can

"The laborers in that work not but greatly oblige us, as the for instructing the Indians in the expressions of our thankfulness several colonies, continued, toto the Lord, and yourselves, together with the education of study the faithful discharge of sundry youths; two whereof so great a trust, by your honors, have been, the year past brought reposed in us, for the improve-up at the college in Cambridge; ment of the means aforesaid for where they have good commenthe instructing of the barbarous dations of the President and natives in the true knowledge of their tutors, for their proficiency God; that so, through his rich in learning. Also two others are blessing therein, a people, among at the grammar school; and whom Satan has had his throne, two more at the English school. may now become the Lord's, and where they learn to read and his name may be known and write; one whereof is now fitted exalted by those, who, for so long for the grammar school; bea time, have sat in darkness, and sides many others that are inin the shadow of death :- The structed by school-masters in time of the establishing and re-other places to read and write. settling of this weighty affair, It hath pleased the Lord to frown by his Majesty's influencing upon our endeavors in this kind; thereof, and putting the royal taking away by death, at sundry stamp of his authority thereup-times, six youths, or more, upon being such, wherein the ad- on whom considerable cost had versary was seeking to under- been expended for their educamine all former endeavors, to tion; wherein it very well bethe utter disappointing of all our cometh us, and all herein confuture hopes, by the subtilty, and cerned, humbly to submit unto powerful attempts of his instru- his sovereign pleasure." ments, even of those whom we may truly say, that they fear not God, nor honor the king: That at such a season, the Lord, should raise up his Majesty to be an horn of salvation, to these poor natives; it does greatly encourage us to hope, and belive, that he hath, even among them, some that are of those other sheep, whom, in time, he will cause to hear his voice; and that he will continue to bless the endeavors of his people for that end!"

"Touching the progression of this work at present, your honors may please to be informed, that as we have formerly rela ted we are still waiting on the VOL. VI. No. 6.

"We are informed by the Rev. Mr. Eliot, that he is so far satisfied concerning the Lord's effectual work with his word, on the hearts of sundry of the natives, that he has proceeded to administer the sacrament of baptism at two of their plantations, Martha's Vineyard, and Natick, being in distance about one hundred miles."

"The Bible is now about half done; and a constant progress therein is made. The printer hopes it will be finished within a year. The future charge is uncertain; by estimate not less than two hundred pounds. We have herewith sent 20 copies of the New Testament to be disСс

posed of as your honors shall | An think meet."

"The trust your honors have seen meet to repose in us for the managing of this work, we

Essay on the Glory of God, founded on 1 Cor. x. 31.

(Continued from p. 170.)

show what is implied

thall endeavor, with all faithful-II.Tin doing all things to

ness, to discharge. The account enclosd tells you to whom, and in what manner, and for what ends, the money sent over hath been distributed; whereby you will plainly see, that neither our colonies, nor particular concernments are any diminution thereof, but the whole is improved according to the will of the donors.'

"And for the future we shall be ready to observe the more particular directions of your honors; humbly entreating this favor, that no information or complaint may be received against us to the prejudice of our trust, until we have had advice thereof, with a seasonable opportunity to return an answer thereto. Less than five hundred pounds we could not charge bills to be paid this year; without which the work will inevitably be interrupted, if not broken in pie

ces."

"We shall not give your honors further trouble, but commend you to the guidance and protection of the Almighty, resting your honors to serve in the work of Christ."

"The Commissioners of the United Colonies in New England."

Boston, Sept. 10, 1662.

"To the Hon. Robert Boyle, Esq. Governor of the corporation for the propagation of the gospel in New England."

the divine glory.. Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God:

It is plain, that men can add nothing to God's essential glory, nor in the least diminish it. But as it respects his declarative glory, we have the authority of revelation to assure us, that they can do those things which shall be honorary or dishonorary to God. To do all things to the glory of God, is to conduct in every respect as it becomes such beings as we are, considering all the circumstances of our situation, and all our obligations to the great Author and preserver of our existence. The will of God made known to us in his word, is the rule by which to regulate all our actions. The leading things that are revealed as the will of God, were suggested under the former head as promotive of the divine glory; which are some of the great fündamental duties the right performance of which contributes to the glory of God.

And here let it be observed, that no duty can be performed rightly, unless it be done in sincerity, or from a good principle of heart. External good works may promote the welfare of society, and the peace and comfort of the present life; but if they do not flow from a good fountain, from true love to God and man, they cannot be acceptable to Him who seeth not as man seeth, but looketh on the heart. The apostle says, Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,

1805.]

An Essay on the Glory of God.

and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Hence in order that we may perform Christian duties, to the glory of God, we must not barely regard the outward adorning of good works, but the hidden man of the heart, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price.

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things to the glory of God, every action of his life tends to this important object; and every thing he does is sanctified by a principle and habit of virtue. His worldly business and employment, by justice and charity running uniformly through all the parts of them; the common actions of his life, by decency and inoffensiveness; his very pleasures and diversions, by innocency and right intentions. Whatever he is doing, he constantly remembers the end, and therefore does not amiss."

III. To shew the obligations we are under to conduct in all things to the glory of God.

Farther, In order to answer the precept of the text, we must have a single eye to the glory of Jehovah, in all, even the smallest actions of life. In treating upon this subject, the apostle is so particular as to mention the common feeding upon the bounties of Providence. Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, "God as a wise and intellido all to the glory of God. The gent being must have respect in inspired oracles represent all, all his actions, to the accomeven the irrational and the very plishment of some end." " When inanimate creatures-beasts and we look at the majestic works of all cattle, worms and flying God in creation and redemption fowls, the sun, moon, and stars, we are at once impressed with mountains and all hills, fruitful the absurdity of even imagining trees and all cedars, fire and hail, them to have been made withsnow and vapors, wind and out a view to some great end. storms, as glorifying God, be- In these works we behold order, cause they subserve the end of connexion, regularity and har their creation, and show us his mony. How these should have great power and perfections. existed without design, is imWith what propriety then, may possible to conceive. It is equaleven the most common actions ly impossible to conceive, how of men be said to be done to the God should do this without a glory of God, when they are view to some end exceedingly done as required; as becomes great, glorious and important." men and Christians! "In a jour-"This end was the display ney, to a diligent man, whose of himself, or the good of the mind is really bent upon his journey's end, every thing he does as well as actual travelling tends to accomplish his design. His rest and sleep, his steps and refreshments, nay, even his very diversions, all tend uniformly towards enabling him to arrive at his intended home. And thus likewise to a man who does all

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all the powers and principalities of heaven; all the perfections of angels and virtues of men; all the splendors scattered over creation; collect all these into one vast assemblage; and they are lost before God, as a mote in the full blaze of the sun." "Now God must love and regard the highest excellency most. But this is no where but in himself." "Consequently, he must in all his works, act with a supréme regard to his own glory, or to himself..""This is the uniform language of scripture. God declares, that he made all things for himself; that of him, and to him, and through him are all things." By this display of himself, all his creatures share liberally in his goodness; without which, they never would have participated the benefits of creation, and of receiving and enjoying good; for God is the only uncreated being, and true good in the universe. This being the case, it is reasonable and proper, that his works, which have derived their being from him, and share largely in his munificence, should be used to his glory.

As God's character comprises all good, his creatures cannot act to a nobler end than the divine glory. And as every favor creates an obligation, the countless favors they receive from him, lay them under infinite obligations to live to his glory. Accordingly his perfect will requires this duty of them, and makes it necessary, that they should act to the same great end with himself.

The irrational and inanimate parts of creation, do glorify God by answering the design of their creation. The heavens declare

the glory of the Lord-Day un to day uttereth speech, and night unto night shereth knowledge. The magnificence of the celestial bodies, and the form and order of all the works of creation, tacitly shew forth the glorious wisdom, power and goodness of their Almighty formér. There fore all rational creatures, who are placed in an elevated rank. in the scale of being, are obligated to perform for God a reasonable service, and to shew forth his glory in a more excellent manner than the lower creation. And especially are mankind, who have experienced great and distinguished mercy and favor from God, obligated to conse crate all their powers, and fac ulties to his service, honoring him with their whole conduct, even whether they cut or drink, or whatsoever they do, doing all to the glory of God. This God hath taught us by his word; and it is incumbent on all men, who would act worthy of their rational dignity, discharge their solemn obligations, and meet the approbation of their God, to endeavor to honor him by all the actions of life.

INFERENCES.

1. If the divine glory be the ultimate end in creation, and the important object which all crea ted intelligences should have in view in all their actions, then we learn the great excellency of the Christian religion. Gód connects his glory with the general good of the creatures which he has made; and in this his conduct appears truly wonderful and excellent. When Moses said to God, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory, God said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee,

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