PREFACE TO THE READER. RIST being the great author of the christian religI have thought to make some observations on his mon, which he preached on the mount, might be accept? to some of his followers; especially such who desire Fulfil his holy will, and not to rest satisfied in a form !shew only of his religion. And also considering that it is the greatest collection of words left us in the New Testament by the evangelists, iny one place, I was in hopes some observations thereon rht tend to promote the reading of it in the holy scrip es. But the greatest end I had in this undertaking was, that professors of the name of holy Jesus might live and lk in his truth, and in the doctrine which he has there 1 down for his followers to practise; and that in so do, they might have peace to their souls here, and rest in kingdom of glory forever. It is by some accounted and looked upon in youth to be commendable and worthy practice to write down sermons, d to copy and read them over: and, I believe, it will be nerally acknowledged, that there was never any sermon eached in the world, that can be compared with this of hrist, which he preached in the mount, and is recorded by e evangelist Matthew, in his 5th, 6th and 7th chapters; hich if our young and rising generation would often read, id sometimes write it down (if time would admit) but be re to practise it; this would be truly noble in them; and hich if they find they want inward strength to perform, hen that they would seek it in secret at the hand of the lmighty Jehovah, in whom is everlasting strength; and is recorded in holy scripture, "That he gives liberally, nd upbraideth not.". He will not upbraid thee, because hou art but a child, or tender in years: Oh, therefore, eek him betimes! for it is written," They who seek him arly shall find him." The christian religion being run into many divisions and sub-divisions, this holy sermon, if christians would walk according to it, might and would help to heal their differ. ences, and to soften them in their sentiments one to another. And it is to be believed and hoped, that all parties will con fess that the docrine in this sermon is good, and ought to be promoted amongst all who profess the worthy name of the Lord Jesus; and whoever walks contrary to this rule must needs be in the wrong. The general end of preachers is, or should be, to have their doctrine taken notice of, and put in practice; and this being counsel from the "Wonderful, Counsellor, the Migh ty God (and Saviour) the Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace," we should take more than ordinary notice of it. Considering also, that he not only spake his doctrine, but lived in it; and not only lived in, but died in it, and for it, and us also. Wherefore we are deeply engaged to hear him with an obedient heart and ear. "This (says voice from the most Excellent Glory) is my beloved Son, hear him." And Moses, the man of God, says, the "That ye he that will not hear him, shall be destroyed from amongst the people :" viz." From an inheritance with the saints the kingdom of God, and his Christ." I have carefully transcribed the sermon, verbatim, and made some observations on it afterwards, I think on every verse a little, as I found openness to it on my mind; and t is recommended to the serous perusal and consideration of all hose who tenderly and unfe.gnedly love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. B T. CHALKLEY. SOME OBSERVATIONS ON CHRIST'S SERMON ON THE MOUNT. "AND seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying," &c. Mat. v. 1, 2. Our Lord seeing the multitudes, for the advancing his Father's glory, his own kingdom, and the good of souls, went up into the mountain, and sat in the power of the Father; and when so sat down, his disciples came unto him: which shews the necessity of coming to Christ, to hear his word, and that christians ought to assemble themselves before him, that he may speak to them either immediately; or if he pleases to enlarge the heart of any of his ministers to declare his word; and as his disciples then personally came unto him, so now we ought to come to him in spirit; and then, when but two or three are so come to him, he is as really present spiritually, as he was personally in the mount. And as this meeting in the mount was powerful and glorious, so will all those be, in measure, where Jesus is really present in spirit. "And he opened his mouth, and taught them." Thus when true believers meet before Christ, he teaches them, and opens the mysteries of the kingdom of God, and speaks truly to the state of the people, even now spiritually, as he did then vocally; and his word is with power and great glory. Oh! may all his servants and ministers, who are sensible of his divine call, minister according to their several gifts and ca pacities, in his power, and by his holy and divine author. ity. This must reform the world, and change the hearts of poor mortals, and forward the work of reformation, which (with godly sorrow it may be truly said) goes but too slowly on in this world. Christ being thus set in the power of his Father, opened his mouth and let fall a shower of blessings on those hearts who were prepared to receive them. For his great love and tender compassion are generally manifested to poor souls when they, with love and zeal to him, and for the honour of his great name, meet and assemble before him. He begins and says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Verse 3. It is a safe and blessed state, to be truly and spiritu ally poor, and to be rightly sensible of it before the Most High. For then we are nothing, and have nothing, but from the Lord: and without him man sees himself undone his soul must starve, he must go naked, if the Almighty do not feed him, and clothe him. And when they see themselves poor and wretched, miserable, blind, and naked, without Christ, notwithstanding all the fine things they may enjoy in this world, which is of a fading nature; Oh! then how the soul cries, how it begs for mercy and grace. A dry form of words will not satisfy it then; but it begs with tears, Lord, help me, or I perish! Save me, or I am undone forever! Here the soul humbly approaches the throne of grace by prayer; and if an answer is not quickly received (for such a soul is apt to think the time long) it waits patiently with that servant of God, who said, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him :* for I know there is no help for me but from thee, Oh! my God, and my Saviour! saith the truly poor soul. The food which must keep life in me, is thy word: and the raiment which I want, is thy righteousness, as thou wroughtest it for me, and workest it in me also. The Lord looks with a compassionate eye on such souls, and doth not use to turn them away empty but as they abide in the patience, waiting for his appearance in hope, he assures them of the kingdom; and a great turn and |