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few, at least, of that great number of seafaring men, soldiers, and others, that were in the ship, especially after they had seen his predictions fulfilled, and themselves delivered out of so great a danger.

They would afterwards tell of these extraordinary things, and talk of them to their friends, and relations, and acquaintance; and they themselves, or others from their report, might be induced to make further inquiry after Paul, and the new religion that he taught; and thus be brought to forsake their sins and the worship of their false gods, and embrace the gospel, and be saved by it for ever.

Thus were men brought to know the great truths concerning God and Christ, and a fu ture eternal life, in former times; and thus must the same good work be promoted now, by those who are enlightened and informed themselves, taking every opportunity to spread and excite inquiry concerning them in others.

For, although every thing is of God, he brings about his kind purposes by human means; and by neglecting opportunities that arise to inform and instruct others by your conversation or example, or in any other way,

you

you know not the injury you may do them, nor the stop you may put to the propagation of divine truth.

One short remark will finish the whole of what I have to offer to you on the subject.

VIII.

Our apostle's example, in standing forth and giving thanks to God before eating, in the presence and name of such a mixed multitude, many of them heathens, may teach and encourage us at no time to omit so fitting a duty as that of saying Grace as we term it, or begging the divine blessing upon us at our meals, and thanking him for his benefits; though some should be present who may think lightly of such a duty, and of the acknowledgements constantly due to so adorable a majesty and goodness.

The doing of right things, and such as become us and are our indubitable duty, with firmness, may have a good effect upon others, and engage their approbation; besides that it argues great meanness and cowardice of spirit, in suffering ourselves at any time to be deterred or drawn away from what is reason

able,

able, just, and true, by the fear of, or complaisance for, any persons whatsoever.

Unto God alone be glory in all things, and for

ever!

PRAYER.

O thou, the first and the last, without beginning and without end, God by thyself alone! unspeakably glorious in all that can be called perfection! who hadst from all eternity been complete in blessedness before thou gavest us a being; and standest not in need of any services of ours, nor dost require our praises and thanksgivings for thyself alone; but because thou takest pleasure in bringing us to such dispositions towards thee, as are needful for our own happiness:

Surrounded continually by thy benefits, and sustained by thy power, let no day pass without being often witness to our grateful sense and recollection of thee and thy goodness, and endeavours in all things to please and obey thee.

Preserve us, especially, from resting in any of thy creatures, which thou hast made the instruments of our support, complacency, and

delight:

delight: but assist us, through them, to look forward to thee, the cause of causes, the original of all our blessings; for that it is thy air we breathe, thy sun whose reviving light we feel, and thy bread which is so grateful and nourishing to us; that we may see thee in all thy gifts, whilst they continually furnish us with hymns of thanksgiving unto thee, and songs of praise.

And help us herein to follow the example of Jesus, our Lord and Master, and his holy apostles; that whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we may do all to thy glory, giving thee thanks for all things; and may be mindful each day to thank thee for the bread which nourishes us, that we may learn to know that we live not by bread alone, but by thy blessing which accompanies and makes it salutary to us.

Finally, O Lord our God, dispose us earnestly to seek and endeavour, each of us in our several places, to influence and bring others thus to know thee, and to see and adore thy hand in all things; that, by thy blessing, we may enjoy the privilege and supreme satisfaction of being instruments of good to others; before thou removest us out of this

that so,

world,

world, we may become, in the temper of our minds, fitted for the society of more perfect beings in heaven, who are employed in searching out thy wisdom and greatness, and in fulfilling thy benevolent purposes, and in grateful celebration of thy praises through endless ages.

Now unto Thee, O Father, who art the only living and true God, be praise, &c.

The Lord bless us. &c.

April 10, 1785.

SERMON

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