services which are contrary to their creed, and in which they take no interest. Can we wonder that in this age of free inquiry,—this age which examines with rigour all the usages of antiquity, and rejects with indignation the impositions of merely human authority in matters of religion ;- —can we wonder that in such an age, discontent, suspicion, and jealousy, should arise? These are evils in the body politic which require more than human wisdom and skill to remedy. The established clergy are, many of them, in this conflicting state of things, unhappily deprived of the means of a livelihood; the former contributors to their support are some of them unable, and more, probably, unwilling to do so any longer; and the political horizon is becoming darker every day. Nor is it a small addition to the gloominess of the scene, that the lower orders in the country alluded to are, to a very serious extent, almost in a state of starvation. Amidst such difficulties and dangers, what can a paternal and patriotic prince do to remove such complicated troubles, and to satisfy the opposite claims of contending parties? Be assured that the task imposed on statesmen, however sincere and anxious they may be to diminish at least, if not to eradicate such evils, is not an easy or an enviable one. How much do they need wisdom from above, to point out the best measures that can be taken in the present crisis; and how necessary, therefore, is it to supplicate the guidance and blessing of Almighty God, "by whom kings reign and princes decree justice;" and who is able, in the most troublesome times, to still the tumult of the people. But on this part of my subject I need not enlarge. I proceed to remark,

4. That the violent animosities, both of a political and religious nature, of contending parties at home, are an additional source of much evil.

Union in families and in nations is of great importance to their strength and prosperity,-" Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Small states may be expected to increase, when the members of the constituent body are substantially of one heart and mind; but the greatest empires frequently fall to pieces, through a violent collision of opinions and interests. In free states, indeed, it may be expected that, even on ordinary occasions, an endless variety of sentiments and inclinations will prevail; but there are periods in their history, in which the most turbulent passions are excited by opposing claims, and the safety of the commonwealth is thereby endangered. Many such periods have occurred in respect to our own country, when reformations in the church and in the state, have been strenuously urged by one party, and as rigorously opposed by another.

The movements in British society at the present time, are of no ordinary kind. From whatever causes they have sprung, and however justifiable the efforts to remove the evils which exist among us, yet the extreme agitation, not unmingled with wrath, which prevails in the country, in relation both to political and religious concerns, presents an alarming aspect, and excites many painful apprehensions with respect to futurity. In some periods of our history, monarchy, aspiring to be absolute, has stretched out its powerful hands, not so much to protect and bless, as to oppress the subject. In other times, the nobles, or at least a predominant portion of them, have alike disregarded the patriotic feelings of the prince, and the reasonable claims of the people. Then comes democracy in its turn; and having long smarted under the scourge of the superior orders in the state, is in danger, in its zeal for the reformation of abuses, of aiming to subvert institutions, which, in their origin were well intended, and capable of benefiting the community, when restrained by due regulations. Such is the situation of the British empire in the present eventful crisis. The struggle between contending parties is violent, it relates to almost all the interests of society, it excites in a high degree both the best and the worst passions of the human mind; and were it not for the powerful hand of a wise and overruling Providence, it might lead to results of a most terrific description. And now, having taken a cursory view of the painful circumstances that afflict our country, I proceed

II. To exhibit some traits of its moral character, that may account for the tokens of the Divine displeasure which we are under: "For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities we know them."

"We

In the 106th Psalm, ver. 7, David, reciting the history of the Israelites, says, "Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea." And must not we say, have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly." Nations, as well as families and individuals, often suffer for the evil deeds of their ancestors. God visits, in some cases, the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generations.

In surveying the pages of our history, what a black catalogue of crimes presents itself to our view. What wrongs have been done by Britain, as well as by other nations, to the sable sons and

daughters of Africa! What scenes of oppression and cruelty

have been exhibited in the East and West Indies, the lamentable effects of the most sordid avarice! What oceans of blood have been shed in revolutionary wars, undertaken, it may be feared, through jealousy and ambition, rather than from an enlightened sense of justice! And in conducting mercantile transactions, what dishonesty and perfidy have frequently debased our countrymen ! Nor must we forget the dishonour done to God and religion, by the unhallowed mixture of civil and political with sacred concerns. How often, to answer the purposes of intriguing statesmen, have the most important and dignified stations in the church been conferred upon persons who have been much more attentive to collect the fleece than to benefit the flock! In order to secure the church established by law, how long was the sacrament of the Lord's supper profaned by making the reception of it a qualification for civil offices? This evil has happily been done away by the wisdom and virtue of our legislature; but innumerable evils yet remain ; and it will be well for us to consider the crimes that are still too prevalent in our land.

Of our corrupt morals, infidelity, of the most unblushing kind, is one of the most fruitful sources. This evil is deeply rooted in the hearts of men. It leads them not only to deny the truth of the holy Scriptures, but to call in question even the being and perfections of God. Or, if they admit his existence, they treat him as if he were an unconcerned spectator of the universe. Men rush forward in their iniquitous courses, saying, "The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Israel regard it." The poison of infidelity is insidiously conveyed in almost every form. In history, in novels, in daily, monthly, and quarterly publications, and in scientific treatises, as well as at the festive board, sentiments are broached, which tend to subvert the most important truths, both of natural and revealed religion; and consequently, to sap the foundations of practical piety and morality. Shall not the God of truth and holiness punish for these things?

Ungodliness, in all its hideous forms, still unhappily abounds in this professedly christian country. The name of God is profaned by some, in the irreverent use of it in common conversation; and by others, in the broadest and coarsest language of impiety. The authority of God is despised, his word treated with ridicule, his ordinances neglected. The christian Sabbath is desecrated, either by the pursuit of worldly business, or sinful pleasure; it is regarded rather as a day of amusement for the body, than of spiritual improvement and delight to the mind. Too many, alas, are calling in

question the moral obligations of the Sabbath, although a day of sacred rest was appointed from the beginning of the world, was observed, when practicable, throughout the Jewish, and has never been repealed under the Christian, dispensation; for Christ assures us, that he came not to destroy the law, but to fulfil it. It is a crying evil in the present day, that among all classes of society, politics, aided by the publication of Sunday newspapers, engross those sacred hours, which should be devoted to the service of God, and preparation for the life to come.

Piety, being the only solid basis of sound morality, it is not surprising, that when the duties of the first table of the divine law are neglected, those of the second are disregarded also. Parental counsels and authority are not listened to as they ought to be, by those who respect not the authority of the great Parent of the universe, who hath said, "Honour thy father and mother, for this is the first commandment with promise." The reasonable claims of man upon his fellow creatures, will often be overlooked by those who have not the fear of God before their eyes. What little attention is paid to truth and honesty, by a considerable portion of society in their dealings one with another! They all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Many blush not to commit extortion in the most barefaced manner; and others, where detection of fraud is difficult, scruple not to practise it, preferring filthy lucre to a good conscience, and the approbation of God. Perjury is committed frequently with as little ceremony as lying; and men will sell their souls, as Esau his birthright, for a morsel of meat. How many also are exposing themselves to disgrace and ruin for time and eternity, by intemperance and impurity! It is painful to dwell on this part of our subject; but I cannot dismiss it without reminding you of what adds incalculably to the horror of the representation, the dreadful waste of human life, by the hands of the murderer. How melancholy to reflect on the numerous instances of self-destruction, and the destruction of others, which are continually occurring! It may be said, perhaps, by some, has not a corrupt state of society always prevailed? And does Great Britain appear to disadvantage, in respect to morals, if compared with other countries? It behoves us, however, when taking a view of our national guilt, to consider the peculiar advantages of a religious nature which we have enjoyed. What an extensive diffusion has there been amongst us of Bibles and religious tracts! What attention has been paid to the instruction of the rising generation, and to the spiritual wants of the poor! We have line upon line, and precept upon precept; and therefore, to

turn a deaf ear to the voice of God, discovers peculiar hardness of heart.

But, my respected hearers, our object to-day should be, not merely to reflect upon and lament the sins of others in general, but also, and especially, to exercise penitence for our own sins in particular. Admitting that we may be free from the gross vices which have been referred to, yet have we not abundant cause for deep humiliation before the Most High? May it not be feared that some among you are, to this moment, dead in trespasses and sins; alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in you, because of the blindness of your hearts? And must it not be acknowledged that there is much indifference and formality attending the profession of religion, even where we hope there is some degree of sincerity? Do not our souls cleave unto the dust? "Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold." Are we not apt to take more delight in the acquisitions and enjoyments of the world, than in the exercises of devotion, and in seeking communion with God? Have we not left our first love? Are not the things that remain ready to die? Can we say with St. Paul, that "forgetting the things that are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, we press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?" Where is that zeal for personal and domestic religion, for the advancement of the Redeemer's glory, and the salvation of the souls of men, at home and abroad, which it behoves us to cultivate?

In surveying the state of society, at the present time, it would be wrong, I conceive, to overlook those ultra-measures, which some well-meaning, but misguided persons, are pursuing under a pretence of extraordinary zeal for orthodoxy of sentiment and the promotion of piety, which, instead of strengthening, seem adapted rather to weaken the interests of religion, by disuniting those who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity; and impeding the operations and success of some of the most useful and important institutions which have been founded. You will perceive that I have a particular reference to the schism (short-lived I trust it will be) which has been made in the Bible Society, by some who affect a greater attachment to the momentous doctrine of the Trinity, than is manifested by those who adhere to the constitution of the Society in its original form.

It is certainly, also, a remarkable feature of the present period, that pretensions are made by some, to the working of miracles, and to the gift of tongues; which appear to spring from a deluded imagination, and are likely to expose the cause of Christianity to