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justice and judgment." In like manner, whatever may be the general conduct of the inhabitants of this land: if a considerable increase has of late been made, and is now making, to the number of real Christians, and if the real Christians among us, in general, are growing more and more like "the father of the faithful;" without doubt, our national character, in the sight of God, is improved. Now, from the increased attention paid in our publick seminaries to the concerns of religion, and the encouragement given to pious young men; from the numbers of such young men who enter into the sacred ministry, and the employment which they find; and from various circumstances of a similar nature, I cannot but hope that there are considerably more true Christians in the land, than there were some time since: and, if the exertions used to edify all this company in their most holy faith, and to form their minds and judgments to a proper union of evangelical truth and holy practice, be rendered successful; we may then confidently trust, that a real revival of pure religion is taking place, though we lament that a general reformation in the nation at large does not accompany it. For what is a revival of religion, but an increase of the number of truly religious persons, and their growth in holiness? And can we look for this among those, who are evidently not religious? Magistrates may restrain outward wickedness: and heads of

families and others may promote external decency of conduct, apart from vital piety: and it would be well, if all were done in these respects which ought to be done. But in the present state of human nature, it is in vain to entertain high expectations of this kind: our chief dependence must be placed on the gospel of Christ; and our aim and hope should be, the increase of true Christians, and their becoming more and more exemplary in their whole conduct, and "fruitful "in all the works of righteousness, which are "through Christ Jesus to the praise and glory of 66 God."

There are no more, properly speaking, than three sorts of people in the world; the openly profane, the formal or hypocritical, and the truly pious. Various methods may be used to diminish the number of the first order, and augment that of the second; and many advantages to society may result from this external amendment: yet after all, but little is gained in a religious sense, compared with what results from the number of the truly pious multiplying from year to year: and this I hope and trust is, and will be, our case, if. we diligently use those means to which our several situations call us. While therefore, we cannot think of " the abominations that prevail," without sighing and mourning over them; we should not suffer these thoughts to interrupt our joyful praises, at such a time as this; but remem

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her the words of Nehemiah on a similar occasion. "This day is holy to the LORD, weep not, neither "bye sorry for the joy of the LORD is your "strength." He now calls us to praise and thanksgiving, and every thing is beautiful in its

season.

Another consideration seems to throw a damp on the minds of some serious persons, and to interfere with the sweet service which suits our present circumstances. They observe a bitter and violent spirit against the cause of spiritual religion, and vital godliness, manifesting itself in various ways; and cannot but apprehend the consequences. The fact is undeniable: but I own that to my mind it affords rather a pleasing reflection. The spirit of the world, and the spirit of Christianity always were, and always must be, opposite to each other. In the present state of things, every church, or society of professed Christians, will, more or less, consist of a sound and a corrupt part; and in proportion as the sound part increases and gathers strength, the enmity and violence of the corrupt part will be excited. Christ and his apostles originally belonged to the same outward church with Caiaphas and the persecuting priests: and in proportion as the cause of true religion prospered, the corrupt part of the Jewish church shewed more and more inveterate malignity.

It has been a serious apprehension in the minds of some among us, that the extreme quietness,

which we of late enjoyed, has in great measure arisen from our want of success, and from a too worldly spirit among those who held evangelical truth. The enemy of souls met with but little disturbance, and judged it more politick to let us alone. Now if this was the case; the testimony of those who avow themselves enemies to our doctrines and proceedings, is a hopeful proof that our cause is getting ground, and our success so great as to excite some alarm and disquietude. They publickly aver, that 'the number of those who call themselves evangelical ministers is rapidly increasing in the church.' We trust that it is so, and rejoice in their testimony. They indeed predict many bad consequences; and are ready to exclaim, with the Jews of old," Men of Israel, help." But so long, as the ministers of the established church adhere simply to her doctrines and liturgy; act consistently with their character and engagements; are exemplary in their lives, and labour diligently in their several places: we are confident that our rulers, in church and state, know better than to regard the clamours of such men, however vehement and reiterated they may be. Our part, however, is, "to study to be quiet, and "mind our own business;" to rejoice if the cause of Christ prospers in the world; and to leave it to him to protect us against persecution, or to support us under it.

These are the principal, though not the only

grounds, on which many seem to hesitate, as to the cause which we now have to rejoice and give thanks and I trust it has been shewn, that they ought by no means to interrupt our gratitude and damp our ardour.

When national benefits are received, it must be expected, that men will very generally be affected, as they suppose their own interests to be concerned: so that numbers, who rejoice, do it for selfish reasons, and not from regard to the publick good. And, they who are not habitually influenced by religious principles, will express their satisfaction in a worldly manner. These things we must observe, and in one sense regret: but, except excess or other crimes are committed, we should not be too severe in animadverting upon them; for this tends rather to prejudice than to conciliate men's minds. They, however, who have sought the blessings of peace and plenty, by fervent prayer and supplication, should make their acknowledgment to that God, who has "inclined "his ear unto them," by the voice of praise and thanksgiving, both in publick, in their families, and their social intercourse. This should distinguish every thing festive, which they admit of on the occasion; and be accompanied with propor tionable liberality to the poor and needy, that their hearts also may rejoice. And, while the people of God'shew forth his praises from a heart unfeignedly thankful, not only with their lips,

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