DISCOURSE XIX.

THE CHURCH'S COMMINATION, A PIOUS AND CHARITABLE SERVICE.

JAMES V. 19, 20.

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Of all the virtues, which give grace and dignity to the Christian character, there is no one more essentially incorporated with our holy religion, or more excellent and valuable in itself, than that of which St. Paul has given us a most beautiful description in the thirteenth chapter of his first Epistle to the Corinthians. I need hardly mention that the description to which I allude is that of charity, as characterized by its peculiar qualities. It is remarkable that the Apostle in this description does not insist upon the outward acts produced by this heavenly principle, but rather

sets forth the principle itself in its operation upon the heart; giving us to understand that it is the inward disposition, which constitutes the value of our conduct; and taking it for granted that, where such a disposition exists, the fruits of a benevolent conduct will naturally follow. Thus, if the heart

66

rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth,” it will of course be desirous of contributing to the promotion of the one, and the diminution of the other: and so with respect to the other qualities, which St. Paul ascribes to this divine principle.

One of the most characteristick outward acts, which accordingly proceed from Christian charity, is that which is specified by another Apostle; namely, St. James in my text: the act, that is to say, of converting a sinner from the error of his way, and leading him to true repentance. The two Apostles are in fact recommending the same principle: the former expressly specifying the inward disposition, the latter the outward conduct, that are produced by it. Charity, saith St. Paul, "rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth." "Brethren," saith St. James, "if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins:" which last may be noticed as the same effect that a

third Apostle, St. Peter, ascribes to the same principle, where he says, "Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." Upon which phrase of " hiding or covering a multitude of sins,” we may observe in passing, that it may be understood, either with reference to the converted sinner, whose sins, however numerous, shall be forgiven on his being thus led to repentance; or rather perhaps, according to the interpretation of the most judicious divines, with reference to the charitable person, by whom the sinner shall have been converted; and who shall thereby not only be the happy instrument of saving the sinner's soul from death, but shall be himself also better qualified, by this testimony of true Christian charity, for the mercy of God, through the merits and intercession of Christ Jesus our Lord.

In conformity with these remarks, suggested by a comparison of the several passages that have been noticed, we perceive that it is the property of this excellent grace of Christian charity, to operate not upon the heart only, but upon the conduct: we perceive also, that "the conversion of a sinner" to a due sense of his sin, in order to his reformation, is a characteristick act of such charity: lastly, we perceive the great value annexed to this act of charity; inasmuch as it both "saves the soul" of him who is the object of it, and pro

bably acquires favour for him who exercises it in the sight of Almighty God. I would beg you to retain these reflexions in your memories: and I trust you will readily discern the application of them, as I proceed in the discussion of the subject, to which I have judged them a convenient introduction, and to which I now propose to direct your attention.

If there be any quality, by which our national Church is distinguished in her services, it is her true Christian charity; testified, as by other unequivocal marks, so likewise by the anxiety wherewith she endeavours to convince of their sin and danger those persons who have "erred from the truth" to "convert them from the error of their way;" and thereby to "save their souls from death." And if there be any particular part of her services, in which this Christian charity is most signally manifested, it is that most solemn, impressive, and affecting office, which, under the title of "A Commination, or denouncing of God's anger and judgements against sinners, with certain prayers," she hath appointed "to be used on the first day of Lent." But by the most strange perversion of her purpose, and misrepresentation of her character, founded on palpable ignorance and inattention, in some cases on prejudice and ill-will towards her, she is on that very account accused

of I know not what of impiety and uncharitableness; as if she thereby taught her members to call down curses upon themselves or their neighbours, and so to be guilty of an extreme degree of wickedness and folly.

Now, as it is much to be desired, that all those, who join in the services of the Church, should be convinced of the propriety of her several provisions for publick worship; I am willing to avail myself of this opportunity of endeavouring to remove any misapprehension, which may possibly have been instilled into any of your minds; and to set this particular service before you in the colours which properly belong to it. And that, not merely from a general wish that the institutions of the Church may stand clear of all objection in your estimation; but as the service in question will form part of your devotions on the first day of that penitential season, the periodical return of which is now nearly approaching, I think this a convenient time for explaining and elucidating it, that those who attend the service on that day may be prepared to join in it without scruple or doubtfulness, with a clear understanding of its purpose, and a rational conviction of its propriety. I shall therefore employ this occasion in enlarging upon the intent of the Church in the "Commination," and upon the course pursued by her for the accomplishment of that intent: and the result I am per