IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3} ij. .<^' ^^ MP. U!, ^•V z 1.0 I.I 1.25 IIM 22 2.0 U llllil.6 ^ % ^r O: Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 V V ^> 9) % ^- ""- ^^^ '^>"^ ;\ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CiHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canaiian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques Bl Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographtques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which nay significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. n D n n D D n D Coloured covers/ Couverture de coulaur j I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommag^* Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaur^e et/ou pelliculde □ Cover title missing/ Le tit itre de couverture manque Coloured maps/ Cartes g^ographiques en 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 r■ \ TWO SERMONS: COLLECTED CH12FLY FROM STACKHOUSE's Body or Divikity AND PRINTED FOR 'THE USE or PRIVATE FAMILIES IN THl ISLAND OF CAPE-BRETON* HALlFAXi WHMTED BY TOHN HOWE, AT THE CORNER OF eEORGB AND BARRINGTON.STREETS. M.Dccxcm, vm mmm -^.J^' CcGXCd £% ADVER TISEMENT. PERHAPS it may be proper to inform the Reader, that the foUowing Sermons were written by a Layman of •minent rank and charadter ; though he has not auihorlfei me to fay even fo much. In the title page, he modellly calU them a Colleilion from Stackhoufe j thereby difclaiming ari/ other view than that of doing good : But this does not dimi- nifli their value, nor lefl'en the efteem due to him for his be- nevolent defign ; to fay nothing of the good fenfe and judg- ment difcovercd in the arrangement, or of the many excel- , lent and original fentiments of his own that are every whert interfperfed. Even Stackhoufe's Compliot Body of Divinity is profefledly " cxtradted from the beft ancient and modern « writers i" yet he juftly acquired no fmall degree of celebrity by that wor!:, for it is one of the bcfl fy ftcms now extant in any lanj4uage. There is no fatisfa6lion more exquifite than what arifcs from a confcioufncfs of our having promoted the beft inter- cfts of our fellow creatures. The worthy and refpe^table author of thofe Sermons cannot £ail, on reflexion, to par- take largely of that fatisfailion ; which will doubtlcfs be niuch increafcd, if the end he had in view be attained to the extent he wifhes — which was the benefit of thofe for whom the Sernons were immediately defigned. He was above any other views ; and has laid them under the greateft obliga- tions. His aim is to promote their trueft welfa % by in- culcating the genuine doclrines of Chriftianity, and urging the pra;Sticc of its holy precepts j hereby guarding them from A 2 error, 'pl mmmfi [ iv 1 error, on the one hand j and from vice, which is nearly al- lied to it, and leads to mifcry, on the other. The Divine Author of our being has infeparablyconnea. ed our duty and happinefs together, and the breach of that duty with our niifery. This is tU fixed, unalterable con- ftitution and nature of things, which no man can change j and therefore, no man ever did, or ever can difregard or vio. late h.s duty with impunity. If men ^yould coolly and im. partially reflea on this momentous truth, it would place the goodnefs of the Almighty in a confpicuous light, and be a fource of warm gratitude ; it would be a llroNg incenriv,^ to obey his commandments, and a check to the breach of them Chriftianity points out our duty, it enjoins humility, peace, punty and mutual love-piety tr God, and benevolence to man. Every refleaing perfon muil be confcious that the happinefs of individuals, an J welfare of fociety, can only be fecured by the praaice of thefe ; and that mifery and wretch, ednefs muft be the inevitable refult of their oppollte vices. Here then fee the folly, guilt and ingratitude of fin j which is only another word to fignify our difregard of God[ violation of duty, and concurrence to our own undoing.' Our merciful Creator informs us of our ftate and deftinatlon, invites us to happinefs, direds us in the only way that can infure it, and guards that way by his righteous laws j and all this that our fafety may not be endangered by ignorance : Yet amidft this profufion of mercy, deaf to the voice of rea'-o- and blind to the light which (hines around him, the Sinner burfls thofe bounds, infults his maker, and wilfully ruflies on deltruaion ! I cannot conclude without obferving that this Gentleman has auoci.tcd himfdf wich an illuCricu. b.nJ of Laymen, who t 11 c I r t i % 1 s [ V ] who have flood forth the advocates of Chriftiamtjr. He treads in the fteps of Bacon, Boyle, Locke and Newton, to mention no others. Thefe naines ftand high in the record* of fame. In point of genius and erudition, they far out- weigh the whole tribe of infidels that has difgraced our hifto- ry; and their lives were as amiable and cjfcmplary as their talents were great. To emulate fuch chara^ers by promo- ting the influence of religion, and the welfare of our fcllovr creatures, is highly laudable. Happy would it be for man- kind, if perfons of rank, leifureanJ abilities, (for all which they are accountable) would thus employ their time ; and by tneir exemplary attention to the duties of religion, coun* tcnance the fame in others, and give weight to their owu inftruftions. Such really are, and ever will be deemed, the beil- members wf focicty, and grealeft bcnefaacrs of man^ vind. SERMON L I. John v. 7. Thcr. are thre, that tear record in Heaven ■ th. P„,U » ^W. W ,., H,, auj, ., an, ^^^l^!^ '" T HA VK chofcn ,he words of this text of fcrip,u,e wi,I. a not Infidel., who. wi,hout havi„g ,he fe.r ofGod Wo„ "hdr eyes are ,:r,pio„ay prone not only ,0 doubt h denythciJ-;„.,„f., (•> I , ' .^ '" ''°'">'. ''"t even to •«-o„r..„d"^:::r:;r;it.7°^c.r,-...e tr;-'r'--^^-'"--C».ntrjtrt':: i^tJch moniUr as an Aiheift can exift ^ »n(J o;.ev the will oi C . * ^^'^"^ '° ^"^^^ ' ^ne wiil 0/ God, and careful to keen ^ n^ r ■ Mark XII. 34, [ » ] and incomprcheniible, and that the mind is never t^alTcnt to any thing j but to remain in perpetual doubt and fufpence. It it my intention, previous to my entering on tlie do£trin» of the Trinity, to (hew, Firft, that God Almighty, even from the fall of Adam, defigned that the falvation of man-' kind (hould be effe6led by his Son Jefus Chrift. Secondly, to pjove, by fcripture evidence, that our Saviour is the true Mefliah. And laftly, that the doftrine of the text, inexpli- cable and unfathomable as it is to the underflanding of man, is, neverthelcfs, apart of Chrift's religion, and neceffary to be believed. God, the Supreme Governor of the Univerfe, who work- eth all things after the council of his will, in the unfearcha- ble wifdom of his government, appointed that ftnful men (hould be brought to (alvation by his Son's appearing and fufFering in the fle(h j and thought Ht, from the beginning of the world, to give unto meh predictions cf a Saviour, who (hould come in the fulnefs of timv'? to be their Redeem- er, Mediator, Interceflfor, and Judge i by protnifing to tha fird man, Adam, that the feed of the woman fhould bruife the ferpent's head.* Afterwards to Abraham, foretelling, that in his feed (hould all the nations of the earth be blefled jf then to Mofes, by the numerous types and (had'" /s of the law i and likewife to others, after his time, by the full and clear predictions of many fucceflive prophets. The fulnefs of time can bear no other meaning or inter- pretation, but the time which God, in his infinite wifdom, thought fittcft for the Meffiah to appear in ; which Jacob predided was not to take place before the total diflblution of the Jcwifh Government :— " The fceptre (hall not depart ** fraoi * Cea. kii. 15. f Gen. xxW. 18. II I 3 ] " frorr JuJah, nor a Icw-glv*rr from between his feet, until «« ShIIoh come, and unto him ftiail the gathering of the people « bc.*'« By Shiloh, Is meani the Mcfluh.t Now it is un. qucftionably truc,tnat our Saviour did appear exactly at the period of time which the prophecy of Jacob had determined fo many »ges before : As Jerufalem was dcftroyed by the Komans foon after, the whole nation of the Jews difperfed, and fc3itcred among ail people; and the Conftitution tf their Government entirely diffolved upon f.he gathering of the people, in confequence of the inftitution of the religion which our Saviour came into the world to eilablifli. The prophecy of MalachI % fixes the coming of our Savi- our :o be before the deftruaion of the fecond temple ; and that of Haggai, in which the Lord of Hofts ?romifcd to «« fill this hoafe with glory—the glory of tic latter houfe «« fliall be greater than the former i"§ meaning, that although Solomon's temple was greatly fuperior to the fecond temple in magnificence — the prefence of the King of Glory was far greater than all the riches of Solomon i in which fecond temple our Saviour was prefented by his parents when an infant; and ar.knowlcdgeJ by Simeon and Anna, who piaifed God for him, and fpolce of hi^n to all the people, who looked for redemption in Ifrael i|| and in which fecond temple, our Lord afterwards preached the Gofpel : Thcfe and many other prophecies, together with Herod's cruel maflacre, in hopes of dcft/oying Him who was born King of the Jews, evidently * Gen. x]ix. lo. f All ChrillUn Commentatori unantmounya^ee with the anc>ntTew!(h interpreters that by Shiloh the promifed MeiTiah h here intended j though critic* *i»ry about tha grammatical fenfc, and the derivation of the word. Some interpreting Shiloh, He that U to bt fent -y others, rif 5(i« } and others ajiin, tbt Ptacemaktr^ or Princt of Peace, which lad is the moft probtbie. J Malachi iii. i. § Haggai ii. 7, 9. g Luk« ii. 25—38. I [ 4 ] evidently prove, that tfee incarnation of Chrift, wm at th« tirnc a(>^">ointcd and pr;!it Fa'-th. This is no more than wJut Oi'r Lord tleciare.l to hi* Ap^-ftles, joft before his afcenfion— " He that bc^ *' tievfith and is l3ar;;7>rd, rti.iU he fived j but he that beheveth not, Ct\aU b« •'dainnivi." Maik xvi, i6. The fcnfe and putport of this text arc p:e- cifely the fame wiih thofe of ilic daufes. in the Creed that have been d^jca. ed to J the tormf-r itiVrts the very fame that is a(*sfted in thr latter, ior an account of th'j CrecJ, and of evrry circiimOan:.e nlative to it, (ct Dr. Wa. t.rlaoo'ii Cnt'tcti! Hi/J.ry rj the Athani.fian dfed, 8>o. wiiticn wi;h great can- ■dou", juijiueiit and icarning. ML. r [93 men, would Oiordy produce as many religions as there are feces i and every man's religion would be what bcft fuited, and was moil agreeable to his plearur cs, his appetites, and his paffions. When it is a.Tirmed of this, or any other revealed doftrinc, or thing, that it is a myftery ; it is only faying that it is a truth which we do not, or cannot fully comprehend. For, as a judicir.us perfon obfeives, a myftery is the fame to our underftanding, that a weight, which wc cannot remove, is to our ftrength. As the want of ftrength is the eaufe why we cannot remove the weight i lo the weaknefs of our fa- culties is the caufe why we have not adequate ideas, or a full comprehenfion, of the myftery. If the Itrength of ten men virere centred in one, he could with eafe remove a weight which would be immoveable to a man of ordinary ftrength i and this reafoning will hold good with refped to the facul- ties of intellecl, and the objeds of its Ipprchenfion^ Many things are myOerious to the uncultivated mind of a peafant, which are clearly comprehended by the more enlarg. cd faculties and improved talents of a philofopher. Num- berlefs things which are above the reach of any human in- teliea, however improved, are clearly underftood by angels, whofe fuperior faculties difpel the darkncfs which hangs upon us. Nor is it to be doubted that many things, particu- larly concerning the nature of God, are incomprehenfible even to ang.rls. All created beings are neceffiuily finite and limited 5 and therefore cannot, however ex:>lted in the fcale of being, comprehend the infinite, eternal and fclf-cxiftent God ! Hence, humility and diffidence become us when we think or tre.u of this awful fubjca-a fubjed fo far above the reach ofour Acuities. Even [ lO ] there are (k fuited, :ites, and doftrine, t it is a i. For, le to our nove, is lufe why our fa- or a full ten men I weight rength ; le facuU ind of a enlarg- Num- man in- ■ angels, h hangs ^articu- lenfible lite and he fcale ;xiftent hen we ovcthe Even Even with refpetSl to the objects that furround uj, and fall under the notice of our fenfes, we find our icnowledge is very limited. Of fev, things we know the ultimate end j of none, the cflcnce. Whether we reflcit on thofe nunxbcrlefs worlds that prefent themfelves to obfervation in the ftupendous the- itre of the univerfe j or dire^i our refearchcs among the works of God that arc near and within our reach : We fhall find ourfelvts furrounded with myftcries. We muft at down in ignorance of innumerable particulars, after which we (hall fearr'i in vain. Yet ftill we know enough of the works of nature, to fill us with admiration at the power and wifdom of the Creator. Wc alfo know enough to anfwer the fcveral purpofes of human life. Although our faculties reach not the intimate efl'ences of things ; yet they furnifli us with fuf- ficient knowledge to guide us in the right ufe of them, and thereby to happinefs ; which was what the Almighty intended. The cafe is fimilar in religion. There are depths in Re- velation which the line of reafon cannot fathom ; and indeed if holy fcripture proceeded from Him who is the author of nature, it is reafonable to expert that difficulties ihould be found in it, fimilar to thofe that are found in theconftitution of nature. Analogy leads to this conclufion ; and fa(St evin- ces that the conclufion is juft. The nature and attributes of God, the difpenfations of his providence, his plans of moral government, the exertions of his wifdom, power and goodnefs, efpecially towards man, are among the fubjeds of reveLtion. But a full comprehenfion of thcfe is beyond the reach of cur faculties. Yet ftill, ?s in the former cafe, we know enough to fecure our own happinefs. The veil is fufficiently remo* ved to (hew us our (late, fituation and iuty, and point out Che way to falvation ; which was all that divine benevolence defiened in our nre*"ent ftaee of exi(ience. But v i ijigi^ [ II ] But Sceptics often afk, what they think is very purzlinj, and aflc with an air of triumph and infult, ** Why are myftc- «*ries, fucb as that of Trinity, revealed, which we cannot " comprehend ? What purpofe can it ferve ?" Such quefti- on& are inconfiderate enough ; they have been partly an- fwered already. But as the apoftlc adinonifheih us " to be « ready always to giveananfwer to every man that afketh •« us a reafon of the hope that is in us j*'* I ihalJ todeavoui U> return a more dired anfwer to tne queflions here ftated j after firft reminding the reader, that the doctrine of rh« Trinity is not fpeculative, but pradical ; its influence is clofely conneiTted with our faith and condu^. And it may not be improper to add, that low, degrading notions of the pcrfon of Jefus Chrift, arc apt to bring with them degrading notions of his merits and fatisfa(ftion, as the efficacious; caufe of our falvation. By a natural gradation, they lead to infi* dclity. It has been already obferved, that the Almighty, from the fall of Adam, defigned to redeem mankind by his Son, Jefus Chrift. Now, this being the purpofe of God, a new exer- tion of divine benevolence and wifdom was neccflary to ac- corapliih it, and reftore man, who had fallen from original perfc(5lion and bappinefs. In this rxertion, the Almighty was manifefted in the charaut< caufe ^ to infi- from the )n, Jefus jw cxcr- r to ac original ^mighty jnc^ifier, nee, the was dif- raledbt- of tbofc * This ktions to lation of 9 inform [ 12 ] us of thofc obligations, and their confcquent duties i for o- therwifc, they could not have ,been known j and we muft have remained ignorant of truths that are moft intereftlngto falyation, and are the peculiar diftinguiihing doftrines of Chriftianity. Ail this is very plain, and eafily apprehended by the weakeft capacity ; and it evidently ftiews the neceffity of revealing this myftery. But ftill you urge — " that there is much obfcurity in this " matter." — I grant there is, as to the mode or manner of Three Perfons exifting in the unity of the divine nature. Yet remember, at the fame time, that there is no greater obfcurity in this, than in oiher particulars which relate to the nature of God, fuppofing there was no Trinity revealed; and that we know enough of each to guide us in our duty. That God is a pure fpirit, without body, parts or paffions, neceflarily exifting from all eternity ; that he fc.refees future contingencies, and is every where prefent ; are truths which all who believe there is a God, mufl acknowledge ; nor are they called in queftion. Yet the mode and manner of his thus necefTarily exifling from eteinity, and without a caufe of his forefeeing, with unerring certainty, thofe events which depend on the free agency of man — of his being every where prefent, without parts or extenfion : Thefe particu- lars, I fay, are jufl as incomprehenfible to us, as the mode and manner of Three Perfons exifting in the unity of the Godhead. Thofe matters are beyond the comprehenfion of our faculties. But always carry this with you — that the obfcurity in thefe cafes, arifing neceftarily from the weaknefs of our faculties, prevents not the clear perception of our duty j nor will it obflrudl our hauDinefp* when we difchar?c that duty. Al- C though agr b'i -.1 1 ii ii ' [ »3 ] though we know not how God exifts neceflariljr, and with- out a caufe, how he forefees contingencies, or is every where prefent ; yet we certainly icnow it is our indifpenfable duty to worfhip, love and fcrve him, as an eternal, all knowing, ever prefent God j to whom we arc accountable, and on whom we are entirely dependent. The cafe is exactly the fame with refpe(a to the do(aj ine of the Trinity. Although we cannot comprehend the mode or manner how Three Perfons, of equal dignity and perfec- tion, exift in the unity of the eternal Godhead i yet our du- ty, in confequence of this dodrine, when revealed, is as clear as tiie noon day fun : — To love, ferve and worfhip God, the Father, and gratefully acknowledge his goodnefs in fend • ing his Son to redeem us ; to love, ferve and wor(hip God, the Son, and apply to him as our only Redeemer, the one Mediator between God and man ; to love, ferve and worOiip God, the Holy Ghoft, and apply to him as our fandifier, and comforter in this vale of forrovv and darknefs : To do each of thefe, is our evident, ind'fpenfable duty. Li this, there is no obfcurity ; for no truths can be more clear to the human mind. Here then we ought to red, and thankfully improve the light which heaven has mercifully afforded to guide us in our duty. We (hould not, on the one hand, prefumptuoufly at- tempt to be wife beyond what is revealed for our infti-udlion ; nor (hould we, on the other, through vain philofophy or felf- fufEciency, cavil at the truths of God, which conduce to fal- vation. We may indeed douSt and cavil ; but this will no more alter thofe truths, or prevent the divine procedure, which we air aflured will follow in confetj'ience o( their be- ing revealed ; than our doubting of the Earth's motion will prevent its daily rotation, or annual revolution. rp. ill and with- 'cry where ifable duty knowing, e, and on e do(^t ine the mode id perfec- ;t our du- lled, is as (hip God, fs in fend • [hip God, the one d worOiip fan£lifier, : To do Li this, ear to the prove the us in our joufly at- Vuilion ; ly or feU- ce to fal- s will no rocedure, their be- }tion will The [ '4 ] The do(3rine of the Trinity every where meet* us in the Bible, and in our Liturgy. It has ever been uniformly taught in the Chriftian Church, becaufc taught in the Book of God. It is the peculiar and diftingui(hing do^lrine of the Bible, and of Chriftianity in particular. Other religions had ob- jects of worfhip ; they had prayers and faciifices, rites and ceremonies ; and held out a future ftate of rewards and pu- niOiments, But no religion, except that of the Bible, ever taught the doctrine of Three Pcrfons or Subfiftences in the Unity of the eternal Godhead, and the concurrence of thofe perfons in man's redemption : Becaufe no religk o. except that of the Bible, ever came from God. Neverthelcfs, (melancholy as the confidcration is) Deifts and Sceptics have beeii fo buld and unthinking in the hours of mirth and feftivity, as to make a jeft and rididculc of the do«^rine of the Trinity, and other parts of Scripture ; but in the clofet, when they conlider that the Omniprefent God is % witnefs, not only to their words, but fo their very thoughts, 1 tru(J: that confcionce and reflexion will rend their fouls with ang'uifh and difmay for fuch folly, prefumption and fm ; and that they will repent them of the evil before it is too late. For at the great and tremendous Day of Judgment, what dreadful terror will fill the hearts of thefe obftinate and diflb- lute fons of pleafure and vaniiy ! who in defiance of their baptifmal vow, fcofFed at a crucified God, and regarded not the threat of his coming to Judge the World ! At that awful moment, when it will be too late for confelTion and repeii- tance, guilt and defpair will ftrike dumb their blaiphemous tongues i and inftead of laughter at facred thing?, nothing will be heard from them but weeping) and wailing, and gnaftiing of teeth. i3Ul, [ 'J ] But, my brethren, now is the accepted time with an All Gracious and All Merciful God, to hear and receive the re- pentance of Hnners. Repent ye therefore, that ye may hear the blelTed fentence « Corne ye Righteous ;" and the joyful acclamations throughout Heaven and Earth, of Hallelujah j Salvation, and Glory, and Power be to the Lord our God ; for true and righteous are his judgments. Since then the Scripture is clear in the truth of this myfte* ry of the Trinity, and fince it is beyond the power of morttls to difprove it j fince this belief is the diftinguilhing charafter of Chriftians, and wp have been devoted to it by Baptifm and Confirmation : Let us in all humility and reverence unite with Angels and all the Powers of Heaven ; with Cherubim and Seraphim ; with Apoftles, Prophets and Martyrs, and with the Holy Church of Chrift, in acknowledging and prai- fing this HoLV, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabao.h ; even the Father of an Infinite Majefty, his honorable, true and only Son, and the Holy Ghoft the Comforter ; living and reigning ever One God world without end.-«AM£N. rith an All ivc ibcre- ! may hear the joyful [all el uj ah ; our God ; SERMON II. his myfte- of mortals ; charadlcr iptifm and ;nc3 unite Cherubim rtyrs, and and prai- ^h ; even true and living and £N. Psalm x;:xiv. 15. The Eyes if the Lord are over the Righteous^ and bis Etrt at* open unto their Prayers, IN this text, and in many other parts of Scripture, wc are given to hope, that rightcoufnefs will fecure to us the comfortable affillance and protedion of the Almighty in this life i and prove a fure guide tolheblelfings of Heaven in .he life to come. It confifts in the Iovp -f God, obedience to his commands, and a due obfervance oi the duties of religion* The pafHons and propenfities of human nature, we mufl confefs, arc frequently urging us to deeds which are adverfe to the commands of God, and the duties of religion j but man is placed on earth, a free ag.nr, having a knowledge of good and cvi!, and a power of adting either in conformity to the commands of God -, or agreeably to the paHIons which war agaialt the commandments, and our attaimnent of rightcoufnefs. Our blelTed Saviour, before he afcended into heaven, pro- rnifed to his Apoftles, that he would fend another Comforur into the world, the fpirit of truth, the Holy Ghort, to a- bide with us forever.* And this fpirit of truth, we find con- ftandy working in us j giving us the ftrongeft teftimony of *he * J«bn xiv. iSy 17. See alfo Chip, xr and xvl. (T #. [ 17 ] the Scing of a God i and by the dilates of confclence pow^ f rfully urging us to avoid guilr, and to make choice of good and virtuous anions in preference to ai^R of fin and irreli- gion. This conlcicnce, this vicegerent of God, has fuch uncontroulable power over the breafls of men, that a finner can commit no crime, however rccredy, however much concealcrd fron public light, and the knowledge o'-thc world, but it tortures his foul with bitter reflexions, and fets his crimes before his face with aggravating horrors, and dc- Yormities. Neither docs it ever fail to admonifh men of their duty, and to applaud and reward the good man, by gi- , Ting him that peace and ferenity of mind, which the frowni of the world, and the ftorms of adverfe fortune cannot im. ,*air. Thus is our heavenly Guide conftantlv pointing out the path to rightcoufncfs ; and if we take a view of the com- mandments, and fee what the duty is, which we are ii-^rin- ed to perform, we ftiall find that tyf:ry command of God is conhrtent with thedidatcs of confcience : That to be rightc ©us is a moral as well as a religious duty j and we ftall be obliged to agree with our Lord's declaration, " That his *»yoke is eafy, and his burthen is light."* Our firft and grcateft duty, ihe love of God, is undoubtedly confonant to thofe feelings which nature haih planted in the human breaft j for we naturally love and refpeft the wife, the jurt, the g: od and ,.he merciful j ar.d therefore it is unnatural If we fail to hv.,;.nd to adore that being, in whom all poffi- blc pertedion, and all excellencies center. Y.rka wifdom, »inerr.ngjuftice, melting goodnefs, and alluring mercy, art attributes which indefcrib.bly abend in the Aln.ighty," and «n^*.ft captivate our affc-aions. In him we live, and move, and have our being. Heaven is his throne, and earth nil * »A .. footftool. * Mattb. 3CI. 3c. « cnce pour-* :e of good »nd irreli- 't hasi I'uch at a finncr ver much the world, 1 fcts his ) and de- ll men of in, by gi- he frowns in not tm- iting out I J dl [ 18 ] footfto^l. This world he framed out of nothing ; and none but tht Almighty Architc(Ji knows its ftrudtuie, ci.i rule its motions, ')r produce Ixn fruits in due fe^ifon for the uft of man* It therefore feems impoHlble hut that men wouid obey th« firfl and fecond commandme'^is ; for furely it is no lefs ab- furd, than repugnant to rcafon and truth, f ;r man to worftiip «ny other God, or make to liimfeif any graven image. Nei- ther can he exped to be held guiltlefs, if he take the holy name of God in vain, by profi»ne curling and fwcaring: Crime's which are difgraceful ai^d abj.iwuable in the eyes of boih God and man. The keeping holy the Sabbath d^yy had it not been a convenient anJ beneficial reft from labor, after the preceding fix days } is a tribute of adjration due froin mankind, in commemoration of the great and giorious work of creation, and of our redemption by our Lord and Saviour Jcfus Chrift, The zeal wia; which the primitive Chriftians finitified the SabSath, (hould be an example to us ; and caufe us (when our health will permit) to frequent the bouie of Gcd ; and with afFe(Slions, raifed to a fuitable degree of love and re- verence, unite in prjiife and thankfgiving for the blefHngs we have received i and in prayers for the Almighty's continu- ance of them. Nor ihould Chriftians think, that a fmall difference h\ opinion on certain matters of faith, is a fuffici- cnt reafon for negleding the public v/orftiip of God. Churchmen, Diflcnters, and Roman Catholics, all profefs a hope in the merits and mediation of ^^efus Chrift ; and pray- ers muft be acceptable to God, if offerfd up by a Divine, authorifed by the ordination of a Bifliop, whether Proteftant or Roman Catholic. To f. r ft [ 19 ] To love and honor our parents, who (next under God) were the authors of our exiaence, is a mild injunaion ; and had it not been a command of God, our very nature would urge us to a performance of it, in returr for their care and prefcrvation of us ; fupplying all our wants in heJplefs infan- cy ; guarding us againft the dangers of heedlefs childhood, and giddy unthinking youth ; informing our minds, regula- ting our manners, training up our reafon, exercifing our memories, cultivating our genius, and modelling us by tuition and inftruaion for the occupations moft fuited to our capa» city and fituation. Thefe, and a thoufand more, are the ways which parents take to make their children h^ippy. Their watchings are innumerable, their labours endlefs j and in anxiety and whom honor.* The ftandard of righteoufnefs, which our Uc cd Saviour has laid down, is « to do unto others as " we would that they fnould do unto us,"t How dreadful would be the confequence, could thefe wild chimeras be realized ! They are fraught with every evil that the machinations of the Devil could invent to dcftroy all the comforts and hanpinefs of mankind. They would be the deftruaionofall confidence and harmcny in fociery i of al! trade and commerce in the world i and of ail moral and religious ties. No man could with fafety be admitted into another man's houfe. A man's property' wouid never he iafe frcm violence, n^- !,is family from brutJ luft. The merchant could not tru*t his fhips and merchandize to the mariner. The mechanic, the raw materials to the journey- II Ro, n. xiii. 7. f Matlh, vii. i: n.an *1 [ »4 ] man; the mafter, his furniture to the fervant ; nor the farmer his feed to the fewer, his flock to the fhepherd^ or his herd to the neat-herd. Virtue and morality would be trampled down, and rapine, plunder, piracies, and murder prevail j edifices would dtcay, the land would become a dc- fert, and the people favages, without even woods to (belter them. AH would be riot and confufion ; fleets and armies would be under no difcipline ; Government would be rent in pieces i and even the religion of our bleflcd Saviour could not be preferved, but by the hand of the Almighty, whofe juftice we might expect: would exhibit a dreadful vengeance ©n iuch an irreligious, fuch a guilty people. But thefe diabolical inflruments and levellers are fraught with mifchiefs peculiarly pointed at the downfal of the glory and confequence of the Britirti Empire. For by her com- merce ftie is rich ; in her riches, under Providence, is her ftrength ; her fleets are her bulwarks, and her army, the protection of government — which k the protedion of our lives, our rights, our properties -, and of our civil and reli- gious liberties : Bleflings, for which all wifely contribute a fmall part of natural liberty for the benefit of all : A tribute of mutual fubjedion, which our religion requires ; and it is a tribute which mu(t necellarily be paid ; for in all civilized countries, fome form of government mult be fupported, and laws enacted and enforced. The inhabitants of the Thirteen States of North Ameri- ca, whilft under the piotCiftion of Grea^ Britain, were a peo- ple cnjoyi.^g the greateit freedom, fubjec^ to the leaft bur- thens, and polleifing the mo(t compleat happinefs poffib' We find them now obliged to fupport a Government in each •f the Thirteen State?, as well, as a Convention of Repre- fentatives A. i *» I 25 ] fentativcs for the Grand Council of the whole. And they have not only brought themfelves, by their revolt, to a fitu. at.on oflefs freedom, but to the burthens of wars, taxes, and the cont.nual neccffity of new loann to fupport thei. govern- ment. And they find, too late, that they fought for a phan- torn, the name of liberty, and gave up the r.a/ity. Oh, Great and Gracious God ! by thy all ruK - Provi dence,proteaour land from all attempts to difturb L peace happincfs, and prefent profperuy. Qh, happy Britons I be' not deluded by crafty and dellgning men, to become the exe- cunonersofyourownbleffings. Reverence the Ccnftitution- aConfl.tution framed by our anceflors, as the moftcompleat fyftcm of hberty, that an extenfive empire can be governed under : A l.berty, in wh.ch our forefathers gloried, which has, fcrage., b^en the admiration of the world; and which we enjoy to the fullert extent, under our moll virtuous and pa- triotic King, whom God long preserve. The ninth commandment fays, « Thou fhalt not bear falfc Vi'.tnefs ngalnfl thy neighbour ;" that is, thou ihalt not de- pofe a.ny thmg falfe, upon oath, or by way of folemn affirma- tion, to the prejudice of a man's character, life or property It alfo means, that the fuborner of falf. evidence, is equally gu.lty With ihe witncfs himfclf. Violations of this law, arc crimes of great magnitude. They are fuch a complication of mjuft.cc and Kllainy, boldnefs and impiety; A,ch a bafe pro/tautionofconfcicnce, and fo deftrudive of juftice, that the laws of fociety, in all countries, have provided very e. emplary punifhments for both the falfe witnefs, and the uborncr. ] he man th.t can deliberately appeal to God for the truth of what he relates, and at the fame time knowingly pronounces a /aUchcod, which may rob his neighbour of his life. [ i6 ] life, or his eftate; muft be of Co abandonee!, debafed,and ir- religious a nature, as to be unworthy of the benefits of focic- ty, or the bleffings of religion. The tenth commandment t ^7 ] intemperance, luxury and luft dcftroy the health of men ; floth and prodigality make them poor ; and pride and ambi- tion create quarrels and revenge, and a train of other mifer- rics, which men, by indulging their iiifts and paffions, bring upon themfelves, and are the fure punifhmcnt of their vices. Intemperance is generally the origin of diftrcfs to men in every filuation j rich and poor equally feel its direful efFedls. Drunkennefs deftroys the faculties, enervates the frame, in- flames the blood, lets loofc the paflions, and leads human na- ture into breaches of the commands of God ; and brings on calamities, dcftrutSlive to rr.an's peace of mind, and hopes of felicity, either in this life, or in that which is to come. Thefe commandments were delivered by the Almighty, and dictated by his vvifdom. They are replete with the moft faiutary truths, rules and reftridions j fuited to the under- ftanding of men, ?nd (o well adapted to corred all irregular paiCons and propenfities, that to aiSt contrary to them, is to aft contrary to our very nature, our happincfs and our trueft intereft ; therefore, they verify our Saviour's declaration before mentioned, that his yoke is eafy, and his burthen is light. Cavillers at religion, have however arrogantly difputed the juftice of Providence ; %ing, that God permits the wicked to profper, and, as the Pfalmift fays, to fpread like a green bay tree i* when the godly are deprefTed and borne down. It muft be confefTed, that to our weak apprehcn* fions, the ways of Providence arc often dark and intricate. We cannot fathom them ; yet we may be certain of this, that the Almighty cannot err, and that his goodnefs will in- cline • Pfalm xxxvu. 35, 36. But fee on thit liead, Pfalmlxxjii; where it it declared, that the ungodly who proipcr, are ftt in Hippsry pi.cea, and their I'ertruftion ia fuddcn and fearful. %i [ 23 3 cline him to do what Is beft for his creatures. We are un- acqu?.inted with the views and intentions of Providence, ei- ther in the milcry or profperity of individuals j or in the ele- vation or downfal of nations. The riches of a mifer may be permitted to increafe, in order to relieve from want and diftrefs, athisdeceafe, a numerous progeny, ..i numerous rela- , tions. ThefchemesandartsofAbadmanmaybsfufl'credtofuc- ceed, for the benefit of his kindred, or otheis, whofclibcrality and goodnefs may merit the reward of his ill-gotten treaforc. We are not to luppofc the temporal good thmgsof this life are always a bleffing to the pofleffor. We often fee the rich and the great tortared with difcafe, or torn with the difquie- tude of a wounded confcience. Public calamities and revo- lutions may either be the means of accomplifhing fome great purpofe of Providence, in the chain of human events ; or fent to punifh a wicked nation. And indeed (fince the time of the Apoftles, when miracles ceafed) tiiefe fecm to be tl^ oivly ir.llruments which the Governor of the world has thought fit to employ for impreffing this great truth on the mind's of men— That it is the invifible hand of the Alnigh'y, which wields the vaft machine, and direas all its fprings and motions. On this point I may add farther, that the proce- dure of the day of Judgment, when mankind (hall be re- warded or punidied according to their deferts, will fully juf- tify the ways of God with man, and unravel all the perplexi- ties of his Providence. The King of the French, who lately gloried, that, in conjunaion with many other powers, he had efFeacd the humiliation of Great-Britain, by wrefting the American Colonies ut of her hands j we now learn, is a prifoner to his own fubjeas, and the French nation ina ftate of the wildeft confufion and anarchy, and reeking with mutual flaugbter ; deftroyed ; that their nricfts arc malla- that their religion is prici crec [ 29 ] cred i and their God forgotten : WhIIfl Qrcat-Britaln has rifcn, liicc a Phoenix from her own aflies, more enrich- ed, morepoweiful, and of more confcqucncc amongft the nations of the world ! Thus hath the forbearing mercy of God been extended to us i and our tranfgreffions, I humbly hope, pard'jncd, Jhrougn the merits of our Mediator. I may alfoadd, that the public admitiiftration is as upright as it is profperous ; and our gracious Sovereign as v/ifs in the choice of Miniftcrs, as he is exemplary for piety, and all the v>tutsand perfections which can adorn a throne. The a^Sls of God are juft and equal ; and whatever he doeth to individuals, or to nations, is not without a caufe. The reafons of Providence may be obfcure, but cannot be wrong. It is not without a caufe, that men fuffer pain and torture of body. It is not whhout a caufe, that want and poverty is their portion i that they are brought to fhame and ciifgrace, or to any kind of calamity. Since then affliaions fpriiig not from the dull, and fmce we have received the comfortable alTurance,/' th^t the eyes of the Lord are over " the righteous, and his ears open to their prayers ;" we muft look into ourfclves for the caufe and origin o<^ diflrefles, when they befal us. And after we have difco ,ed '\e latent fins, and ruling paffions, which retard our progrcfs in righteouf- nefs J we ihould fall low before God, and with fincere re- pentance for paft errors and tr.-mfg/effions, pray for his for- givencfs. We fliould attend the public worfhip of the AI- nriigoty, and with exalted fervency, and hearts overflowing with gratitude, return praife and thankfgiving for all his glo- rio>;s «cls, and inltances of goodnefs, vouchfafed unto us ; and determine, by his grace, to regulate our lives, in future, by the rule of his commandments, and to devote ourfelves, both fouls and bodies, to his fervice ; truning that through tr;c n.eiiti -^nd mediation tf cu) I ;dcemer, v/c ihall obtain that [ 30 1 that fanftifyinr grace, which God accounts a pearl of great- er price than all temporal UlefCngs. For it is a permanent benefit j an hoavcnly gift, beftowed on thofc who faithfully afk it i who duly cftcem and value =t ■, who earneftly defire and fervently pray for iliatmoft valuable gift, which enables men to work cut their own fnlvation. The Scriptures have attributed the waftiing away of fins to baptifm, one of our facraments.* But when men come to riper years, they (hould pray for fuch a necefTary portion ofthc fpiritoftruth as will enable them to folemnize that other moft falutary religious ordinance, and become meet partakers of the facramcnt of the Lord's fupper, the oufvard and vifible fign of the body and blood cl Chrift j by which they renew their baptifmal covenant with God, and apply, by this inftituted means, for divine grace, and the Almigh^ tv's fpiritual benedidions ; in conformity to the Sxprefs command which our blefied Saviour hath given. But the fins of mankind are fo manifold, that the fear of receiving unworthily, deUrs many from partaking of the Lord's fupper, and rtcelving the benefits of the holy com-, rnunion. But, my brethren and fellow Chiiftians, we mufl remember that the Great and Almighty God is all merciful ; ^ that his only Son is our Redeemer, in whofe merits we hope and trult j and that we have it declared to us in Scriptu. •, "Although our fins are red as fcarlct, by repentance, they •< fliall become as white as fnow."t It is true, St. Paul has faid, — Th-^y who communicate un- wopthily (iTot difcerning the Lord's body, and abufing that holy ordinance by excels and drunkcnnefs) purchafe to them- ftlves damnation \ but he alfo fays, " Let a man examine " himfclf, and fu let him eat of that bread, and drink of that " cup."t The church has taken cffedual care to prevent errors • Afl^ JiJ iC. If;tidl t 1. I i. ; 1. C cr.nl!.. XI. z<>i%(j. 1 if n I 3« ] ' Tors of that grofs nature. For no man would Jarr, or be permitted to approach the holy co nmunion i.i that (hocking manner ; and a fcnfc of duty fiiould induce u« to come with warm gratitude for the goodnefs of our Saviour in dying for our redemption : And in tine, all danger on this head will be entirely avoided, provided people will only follow the di- rei^ions of our excellent catechifm in coming to this facra- ment ; namely — " To examine thcmfelvcs, whether they re- " pent them truljj of their former fins j ftsdfallly purpofing " to lead a new life j have a livw'ly faith in God's mercy, "through Chriflj with a, thankful remembrance of his " death, and be in charity with all men." Thefe are the rr''gious and inftituted duties expected to be performed ; and you have heard the commands which arc to be obeyed. Howjuft, how wife, ^,ow pure, how benefi- cial, nay indeed, how necefTary for the good of fociety, and the happincfs of mankind, are they all ! The rewards pro- niifcd to the righteous, are boih fplrltual and temporal. It is therefore a duty which we owe to fociety, as well as a re- ligious duty to God, to be fervent in our prayers, and fted- fafl: in leading a goJly and a virtuou-^ "fc; by which we may hope not only to obtain the Almighty's affiftance towards our future happincfi;, and pieient profperity j but individu- ally contribute as members of the community, towards ob- taining a continuance of the all bounteous and powerful aid of Heaven for the prcfervation of our invaluable Conftitu- tjon, and the bleflings of peace and profperity to Great Bri- tain and her Colo.iics. Let us then unite, in imploring the Almighty, that the harvefl .-nd filherics of this infant colony may be plenteous and fuccefsful, and that the aid of the mo- ther country may be extended towards ihis idand, and fofter it to maturity. Which God of his infinite mercy grant through Jd'^i Chria-^AMEN and AMEN. I TrR ATUM. Pjy II, line 3, /cr cf Trinity, rcaJ of thfl Trinit/.