us "be instructed," from everything which has passed, and is still passing before our eyes, that the first duty of nations, as well as of individuals, is to "serve the "Lord with fear," and to "put their "trust in him.”

Such, then, is the leading duty to which our attention is naturally roused in these dark times, and such, too, let meadd, is the only star of hope which can shoot a steady ray through the thickening gloom.When we look a little way into futurity, there are but two prospects before us. The one is, that the storm which is now laying waste the world, will yet reach ourselves, and that all our wisdom and valour must be exerted to the utmost to defend that inheritance which our Fathers have left us. Now, I affirm, that on that day of trial, come when it may, neither our national intrepidity, nor the wisdom of our councils, will be a firm

basis of trust, unless we advance to the struggle with that calm and steady determination to perform our duty through every obstacle which the high principle of Piety alone can inspire. It is, indeed, in this principle alone, that true Patriotism has its beginning and its end. We love our country, not from any little feelings of selfish interest, but because it is the theatre appointed by Providence for the present range of our moral affections, and we feel, when it is in danger, that there is no other resting-place to which these affections can cling, except the belief of a better country reserved for us in the Heavens. Thus, the patriotism which springs from religion, connects in one view present and future things, contends for mortal blessings with immortal arms, and brings into the conflict of Time, all that ardour and glow of sentiment which

is kindled at the opening blaze of Eternity.

Nor must we here overlook, as entirely obscure and mysterious, the moral ends for which God governs the world; and, as he can thwart the operation of every natural instrument, let us seriously reflect on what character of mind alone he will be inclined to confer success. Plainly, on the high spirit of Piety and Virtue, to promote which over the whole Universe, is, we are led to believe, the ultimate object of his plan, and to the want of which among men, the heavy judgments that now afflict the nations may, with so much likelihood, be referred.

The other prospect, my brethren, is more agreeable. It is pleasing to consider how long this mighty Nation has enjoyed security and repose at home, while she has commanded the esteem and admiration of the world. It is pleasing to

think what a lofty name she has hitherto held, and that, quiet and undisturbed herself, she is yet felt and known wherever the waves can waft, or the winds can blow! It is pleasing to believe, that this happy security will continue, and that, after the present storm is past, (for it may pass,) she will continue to rise among the nations with undiminished lustre.

But, if such should be the bountiful design of Providence, still it becomes us to be instructed by the events which are passing before us, and, reflecting on the past and the present, to lay a firm foundation for our future hopes. Let us call to mind on what our high name hitherto has rested. Greatly, to be sure, on our national strength and importance; but still more on our national character; on the conviction, deeply and widely spread, that we are no vain and frivolous people;

that we have no mean and despicable vices; that we are a wise, a sober, an upright, and a religious nation. It is upon this ground of dignity that we stand; and whatever may be the issue of the present troubles, be it our chief care that we never fall from it. If we should, the spell which has hitherto guarded us will be broken; if we change our character, and henceforth are known only as a luxurious, a licentious, and a profligate people, then it matters not whether the "Philip" of to-day is "sick or dead." Our own worthlessness will raise up "another Philip" whenever we become "vessels fit"ted for destruction."

My brethren, we are assembled before the God of our Fathers, and are now about to return to our several duties, in the departments to which his Providence has called us. Let us go forth, then, with a firm impression of that Almighty