1 disaffection; and the liberality with which men of all persuasions are indulged, should excite us to hold in the utmost abhorrence the principles as well as the actions of our common enemy, whose evils have originated in the want of religion. The destruction of all order and harmony-the dissolution of all social compacts, and the cruelties committed against their fellowcreatures were preceded by the neglect and gradual decay of religion and the subversion of every thing sacred; before they proceeded to be guilty of those enormities, at the recollection of which, even now, humanity shudders, they had already said in their hearts "There is no God"- different indeed, is the cause in which you are engaged-you have erected your standard, not at the shrine of folly, but at the altar of Christ's holy religion-go on, then, and persevere in your virtuous undertaking; continue to be the faithful guardians of those laws, under whose protection only ye are free-have the praises of God in your mouths, and a two-edged sword in your hands, to curb the fury of the heathen, and the madness of the people; to avert the miseries of war, and restore to your own, and the nations around, the blessings of a glorious and lasting peace. When you shall have accomplished this desirable end, your victory will be indeed complete-then shall your arms be exchanged for olive-branches, and your swords for plough-shares. Now to him that giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ, be all honour and glory now and for ever. SERMON XX. 1st. PETER, CHAP. iv. VER. 8. Above all things have fervent Charity among yourselves; for Charity will cover the multitude of sins, IT is a melancholy reflection, that amidst the seeming gaieties, the riches, and the pleasures of this world, no man can ensure to himself permanent happiness; no man, while he is exulting to-day in the blessings of Providence, can say that he shall not be miserable to-morrow! Notwithstanding all the pains and exertions of his boasted reason and skill to shelter himself from distress, he is still liable to some misfortune, which his wisdom cannot foresee, nor his prudence prevent;—should he even escape the common lot of humanity, the infirmities and afflictions to which he is naturally exposed, while he has the heart of a man, he cannot be an unconcerned spectator of the sufferings of "He must weep his fellow-creatures. "with them that weep ;" and wherever he turns his eyes he is sure to meet with objects that demand his compassion. Distress will appear before him in a thousand different forms, and in every shape supplicate his notice, with an importunity which the humane and generous heart is unable to resist. This reflection, melancholy as it is, is attended with some advantage; like most of the evils we complain of, some good may be extracted from it-it opens a door to the display of the first christian virtue, benevolence; without it, the finest ingredient in the composition |