and would be deemed his disciples, should set an example of peaceable obedience "to every ordinance of man, for the LORD's sake," in all things not contrary to the commands of God; of respect to the persons of rulers, as the ministers of providence, and of regard to the publick peace.

Thus

should we aim to put to silence and shame" those false accusers who represent us as "troublers of "the city," and as "enemies to princes and pro"vinces:" and we ought likewise by such a conduct to express our gratitude for the religious liberty we enjoy. But should any man object that he disapproves some things in the conduct or measures of our rulers; and that he deems himself on that account liberated, in point of conscience, from the obligation to honour and obey them let him honestly answer these following questions. Did the apostles see nothing amiss in the characters and administration of the Roman emperors, or of their ministers and deputies? Are not our rulers and government, in many respects, an entire contrast to those under which they delivered these precepts? Did the primitive Christians ever start this objection to the exhortations of their inspired teachers? Do your children and servants see no flaw in your conduct? Or do you deem them justified on that account, in disobeying, reviling, or exposing you? I own I am conscious of so many faults in myself, that I feel no surprise when I am informed that they, who fill the post of temptation

and observation, are not found immaculate by their numerous and rigorous judges. We are, however, answerable only for our own conduct: the crimes of others will not excuse our express disobedience to God; and the more we are abased for our sins, the less shall we be disposed "to despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities."

Among the various evils which prevail in the land, the religious divisions and contentions that subsist among us, are not the most inconsiderable; for by them CHRIST is "wounded in the house of "his friends;" and the enemy of souls now makes a great advantage of political disputes, to alienate the minds of serious people from each other more than ever. We cannot heal these divisions as they exist in the outward state of the church: we allow, that there are persons who do not hold the fundamental doctrines of the gospel, and to whom we must not "bid GoD speed;" (though we may them when hungry, and relieve their urgent necessities;) and it is our duty "to withdraw from "every brother that walks disorderly:" yet we should be careful not to harbour prejudices against whole bodies of men, because of the faults committed even by a large part of them: Judas was found among the apostles, and Joseph of Arimathea among the rulers of the Jews." He that is not against us is on our part:" we should not "forbid those who cast out devils in CHRIST'S

feed

name, though they follow not with us;" but "endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in "the bond of peace ;" "to love as brethren all that "are born of GOD," and pray that "

mercy and grace may be with all those who love the LORD "JESUS in sincerity."-We are commanded to "lift up holy hands" without wrath or doubting: and the union of all true Christians, on these solemn occasions, resembles that of an army composed of several nations and distinct battalions; if they forget their personal and national disputes, and vie with each other in courage and zeal for the common cause; they are formidable and effective: but if any malignant influence prevail on them to turn their arms against each other, their strength is annihilated, and the enemy triumphs. In short, "the fruits of righteousness are sown in peace of "those that make peace; the wrath of man work"eth not the righteousness of GOD;" and "bless"ed are the peace-makers for they shall be called "the children of GOD." May he then vouchsafe to pour out upon his church the Spirit of illumination and holy love; that all his people may be of one mind and judgment, and love one another with a pure heart fervently! May all Christians "follow after peace," especially with each other; and seek the peace of the church, in which her beauty, her strength, and her prosperity do greatly consist!

From this view of our national situation, and personal duty, we may infer that the true Christian alone can be a real patriot. Others may promote

the temporal interests of a nation, with great ability and success, and may be accounted excellent members of the community: but they daily increase the aggregate of the national guilt, by their own conduct, and the effects of their influence, converse, and example; while they use no means to avert the wrath of GOD from us.-To pray continually for their rulers and fellow-citizens, is a debt which they owe them but they habitually refuse to discharge it. They perhaps censure publick measures, and lament publick calamities; yet neither beseech GoD to give wisdom to those who are in authority, nor to prosper their undertakings: and if the nation be preserved from impending danger, not by fleets and armies, or by human policy and valour, but by the out-stretched arm of the Almighty; they must allow that, so far from having contributed to this deliverance; they have counteracted the endeavours of those who implore the mercy of Gop in our behalf.

The sacred oracles, on such occasions especially, call upon impenitent sinners "to submit "themselves to GOD;"-" to cleanse their hands "and purify their hearts; to be afflicted and mourn, and weep; and to humble themselves

"under the mighty hand of the LORD." Thus they should join the national humiliation with personal repentance and conversion, "that their "sins may be blotted out:" or else "the wrath of "GOD will abide on them;" even if it be turned away from our guilty land.

We may also observe that the language of the text is equally applicable to the case of individuals, as to that of the community and the trembling penitent, who has nothing to say in his own. behalf, will never be rejected when he humbly beseeches the LORD, "for his name's sake," and for the honour of his mercy and grace in JESUS CHRIST; to pardon all his numerous and heinous sins, to subdue his iniquities, and to save his soul.

To those who seriously engage in the important duties of this day, with true repentance and living faith, according to the instructions of the Holy Scriptures, I would speak in the most encouraging and animating language. "Blessed "are ye, that mourn now; for ye shall laugh and sing:" "Fear none of those things, that may "come" upon the land, or upon you: "the LORD "will be your Refuge and Comforter in every trouble; "he will hide you in the secret of "his presence from the strife of tongues;" " and "seal you in the forehead before the destroying

"

'Jam. iv. 7-10.