12________. The obligations of a people to their faithful minister. London: George Keith, 1755. A sermon preached at the ordination of Samuel Burford of Mansel Street, Goodman’s Fields. In the preface Wallin notes that, while not agreeable to some, the sermon should be welcomed to all who desire the good of Zion. He sounds the alarm that under the guise of “reformation” some people have given an extravagant regard for every new appearance (perhaps of preaching?). He insists however that “the way of reform is for everyone to keep close to the truths and ordinances of the gospel.” Wallin acknowledges that Christians must rejoice at the proclamation of Christ, and says that he does rejoice, but warns that in the face of this new proclamation Christians must not become indifferent in matters of doctrine or in relation to the ordinances. As Wallin opens the sermon based on 1 Thess 5:12-13, he addresses the congregation as to their duties toward their newly ordained minister. He uses the plain style to open and improve the passage. He admonishes all those who are united in the church relation to regard one another as brethren, regardless of talents or social station. He describes the character of a gospel minister and notes that his call is to his people and that he must serve with order, and not be tempted to rove about – his first and proper call is to minister to the people who have been committed to his care. He charges the congregation with giving their minister the due respect of his office and to listen to and comply with his admonishments while enumerating their responsibilities toward him and his office. He points them to the Apostle’s command to esteem their minister highly in love and demonstrates why it is the Paul would insist that the work of the minister is to be highly esteemed if the people care for their own souls and the souls of others. He continues to unfold the text by expounding upon the people’s duty to be at peace with one another and to be on guard against anything that might occasion their division.
13 ________. The Christian’s duty and confidence in times of public calamity. London: George Keith, 1756. A discourse occasioned by the earthquakes and looming possibility of a French war. Wallin observes that after the earthquakes there was a call to a public fast that had a promising appearance that the people were inclined to reform their ways, but Wallin insists that the people have continued in the licentious and profane ways as before. He warns of the great offense that is given to God on this account. Wallin’s first sermon of the discourse is composed from the text of Psalm 46:8. Wallin speaks of the earth and its brokenness and argues that the desolations are ascribed to the Lord and that accordingly people do well to take heed when the earth manifests its brokenness. In the second sermon, Wallin continues his observation on the previous text and explores what it is to behold the judgements of God upon the earth and when men have done so adequately and why they are disposed not to do so. Wallin concludes the second sermon with a call to repentance and to hasten unto the Lord for refuge. In the third sermon of the discourse, Wallin turns to Psalm 46:2-4. From this text Wallin seeks to draw out the comfort of the text for his readers as they have now looked upon the earthquake and impending war as a rebuke and are repentant, he now seeks to console them with the promises of the text. Those whose trust is the Lord have God’s promises and assurances that He will be their solid ground of confidence and joy even as the great calamities befall the rebellious world around them. Wallin discusses how the church is Jerusalem and admonishes his readers to maintain their church duty to assembling together and participating in the Lord’s Supper. Wallin also observes that the promises of the passage are directed not to individuals (though they are not excluded), but to the 171 incorporated body of believers. In the fourth sermon of the discourse, Wallin once more continues his discussion from the preceding lecture. In this sermon Wallin addresses specifically the figure of the river in the city of God and after mentioning several possibilities as to its symbolic meaning intimates that he believes this river is a symbol of God’s love that flows from his throne through the church. Wallin indicates that God has made open this river to every quickened sinner and true believer, and that it truly “opens the door of hope and salvation to every repenting sinner.”
14 ________. Sermon on the text, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him, Job xiii.15. London, 1756. Sermon unavailable, though known to have been published.
15 ________. The folly of neglecting divine institutions. An earnest address to the Christian who continues to refrain from the appointments of the gospel. London: George Keith, 1758. This discourse first published in 1758 went through multiple printings in the ensuing years. In it Wallin upbraids those who are negligent in obeying God’s commands, in particular, as it relates to the blessing of the communion of saints. Wallin clearly sets forth the distinction between being a nominal Christian and a true believer. Wallin notes his distress that so many people of every rank and station have devoted their time to the pleasures of sense but have no regard for the honor of God and their salvation. Wallin also takes the opportunity to address those who remain outside of fellowship because they remain doubtful if they are truly Christians and admonishes them not to judge themselves according to the opinions of men instead of the Word of God, indicating that having absolute assurance is not essential to faith. Wallin takes aim at the many excuses that people use to justify not gathering with the church, excuses which he denominates “pretenses.” He then addresses the sins that these various excuses amount to when used. Wallin closes with an exhortation for those who have been convicted of their folly to abandon their excuses and to repent immediately of the offences they have given to God with a confidence and assurance that his is ready to pardon and assist them.
16 ________. The folly of neglecting divine institutions. An earnest address to the Christian who continues to refrain from the appointments of the gospel. London: George Keith, 1761. The third printing of the above discourse. Little-to-no deviation from the original text.
17 ________. The joyful sacrifice of a prosperous nation. London: George Keith, 1760. A sermon preached at Maze Pond on a day of national thanksgiving declared by the king in thanksgiving for God’s granting success against the French. In this discourse Wallin stirs up the spirit of thanksgiving and exclaims that he desires that God would use this occasion to bring about a complete and lasting reformation in England as a result of their gratitude for all that God had blessed them with. The text that Wallin chose to examine in plain style was Psalm 118:27. After providing the Psalm's historical context, he proceeds to enumerate the blessings that God had recently bestowed upon England. He addresses the suitableness of a nation to humble itself before God and to bow to his power and rule in the world. He warns against the pride that follows God’s blessings, lest it should cause the people to put their trust in anything other than God, but also acknowledges the fittedness of national celebrations of God’s favor as long as they are bound with proper decorum. Wallin beseeches his fellow countrymen not to believe that they have deserved these graces from God, but to acknowledge his excellent mercy for not abandoning them in spite of their many national sins. He draws a distinction between feasting and fasting and acknowledges that this day is set aside for a feast of celebrating God’s goodness and deliverance, while there will be a necessary time afterward to repent in humility. He also warns that feasting in God’s presence is not license to excess. Rather, he encourages them to participate in the feast while resolving to continue to honour the Most High by their continual sacrifice of praise.
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