^%. 
 
 ^ .M 
 
 ^^\^ 
 
 
 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-S) 
 
 fe 
 
 
 / 
 
 ■^ 
 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 lllll^ 
 
 
 ut 
 
 l£ iio 
 
 11:25 III 1.4 
 
 1.6 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sdences 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WeBSTER.N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 873-4503 
 
 i\ 
 
 ^V 
 
 •1>^ 
 
 \\ 
 
 *% 
 
 V 
 
 <^\ "^"^ 
 
 
 ^Z'^^ 
 
 . 4^^ 
 
 '.A 
 
 

 i/.A 
 
 is 
 
 CIHM 
 Microfiche 
 
 (Monographs) 
 
 ICMH 
 
 Collection de 
 microfiches 
 (monographies) 
 
 Canadian Institute for Historical Microraproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 
 
 1 
 
 f\f\ 
 
Technical and Bibliographic Notes / Notes techniques nt bibliographiques 
 
 The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original 
 copy available for filming. Features of this copy which 
 may be tibliographically unique, which may alter any 
 of the images in the reproduction, or which may 
 significantly change the usual method of filming, are 
 checked below. 
 
 □ 
 
 Coloured covers/ 
 Couverture de couleur 
 
 I I Covers damaged/ 
 
 D 
 
 Couverture endommagee 
 
 Covers restored and/or laminated/ 
 Couverture restauree et/ou psiliculee 
 
 □ Cover title 
 Le titre de 
 
 missing/ 
 couverture manque 
 
 
 Coloured maps/ 
 
 Caites g^ographiques eiT couleur 
 
 Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ 
 Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) 
 
 Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ 
 Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur 
 
 
 
 , Bound with other material/ 
 ^ I Relie awec d'autres documents 
 
 l/ 
 
 D 
 
 n 
 
 Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion 
 along interior Margin/ 
 
 La reliure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la 
 distorsion le long de la marge interieure 
 
 Blank leaves added during restoration may appear 
 within the text. Whenever possible, these have 
 been omitted from filming/ 
 II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajouties 
 lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, 
 mais, lorsque cela etait possible, ces pages n'ont 
 pas ete filmees. 
 
 Additional comments:/ 
 Commentaires supplementaires: 
 
 L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il 
 lui a et6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet 
 exemplaire qui sent peut-Atre uniques du point de vue 
 bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image 
 reproduite. ou qui peuvtnt exiger une modification 
 dans la methode normale de f ilmage sont indiques 
 ci-dessous. 
 
 □ Coloured pages/ 
 Pages de couleur 
 
 □ Pages damaged/ 
 Pages endommagees 
 
 □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ 
 Pages restaurees et/ou pellicul6es 
 
 Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ 
 Pages decolorees, tachetees i 
 
 ou piquees 
 
 □ Pages detached/ 
 Pages detachees 
 
 0Showthrough/ 
 Transparence 
 
 varies/ 
 negale de I'impression 
 
 Quality of print varii 
 Qualitc inegale de I'i 
 
 n 
 
 Continuous pagination/ 
 Pagination continue 
 
 Includes index(es)/ 
 Comprend un (des) index 
 
 Title on header taken f;om:/ 
 Le titre de l'en-t£te provient: 
 
 □ Title page of issue/ 
 Page de titre de la I 
 
 □ Caption of issue/ 
 Titre de depart de la li 
 
 □ Masth 
 Gener 
 
 ivraison 
 
 vraison 
 
 Masthead/ 
 
 ique (periodiques) de la livraison 
 
 This Item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ 
 Ce document est filme au taux de reduction mdique ci-dessous. 
 10X 14X 18X 
 
 12X 
 
 16X 
 
 20X 
 
 22X 
 
 26 X 
 
 30X 
 
 J 
 
 24X 
 
 28 X 
 
 32 X 
 
'il 
 
 it 
 s vue 
 
 on 
 s 
 
 The copy filmsd hers has be«n reproduced thanks 
 to ths ganarosity of: 
 
 Department of Rare Books 
 and Special Collections, 
 McGill University, Montreal. 
 
 Tha images appearing here are the best quality 
 possible considering the condition and legibility 
 of the original copy and in keeping with the 
 filming contract specifications. 
 
 Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed 
 beginning with the front cover and ending on 
 the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- 
 sion, or tne back cover when appropriate. All 
 other original copies are filmed beginning on the 
 first page with a printed or iliustr«ted impres- 
 sion, and ending on the last page with a printed 
 or illustrated impression. 
 
 The last recorded frame on each microfiche 
 shall contain the syn^boi -^(meaning "CON- 
 TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), 
 whichever applies. 
 
 Maps, plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at 
 different reduction ratioa. Those too large to be 
 entirely included in one exposure are filmed 
 beginning in the upper left hand comer, left to 
 right and top to bottom, as many frames as 
 required. The following diagrams illustrate the 
 method: 
 
 L'exemplaire tWmi fut reproduit grice i la 
 g^nirositi de: 
 
 Department of Rare Books 
 
 and Special Collections, 
 
 McGill University, Montreal. 
 
 Lea images suivantas ont AtA reproduites avec le 
 plus grand soin. compte tenu de la condition st 
 da la nettet* de l'exemplaire filmd, et en 
 conformity avec las conditions du contrat de 
 filmage. 
 
 (.as exemplaires originaux dont la couverture an 
 papier est imprim^ sont film^s en commenpant 
 par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la 
 darniire page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'Impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second 
 plat, seion le caa. Tous les autras exemplaires 
 originaux sont filmte en commen^ant par la 
 premiere page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'Impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par 
 i£ darniire page qui comporte une telle 
 emprainte. 
 
 Un dee symboles suivants apparaitra sur la 
 demiire image de cheque microfiche, selon le 
 caa: le symbole -^ signifie *A SUIVRE", le 
 symboie ▼ signifie "FIN". 
 
 Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent #tre 
 filmte A dee taux de rMuction diffirents. 
 Lorsque le document est trop grand pour itre 
 reproduit en un seui clichA, il est fiimi i partir 
 de I'angle supirieur gauche, de gauche ^ droite, 
 et da haut en baa, en prenant le nombre 
 d'imag.is nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants 
 iilustrent la m^thode. 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 32 X 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
THE 
 
 PROVIDENCE OP GOD 
 
 Manifested 
 
 IN THE EVENTS OF THE LAST YEAk, 
 
 A SERMON. 
 
 PREACHED ON TIJE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY, A. D. 1815, 
 
 IN St. PAUL'S CHURCH, 
 
 IN THE SEIGNIORY OF St. ARMANa 
 LOWER CANADA. 
 
 I 
 
 »3C«S!«:«« 
 
 By the Hon. and Rev. CHARLES STEWART, A. M. 
 
 Minister of St. Armand, and Chalpain to the Lord Bishop of 
 
 Quebec. 
 
 When He giveth quietnes;, who then can make trouble ? And whett 
 I He hideth His face, who then can behold Him ? whether it be done 
 I against a nation, or against a man tinly. Job, 54-—'^9i 
 
 MONTREAL : 
 PRINTED BY NAHUM MOWER^ 
 
 "mi" 
 
so TEACH U 
 API 
 
 ]Fkelighsburg, St. Armand,^ 
 January 9, 1815. \ 
 
 MR, MOWER, 
 
 I SEND you a Sermon which I request you to 
 jprint. When I wrote it I had not any thoughts of printing 
 it ; and it is a very imperfect composition. But I have 
 but'u particularly solicited to make it public. This circura- 
 etance, and the hope of its doing some good, induces me t~ 
 publish it : and with further apology (»' preface I shall not 
 trouble you or my readers; 
 
 I am, Sir, 
 
 Your humble Servant^ 
 
 C. STEWART, 
 
 It is a 
 
 time, and ti 
 
 of it. The 
 
 ditional rea 
 
 events of oi 
 
 interests in 
 
 consider the 
 
 wisdom in n 
 
 the wisdom 
 
 our days. 
 
 o!ir account 
 
 God to assii 
 
 applying it t 
 
 It' we would 
 
 life, and the 
 
 ill respect oi 
 
 lion for anot 
 
 re})eat these 
 
 confii'med in 
 
 Our own ( 
 
 mercies and 
 
 us in particu 
 
 dor. Into tl 
 
 and the resui 
 
 ilian the con 
 
 gether. If v 
 
 H'e shall not d 
 
Armand, 
 15. 
 
 iest you to 
 of printing 
 But I have 
 his circum- 
 luceSme t~ 
 1 1 shall not 
 
 VART. 
 
 rSALM, 90—12. 
 
 SO TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS, THAT WE MAY 
 APPLY OUR HEARTS UNTO WISDOM, 
 
 XT is always profitable to consider the value of 
 time, and the importance of making improvement 
 of it. The present season of the year aftbrds ad- 
 ditional reason for making a survey of the past 
 ev ents of our lives, and of looking forward to our 
 interests in futurity. The text calls upon us to 
 consider the shortness of this life, and to exercise 
 wisdom in making provision for eternity. This is 
 the wisdom that we should learn from numbering 
 our da}'s. We should examine into the state of 
 our account with God ; and we should pray to 
 God to assist us in making the revision, and in 
 applying it to the improvement of our future time. 
 It' we would seriously consider the shortness of this 
 life, and the value of eternity, and of our days here, 
 in respect of their being the only time of prepara- 
 tion for another life ; and if we would frequently 
 re])eat these considerations, we should certainly be 
 confiimed in the practice of true wisdom. 
 
 Our own days, our own lot, and duties, and the 
 mercies and providences of God towards each of 
 IIS in particular, is what we should chiefly consi- 
 der. Into this account we can always examine ; 
 i!:'(l the result of this is of more importance to us 
 than the concerns of all the world besides put to- 
 gether. If we do not take care of our own souls, 
 '•'e sball not do "'oodto the souls of other men • and 
 
 
 
 \i ■ 
 
 '9' 
 
 <N;! 
 
 i 
 
 
 •* 
 
4 
 
 the first and best way of serving the public is, watch- 
 fully and diligently to perform our own duty. Mo 
 should consider the providence of God towards us ; 
 and in reflecting on his government over all things, 
 it is a comfortable and encouraging conclusion to 
 recollect, that it is equally present and attentive 
 to the interest of an individual as to that of llio 
 wiiolc world ; and that the smallest thing is not 
 disregarded by him in his government over all 
 things. All things in the world are small to him ; 
 but he gives an importance to them all, by his su- 
 perintciidance over them, and by his connectinr^ 
 them with the concerns of eternity, and of lijs 
 judgment and kingdom to come. 
 
 With regard to the nature of God's providence I 
 shall here briefly observe, that we arc to uikIlm- 
 stand by it, his ordering and ruling over all things ; 
 and that he permits nothing to take place, and 
 brings nothing to pass, but what in his good time 
 shall manifestly contribute to his glory, and to the 
 happiness of his people. In this world he has giv- 
 en to us all grace, through Jesus Christ, sufHci- 
 cnt to enable us to belong to him ; and ii' we scrvi^ 
 him, he has promised, that all things shall work 
 together for our final and everlasting good. Br.t il 
 we persist in neglecting his grace and disobeyiiii^- 
 him, he will have honour on us in the dny of juclii 
 mcnt, and in consigning us to the punishment oi' 
 hell. Here, we arc placed in a state of probation 
 to prepare us for a happy eternity. If we \vii! 
 mako nnprovement of tlic providences, in othci 
 words, the merciea and indmnents of Ciod, w'lih 
 which he visits us, to make i!s give ourselves upli) 
 him, and to make us place all our dcp-^ndnrice oi 
 his government over all thing,-;, and on his perfect 
 h' rewarding all his servants, we cliiili leain wis 
 dom and i'ighteousnc:^s. Believing in his ,t?:(>vern 
 rn?nt over ail tl^higs, and in his wifl r?vc;i':d to r. 
 
 in his wo 
 to them, 
 and his c 
 are his p 
 providen< 
 us. But, 
 his govei 
 provideiK 
 providcnc 
 become t 
 the true i 
 vidence o 
 is suflicici 
 provemeii 
 I have 
 providenc 
 lar. The 
 exact app 
 conduct, 
 ral with r 
 At the sa 
 and natic 
 and judgr 
 every one 
 profitable 
 they are v 
 our dutv. 
 to many g 
 fore demai 
 in particu' 
 But it is c 
 can now b 
 
 Fr?.sT, 1 
 pvovidenci 
 a more ])n 
 U) pui our 
 iy,iet mm 
 \nd >o pre 
 
CIS, watch. 
 :liity. Mo 
 )Wards us ; 
 
 all things, 
 iclusion to 
 
 attentive 
 hat of tho 
 ling is not 
 t over all 
 11 to hiiu; 
 by his su- 
 onnectina 
 .nd of his 
 
 ividence I 
 to ini der- 
 ail things; 
 ")lacc, and 
 ^ood time 
 i\\id to the 
 le has giv- 
 it, suiiic'i- 
 f we sciio 
 ihall work 
 d. Butii 
 li,so])cying 
 yofjudji- 
 limont of 
 probation 
 f wii wi!! 
 in other 
 
 iod, With 
 
 'Ives up II) 
 i(lni;co Oil 
 ■i ])erft'Ct- 
 caia wis- 
 s «?;o\''^rn- 
 :^!cd to i<s 
 
 in his word, heartily, so as to work in obcdienc* 
 
 keep 
 
 to them, is true faith : and if we so Keep nis . .,, 
 
 and his commandments, we belong to him ; we 
 are his people, and he is our God ; and all his 
 providences are improved by us, and blessed unto 
 us. But, if we will not seek mito him, and obey 
 his government., and consider and improve his 
 providences and gifts, we are far from him ; his 
 providence is not gracious unto us ; and his gift?? 
 become to us curses instead of blessings. This is 
 the true and profitable way of considering the pro- 
 vidence of God. It is a plain view of it ; and it 
 is suflicicnt for our learning to make the best im- 
 provement of it, 
 
 I have observed, that we should consider the 
 providences of God towards ourselves, in particu- 
 lar. These admit of more close inquiry, and more 
 exact application, in respect of our own hearts and 
 conduct, than wc are capable of making in gene. 
 ral with regard to the public providences of God. 
 At the same time, wc ought to improve general 
 and national providences. I'he public mercies 
 and judgments of God concern every man ; and 
 every one of us ought to endeavour to make them 
 profitable to himself and to all around him. When 
 they are very remarkable, this is more particularly 
 our duty. This is certainly the case with regard 
 to many great e\ ents of tl le last year. They there- 
 fore demand our present consideration ; and of these 
 in particular, oii this occasion, I propose treating. 
 But it is only i)) a very general manner that they 
 can now be mentioned. 
 
 FiP.ST, let us consider some of the remarkable 
 providoucosof a public description ; tlien, those of 
 a more ])rivate lut^re ; and let us learn from them 
 to py.t our tru,-,t vi God, and to serve him. Tast- 
 
 'e your present time. 
 
 h 
 
 ■I 
 4i 
 
 M 
 
 'm 
 
 m 
 
 lit 
 
 md 
 
 to 
 
 prepare faj;^ eternity, 
 
 ■'I 
 
 •J 
 
Ill contt.mpltilnip, tJi<? great events of tlie pa.^i 
 year, the rcstonitioti of rill Kiirope from a general 
 
 fttatu of war l<» ;i .sfntc ot universal peace firs' 
 claims our atteiiiiou. 'I'he beginning of the last 
 year fomul evi'ry kingcloin there almost, harass- 
 ed by war. 'I'he couimencement of this, finds 
 every nation tiit'ie, williout one exception, restor- 
 ed to peace. Tliix Im a wonderful and rapid change, 
 and the governnu'Mt of God in this, calls for our 
 continual acknowledgment and praise and thanks- 
 giving. ConHJder also, what a long war, and how 
 terrible an one, most of tliose nations had been 
 engaged in ; what an extent of conquest, and 
 system of tyranny, the despot of France had u- 
 siiTped and spread over the greatest part of Eu- 
 rope ; how formidable he was in his armies, and 
 military skill ; and how many kings he had de- 
 posed, and how many he had set uj). Now, see 
 his conquests wresli d IVom him, and his tyranny 
 overturned ; liii arniles destroyed, or vanquished, 
 and his mililary skill riiillng him j his vassal king.s 
 ilying, and he liimsrlf (kpescd. In how extraor- 
 dinary a manncj", too, all this took place ; how 
 speedily } The nllie'* advance to the confines of 
 I'rance, and through the heart of it, and to the 
 gates of Paris, we scared} know how. Paris is 
 taken and s}nired ; tlu' li.'^?.ilimate sovereign is res- 
 tored ; and the usurper is tldhroned, and yet lives, 
 persecuted only bv his own evil passions, and by 
 the stings of a giulty con;'cience. All, events so 
 far exceeding and eontiary to human expectation, 
 power, and t'oreslghl, that the providence ol God 
 certainly i:o ordered ihem, iii this wonderful man- 
 ner, to oblige all uiyii to }.ce and acknowledge lii:> 
 government ruling over aii things, and to confess, 
 that •*he doeth according lo his will in the army 
 of heaven, and among lln' inhabitants of the earth ; 
 
 d U 
 
 ono can stuy 
 
 n^• I- 
 
 doest thou 
 
 once and a 
 
 sembling, i 
 
 mies, and k 
 
 skilful gen( 
 
 wings as ii 
 
 })arating an 
 
 them, and 
 
 friends, an( 
 
 Considei 
 
 rant, but a 
 
 mcnt of th( 
 
 power, esp( 
 
 tyranny. ( 
 
 ing Paris ai 
 
 tion, and fr 
 
 ing them p( 
 
 vernment, i 
 
 and unexarr 
 
 and his reli| 
 
 toring the ; 
 
 throne, and 
 
 allegiance 1 
 
 more remar 
 
 and it is a s 
 
 exalting wh 
 
 ses, and of I 
 
 removing ki 
 
 seemeth bes 
 
 power not t( 
 
 his will, but 
 
 deration of 1 
 
 pentance an 
 
 God, and to 
 
 The persi 
 
 cause, and h 
 
(best thou ?"• Consider his power and wisdom at 
 once and as soon as lie tlioiightiit, comiseilirfr. as-. 
 senihlin^ uniting, and strenothening nations, aiv 
 mies, and knigs, in one common cause ; raishig up 
 skiilul generals, and carrying them along on ca'^le's 
 wings as It were, to victory and to triumph f se- 
 parating and confounding their enemies, disarminp 
 them and indeed turning them into auxiiiarics^ 
 triends, and allies, against the tyrant. 
 
 Consider the mercy oi'God'in sparing the ty- 
 rant, but at the same time making hiin a monu- 
 ment of the uncertainty and weakness of human 
 power, especially when founded on usurpation and 
 tyranny. Consider also, God's mercy in deliver- 
 ing Pans and France from tumult and insurrcc 
 tion, and from pillage, fire and sword ; and grants 
 mg them peace, and good order, and regiilar o-o. 
 vernment, notwithstanding all their extraordinary 
 and unexampled sins and provocations against God 
 and his religion. Consider also, his mercy in re^^- 
 toring the ancient royal family of France to the 
 throne, and in uniting the people in loyalty and 
 allegiance to them. Their restoration is even 
 more remarkable than the downfal of the tyrant • 
 and It IS a signal instance of God's humbling and 
 exalting whom he will, and at vj it time he pica 
 ses, and of his changing the times and seasons, and 
 removing kings, and setting up kings, as to him 
 seemeth best. Learn from the consideration of his 
 power not to be disobedient to him, or to oppose 
 his will, but to do his will ; and from the consi- 
 deration of his mercy and forbc? ranee be led to re- 
 pentance and sorrow for sinning against so good a 
 God, and to amendment in your future life. 
 
 The perseverance of Great-Britain in a good 
 cause, and her final success in it, should teach m 
 
 * Daniel, 4—35. 
 
 ' Jiimi-j^- 
 
to be earnest and diligent in doing that which is 
 right ; not to be discouia<5cd by dangers, or dirti- 
 culties, but to exert ourselves to tiie utmost in the 
 disciiurge of our duty, and to hope and strive to the 
 end ; and to believe, that God will in his good 
 way and time, hi this world or the next, always 
 reward those wiio }iersc\ ere in a good cause. The 
 prayers ot" Russia and her trust in Cod, are parti- 
 cularly worthy otom' notice and our remembrance ; 
 and they should teach us, that if we seek untohin', 
 and to iiim connnit our cause, and if we nt tho 
 same tune do uur part in using the means whicii 
 he has ])iit in our power, he will deliver us from 
 the greatest troubles, and raise us to comfort, 
 peace, and happiness. Her deliverance was extra 
 onhnu y, and her i'aith and works toward God Wi'iv 
 numife^iand docmred to all the world; and to iier 
 prayeis and exertions tiie happy change in Eurojje. 
 the mercy and fa , or ol God towards o})pressed na- 
 tions, and the peace and prosperity of the world, 
 (now about to be established, we hope,) are cer- 
 tainly, in a great measure, to be attributed.* 
 
 She stands first, in many respects, in lately con- 
 tributing to the mighty change which has taken 
 place, and pre-eminent in calling upon God for it ; 
 and Great Britain is conspicuous and rewarded for 
 never yielding to the reign of terror, which spread 
 over Europe ; and at length, by her perseverance, 
 encouraging and determining the rest of the na- 
 
 • The manifestos of the Rii!;sian goVertiihent, and the dispatches of her 
 ^^tfurrHls at the time- of her deliverance, are distinguished for their czpree* 
 iiiuns of plci;^ towards God, and of earnestness in callinfr upon all peopls 
 to resist the common enemy. Particularly we would remind the reader 
 uf her manifesto puMished aftei ■ the burninie: of Mmcow. (jSfptember, 
 1812.) From which era we may date her deliverance. It concludes with 
 this tnemur.ible prayer, which we-would almost say partakes of the cha- 
 i'actcr of inspiration and prophecy. 
 
 " Almighty God ! turn thy merciful eye to thy supplicating Russian 
 ihiiich. V(.uchsalV courage and patience to thy people struggling in a 
 \ufct cause, io that ihcy may thereby overcome the enemy ; and in 3avin|r 
 th'.'insclvesj n:ay aho defend the freedom of king^ ar.J natic:i5." 
 
 iibrts to resi 
 
 tory of the I 
 
 to pcr.severe 
 
 lor his assistj 
 
 acknowledgi 
 
 him the hor 
 
 (,'iateful to C 
 
 honour him 
 
 h')pe that thi 
 
 aiice of peac 
 
 God has b 
 
 1 er and provi 
 
 I Judgment of 
 
 I ill the blessir 
 
 I tages, have n 
 
 ' ment. Grea 
 
 taken place ; 
 
 peace in Eur 
 
 perfect in thi: 
 
 now to Jamei 
 
 of a bad govi 
 
 her deliverani 
 
 and the pcwe 
 
 Roman Cathc 
 
 accession of 
 
 ilution ; whi( 
 
 expectations 1; 
 
 I must add, c 
 
 always to be 
 
 Christiahs. I 
 
 1 sible of the ins 
 
 the imperfecti( 
 
 us cast our car 
 
 affbctions on i 
 
 wajt on Ood, j 
 
 lliohs of hisgo^ 
 
 working alftfc 
 
 I church, accord 
 
ilbrts to resist it. and to overcome. From the \u% 
 iory of the late events in Europe we should leam 
 to persevere m good works, and to pray to God 
 lor h,s assistance ; and in all our success we should 
 acknowledge his powe^ and goodness, and give 
 h.m the honour and praise. If the nationsTre 
 K^rateful to God for their deliverance, and if they 
 honour hun in their ways and their joy, we may 
 lr;pc that they will be blessed with the^ contS 
 ance of peace And the increase of prosperity 
 
 God has been gracious unto them, and his pow- 
 crand prov-idence in removing the scourge and 
 judgment of war and other evils, and in Innging 
 1.1 the blessmg of peace and its numerous advan- 
 tages, have requued and received our acknowledo- 
 nient. Great and happy is the change which has 
 taken place ; and to hi7n we are indebted for the 
 peace m huropc. At the same time nothing is 
 perfect m this fallen and wicked world. We have 
 now to lament troubles, and pernicious measures 
 of a bad government in Spain, and her abuse of 
 her deliverance from foreign foes and tyrann- 
 and the pcwer and influence of the Pope and 
 noman Catholic religion seem to be acquiring"'au 
 accession of strength instead of i-eceivrng dimi- 
 rtution ; which is a circumstance contrary to the 
 expectations lately entertained by Protestants, and 
 1 must add, contrary to the wishes which ought 
 always to be cherished by good and intelligent 
 Uristjans. I niention these facts to make us len. 
 slbleof the inscrutable ways of Providence, and of 
 the imperfection of all human affairs ; and to make 
 "s cast our care upon God, and fix our hope and 
 atffections on another world, and so teach us to 
 wait on God, and to trust in him in the dispensa- 
 tions of his crovernmpnf mlmo- mm,. «u fK.v J. _- j 
 working all things together for the good of his 
 church, according to his perfect knowledge. 
 
 B 
 
 •■'.' 
 I'l: 
 
 
10 
 
 From Europe we must turn to the providences 
 of God in America. Here some chief events so- 
 licit our attention, but I must be brief in treating 
 of tliem. 
 
 First, the change in Europe was a most auspi- 
 cious one in favour of our cause, and it was a com. 
 plete obstacle and disappointment to the plans and 
 expectations of the enemy. ISo much so, that the 
 war in Europe which our enemy had expected 
 would disable us from coping with him here, has 
 eventually, fully prepared and fortified us for the 
 contest. He attacked us in our weakest state ; 
 but the providence of God defended us Wonder- 
 fully ; and now has visited him, in his presump. 
 tion to wage war against us, because he thought 
 we were few in number and helpless. 
 
 God knows all things well, pa&t, present, and fu. 
 ture, and he governs accordingly. Cur army this 
 last campaign was considerable, yet its operations 
 were not in all quarters crowned witn favourable 
 results. It would appear that providence would 
 teach us not to depend on the multitude of a host, 
 but on his arm, mighty to save or to destroy. 
 
 In the Upper Province a small force has sue* 
 Cessfully contended with the flower of the Ame- 
 rican army ; and they have again been obliged to 
 retire from another fruitless attempt at invasion 
 and conquest. Indeed, God in his mercy, seems 
 to have thwarted attempts of this kind, in gene- 
 ral. Our array and fleet in this province advanced 
 into the enemy's country and waters ; and Provi- 
 dence plainly was against them j so plainly, that 
 I think it my duty to make improvement of the 
 subject. We are not willing, in general, to see or 
 confess that providence has been against us, and 
 not for U!? ; but this is pride and folly. Let m 
 be wiser and more humble ; ana learn'to see and 
 acknowledge God's government over all things. 
 
 Though he 
 
 makes the fi 
 
 to his desi^ 
 
 responsibilir. 
 
 He does not 
 
 cording to th 
 
 If they trust 
 
 do not regar 
 
 ing into evil 
 
 operations of 
 
 paign, with a 
 
 improvement 
 
 kind can be 
 
 well as to lea; 
 
 adverse to us 
 
 I am alluding 
 
 I think, for" 
 
 would make o 
 
 not trust in an 
 
 not in the nui 
 
 tioops, but in 
 
 confident in oi 
 
 tile aid and di 
 
 girdeth on hij 
 
 boast himsolf 
 
 rftlie kings oi 
 
 fiJence in ours 
 
 often cast dow 
 
 to him. I woi 
 
 gainst us, besai: 
 
 sumption ; to 1 
 
 away iioni bre 
 
 sabbaths. 'J'iii 
 
 dence I am s])c 
 
 same time, I bei 
 
 jmercy towards 
 
ovidences 
 events so- 
 a treating 
 
 ost auspi* 
 as a com. 
 plans and 
 >, that the 
 expected 
 here, has 
 us for the 
 3st state , 
 3 Wonder, 
 presump. 
 e thought 
 
 l^ and fu. 
 army this 
 •perations 
 avourable 
 ce would 
 of a host, 
 troy. 
 
 has sue* 
 the Ame. 
 >bliged to 
 ; invasion 
 :y, seems 
 
 in gene- 
 advanced 
 id Provi- 
 nly, that 
 nt of the 
 to see or 
 t us, and 
 Let m 
 ) see and 
 i things. 
 
 tThls ^^fj^'^""'^' ^"d errors of men instrumental 
 to his designs, yet he does not take away their 
 responsibihty to him and to man for their cond c 
 He does not force this, bat only influences Uac, 
 
 U they trust in him, J,e will assist them ; if they 
 do not regard him, he will not prevent the r S 
 ing into evi Far be it from me to speak of the 
 
 E rr' ""* "'"^f ' °;- ''' -ents^of the cam! 
 paign. With any view but that of making religious 
 improvement of them ; but where a les?on of" thl 
 kmd can be learnt it is my office to teach it a, 
 well as to learn it myself. JProvidenc^ I say, was 
 averse to usm the invasion and atta.. to which 
 2nt f "^l ^"^.^.n^^d "«t produce reasons. 
 
 voil?!,^ ftT'^^"- ^^^^'' improvement I 
 
 ouldmakeof It IS this; to reflect that we should 
 
 no trust in an arm of flesh, but in the arm of God • 
 
 Toons bnr"1f ^' r'''^ '''"^'^'^ - ^^^ ^o-^ 
 
 t^oops, but in the favour of heaven j not to be 
 cmhdent in our own means or scheme but to seek 
 
 pidel I on Ins h:irness, (or armour,) should not 
 oast himself as he that p'utteth it oi as said one 
 the kings of Israel.* Boasting ourselves, con- 
 (Kence in ourselves, trusting inluiman poier "s 
 en cast down by God ; all it is always Su 
 him. I would observe, that Providence was a- 
 ainst us, besau.se of our sins, of our pride and pre 
 sumption ; to humble us and visit us, and tunrus 
 
 iWjaths. J ins was jnirtly his will, in the tTrovi- 
 Jence I am speaking of, I'am persuaded 'at the 
 
 \imcy towards our enemy, to deliver them from 
 
 II 
 
, the terror and (distress of an invasioi), and of an 
 
 ■ hostile army occupying their territory. I would 
 
 ^so observe, that the commander of their fleet was 
 
 a pious man j and it is not to be passed ovei' that 
 
 such a, man, every pious man, the Lord delights to 
 
 Srosper, though he sometimes visits them with af, 
 iction for their profit. 
 
 One other invasion and operation of our army, 
 I this last campaign, I shall notice, as it also seems 
 , to me a providence fraught with instruction. Tiiis 
 •V\'as a successful invasion, and an attack on the en- 
 emy's chief city. Here the Lord in particular 
 prospered our arms, confounded our enemy, and 
 delivered his capital into our hands. And thougli 
 I would regret, on our part, the destruction of 
 some o^ Its pubhc buildings, yet it apj)ears to me 
 a just judgment of God against some of the chief 
 actors in them, for their wicked and malicious 
 : sjiecches, and their violent and unnatural conduct 
 against their parent country, It was a visitation 
 . on them for their eagerness to go tq war, and for 
 their pride and ambition in threatening to take 
 Canada, and Quebec, &c. These proud speakers 
 autl the heads of their government were disgraced 
 and scattered ; and our little army returnetl safe 
 and victorious to their ships and their conuadcs. 
 But how soon afterwards fell the hero of them! 
 After lighting many battles and gaining many laiN 
 rels in Europe i after taking the capital of Ameri. 
 ca, and triun^phhig over every difficulty in his first 
 . expedition, he is in the succeeding one, in the 
 very onset, killed and cut off from all his bouois, 
 carried off in the prime of life, and consigned to 
 the tomb, beloved, ad'^iired, an^l regretted ! Wliat 
 now avail to him past honors, or present applause ; 
 any victory, but that over the worid, any con(|uest, 
 
 pa? 
 
 ms ? and 
 
 this victory and this conquest I would fain Iioj,' 
 
 and belie 
 
 Christ J i 
 
 that he i; 
 
 fields of 
 
 Heaven a 
 
 of life, ar 
 
 We wouk 
 
 numerous 
 
 Pro\iden( 
 
 consider h 
 
 paigns. 
 
 to l*ro\'id( 
 
 who have 
 
 attacks of 
 
 mon accid 
 
 here, liave 
 
 this accou 
 
 would lool 
 
 wards us, 
 
 superinten 
 
 strive to hi 
 
 us! This 1 
 
 from cont( 
 
 things. 
 
 We mus 
 to us here, 
 and ravage 
 would hay 
 friends in : 
 Little indei 
 ties of war 
 bie of the r 
 anceand li 
 The enemy 
 siony on us, 
 
 • I.'pj-e the am 
 l^O,- aiul 1804, 
 (t!".on Lieiiteiiaiit 
 iicMie.v ;f.id a Chi 
 
«' ! II 
 
 and of ail 
 
 I would 
 
 ir fleet was 
 
 ovei' that 
 delights to 
 m with af; 
 
 our army, 
 also seems 
 ion. Tiiis 
 on the en- 
 particular 
 leniy, and 
 nd though 
 L'uction of 
 ?ars to me 
 ' the chief 
 malicious 
 il conduct 
 visitation 
 r, and foiv 
 ? to take 
 i speakers 
 disgraced 
 irned safe 
 :oniradcs. 
 0^' them ! 
 many Jau- 
 sf ' Ameri. 
 in his first 
 e, in the 
 is hon.or.s 
 si,i^«cd to 
 d! What 
 ippJause; 
 conquest, 
 ins ? ami 
 fain hop;^ 
 
 13 
 
 ' and believe he had won throngh fliith in Jesn< 
 Ctn-ist J and I would indulge thS pleas.nr. thougt 
 Uiat he ,s now reaping the rewards of'Christ in 
 helds of perfect peace and evei lasting glory in 
 Heaven above.- His death shews the imceitaJnty 
 Otlite, and the transient nature of worldly glory. 
 We would however, at the same time reflect on the 
 numemus escapes he had been favoured with by 
 Fro^;ldence m the course of a military life, and 
 consider how many he had survived in tormer cam. 
 paigns. Much more, how gratelul sliould we be 
 to Irov'idence for the lives of many, dear to u«, 
 who have survived Inm, whether we consider the 
 attacks of sickness, the da.igers of war, or the com- 
 mon accidents of life! I am sure that I and other? 
 here, liave great reason to be thankful to God oil 
 Uus account. Praised be the Lord ! Ob, that we 
 wou d look to the mercies of God exercised to- 
 wards us, and many dear to us, in a kind and 
 superintending Providence ; and that we would 
 '^'Y%}^. ^'^^^ ^«^ always for us, and never against 
 us! Ihis is what we should learn to accomplish 
 rom contemplating God's government over all 
 things. 
 
 We must .-consider the kindness of providence 
 to us here, m sparing us from so many of the evils 
 and ravages of war, which it was reasonable to fear 
 would have visited us ; and under which our 
 Inends 111 Upper Canada have severely suffered, 
 Little^indeed have we experienced of the calamL 
 ties of war ; and we cannot be sufficiently sensi- 
 bleofthenchesofGod's goodness and forbear, 
 ance and long suffering towards us, in particular. 
 Ihc enemy have not made many or serious ineur> 
 8ion9 on us, notwithstanding our proximity to their 
 
 l-'oa'.ri'mw'"!'"'" """"' "''■''" f--"-'' Incntio.,in^^ that in th-- vcaw 
 l^O,j ami ISO'l, I.e was aciiuain:c<l with AJ..jor-Gei,eral Robert' ^ia^ 
 
 u 
 
 ; 
 
 
 m 
 
 
tori-i.ory ^ and when they did come, J am sure, 
 we snlrbwi less than our sjns deserved. We ought 
 to consider these our sins and our piovocations a- 
 gainst God ; and his goodness and forbearance 
 should lead us to repentance. We ought to go, and 
 Kin no more, lest a worse thing come unto us • 
 lent we be punished for our sins in the world to 
 come. ; and no suflering here is to be compared 
 with everlasting punishment. We have tasted of 
 miy a very small portion of the judgments of God 
 in the earth ; suthcient how ever, I hope, to make 
 us sensible o£ his power of j)unishing, and to make 
 us deprecate the evils of war, and above all, the 
 the evils of sin, with all our heart. Oh 1 that it 
 may have this good efll'ct, and that we may learu 
 wisdom and righteousness ; and remember tiiat 
 judgments are always sent, (and war is one ot the 
 greatest of judgments,) to purify us from our sins, 
 and to tiUTx us from the vanities of this World. 
 We have sinned, and we ought to examine into 
 our sins jmd to confess them and repent ; and I 
 have exhorted you to the {)eilbrmance of this du- 
 ty, and God has called you to it ; but in his mer- 
 cy he has wonderfully spared us. 
 
 I would on tliis occasion also speak of some 
 good things, some little works of piety and chari- 
 ty, whicii we have perfbnned. In considering the 
 providence of God towards us, these may very 
 well be mentioned by me in our present review, 
 if we do it with humility, far from boasting, for 
 these works have contributed to render God's 
 providence gracious unto us. Our evil deeds we 
 hiiould lament; and we should pray iw God's for- 
 
 sriveness of tliem 
 
 and 
 
 for our good deeds we 
 
 should praise Iiim for inclining us, and enabling 
 
 us to do them ; and we should beseech him to I Ja 
 
 kefep us in the way of them 
 
 Previo 
 
 property, 
 
 house, sai 
 
 places of 
 
 ''Vorks ac 
 
 have stud 
 
 ing place 
 
 and good 
 
 side our h 
 
 towards u 
 
 system ha- 
 
 of God hj 
 
 effects of 
 
 us from th( 
 
 incident t 
 
 blessings v 
 
 We havi 
 
 serating th 
 
 of our dist 
 
 tliis good A 
 
 secure our 
 
 poor, or le 
 
 serving to i 
 
 it hereafte 
 
 God, and t 
 
 us a blessin 
 
 all things, t 
 
 his pleasure 
 
 to reward t 
 
 ment, and v 
 
 always see n 
 
 we believe ; 
 
 see into thei 
 
 public circi 
 
 have in somi 
 
 *^n *.« x1. -. 
 
i M: 
 
 1» 
 
 ing place on ol ZmL'anJ ^t .•'H'""™ '•''^- 
 andgood,ilU.ith our Adghbo^rTou the 'T' 
 side our boiindarv : and th™ w„ i , °"'^'' 
 toward, us ; and^he vio at?ons of S '"'''"ri^' 
 system have not been numerous Tl „ "f*'^ 
 of God has smiled on tlTese meai ' """t"™ 
 effects of his saving countenanee ^ p,";!!^''; 
 
 ::ixrtVrstf^o1>^^^rf '■^-""^^ 
 
 bU^in^ we must p^l^ ;„ tLr^Su'^J'- 
 We have also exercised our charitv i,7, • 
 seratmg the sufferings and contribu il'to th^rorr 
 of our distressed bretliren in Upnerfe. md7. [ 
 this good work, no doubt, has tended t^lVll ' "'" 
 secure our property to „s for ,rauf '^,^1:2 
 poor, or lent to the Lord, he will renlv 1. 
 servmgtp us our present s't<^^, and byldd^niT 
 't hereafter.- Money laid out to the Itfvlf 
 God, and to the good of our brethrenVw-l bLt 
 us a blessing sooner or later • for i-^j V "^ 
 
 always see when, or how he does this • 1.„; fi ^ 
 
 pubhc circumstances which 1 have mentiono^f 
 have in some deo-ree I am nprcMo^li ™^"^^o"cd, 
 na HO f^ .K - "^o^et, 1 am peisuaded. recommr-' 
 ^^ «^ tw ihc pai'Licuiar favour of " " ■ " 
 
 rovidence. X 
 
 iii'i 
 
 .•il 
 
 l;i 
 
 
 li 
 
 V'Jde Proverbs, 1 9— 17, 
 
m 
 
 therefore vcliiind you of lliehi this dtiy, to ^xcitf 
 your gratitude and your praise to him, and youf 
 perseverance in doing those things which are well. 
 
 {)leasing to him, and which ha^e been so profita-- 
 )le to us. 
 
 Ail things belong to God. He enables ua to 
 get a sufficiency of them in an honest way, if we 
 seek first his kingdom and righteousness. But if 
 we do not believe him, and trust in hinij we have 
 ^no such promise^ independant of our turning to 
 him. Let us not ever seek property in any way 
 not pleasing to him* Property so procured, cuii 
 tiever bring any blessing along with it, but only a 
 curse. It is *' hewing out cisterns, broken cisterns 
 that can hold no water.'* It is treasuring up 
 wrath instead of mercy against the day of wrath 
 and revelation of the lighteous judgment of God 
 " Render unto Ca'sar the things which are Ca'sar's, 
 and unto God the things that are God's. ♦* Ren- 
 der to all, their dues ; tribute to whom, tribute is 
 due ; custom to whom custom."* Let us im- 
 prove the talents which God has given us, by piiN 
 dent care and honest diligence, working that we 
 may have to give to liim that needeth ; and be- 
 stowing our labour and our gifts well, that we may 
 be able to render a good accoimt of them to God. 
 In this case he will reward us with peace and com- 
 fort here, and with good things beyond our pre- 
 sent understanding, hereafter. And " the end of 
 the commandment is charity out of a pure heart 
 and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigncd.t 
 Let this be our case, and this the end of our con* 
 duct. 
 
 I hope what I have said and she^m to you this 
 day, of the providence of God, will persuade you 
 
 • Jarem.ia^, f — J^, Kotnans, 2-- 5. Matthew, 22— 21. Rofftans, IS— 7 
 f I. Timothv, f— 5. 
 
 {9 perscvei 
 lay the per 
 of your mc 
 Goil, and .) 
 ljLirthcranc( 
 charitablti ; 
 may b(? upi 
 dence may 
 qlu'ef ways 
 the evils oi 
 of peace. 
 ti) grant us 
 ^ein, that 
 that lie listc 
 unity, peac 
 tiiat be wo I 
 his blessing 
 tliat we nn 
 turn it aw.:i) 
 to his govt 
 not trustinr 
 proving the 
 cultivate h: 
 ways arid ti 
 talents, and 
 we should I 
 constrain a 
 holding fast 
 }s no substa 
 devoted to 
 
 t Since writinj 
 id i St the surne 
 enemy must be si 
 ceptofsuch twr 
 gaintd oVe'riKfeHi 
 for our future se 
 he permanent an, 
 
 'J'he evils of war 
 sulficieiuly consi 
 go od men lec^ ; 
 
'I 
 
 1?« 
 
 te persevere in good works j not to give up or de- 
 lay the perfbrniun^e of them, but to lay out pari; 
 of yoiir means and your property to the g;lory of , 
 God, and tftthc good of your neighbour, in the' 
 furtherance of good institutions, and pious and- 
 charitiibl^* wojks that the blessing of the Lord' 
 may hq upon you, and that the order of his provi- 
 dence may be gracious unto us. This is one of tijct 
 qlyefwiiys of preserving his favouj-, oi'preventi r.g 
 the evils of war, and of bringing on the blessings 
 of peiu:e- It would appear that the Lord is about ' ' 
 to grant us this great gift. In his nierc}', it woidd! 
 ^em, that lie is dcconnnodating oui- diiierences j '. 
 that he listens to the prayers of the righteous, for 
 unity, peace, and concord among nation:^ ; and 
 Uaat he would still further and again trv us witli 
 his blessings, instead of his judgments.t Oh [ 
 that we n)av ^valk worthy of his mercy, and not 
 turn it awiiy from ns, or forfeit it, by not confojining 
 to his government ruling over a*ll things, or by 
 not trusting in the \Vorks of iiis providence, or im- 
 proving those of his grace. Let us obey him and 
 cultivate his fawr, by honouring him *in all our 
 ways and trials, devoting to him all our heart, and 
 talents, and possessions ; especially in prosperity 
 we should be watchful to do this. His love should 
 constrain and our interest should confirm us in 
 holding fast to our duty to him. At iUl times, there 
 }s no substantial jjcace or happiness without being 
 devoted to God j and so Imving. confidence in a 
 
 t Since writing 'the above llic prospect of peace seems to he diminish', 
 id ; at die s^rm time h ft to be lioped tliat it is not long dd:iy«d. The 
 enemy must be sioccrtly desirous of peace, we thiult, and disposed to ac- 
 cept of such twni's as are consistent ivith tlie p: eat advantages We hare 
 gaiDfed ove'rtKfeHi, atidwith the reasonable provisions we^ wodd require 
 for our future security, . Peace on honourable terms.'vvhich'are likely to 
 be permaneftt and profitable in their tfuration and effectsi^ i* c»ctainly ar- 
 ji-j:ys to he desiftd ; and ouch l«rms it in rcKsonable tor us to n quire, 
 riie evils of war are ^e?t, espVially its iminorai efTycts, ThtH' arc npi. 
 sufficiently considered by most men, but on this accoufft parftcularly all 
 good mtn loi^ and pray ioi Peace. 
 
 '^fi 
 
gracious prftvidence. Let us serve God, that v e 
 may be blessed and happy in trusting in him ; and 
 *♦ his loving kindness is better than hfe.* Let us be 
 his, and have all things ours, profitable unto us, 
 through our belonging to Christ, and his being our 
 protector and our friend. ♦' Trust ye in the Lord 
 for ever, for in the Lord Jeliovah is everlasting 
 strength." " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace 
 whose mind is stayed on thee j because he trust- 
 cth in thee.'*f 
 
 I must say a few words respecting the provi. 
 dences of God of a private description, and of our 
 improvement of them. Were we to look back to 
 the beginning of our years, how much kindness, 
 and how many interpositions of providence in 
 our favour, demanding our acknowledgment and 
 praise, should we discover ? But consider the good. 
 ness of God to you during the last year only, and 
 you must be moved to the exercise of gratitude 
 and thanksgiving. How many mercies have you 
 received ? How many of the comforts and bless- 
 ings of life have you enj:iyed, which many of your 
 fellow-creatures are destitute of ? Have you not 
 been free from sickness, while many sons and 
 daugliters of affliction have been languishing un. 
 der fell disease, or painful wounds? Have not 
 many been deprived of husbands, wives, parents, 
 children, while you have not lost, perhaps, one re- 
 lative, one dear friend ? Have you been grateful to 
 God for all this goodness ; and have you shewi^ 
 your gratitude by living to his glory ? Or has he 
 visited you with affliction, with sickness, or with 
 loss of friends ? and have you made proper im- 
 provement of his judgment ? Know you not, that 
 he chastens you for your profit, that you should 
 
 Otow in hnlinpae • *Vt'. '■ ^ • 
 
 inpse • tViq*- ftp ilpr**"! 
 
 »«1«mc* «r/-k1» 
 
 ^*'4- 
 
 blessings, 
 
 »nd to mal 
 
 you consi 
 
 drawn off j 
 
 to put youi 
 
 ed your lo^ 
 
 ness in tlm 
 
 added to y( 
 
 are to comt: 
 
 in consequi 
 
 not, his jut 
 
 proved by _ 
 
 we should 1 
 
 tliat we k( 
 
 yourselves, 
 
 lesson, and 
 
 ed to God, 
 
 directing gi 
 
 Whether yc 
 
 have receivi 
 
 the Lord ? 
 
 his sabbaths 
 
 amine into 1 
 
 partially j ; 
 
 men sc'vorel 
 
 eul in love t 
 
 him, in keep 
 
 of Jesus." 
 
 Lord's mere 
 
 Ins compass 
 
 morning.*'t 
 
 making this c 
 
 iiieiit. A m 
 
 ••ire repeated. 
 
 *'cl. llefiect 
 
 dispensations 
 
 r wa jr (j«4 UJ. VCUI 
 
 per 
 
 • Pjilras, e,?— .■?. 
 
 Jsaiah, 26— 5,* 
 
^i 
 
 blessings, to wean your affections from this \\orUl 
 ;>nti to make you set tiiem on things etef nal ? Have 
 you considered his ways, and your ways ; been 
 drawn off from iove of the world, and been taiwht 
 to put your trust in him ? Have his mercies incrcas. 
 ed your ove of him, in consideration of your happi- 
 ness m this world ; and his judgments have they 
 added to your faith, in looking to those things which 
 are to come? Have you grown in knowledge of him, 
 m consequence of his dispensations? If you have 
 not, his judgments and mercies have not been im. 
 proved by you. This is knowledge of Jiim, that 
 we should love him ; and « this is the love of God 
 tliat we keep his commandments."* Examine 
 yourselves, and see how far you have learnt this 
 lesson, and practised this wisdom. Have you look- 
 , ed to God, and acknowledged his restraining and 
 directing grace in what has happened unto you ? 
 WheLher you have received good, or whether you 
 have received evil, have you blessed the name of 
 the Lord ? Have you kept his commandments, 
 his sabbaths, his sacraments, or his covenant ? Ex< 
 amine into these things, and judge yourselves im- 
 partially J and you will learn not to judge other 
 men severely. You will say, «< Verily, 1 am deficit 
 eiit m love of God, in gratitude lo hiin, in trust in 
 him, in keeping the failli and the commandments 
 of Jesus." You will confess, thaf, « it is of the 
 Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because 
 his compassions fail not. They are new every 
 morning."! This is a time, a special time, for 
 making this examination, confession, and improve- 
 ment. A new year has begun, and new mercies 
 lire repeated. Let tlieiu not pass away unimprov- 
 nl Reflect on the goodness of (iod to you in the 
 dispensations oi' his providence, in the riches of 
 
 li 
 
 I, id 
 
 f 
 
 M 
 
 Jolu) 
 
 t Lam. 3—22, 2?. 
 
so 
 
 ]i\s gra«e, ami in liis ]);uticular mercies to yo;i 
 tluring the lust year, and llic i>rcceaini; years of 
 your lives. Itepcut of your past negligence in not 
 duly earing for these things ; in not her^ ing Christ, 
 and putting your irnst in him ; and bring forth 
 \vo)k,s worthy ol'rciu'ntunc" in future faithfulnesij 
 and ohiulienee. Begin v.ithout delay, and persp. 
 verc hi puriiiing the cause of God, of your souls, 
 and of evorhistiiig life ; and thus improve the pro- 
 vidences i)f (Joil, and arrive at his perfect kingdom, 
 in which all the wuysoi God are glorilied forever 
 and ever. Jimcn, 
 
 FiNAT,LY. I would further exhort you to prepare 
 for Eternity. 
 
 AVe have niimhered our days in looking back on 
 the giAcrnmenl of God, and on the events of his 
 providen^i, tjiin hiHt year ; and this should teach 
 lis wisdom — the wiHiloni of fearing and loving God, 
 seeing that he rules over all things, and that lie 
 will hi his perfect way and time reward t e riglit- 
 eous, and punish the wicked. We should also 
 number our dayw in looking forward to the time 
 to come, to things and years eternal. This is the 
 account to which the text would particularly di- 
 rect us ; and conNidcring which, must make us 
 apply our hearts to wisdom. 
 
 Consider the nhortness, and uncertainty of this 
 life, and the value, and importance, and immea- 
 surable length of eternity ; and you must sec 
 the little value of days and things here, in compa- 
 rison wit.h time and things eternal, except in their 
 aiibrding time and means for preparing for life 
 everlasting. Consider this, and you must value 
 your time, on tlm account, and improve it to layii g 
 hold on things eternal. Consider the value of things 
 eternal ; aiul)ou must set your ailcctions on them 
 ^011 God, thg author of ail good things, and en 
 
 
 Jt'SU8 Christ 
 
 us, when we 
 
 will live to 
 
 Avoild, and a 
 
 Wiiat are [b 
 
 ing good th 
 
 or trials dist 
 
 pensations c 
 
 and the woi 
 
 Heaven ? * 
 
 than coiKpK 
 
 we love hii 
 
 feetions set 
 
 ynu done fo 
 
 or to acquir 
 
 days, as to ; 
 
 you imj>rov 
 
 part of it, t 
 
 for eterni<:y 
 
 of e\ery daj 
 
 for growing 
 
 Lord? Unl 
 
 more wise, 
 
 or better p 
 
 twel.emonl 
 
 have an ac( 
 
 of all your 
 
 yoii knov/ 
 
 closed. 
 
 The da} 
 time is graii 
 and to mal 
 acceptable 
 walking 01 
 trc'c»>,ure in 
 Oh, inipro^ 
 
to yoa 
 ^ciirs of 
 e in not 
 J Christ, 
 ig foil!) 
 lii'iilnL'ss 
 i pcrso. 
 ir souls, 
 the pro- 
 ingdom, 
 for ever 
 
 prepare 
 
 back on 
 U of his 
 lid teach 
 Ing God, 
 . that he 
 : c right- 
 )uld also 
 the time 
 his is the 
 Lilarly di- 
 nmke us 
 
 hy of this 
 I imnica- 
 must see 
 [1 conipa- 
 t in their 
 y for lil'e 
 list value 
 to layii g 
 : of things 
 s on tliem 
 s, and on 
 
 €1 
 
 Jesus Christ, ^ho purcluscd all good thing?? fox 
 us, wilt" I we had lost thcni. Loving iheni, you 
 will live to them; and >oii will (»verconic the 
 woild, and all its troiiMes, and trial*, and vanities. 
 What are its \anities in comparison with everlast- 
 ing good things in lieaxen ? Shall its troubles 
 or trials distiess us ; seeing that they arc the dis- 
 pensations ol a go;)d God, to wean us from sin 
 andthewoild, and to fit us for holiness and for 
 Heaven ? *' Nay^ in all these things we are more 
 than couipicrors through him that loved us,"* if 
 we love him and things etcrjial. Are your af- 
 fections set on things elcrnal ? If not, what have 
 yau done for them, to know them, or to love them, 
 or to acquire them ? Have you so numbered your 
 days, as to apply your hearts unto wisdom ? Have 
 you imj)roved your lime, this last year ; devoted a 
 part of it, to cultivating iioliness, and preparation 
 tcr eterni<:y ? Have you given a part, a small part 
 ofe\ery day, to using the means given you by God 
 for growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our 
 Lord ? Unless you have done this, how can you be 
 more wise, more holy, more set upon things above, 
 or better preparetl lor eternity, than you were a 
 twel.emonth ago? You cannot, and yet you 
 have an account to give of the use you have made 
 of all your liaie and talents tor the } ear past ; and 
 you knov/ not how soon your account will be 
 cioscd. 
 
 The day lasts. The year commences. Still, 
 time is granted unto you to improve a day of grace, 
 and to make this an accepted year of the Lord, 
 acceptable to him, and prolitabie to you, in your 
 woiking out your salvation ; in your laying up 
 treasure in heaven, and laying hold on life eterna!. 
 Oh, improve the year to come, every day, while it 
 
 • Hjoiuans, 3—57. 
 
 il 
 
»2 
 
 Msts ; and be more ready, every day, to give it 
 good account ! Vmy to God in tlic words of the 
 text, " So tcac'l) us to luimbor oui day, t]\aL we may 
 lpl)ly our hearts iint<> wisilom." Work and strive 
 to do tijis, iiH well 5»s continuing instant in prayer 
 for it. Then God will woi k in yoi: to will and to do 
 of iiis «?ood pU'asure. T^us^ '■ i Jasi'i Clnist, who 
 died for you, and who will give you ali good things, 
 yea, work all tlun^s together for your gowl, ii 
 you love him. Think on thc^e things, day by 
 day, and you must grow in love oi'him, lill it sj)ring 
 up to life everlasting. This day, gi\e youiselfup 
 to the Lord ; and he will never fail you. Tlie 
 world will fail you ; but his foundation standeth 
 sure ; and those who belong to him are written in 
 Heaven. May this day be tlie beginning of days 
 of greater devotion to God , this year, tlie begin 
 ning of years of greater ha})j)iness in our Lord — 
 to all of us ; througli our putting our trust in him, 
 and serving him, and so having his providence al» 
 ways gracious unto us. Remember, that he rules 
 over all things ; and that if he be for us, who can 
 be against us ? God grant us faith in hhn, and 
 love everlasting. 
 
 Nf)w, to God, the Father, the Son, and the IIo 
 ly Ghi>st, Trinity in Unity, be ascribed all hoiioi 
 and glory, thanksgiving and j)raise, love and obc 
 jiience, hcuceibrth and lor evernioie. iV'»iEX. 
 
 *■ I N I s. 
 
to i^ve k 
 ids of ih(8 
 il we may 
 luid strive 
 ill prayer 
 and to do 
 iiist, who 
 
 Ith 
 
 g(K>d, .. 
 day by j 
 
 it spring 
 
 n 
 
 IML'S 
 
 if 
 
 Liiself 
 1 
 
 )ii. 
 
 lie 
 
 stuiRlclii 
 ml ton ill 
 
 ? of davfl 
 lie iH'gin 
 • Lord — 
 it in him, 
 lence aU 
 : he rules 
 who can 
 liiin, and 
 
 . the lie 
 II hoj 
 
 101 
 
 md obc- 
 
 MCX.