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retard our doom. Men have stood forth, like Phinehas, inspired with zeal for the honour of GoD, and the authority of his law, as well as influenced by the most enlarged philanthropy; and they have spared no pains, ventured all consequences, and persevered amidst reproaches and discouragements, in bearing testimony against inveterate evils, and labouring for their extirpation: and it seems to be the doctrine of Scripture, that whilst a considerable remnant of princes, priests, or prophets, endeavour to stem the torrent of national iniquity, the measure of that people's sin is not full; at least until it be finally decided, that their efforts were in vain, and did nothing but expose them to publick scorn and hatred. This is at present a favourable symptom in our case; may the LORD increase the number of such witnesses for truth and righteousness in every part of our land! and may he prosper all their endeavours to do good!

4. Notwithstanding the general prevalence of scepticism and infidelity; yet the number of those who preach the "faith once delivered to the saints," is supposed by many competent judges to be upon the increase: now if this be indeed the case, and if they of whom good hopes are formed do not disappoint them, either through the fascinations. of the world, the fear of man, or the spirit of error; we may even look for such a revival of pure religion, and reformation of manners, as will not

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only lengthen our tranquillity, but avert the judg ments that we fear.

5. There is no doubt a very considerable number of true christians, dispersed throughout the land: these are the salt of the earth, and the. light of the world;" they are habitually "sigh"ing and mourning for the abominations that pre

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vail;" and are now called forth, as an embodied militia, to unite in prayers, with humiliation and fasting, in behalf of our guilty land. Whatever hypocrisy or formality may, therefore, be found in the service of multitudes, on this occasion, or however still greater numbers may totally neglect it; (one of which must always be the case, where large bodies of men are concerned ;) yet very blessed things may be expected in auswer to the prayers, and in consequence of the services, of this day.

Moreover these persons are employed, in their several places, to counteract the progress of infi delity, impiety, and vice, and to spread the gospel of Christ. They are indeed "our chariots and "horsemen," in whom our chief strength consists: and if ten righteous persons would have preserved Sodom and the neighbouring cities, had so many been found in them; and if Paul prevailed for all who sailed with him: we may yet hope, that the Lord will spare the land, in which so many thousands of true believers may doubtless be found,

who are now uniting their earnest requests in its behalf. In the close of the deplorable American war, when our resources seemed almost exhausted, and four formidable powers combined against us; the Lord answered the prayers of his people, and we were both delivered, and restored to prosperity.When, some years since, our justly beloved Monarch was afflicted in a very distressing manner, and every serious mind was ready to forbode some fatal consequences, from the divided state of the land; the LORD again heard prayer, graciously restored him, and dispelled our fears: and of late, when our ingratitude again provoked his indignation; there seemed to be just ground of apprehension, that the people, instigated by ignorant or crafty insinuations, would have madly thrown away their invaluable advantages, and plunged us into the most dreadful confusion; but the LORD hath again answered our supplications, and we are hitherto preserved. "Oh that men would, there

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fore, praise the LORD for his goodness, and de"clare the wonders that he docth for the children "of men!"

But we cannot tell how long the case may be thus with us: sin is the only enemy we need fear; the impious principles of our adversaries are in reality more formidable than either their arms or their politicks; and if, to the many evil lessons we have learned from them, we should copy their example of avowed and general irreligion

and infidelity, after having so long enjoyed the full advantage of divine revelation: then our measure of iniquity will be full; the few remaining believers and witnesses for CHRIST will be either removed to heaven, or exposed to persecution; the flood-gates of divine judgments will be opened, and we shall be made a warning to other nations, not to abuse such privileges, or thus to weary out the patience of the LORD of Hosts: which leads me to enquire,

VI. Lastly, What those duties are, to which we are called in the present circumstances, according to our different situations in the church, and the community?

It is requisite in this way to bring the subject home to each of us: otherwise the enumeration of crimes committed by others, and even by some of our superiors, might prove a gratification to a censorious temper, and foster our pride, instead of leading us to humiliation: but if we duly apply it to our own case, it will produce very different effects. For when we recollect that all who concur in, or neglect the proper means of preventing, atrocious crimes, in some degree participate the guilt; we shall be convinced that we all are criminal, as to some or many of those things which have this day been considered; and that we owe a duty to our native land, to which we have not hitherto sufficiently attended.

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1. It is incumbent on each of us, to examine every part of our conduct, in order to personal humiliation, repentance, and amendment. In this review, we should particularly reflect upon the whole of our past lives, and all our conduct towards GoD and our neighbours, according to the various relations that we have sustained, and the transactions in which we have been engaged. our thoughts, words, and actions, as far as we can recollect them; all our negligences and omissions of duty; our not improving our time and talents; the bad effects of our example and converse; and our most secret sins (as well as the more open and gross), should be adverted to; and especially we ought to look carefully into every part of our behaviour, and the state of our souls, at the present time. Such a thorough scrutiny, attended by earnest prayer to the heart-searching GOD, to shew us what our character is in his sight; and conducted according to the perfect rule of his holy word, will convince us that no small share of the national guilt hath been contracted by us; that the whole charge of infidelity, irreligion, and iniquity, does not belong to others only, but in a measure to us also; that we have helped to ripen the nation for divine judgments; and that we have more cause than the beloved prophet had, to confess our own sins, as well as the sins of our people.'

Dan. ix. 20.

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