"good to all men,' as he has opportunity and ability; "Redeeming the time, because the days "are evil." It would be absurd, my brethren, to pray for blessings on our beloved country, without using proper means in order to secure those blessings. An example of quiet and peaceable subjection, and the use of all our influence to promote union and order, should accompany our prayers for preservation from domestick disturbances: and still more important is it that our prayers, for spiritual blessings, should be followed by the improvement of our several talents, to promote the cause of Christianity in our several circles. It seems evident, on scriptural principles, that the company of real believers, who unite in prayer for the land, constitutes its best security in these alarming times; and in proportion as they understand and perform their several parts consistently, the number of them may be expected to increase. While therefore, they to whom the care of outwardly providing for our national defence, are sedulously employed, in enlisting and disciplining soldiers, and manning our navy, by which the force of the nation becomes gradually more formidable: it is our concern to use every means of increasing the number of true Christians, and of promoting their edification; that these peaceful warriors may be multiplied, and rendered more expert and prompt in the use of their spiritual armour. If every real believer should, in the

course of a few years, be an instrument of adding but one or two to this company; the number would be soon doubled or trebled. If every faithful minister should be prospered, besides his other usefulness, in calling forth one or two to preach the gospel fully and effectually; what a progress might we expect to make in a course of time! And if Christians in general were better acquainted with every part of their holy religion; they would more edify one another, and "let their light shine "much more before men."

Parents, masters of families, and all especially who have influence over others, should diligently study the duties of their several relations, and earnestly pray to be enabled properly to fulfil them. They should be very assiduous in correcting whatever is faulty in their own conduct and tempers, and in exhibiting genuine Christianity in its native beauty by their examples; while they endeavour, by their conversation and every suitable means to recommend it to others. The effect of such a plan, if generally adopted and cordially entered on by all real Christians, would probably in the course of a few years be immense. This, this, my brethren is the grand thing wanting among us: .the revival of religion must begin in the church; and when they who preach and profess the peculiar doctrines of Christianity, shall with one consent make it their leading aim to "let their "conversation be, as it becometh the gospel of

Christ" while they stand fast in one spirit, “with one mind, striving together for the faith of "the gospel;" I have no doubt but a general and rapid spread of true religion will be witnessed ; notwithstanding all the conspiracies of infidels, or the efforts and expectations of such, as sedulously devise to substitute a more philosophical system in the room of "the doctrine of God our Saviour." Indeed, whenever it shall please the LORD to enlarge the boundaries of his church, according to the prophecies of his holy word; he will, we may be confident, previously purify her from all false doctrine, superstition, and iniquity; and rouse his people from lukewarmness; take them off from unprofitable disputes; cure them of their propensity to make some doctrines, that are much controverted but ill understood, an excuse for neglecting their most evident duties; and excite them to improve their several talents to the glory of his

"name.

Let me further observe, my brethren, that the principle, on which I have attempted to explain the dealings of Providence in respect of this nation, is no other than that of Christianity itself: so that every true believer, reviewing his past experience and conduct, will perceive and thankfully acknowledge, that the LORD " hath wrought," in respect of him, "for his own name's sake;" and will be able to form the sentiment into a pow erful plea, in prayer for all that is yet wanting to

complete his salvation; and to enable him through life to act consistently with his profession, and to be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in "the work of the LORD, as knowing that his la"bour is not in vain in the LORD." Whatever wisdom or ability is necessary to the magistrate, the minister, the parent, the head of a family, or the man possessed of wealth and influence, in order to fill up his station to the honour of the gospel; he may on this ground confidently expect it, in answer to his prayers, notwithstanding his conscious unworthiness: because the glory of God is concerned in the conduct of every individual who professes his truth; which will be dishonoured, yea, blasphemed, among unbelievers, if he act inconsistently with his profession.

To conclude, it is not necessary, that I should speak particularly to you my brethren, on the way in which we ought to celebrate a day of publick thanksgiving. The disciple of Christ cannot mistake carnal mirth for humble gratitude. My rejoicing, for the most seasonable and important victories, must be mingled with sympathetick tears on account of the numbers, whether friends or foes, who are bowed down with a load of sorrow for events connected with our national suc

cess.

This cannot consist with boisterous exulting joy but it suits with the spirit of reflecting admiring gratitude, and tends to preserve the mind from every extreme.

Though unable, from peculiar circumstances, to adopt the same plan; yet I cannot but bear my testimony on this occasion to the conduct of those ministers and congregations, who accompany their grateful tribute of adoring praises to our gracious God, with publick collections for the relief of the widows and orphans of those our defenders who have fallen in battle, or for other charitable purposes. A hint is sufficient: your individual liberality may supply the want of a publick contribution; and the money that numbers spend in intemperate feastings, and other customary expressions of joy; if employed in relieving distress, and making glad the heart of the sorrowful, as the genuine effect of evangelical principles, will be "fruit which shall abound to your own "account;" yea, it will be, "a sacrifice, ac"ceptable, well-pleasing unto God," through Christ Jesus our Lord; to whom, with the Father and the eternal Spirit, the One God of our salvation, be ascribed glory and honour, praise and thanksgiving, for ever and ever, Amen.