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ritual; and they represent them as not on fair, just, and humane foundations. to commence till after the conflagration The torch of civil discord will be exof the present earth. But that this last tinguished. Perhaps Pagans, Turks, supposition is a mistake, the very next Deists, and Jews, will be as few in numverse but one assures us; for we are ber as Christians are now. Kings, nothere told, that, "when the thousand bles, magistrates, and rulers in churches years are expired, Satan shall be loosed || shall act with principle, and be forward out of his prison, and shall go out to de- to promote the best interests of men: ceive the nations which are in the four tyranny, oppression, persecution, biquarters of the earth;" and we have no gotry, and cruelty, shall cease. Busireason to believe that he will have such ness will be attended to without conpower or such liberty in "the new hea- tention, dishonesty, and covetousness. vens and the new earth, wherein dwell- Trades and manufactories will be careth righteousness." We may observe, ried on with a design to promote the however, the following things respect- general good of mankind, and not with ing it: 1. That the Scriptures afford us selfish interests, as now. Merchandise ground to believe that the church will between distant countries will be conarrive to a state of prosperity which it ducted without fear of an enemy; and never has yet enjoyed, Rev. xx. 4, 7. works of ornament and beauty, perhaps, Psal. lxxii. 11. Is. ii. 2, 4. xi. 9. xlix. 23. shall not be wanting in those days. lx. Dan. vii. 27.-2. That this will con- Learning, which has always flourished tinue at least a thousand years, or a con- in proportion as religion has spread, siderable space of time, in which the shall then greatly increase, and be emwork of salvation may be fully accom- ployed for the best of purposes. Asplished in the utmost extent and glory tronomy, geography, natural history, of it. In this time, in which the world metaphysics, and all the useful sciences, will soon be filled with real Christians, will be better understood, and conseand continue full by constant propaga- crated to the service of God; and I tion to supply the place of those who cannot help thinking that by the imleave the world, there will be many provements which have been made, and thousands born and live on the earth, are making, in ship-building, navigation, to each one that has been born and lived electricity, medicine, &c. that "the in the preceding six thousand years; tempest will lose half its force, the so that, if they who shall be born in that lightning lose half its terrors," and the thousand years shall be all, or most of human frame not near so much exposed them saved (as they will be,) there will, to danger. Above all, the Bible will be on the whole, be many thousands of more highly appreciated, its harmony mankind saved to one that shall be lost. perceived, its superiority owned, and -3. This will be a state of great hap-its energy felt by millions of human bepiness and glory. Some think that ings. In fact, the earth shall be filled Christ will reign personally on earth, with the knowledge of the Lord as the and that there will be a literal resur- waters cover the sea.-4. The time rection of the saints, Rev. xx. 4, 7; but when the Millennium will commence I rather suppose that the reign of Christ cannot be fully ascertained; but the and resurrection of saints alluded to in common idea is, that it will be in the that passage, is only figurative; and that seven thousandth year of the world. It nothing more is meant than that, before will, most probably, come on by dethe general judgment, the Jews shall be grees, and be in a manner introduced converted, genuine Christianity be dif- years before that time. And who fused through all nations, and that Christ knows but the present convulsions shall reign, by his spiritual presence, in among different nations; the overthrow a glorious manner. It will, however, which popery has had in places where be a time of eminent holiness, clear it has been so dominant for hundreds of light and knowledge, love, peace, and years; the fulfilment of prophecy refriendship, agreement in doctrine and specting infidels, and the falling away worship. Human life, perhaps, will of many in the last times; and yet in rarely be endangered by the poisons of the midst of all, the number of missionathe mineral, vegetable, and animal king-ries sent into different parts of the world, doms. Beasts of prey, perhaps will be extirpated, or tamed by the power of man. The inhabitants of every place will rest secure from fear of robbery and murder. War shall be entirely ended. Capital crimes and punishments be heard of no more. Governments placed

together with the increase of Gospel ministers; the thousands of ignorant children that have been taught to read the Bible, and the vast number of different societies that have been lately instituted for the benevolent purpose of informing the minds and impressing the

which is the most important that can be sustained by mortal beings. Many volumes have been written on this subject, but we must be content in this place to offer only a few remarks relative to it. In the first place, then, it must be ob

hearts of the ignorant; who knows, I say, but what these things are the forerunners of events of the most delightful nature, and which may usner in the happy morn of that bright and glorious day when the whole world shall be filled with his glory, and all the ends of theserved, that ministers of the Gospel earth see the salvation of our God? See Hopkins on the Millen.; Whitby's Treatise on it, at the end of the 2d Vol. of his Annotations on the New. Tes.; Robert Gray's Discourses, dis. 10; Bishop Newton's Twenty-fifth Diss. on the Proph.; Bellamy's Treat.on the Millen-good; and he who professes to believe nium. There are four admirable papers of Mr. Shrubsole's on the subject, in the 6th vol. of the Theol. Miscellany; Lardner's Cred. 4th, 5th, 7th, and 9th vols.; Mosheim's Eccl. Hist. cent. 3, p. 11, ch. 12; Taylor's Sermons on the Millennium; Illustrations of Prophecy,

ch. 31.

ought to be sound as to their principles. They must be men whose hearts are renovated by divine grace, and whose sentiments are derived from the sacred oracles of divine truth. A minister without principles will never do any in a system, should see to it that it accords with the word of God. His mind should clearly perceive the beauty, harmony, and utility of the doctrines, while his heart should be deeply impressed with a sense of their value and importance.-2. They should be mild and affable as to their dispositions and deportment.-A haughty imperious spirit is a disgrace to the ministerial character, and generally brings contempt. They should learn to bear injuries with patience, and be ready to do good to every one; be courteous to all without cringing to any; be affable without levity, and humble without pusillanimity; con

MIND, a thinking, intelligent being; otherwise called spirit, or soul. See SOUL. Dr. Watts has given us some admirable thoughts as to the improvement of the mind. "There are five eminent means or methods," he observes, "whereby the mind is improved in the knowledge of things; and these are, observation, reading, instruction by lec-ciliating the affections without violating tures, conversation, and meditation; which last, in a most peculiar manner, is called study. See Watts on the Mind, a book which no student should be without.

MINIMS, a religious order in the church of Rome, founded by St. Francis de Paula, towards the end of the fifteenth century. Their habit is a coarse black woollen stuff, with a woollen girdle of the same colour, tied in five knots. They are not permitted to quit their habit and girdle night nor day. Formerly they went barefooted, but are now allowed the use of shoes.

MINISTER, a name applied to those who are pastors of a congregation, or preachers of God's word. They are also called divines, and may be distinguished into polemic, or those who possess controversial talents; casuistic, or those who resolve cases of conscience; experimental, those who address themselves to the feelings, cases, and circumstances of their hearers; and, lastly, practical, those who insist upon the performance of all those duties which the word of God enjoins. An able minister will have something of all these united in him, though he may not excel in all; and it becomes every one who is a candidate for the ministry to get a clear idea of each, that he may not be defi-, cient in the discharge of that work

the truth; connecting a suavity of manners with a dignity of character; obliging without flattery; and throwing off all reserve without running into the opposite extreme of volubility and trifling.-3. They should be superior as to their knowledge and talents. Though many have been useful without what is called learning, yet none have been so without some portion of knowledge and wisdom. Nor has God Almighty ever sanctified ignorance, or consecrated it to his service; since it is the effect of the fall, and the consequence of our departure from the Fountain of intelligence. Ministers, therefore, especially, should endeavour to break these shackles, get their minds enlarged, and stored with all useful knowledge. The Bible should be well studied, and that, if possible, in the original language. The scheme of salvation by Jesus Christ should be well understood, with all the various topics connected with it. Nor will some knowledge of history, natural philosophy, logic, mathematics, and rhetoric, be useless. A clear judgment, also, with a retentive memory, inventive faculty, and a facility of communication, should be obtained.-4. They should be diligent as to their studies. Their time especially should be improved, and not lost by too much sleep, formal visits, indolence, reading useless

books, studying useless subjects. Every || DECLAMATION, ELOQUENCE, PREACHday should have its work, and every ING, and SERMONS, in this work; Dr. subject its due attention. Some advise Smith's Lect. on the Sacred Office; a chapter in the Hebrew Bible, and ano- Gerard's Pastoral Care; Macgill's ther in the Greek Testament, to be Address to Young Clergymen; Chryread every day. A well-chosen system sostom on the Priesthood; Baxter's of divinity should be accurately studied. Reformed Pastor; Burnett's Pastoral The best definitions should be obtained, Care; Watts's Humble Attempt; Dr. and a constant regard paid to all those Edwards's Preacher; Mason's Student studies which savour of religion, and and Pastor; Gibbon's Christian Mihave some tendency to public work.-5. nister; Mather's Student and PreachMinisters should be extensive as to er; Osterwald's Lectures on the Sacred their benevolence and candour. A con- Ministry; Robinson's Claude; Dodtracted bigoted spirit ill becomes those dridge's Lectures on Preaching and the who preach a Gospel which breathes the Ministerial Office. purest benevolence to mankind. This MINISTRY, GOSPEL, an ordinance spirit has done more harm among all appointed for the purpose of instructing parties than many imagine; and is, men in the principles and knowledge of in my opinion, one of the most powerful the Gospel, Eph. iv. 8, 11. Rom. x. 15. engines the devil makes use of to oppose Heb. v. 4. That the Gospel ministry the best interests of mankind; and it is is of divine origin, and intended to be really shocking to observe how sects and kept up in the church, will evidently parties have all, in their turns, anathe- appear, if we consider the promises, matized each other. Now, while minis- that in the last and best times of ters ought to contend earnestly for the the New Testament dispensation there faith once delivered to the saints, they would be an instituted and regular mimust remember that men always will nistry in her, Eph. iv. 8, 11. Tit. i. 5. think different from each other; that 1 Pet. v. Tim. ì.; also from the names prejudice of education has great influ- of office peculiar to some members in ence; that difference of opinion as to the church, and not common to all Eph. non-essential things is not of such im- iv. 8, 11; from the duties which are reportance as to be a ground of dislike. presented as reciprocally binding on miLet the ministers of Christ, then, pitynisters and people, Heb. xiii. 7. 17. 1 the weak, forgive the ignorant, bear with the sincere though mistaken zealot, and love all who love the Lord Jesus Christ.-6. Ministers should be zealous and faithful in their public work. The sick must be visited; children must be catechised; the ordinances administered; and the word of God preached. These things must be taken up, not as a matter of duty only, but of pleasure, and executed with faithfulness; MINISTERIAL CALL, a term used and, as they are of the utmost impor- to denote that right or authority which tance, ministers should attend to them a person receives to preach the Gospel. with all that sincerity, earnestness, This call is considered as twofold, diand zeal which that importance de- vine and ecclesiastical. The following mands. An idle, frigid, indifferent mi- things seem essential to a divine call: nister is a pest to society, a disgrace to 1. A holy, blameless life.-2. An ardent his profession, an injury to the church, and constant inclination and zeal to do and offensive to God himself.-7. Lastly, good.-3. Abilities suited to the work: ministers should be uniform as to their such as knowledge, aptness to teach, conduct. No brightness of talent, no su- courage, &c.-4. An opportunity af periority of intellect, no extent of know- forded in Providence to be useful. An ledge, will ever be a substitute for this.ecclesiastical call consists in the election They should not only possess a luminous mind, but set a good example. This will procure dignity to themselves, give energy to what they say, and prove a blessing to the circle in which they move. In fine, they should be men of prudence and prayer, light and love, zeal and knowledge, courage and humility, humanity and religion. See

Pet. v. 2, 3, 4; from the promises of assistance which were given to the first ministers of the new dispensation, Matt. xxviii. 20; and from the importance of a Gospel Ministry, which is represented in the Scripture as a very great blessing to them who enjoy it, and the removal of it as one or the greatest calamities which can befall any people, Rev. ii. and iii. See books under last article.

which is made of any person to be a pastor. But here the Episcopalian and the Dissenter differ; the former believing that the choice and call of a minister rest with the superior clergy, or those who have the gift of an ecclesiastical benefice; the latter supposes that it should rest on the suffrage of the people to whom he is to minister. The

"If this definition of a miracle be just, no event can be deemed miraculous merely because it is strange, or even to us unaccountable: since it may be nothing more than a regular effect of some unknown law of nature. In this country earthquakes are rare; and for monstrous births, perhaps, no particu

Churchman reasons thus: "Though || our observation, is a fact which cannot the people may be competent judges be controverted. If the Supreme Being, of the abilities of their tradesmen, they as some have supposed, be the only real cannot be allowed to have an equal agent in the universe, we have the discernment in matters of science and evidence of experience, that in the parerudition. Daily experience may con- ticular system to which we belong he vince us how injudiciously preferment acts by stated rules. If he employs inwould be distributed by popular elec-ferior agents to conduct the various tions. The modesty of genius would motions from which the phenomena restand little chance of being distinguish- sult, we have the same evidence that ed by an ignorant multitude. The most he has subjected those agents to certain illiterate, the most impudent, those who fixed laws, commonly called the laws of could most dexterously play the hypo- || nature. On either hypothesis, effects crite, who could best adapt their preach- which are produced by the regular ing to the fanaticism of the vulgar, operation of these laws, or which are would be the only successful candidates conformable to the established course of for public favour. Thus moderation events, are properly called natural; and literature would soon be banished, || and every contradiction to this constiand a scene of corruption, confusion, and tution of the natural system, and the madness, would prevail." But specious correspondent course of events in it, is as these arguments seem, they have called a miracle. but little force on the mind of the Congregationalist, who thus reasons: "The church being a voluntary society, none imposed upon her members by men can be related to them as their pastor without their own consent. None can so well judge what gifts are best suited to their spiritual edification as Christians themselves. The Scriptures al-lar and satisfactory account can be low the election of pastors in ordinary cases to adult Christians, and to none else, Acts i. 15, 26. Acts vi. 1, 6. Acts xiv. 23. Christ requires his people to try the spirits, which supposeth their ability to do so, and their power to choose such only as they find most proper to edify their souls, and to refuse others, 1 John iv. 1. The introduction of ministers into their office by patronage, of whatever form, hath its origin from popery, tends to establish a tyranny over men's conscience, which and whom Christ hath made free, and to fill pulpits with wicked and indolent clergymen. Whoever will attentively examine the history of the primitive times, will find that all ecclesiastical officers for the first three hundred years were elected by the people." We must refer the reader for more on this subject to the articles CHURCH, EPISCOPACY, and INDEPENDENTS.

MIRACLE, in its original sense, is a word of the same import with wonder; but, in its usual and more appropriate signification, it denotes "an effect contrary to the established constitution and course of things, or a sensible deviation from the known laws of nature."

"That the visible world," says Dr. Gleig, "is governed by stated general rules, or that there is an order of causes and effects established in every part of the system of nature which falls under

given: yet an earthquake is as regular an effect of the established laws of nature as any of those with which we are most intimately acquainted: and, under circumstances in which there would always be the same kind of production, the monster is nature's genuine issue. It is therefore necessary, before we can pronounce any effect to be a true miracle, that the circumstances under which it is produced be known, and that the common course of nature be in some degree understood; for in all those cases in which we are totally ignorant of nature, it is impossible to determine what is, or what is not, a deviation from its course. Miracles, therefore, are not, as some have represented them, appeals to our ignorance. They suppose some antecedent knowledge of the course of nature, without which no proper judgment can be formed concerning them; though with it their reality may be so apparent as to prevent all possibility of a dispute.

"Thus, were a physician to cure a blind man of a cataract, by anointing his eyes with a chemical preparation which we had never before seen, and to the nature and effects of which we are absolute strangers, the cure would undoubtedly be wonderful; but we could not pronounce it miraculous, because, for any thing known to us, it might be the natural effect of the operation of the unguent on the eye. But were

he to recover his patient merely by commanding him to see, or by anointing his eyes with spittle, we should with the utmost confidence pronounce the cure to be a miracle; because we know perfectly that neither the human voice nor human spittle have, by the established constitution of things, any such power over the diseases of the eye.

they are not qualified to judge. The philosophers of Athens and Rome inculcated, indeed, many excellent moral precepts, and they sometimes ventured to expose the absurdities of the reigning superstitions; but their lectures had no influence upon the multitude; and they had themselves imbibed such erroneous notions respecting the attributes "If miracles be effects contrary to of the Supreme Being, and the nature the established' constitution of things, of the human soul, and converted those we are certain that they will never be notions into first principles, of which performed on trivial occasions. The they would not permit an examination, constitution of things was established that even among them a thorough reby the Creator and Governor of the formation was not to be expected from universe, and is undoubtedly the off-the powers of reasoning. It is likewise spring of infinite wisdom, pursuing a to be observed, that there are many plan for the best of purposes. From truths of the utmost importance to manthis plan no deviation can be made but kind, which unassisted reason could by God himself, or by some powerful never have discovered. Amongst these, being acting with his permission. The we may confidently reckon the immorplans devised by wisdom are steady in tality of the soul, the terms upon which proportion to their perfection, and the God will save sinners, and the manner plans of infinite wisdom must be abso- in which that all perfect Being may be futely perfect. From this consideration, acceptably worshipped; about all of some men have ventured to conclude which philosophers were in such unthat no miracle was ever wrought, or certainty, that, according to Plato, can rationally be expected; but maturer Whatever is set right, and as it should reflection must soon satisfy us that all be, in the present evil state of the world, such conclusions are hasty. can be so only by the particular interposition of God.'

"Man is unquestionably the principal creature in this world, and apparently the only one in it who is capable of being made acquainted with the relation in which he stands to his Creator. We cannot, therefore, doubt, but that such of the laws of nature as extend not their operation beyond the limits of this earth were established chiefly, if not solely, for the good of mankind; and if, in any particular circumstances, that good can be more effectually promoted by an occasional deviation from those laws, such a deviation may be reasonably expected. "We know from history, that almost all mankind were once sunk into the grossest ignorance of the most important truths; that they knew not the Being by whom they were created and supported; that they paid divine adoration to stocks, stones, and the vilest reptiles; and that they were slaves to the most impious, cruel, and degrading superstitions.

"An immediate revelation from heaven, therefore, was the only method by which infinite wisdom and perfect goodness could reform a bewildered and vicious race. But this revelation, at whatever time we suppose it given, must have been made directly either to some chosen individuals commissioned to instruct others, or to every man and woman for whose benefit it was ultimately intended. Were every person instructed in the knowledge of his duty by immediate inspiration, and were the motives to practise it brought home to his mind by God himself, human nature would be wholly changed; men would not be moral agents, nor by consequence be capable either of reward or of punishment. It remains, therefore, that, if God has been graciously pleased to enlighten and reform mankind, without destroying that moral nature which man possesses, he can have done it only by revealing his truth to certain chosen instruments, who were the immediate instructors of their contemporaries, and through them have been the instructors of succeeding ages.

"From this depraved state it was surely not unworthy of the Divine Being to rescue his helpless creatures, to enlighten their understandings that they might perceive what is right, and to present to them motives of sufficient "Let us suppose this to have been force to engage them in the practice of actually the case, and consider how it. But the understandings of ignorant those inspired teachers could communibarbarians cannot be enlightened by cate to others every truth which had been arguments; because of the force of revealed to themselves. They might such arguments as regard moral science | easily, if it were part of their duty, to

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