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 sy DANIEL DANA, 
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 PUBLISHED AT THE DESIRE OF THE HEARERS; 
 TO WHOM ITIS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED. 
 
 FP STE Rh AD Pag PG eR 
 
 NEWBURYPORT : 
 
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 FROM HE PRESS OF 
 ANGIER MARCH. 
 
 SOLD AT FNS BOOKSTORE, NORTH SIDE OF MARKET-SQUARE. 
 
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DISCOURSE 
 
 ON THE 
 
 DEATH or WASHINGTON. 
 
 Tue day, Fathers and Friends, which 
 we have fo often delighted to hail and to celebrate, as 
 one of the moft Uluftrioufly aufpicious in the annals 
 of our country and- of mankind—again returns. 
 But, fad reverfe ! no mutual gratulations, no heart- 
 cheering recollections, no gladfome feftivities return 
 withit. The dear man who has long lived to God, 
 to his country, and to glory, fhall ever live, in our 
 tendereft affections—in the beft recefles of our 
 hearts. But WASHINGTON was mortal! The 
 anniverfary of his birth we fhall no more celebrate, 
 but in memory of “ joys that are paft.” Alas! it 
 is fuperfeded, in our country’s calendar, by the fa- 
 tal fourteenth of December !—a day, the recollection of 
 
 which, 
 
 301497 
 
4. 
 which, will long agonize the heart, and fadden the 
 countenance of every virtuous Amcrican. 
 
 Still there is left us the mournful pleafure of pay- 
 ing to diftinguifhed excellence its merited honors, 
 and of pouring our filial tears. to the dear memory 
 of our deceafed Father. Blefled be God! we are 
 not forbidden to weep. On-fuch an occafion, it is 
 a precious privilege. It will give fome relief from 
 the mighty burden of our forrow. And our hearts 
 when foftened may receive a deeper impreffion of 
 the virtues we thus honor. 
 
 Our country mourns. -The breach, wide as the 
 fea, with which her God, awful though jut i in his 
 difpleafure, has afflicted her, is felt, is tenderly la, 
 mented through allher tribes. Her widely diftant 
 fhores- echo and reccho the voice of undiflembled 
 mourning. This day exhibits a fcene’ probably 
 new to the world—a numerous and far extended 
 nation infpired by one all-attraéting, all-cementing 
 principle of fentimental forrow, and {pontaneoufly 
 pouring forth a flood of heart-felt grief at the tomb 
 of a Man univerfally acknowledged its chief fupport 
 and its brighteft ornament, 
 
 Come then, let us mingle our fympathetic for- 
 rows with the forrows of our bleeding Country. 
 Let us refign our fouls to the foft fentiments which 
 the occafion fo powerfully infpires. Let ourhearts re- 
 
 {pond 
 
5 
 SaaS 
 
 fpond to the accents of mourning conveyed to us by 
 
 évery pafling gale; while every tongue, in unifon with 
 the language of millions is ready to adopt the ten- 
 der exclamation: MY FATHER! MY FATHER ! 
 THE CHARIOT OF ISRAEL, AND THE 
 ‘HORSEMEN THEREOF! (2 Kings, 2. 12.) 
 
 Such was the fhort; but comprehenfive and par 
 thetic eulogy which, on the miraculous tranilation 
 of the prophet Elijah, in a chariot of fire, flowed 
 warm from the heart of the afflicted Elifha. His 
 own particular lofs was great. He was bereaved of 
 the Inftreétor and Guide of his youth. He was 
 fuddenly deprived of one who by his tendernefs 
 and watchful care, added to his fuperior age, au- 
 _ thority and knowledge, had attraé&ed his filial rev- 
 erence and affetion. But his perfonal affliction, 
 deep and diftreffing as it was, did not abforb his 
 fenfe of the public calamity. He mourned for his 
 country. He mourned that her ftrength, that the 
 principal inftrument of her protection and fafety 
 ‘was removed—for in this light he viewed the ex- 
 emplary character, the pious counfels, the faithful 
 warnings and the prevalent interceffions of the now 
 departed prophet. Thefe were the chariot of Ifracl, 
 and its horfemen : far faperior indeed to all its martial 
 initruments, preparations, and achievements. 
 
 Unfpeakably important and beneficial to a com- 
 munity is every pious perfon it contains. Such 
 
 301497 Py 
 
. & 
 
 are truly the pillars of its ftrength and the fhield of 
 of its defence. But peculiarly entitled to this de- 
 {cription are thofe whofe unfullied purity of char- 
 acter and. acknowledged fuperiority of wifdom, 
 joined to eminence of ftation, have acquired for 
 them an extenfive {phere of influence. Such acom- 
 bination of qualities and advantages falls to the lot 
 of few. But thefe few are precious. Their upright- » 
 nefs, their fagacit y, their influence, their prayers, are 
 better than weapons of war. And thougli they fhould 
 never enter the martial field, nor perfonally con-. 
 verfe with the toils and dangers of war, ftill they 
 are their country’s champions and protectors, 
 
 How preeminent then in this fublime office and 
 employment is he who to all which has been. al- 
 teady defcribed, adds the fkill, the bravery, the for- 
 titude, the experience of the finifhed Soldier and 
 General ! . 
 
 I perceive, my mourning friends, you already an- 
 ticipate the application of this affecting paflage to 
 the occafion of our prefent grief; to the Man who 
 may now emphatically and with the moft undifput- 
 ed propriety be ftyled immortal—the revered and 
 beloved WASHINGTON. And do not your full 
 hearts declare that you have never feen nor heard 
 of the man, nor, excepting in the facred records, 
 ever met with the delineation of the character, to | 
 whom fuch a eulogy fo jaftly belongs ? 
 
 WASHINGTON 
 
7 
 
 ’ WASHINGTON was our Father. For his coun- 
 
 try, he felt more than the affection, the tendernefs, 
 the care and folicitude of a parent. Her intereft, 
 her happinefs feemed ever uppermoft in his heart, 
 in his wifhes and in his prayers. To her protec- 
 tion and comfort he gave the fprightly energy of 
 his youth, the matured vigor and wifdom of his 
 manhood, the cares and counfels of his age : and 
 all with a cheerfulnefs which imparted a double val- 
 ue to the gift. Recolleé& the coftly facrifices he has 
 made and the imminent hazards he has encounter- 
 ed; recollect his nights of watching and his days of 
 toil; recollect efpecially the precious Legacy he 
 has left you, drawn from the rich ftores of his fer- 
 tile mind and extenfive obfervation; breathing too 
 the tendereft affection of his heart—and own that he 
 was indeed your Father.—But the tender confef- 
 fion has long fince been made by an affectionate 
 people. Millions of tongues, the faithful interpret- 
 ers of millions of hearts, have united in it. And 
 this day, while it folemnly feals, indelibly records 
 it. For what means the univerfal aflembling of this 
 day ? What mean the folemn rites this moment cel. 
 ebrated in every part of our country? Is this the 
 cold, formal homage of ceremony ? Is it the abject, 
 reluctant tribute of vaffal fubmiflion, extorted to 
 grace the exit of fome defpot, who has lived with- 
 out affection, and died without regret? No. It is 
 the {pontaneous effufion of Feds too {trong to be 
 — and almoft too ontieiadiaiog to be fup- 
 . ported. 
 
8 
 
 ported. It is a nation of freemen, animated with 
 one foul, heaving one figh, preft with one forrow, . 
 mourning a common Father, and feeking acliehaal 
 confolation in the temple of God. 
 
 WASHINGTON was likewife, ia an important 
 fenfe, our /trength and protection. Let this be recog: — 
 nifed, not by way of fervilely flattering or impi- 
 oufly ido!izing a creature, but in grateful commemzs 
 oration of diftinguifhed excellence and ufefulnefs, 
 and in humble honor to that merciful Being who 
 has indulged us, in one of our own feeble race, fuch 
 an illuftrious inffrument of His beneficence and 
 guardian care. It was His tramfcendent favor 
 to our Nation which raifed us up fuch'a Hero, fuch 
 a Sage, fuch a Man: which enriched him with an 
 underftanding fo capacious, and with a heart {till 
 more large and expanfive ; which infpired his bo- 
 fom with the fublime ambition to ferve and fave 
 his country, and which crowned this firft, laft, and 
 favorite with of his foul with the moft oe fuc- 
 
 cols. 
 
 It were eafy to illuftrate this point, and to fhew, 
 in diftin@ and regular detail, how eminently he was 
 the fafeguard and ftrength of our country, by-his 
 great achievements, by his fage counfels, by-his illuftri-. 
 ous example, by his unparalleled influence,yand (blefied 
 _ be God! we may add) by his devout prayers. But 
 
 ‘on an‘occafion fo tender, the tafk of formal difcuf- - 
 
 fion 
 
9 
 
 fion and the rigid reftraints ef method would but 
 ill-accord with your feelings or my own. Let us 
 then' in a more defultory way, range this capa- 
 cious field, and fix our minds for a moment on fome 
 of the moft confpicuous objects it prefents. Let us 
 indulge fome brief contemplations calculated to im- 
 prefs us with a lively idea of the rich treafure, the 
 comprehenfive blefling which once was ours. If 
 there is pain in the employment, it is a pain nearly 
 allied to pleafure. Inftruction tov, and benefit, of 
 great importance may be the refult. 
 
 At a very early period of life did the future Guar- 
 dian of his' country give fome intimation of that fa- 
 gacity and comprehenfion of mind, that correétnefs 
 of judgment, that force of genius and dignity of 
 character which have long fince been the admira- 
 tion of the world. Commiffioned, about the age of 
 twenty-one, to examine the encroachments made 
 by the French on the weftern frontiers of thefe then 
 Britifh colonies, and to remonftrate againit them, 
 he more than juftified fo fingular an appointment 
 by executing its important duties with an accuracy 
 and addrefs far beyond his years. A {cene which 
 opéned not long after, was perilous and diftrefsful in- 
 deed. But it fignalized the more confpicuoufly the 
 military.talents of our youthful Hero,now command- 
 ing a-regiment * under General Braddock. Ina con- 
 B- teft 
 
 * Such is the current of accounts. By fome, however, it 
 has 
 
10 
 teft with the Indians equally ill-judged and difaftrous, 
 that brave but too rafh and pertinacious officer fell, 
 with great part of his army. The honor of 
 faving the remainder was allotted to WASHING- 
 TON, who with a moft remarkable intrepidity, 
 fkill and fuccefs, conducted their retreat. — 
 
 Heaven that enriched him with fuch rare endow- 
 ments, prepared in due time a theatre adequate to 
 their complete difplay. Nor is it furely one of the 
 fmalleft glories of our late Revolution, that it had 
 fuch a fhare in developing and difplaying to man- 
 kind a chara¢ter which has irrefiftible claims to be 
 loved, and the love of which is clofely connected 
 with every virtue. 
 
 Never 
 
 has been afferted that Col, Wathington had previoufly refigned 
 his commiffion, in confequence of fome arrangements refpett- 
 ing rank, which he viewed as degrading to the colonial officers 5 
 and that he was now attending Gen. Braddock as a volunteer 
 and an extraordinary Aid. 
 
 + This memorable retreat was particularly noticed by the 
 pious and excellent Mr. Davies, afterwards Prefident of New- 
 Jerfey College ; who took occafion from it to “ point out to 
 the public that heroic youth, Col. Wafhington—whom,” he 
 adds, * 1 cannot but hope Providence has hitherto preferved 
 in fo fignal a manner, for fome important fervice to his Coun- 
 try ;”—a remark which when we confider the early period at 
 which it was made, and the fingular verification it afterwards 
 received, appears little lefs than prc phetic. 
 
If 
 
 ’ Never can this momentous Revolution be con- 
 templated by a feeling American, but with mingled 
 fentiments of gratitude and aftonifhment. The 
 grandeur and boldnefs of its defign could be equal- 
 led by nothing but the wonders which marked eve 
 ry ftep of its progrefs, and the triumphant fuccefs 
 with which it was finally crowned. Well may its 
 recollection excite the humble yet exulting acknowl. 
 edgment: Jfit had not been the LORD who was on our 
 
 jfide, when men rofe up againft us : then they had /wallow- 
 ed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled azainft us. 
 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the fiream had 
 gone over our foul. Our help was in the name of the LORD, 
 who made heaven and earth.* We gracioully infpired 
 us with a love of liberty, equal to every exertion, 
 and {uperior toevery danger. His kindly infduence 
 transfufed the facred flame from heart to heart, till 
 this whole nation refolved to vindicate its violated 
 rights, or perifh in the attempt. He revealed, in 
 various ways, his mighty and merciful arm for our 
 -help and falvation. He gave us a WASHINGTON 
 
 —the man we wanted—and perhaps the only man 
 en earth capable of meeting the high and extenfive 
 demands of fo awful a crifis. “The voice of his Coun- 
 try calling him to the command of her armies, he 
 obeyed with promptnefs, yet. with a felf-diffidence 
 which forms a beautiful counterpart to the ability, 
 the vigor and fuccefs of his following exertions.— 
 Many. of you, my hearers, recollect what a gencral 
 
 and 
 * Pfalng 124. 
 
and animating confidence was infpired by his firft 
 appearance at Cambridge : and you know how faith- 
 ful was the correfpondence between an increafing 
 difplay of his charaéter, and the increafed confi- 
 dence, love and veneration of his countrymen, 
 His virtues and talents, his character and influence, 
 feemed the chief fupport, the very vital principle of 
 our Revolution ; and for many an anxious year did 
 we confider the political falvation of our country as 
 _ depending on him, fo far as it could be dependent . 
 on a mortal man. 
 
 Wonderful indeed were the perplexities, the dif- 
 trefles, the perils and difcouragements which affail- 
 ed him during a hard and doubtful conteft of eight 
 years. But far more wonderful the refources of his 
 mighty mind which they called forth, and the un- 
 fhrinking courage, the determination, the perfever; 
 ance by which they were encountered and finally 
 overcome. With an army imperfedtly difciplined, 
 inconftantly fupplied, and every moment, as it were, 
 trembling to its diflolution, he confronted and van- 
 quithed the forces of one of the moft potent and for- 
 midable nations on earth,and obtained,with the ac- 
 knowledgment of our independence, a peace far 
 more advantageous than at the beginning of the 
 ~ ftruggle we dared hope. Whe fees not that a great- 
 ~ er than WASHINGTON was here ?—that a juft and 
 gracious GOD fupported our caufe, and gave to our 
 feeble exertions his own refiftlefs energy ? 
 
 The 
 
13 
 
 The diftinguifhed Minifter of his beneficence dif- 
 mifles with his paternal blefling an army which he 
 might have eafily made the inftrument of ambition 
 and aggrandizement, commits his dear delivered 
 country to the care of Heaven, and retires to his 
 beloved Vernon, crowned with glory, purfued by 
 the prayers and blefiings of an affectionate people, 
 rewarded by their gratitude, and happy in their 
 happinefs, 
 
 But half the purpofe for which he was indulged 
 to his country and to the world—perhaps the great- 
 er half—was yet unaccomplifhed. In the memora- 
 ble Convention of 1787, WASHINGTON ap- 
 peared and prefided. ‘There we find him, in union 
 with the affembled fages of the land, laying plans tor 
 the fecurity and perpetuation of that liberty which 
 his valor had defended ; forming and maturing a 
 {cheme of government of which his fagacious mind: 
 had long fince perceived the neceflity, and his maf- 
 terly hand almoft traced the oatlines.* 
 
 The excellence of this conftitution, its benign af- 
 pect on all the moft precious interefis of our coun- 
 try, its effects, incalculably important and benelicial, 
 have long fince been realized and generally confefl- 
 ed. Yet fo various and powerful was the oppofition 
 it encountered, fo pernicious were the jealoufies and 
 divifions of that moft alarming period, that had it 
 
 not 
 
 * See hisCircular Letter to the Governors of the feveral States. 
 
44 
 
 not been fheltered and recgmmended by the name of 
 WASHINGTON, its bleflings might have been for- 
 everloftto us. All thanks to that beneficent Prov- 
 idence which fent us this fecond national falvation 
 by the fame beloved hand which brought the firft! 
 
 And what mingled fentiments of delight, grati- 
 tude and veneration were excited in our hearts by 
 the aufpicious news that he who had defended us in 
 ‘war, was about to rule us in peace !—that again 
 fummoned by a country whofe voice he could never. hear 
 but with veneration and love, he had condefcended to 
 give the evening of his days to the promotion of her 
 happinefs ! Yet who dared confider it as within the 
 {phere of probability that his preeminence in the 
 cabinet could equal his glory in the field? 
 
 _ The event, however, difappointed every fear, 
 and more than realized our moft fanguine hopes. 
 WASHINGTON -was in a new fphere: but he was 
 ftill the fame. ‘The fame correétnefs and penetra- 
 tion of mind, the fame calmnefs in deliberation, 
 promptitude of decifion and energy of action, the 
 fame eagle-eyed vigilance and invincible perfever- 
 ance, the fame ftern integrity and glowing love of 
 country, which had rendered his military life fo glo- 
 vious, attended him to the cabinet. | 
 
 How well, how fuccefsfully he difcharged the ar- 
 duous and complicated duties of a firft and fecond 
 Prefidency, 
 
15 
 
 Prefidency, needs not now be told. It has been 
 clearly read in the flourifhing ftate of our country, 
 in the ftability of our public credit, in the rapid in- 
 creafe of our commerce and wealth during thofe pe-. 
 riods, and in our remarkable prefervation from the 
 moft awful dangers threatening us both from with- 
 in and without. _It has been loudly proclaimed by 
 the plaudits of the wife and good throughout the 
 world. It has been ftrikingly manifefted by the 
 general fatisfaction and happinefs of this favored 
 -people during his adminiftration, and by their pun- 
 gent regret at his retirement from office, and from 
 this mortal {cene. 
 
 From the political fphere, however, he did not 
 retire, without leaving us his fatherly benediction. 
 Nor from the world, until he had given the crown: 
 ing evidence how near to his heart was his country’s 
 happinefs. Will it be thought the dictate of a fans 
 ciful fingularity to fuggeft that the moft glorious act 
 even of WASHINGTON, was his acceptance of his 
 laft appointment to the command of our armies ?— 
 When we faw him voluntarily retire, loaded with 
 honors, from the higheft office in his country’s gift, 
 we naturally judged it impoflible that a character fo 
 exalted fhould attain any additional elevation. But 
 his great foul difcovered a way. He rofe by de/cending. 
 Nor can it be doubted that this unparalleled inftance 
 -of condefcenfion was the refult of that difinterefted- 
 nels of virtue which is its higheft glory. For what 
 
 private 
 
16 
 
 eae 
 ptivate advantage could there be to allure to the 
 martial field him who had already gathered all the 
 laurels it could beftow, and had long fince been re- 
 pofing under their fhade ? None, my brethren. Nor 
 can you furely contemplate his venerable form again 
 expoling itfelf to the perils of war, his breaft again 
 bared to receive the weapons aimed at his country’s 
 peace, without the moft unutterable emotions of 
 affectionate reverence. 
 
 But we are come to a fcene {till more affe@ting. 
 The exit of a good man is furely one of the moft 
 animating, though awful {pectacles which the world 
 can prefent. That of WASHINGTON was fudden 
 —But let me retract the thought— 
 
 «© No death is fudden to a foul prepar’d, 
 «¢ When. God’s own hour brings always God’s reward” —= 
 
 —And his life appeared to be a fcene of conftant 
 preparation for death; of uninterrupted, vigorous 
 devotion to the fervice of God and his fellow-crea- 
 tures. Approach then, if you can fuftain the 
 thought, and contemplate a moment the dying bed 
 of WASHINGTON! Behold him ealm—undifmay- 
 ed—felf-collected—fuftaining the moft agonizing 
 diftrefs without a groan—{ubmiffively yielding his 
 {pirit to his God—not afraid to die—majeftic in death. 
 —But the fcene is too overwhelming. Let us retire. 
 
 And while its impreffion is recent, let us briefly ru- 
 minate 
 
47 
 Se 
 minate on fome of the many virtues of this Won- 
 derful man. 
 
 | The ruling paffion of his foul, if we may judze 
 froma review of every part of his life—I had almoit 
 faid, of its every action and circumftance, was 
 Patriotifm. He feemed to live only for his coun- 
 try. To her happimefs he delighted to fubordinate 
 every other confideration. The facrifices he made 
 to this favorite obje€t were innumerable and im- 
 menfe. His refufal of any compenfation for his 
 public fervicés, and this uniformly perfifted in, rare 
 as the inftance is, and worthy commemoration; 
 feems yet in WASHINGTON to have been among 
 the fmaller expreffions of patriotifm. Sacrifices far 
 more coftly to a foul like his, he continually made. 
 The fweets of retirement, to which he was peculiar- 
 ly attached, and the fatisfactions of domeftic life, he 
 habitually refigned at the call of his country. And 
 there were periods when his chara¢ter and popular- 
 ity feerhed at flake: when the hafty decifions and 
 temporary clamors of injudicious or unprincipled 
 men came directly in competition with his own 
 fenfe of the public good. In thefe cafes, he coolly 
 held on his way, leaving to time and reafon the 
 juftification-of his conduct: Nay, ingratitude itfelf, 
 and calumny could not extinguifh nor confine the 
 facred flame which glowed in his breait. 
 
 Nor 
 
 ¢) 
 
48 
 Seen a] 
 
 Nor did this fire confume any of thofe more ex- 
 panfive fenfibilities which fhould live in the human 
 bofom. His patriotifm was connected with the moft 
 enlarged Philanthropy, and the kindeft fentiments 
 of Humanity. He felt for the diftrefles of man. He 
 mitigated, fo far as in his power, the feverities of 
 war. He fympathized in the diftrefles of the prifon- 
 er caft by Providence on his care. And while his 
 firm hand has executed the dictates of juftice, the - 
 tear of mercy has trembled in his eye. To his 
 flaves, whom he was under a partial neceflity of de- 
 taining, he was rather a Father than a Matter, as ap- 
 pears from his late Will. And bear witnefs, you 
 who feel—exguifitely feel—yet for none but your- 
 felves—you who never made a facréfice to the com- 
 fort of an inferior domettic, bear witnefs—that the 
 precious life of WASHINGTON was probably fa- 
 crificed to his reluctance to difturb the repofe of a 
 menial fervant. "6 ‘ 
 
 There was in this man.a Delicacy of mind which 
 never forfook him : a certain inflinétive and exquif- 
 ite fenfe of the fit, the proper, the decorous—inde- 
 pendent of reafoning—more correét than the niceft 
 rules of art—prompting him in all circumftances 
 and on every occafion, to fay and do the very thing 
 he fhould—and often no lefs confpicuous to the dif: - 
 cerning mind in what he left wndone and wafaid. 
 ‘Doubtiefs this natural elegance of mind received 
 
 much 
 
49 
 much additional refinement from the moral and 
 Chriftian fentiments fo familiar to him. 
 
 In his character, nothing perhaps was more re- 
 markable than a genuine and moft exemplary Hu- 
 mility. And furely never was the humility of a 
 mortal more frequently or more thoroughly put to 
 the teft than his—raifed, as he was, to the higheft 
 dignities his country could beftow, and conftantly 
 prefented not only with the tribute of juft encomi- 
 um, but the incenfe of extreme adulation. But a- 
 mid all, he never appeared to forget himfelf, nor to 
 grow giddy with fancied elevation. While his ad- 
 miring Country thought that no attentions, no hon- 
 ors, fit to be beftowed on a mortal, were too much 
 to offer, fcarcely any thing of this kind appeared to 
 him too little. Moft of us remember his vifit to thefe 
 parts, foon after his election to the Prefidency-——how 
 his prefence gladdened every heart, cheered every 
 face and drew from all defcriptions of perfons the 
 ftrongeft poflible teftimonials of refpect and venera- 
 tion. But the fcene feemed evidently rather to de- 
 prefs than to elevate him. A crowning evidence of 
 the fame humble {pirit is exhibited in his laft Tefta- 
 ment, in which he declares his exprefs defire that 
 his corpfe ‘“‘ may be interred in a private manner, 
 without parade, or funeral oration.” 
 
 His felf-government in other refpects was fcarcely 
 Jefs extraordinary. His mind feemed always on the 
 throne, 
 
throne, fwaying an abfolute fceptre over his appe- 
 tites and paflions. What to fome appeared extreme 
 referve and even aufterity in his deportment, was 
 probably the dictate of principle ; the fruit of a juft 
 conviction that to his charaéter and, ftation there 
 was neceflary a dignity not compatible with the 
 mont unrejerved communication. And, jemarka- 
 bly on all occafions was this dignity fupported, ~ It 
 had indeed a firm and folid, bafis. It was built not 
 
 on. pride. and arrogance, but on Prscnnnens worth. 
 and unaffected modefty. 
 
 He pofiefled a Magnanimity which, as. it render. 
 ed him fuperior to ingratitude and, injury, faved. 
 him likewife from undue elation in profperity, and, 
 from. defpondency in trial. ‘“ I have feen him,” 
 fays his great compatriot ADAMS, “ in the days of 
 adverfity, in fome of the fcenes of his deepeft diftref. 
 and moft trying perplexities—I haye alfo attended 
 him in his higheft elevation and moft profperous fe- 
 licity—-with uniform, admiration, of his, wifdom, 
 moderation and.conftancy.” Scarcely coulda high- 
 er eulogium be pronounced on a mortal, or a, more 
 
 unequivocal evidence fuggefted, of a truly Enea and 
 well-balanced: mind. 
 
 In fhort, there appeared in WASHINGTON 4 
 purity of heart and a uniformity of charadter, 
 which placed him alone among the. great ones of 
 the earth ; or rather which caufed their greatnefg 
 
 to 
 
24 
 =o 
 
 to dwindle into infignificance. ‘His foul was fupe- 
 rior tothe thoufand arts and littlenefles which have 
 _ difgraced: the characters of mott of the celebrated’ 
 politicians of Europe. Nay more, he attained an 
 immenfe fuperiority over thofe generals and ftatef- 
 men who have been confidered in the world’as men 
 of virtue. And if the cau/é of this'be enquired for, 
 I confefs, my brethren, there appears to me but one 
 which is at all fufficient ; and this, when maturely 
 weighed, will be found thoroughly adequate to the 
 effe&t. He was, as there are-the moft cogent rea- 
 fons to believe, a CHRISTIAN—a man of prayer— 
 ~ eminently fo—one who lived and aéted in the fear 
 of GOD, and under.an impreflive. fenfe of his heart- 
 fearching eye—one who humbly proftrated. his foul 
 at the feet of the divine SAVIOR—who derived his 
 beft fentiments from His gofpel—and exhibited a 
 bright iJluftration of His bleffed and heavenly fpirit. 
 Can it be fuppofed, that a man who appeared at the 
 fartheft poffible. diftance from diffimulation ; who 
 never, fpoke nor aéted without a meaning; whofe 
 profeflion.of Chriftianity was yet fo explicit, whofe 
 attendance on its inftitutions fo conftant and uni- 
 form; fo full apparently of reverence and affe@ion ; 
 whofe temper and: life were likewife fo. ftrikingly 
 correfpondent—-was not at heart a Chriftian ? This, 
 this appears at once the feundation and the crown 
 of all his greatnefs and glory. In this point of view 
 principally, he was a mighty bulwark to our coun- 
 try: His prayers made an important part: of our na- 
 tional 
 
22 
 
 tional defence. Hisexcellent {pirit and pious example 
 were calculated to flafh conviction in the face of all the 
 proud infidels in our land. The humble yet fublime, 
 the benevolent and godlike principles which a@tuated 
 this Chriftian Hero, would raife a blufh on the cheeks 
 of the ambitious conquerors and deftroyers of nations 
 —if ambition could blufh. His charaéter, my breth- 
 ren, is full of inftruction to us all : and He who gave 
 us fuch a character, He who has placed fuch a rare 
 affemblage of virtues before our eyes, moft juftly, 
 moft folemnlyrequires, that we noticeit, to His honor 
 and for our own imitation. Nor let it be confidered 
 as the hafty effufion of an ill-boding mind—‘tis an 
 apprehenfion fanctioned by my cooleft thought-that 
 fhould the period ever arrive (gracious Heaven for- 
 bid it fhould!) when the name and virtues of 
 WASHINGTON fhall excite no lively vibrations of 
 fenfibility, no tender feelings of gratitude, in the 
 bofoms of Americans, it will be the period of our 
 country’s degradation. It will argue fuch a depra- 
 vation of fentiment, fuch a dereliétion of principle, 
 as will but too certainly indicate and feal our na- 
 tional infamy and ruin. 
 
 You will not moft affuredly confider me as repre- 
 fenting the character to be wholly faultlefs. This 
 is not the lot of humanity. _ And far be from me 
 fuch injuftice to my own fpecies as to rob it of fo 
 bright an ornament, by reprefenting WASHING- 
 TON as an Angel. We claim him asa Man : nor 
 
 will 
 
23 
 
 will we relinquifh the claim.—Befide, who could be 
 more ready than he was, to confefs and feel his own 
 dependence, frailty, and liability to error? Who 
 more ready than he, on all occafions, to elude the 
 notice and encomiums of a fond Country, and to 
 point its attention and gratitude to an overruling 
 and beneficent Providence :—to deprefs himfelf,that 
 he might exalt his God ?—Nor probably is there a 
 perfon living whofe ears and heart can be more 
 wounded by thofe incautious and unhallowed_ ex- 
 travagancies which, in too many inftances, have been 
 f{cattered over his grave, than his would be, were he 
 within their reach. 
 
 Let us not then think ourfelves excufed, nor let 
 us be deterred, from rendering to the deceafed Sa- 
 vior* and ornament of his country, a suf tribute of 
 affeGtionate regard and celebration. Methinks be- 
 fide his tomb, Virtue weeps, and Religion herfelf 
 becomesa mourner. ‘The furrounding world takes 
 a lively intereft in the fcene. Is there an American 
 who can behold it unmoved ? Surely, he muft be far 
 above, or far below the level of humanity. 
 
 For him who is gone, we truft we have ne reafon 
 tomourn. For ourfelves and our country we have 
 much. If, as Infpiration declares, the righteous are 
 
 taken 
 
 * The application of this term to 2 human, infrumental 
 
 Deliverer, is juftified by the literal expreffions of holy writ 3, 
 
 as may be feen in Nelemiah 9. 27, and other paflages. 
 
ee ee 
 
 24 
 eee 
 taken away from the. evil to come; if pious and patria 
 otic fouls are feafonably fnatched from thofe calami- 
 ties which they would feel lefs for themfelves than 
 for others, what have we not reafon to apprehend 
 
 - when fuch a Friend and Father is called home? My 
 
 brethren, we have never yet realized —God grant 
 we may not be taught by bitter experience !—how 
 important. has been the protection afforded our 
 Country amid the florms of Europe, by the very 
 name of WASHINGTON, and by the confcioufnefs, 
 fo difheartening to the enemies of our peace, that 
 he lived, that he was ready again to gird on his — 
 
 faithful {word in defence of our rights. Nor have’ 
 
 we yet completely made the momentous experiment, 
 
 -how effentially neceffary was his life and influence 
 to our federal union and internal tranquillity. And 
 is there not too much reafon to fear that vice and 
 infidelity, long fo mournfully prevalent among us, 
 will have a new triumph, now fuch an illuftrious 
 champion and ornament of virtue and religion is 
 removed? 
 
 Still let us implicitly fubmit to the fovereignty of 
 Him whofe pavilion is darknefi, whofe way is. in the 
 fea, whole judgments are unfearchable, whofe holy dif- 
 pleafure at our national fins, and efpecially our un- 
 grateful abufe of the moft fignal mercies, is yet but 
 too confpicuous in this diftrefling difpenfation. 
 
 Shall 
 
25 
 
 Shall we not likewife on.this occafion, mournful 
 as it is, endeavor to realize anew our multiplied 
 reafons to be thankful, that fuch an illuftrious char- 
 acter has been raifed up, has been fo long lent to our 
 unworthy land, has been made fuch an inftrument 
 of mercy and fuch an inftructive example to this 
 ‘people, has continued glorioufly uniform to the laft? 
 Let us blefs God that we have had a WASHING- 
 TON to mourn over ; for ages and centuries might 
 not have afforded us the precious privilege. 
 
 Let us never ceafe to bear on our hearts and in 
 our prayers his eminently virtuous Reli@, whofe late 
 Letter, the expreffion of her foul, proves her a kin- 
 
 _dred and congenial fpirit—worthy the heart of the. 
 firft of men. May that power and mercy which 
 knows no confinement, give her fupport, great as 
 her lofs,.and heartfelt as her affliction ! 
 
 _And fhall not the venerable ADAMS, who now 
 feels himfelf alone, bereaved of his laf? brother, be remem- 
 bered by us with new tendernefs and folicitude ? 
 While we are permitted to contemplate the mantle 
 and the /pirit, with the office of his afcended prede- 
 ceflor, as refting on him (as did thofe of Elijah on 
 Elifha) let us be thankful that a lofs which we were 
 ready (perhaps too ready) to confider as irreparable, 
 has been fo munificently fupplied. And let us ar- 
 dently fupplicate the continuance of his life, his en- 
 
 ergies and ufefulnefs, 
 D Does 
 
26 
 
 Does not the mournful event we now contem- 
 plate, call on us in loud and folemn accents, to cea/é 
 from man, whofe breath is in his noftrils, whofe glory is as 
 the flower of grafs ; to beware of an unlimited de- - 
 pendence ona frail mortal, however eminent in vir- 
 tue, in ftation and ufefulnefs ? Does it not with a 
 kind of irrefiftible eloquence plead with us to con- 
 center our affections, our hope and confidence in. 
 the everlafting and unchangeable GOD; the fu- 
 preme Beauty and the fupreme Good; the Refuge 
 and Dwelling-place of his people in all calamities, in 
 ali generations ?. 
 
 Is the hoary, the venerable head of WASHING- 
 TON brought down to the duft of death ? Then, my 
 Wathers, prepare to die! Could not his illuftrious 
 
 character, his exalted virtue, his diftinguifhed ufe- 
 fulnefs, his unrivalled glory ; could not the withes 
 and prayers of his country ; could not the admira- 
 tion and reverence of mankind obtain for him fo 
 much as a momentary reprieve from the arreft of 
 the Heaven-commiflioned Meflenger? Then where 
 is the favored mortal that can claim it? Where the 
 thoughtlefs creature that dares expect it ? 
 
 Is it our confoling hope that while earth is fo 
 ereatly impoverifhed by the lofs of fo much excel- 
 lence, Heaven is proportionably enriched by its ac- 
 
 ceflion ? Let this operate as a new and potent attrac- 
 tive of our affections to that blefled place. hither, 
 as 
 
27 
 a 
 as toits proper region, its only Jafting abode, afcends all 
 - that is worth our beft love and warmeft admiration. 
 Let then the man who attracted and pofflefied our 
 hearts while here, carry them with him to the werld 
 of perfect purity and unmingled blifs. 
 
 Do we, my dear brethren, feel almolt opprefled 
 with a fenfe of immenfe obligation to the Benefac- 
 tor whom God has taken from us? Beit then our 
 endeavor to 
 
 “ difcharge 
 «« The gratitude and duty which we owe him, 
 « By laying up his counfels in our hearts.” 
 
 Read his Legacy. There isthe wifdom, the coun- 
 fel, the heart, the foul of your WASHINGTON. 
 There are the precious rules for making our nation 
 wife and great and happy. ‘Treafure it in your 
 memories, Let it live in your hearts, Let it fhine 
 _ in yourcondudé. And from the moment that your 
 children begin to lifp the honored name of their 
 country’s Father, endeavor to prepare their minds 
 for the reception of thefe invaluable maxims ; that 
 they may be handed down to the lateft pofterity, 
 
 My youthful friends ; if you do not perceive in 
 the character of your deceafed Guardian and Father, 
 an infinite fuperiority to the moft accomplifhed pu- 
 pil of Chefterfield—to the moft finifhed difciple of the 
 
 | witty 
 
- 28" 
 
 witty but deteftable Voltaire,* that “‘ brighteft, meane/t 
 of mankind ;” your tafte muft be depraved and 
 compaffionable indeed. Let me befeech ybu to eye 
 and fedulouily to imitate the character of this man, 
 fo truly accomplifhed, yet fo pure and fimple in his 
 manners ; fo dignified, yet fo humble in his mind ; 
 fo rational a philofopher, and fo exemplary a Chrif 
 tian. It will lead you to true glory. It will con- 
 dué you, we may confidently hope, to everlafting 
 felicity. 
 
 Let 
 
 * Should any think there is an indecorum in ufing a ftyle 
 of reprehenfion fo fevere, concerning one of the moft brilliant 
 geniufes of his age, they are defired to refle& that his uncom- 
 mon powers of mind were, by a depravity of heart ftill more 
 uncommon, proitituted to the bafeft purpofes, and that his 
 whole life was little elfe than a courfe of inveterate, fyftemat- 
 ic andtoo fuccefsful hoftility againft religion. Imordinary ' 
 cafes, it is confeffed, humanity enjoins our _flence concerning 
 the dead, if we cannot fpeak in their praife. But the name 
 of Voltaire can never be forgotten. The ravages his writings 
 have made on human virtue and happinefs, the execrations of 
 thoufands and millions whofe perdition they have effected, 
 muft but too effectually fecure him from that oblivion to 
 which every. benevolent mind would wih to confign him. 
 And humanity itfelf imperioufly claims that fuch an iMuffrious 
 malefactor of the human race be held up as an object of detef- 
 tation and horror. Would to Heaven this monition might be 
 regarded by thofe for whofe fakes it is given! Would -to 
 Heaven the /2/? fcene of this hardy champion of infidelity—a 
 - feene of terror, anguifh and defpair fcarcely ever paralleled 
 might prove an antidote againft the poifonous influence of his 
 writings ! 
 
29 : 3s 
 a 
 Let us all remember, that this mournful celebra- 
 
 tion of the natal day, the life and death of the firft 
 of patriots, lays us under new obligations to love our 
 country. What hypocrify, if after this folemn pro- 
 feffion of regard to his character and memory, any 
 _ of us fhould be found oppoling, or but half befriend- 
 ing the intereft fo dear to his heart, fo uniformly 
 the object of his life! While we mufe on the br ight 
 example he has fet us, fhall there not be enkindled 
 in our bofoms a flame of patriotifm fo pure, fo vig- 
 orous, as fhall confume ove meaner affection, and 
 triumph over every oppofing intereft ? 
 
 I would clofe with a thought ftill more calculated, 
 if poflible, to come home to all our bofoms. We 
 have aflembled'this day to pay honor to diftinguifh- 
 ed human virtue; to the memory of a deceafed 
 earthly Benefactor. Have we ever paid our honors 
 to that Eternal Source of excellence, compared with 
 which all human worth is but as a feeble twinkling 
 ray of light, to the unbounded fplendors of the glo- 
 rious orb of day? Have our fouls ever afcended in 
 love and gratitude to Him who is the unfathomabie 
 and overflowing ocean whence all our ftreams of 
 comfort are fupplied ? While our hearts blefg. the 
 virtues and memory of WASHINGTON, are their 
 ~beft and tendereft affections given to Him who made 
 him fach, a and who made him ours P—If this is 
 the cafe, we are chargeable with i 
 
 20 
 
 ot 
 
 confiftency in- 
 deed—inconfiftency, Fae very Smee of which 
 
 fhould 
 
30 
 
 « 
 
 fhould be enough to cover our faces with fhame, 
 and fill our hearts with forrow. May God in mer- 
 cy fave us from it! May He give us hearts to love 
 true goodnefs, wherever it is found, but chief- 
 ly in its, Source’ May He unite our fouls to all that 
 is excellent in his creatures, and render their excel- 
 lencies inftrumental to attract and everlaftingly 
 bind us to the glorious CREATOR ! 
 
 HYMN. 
 
 O cop! thy darkeft ways are juft : 
 Mute we adore thine awful hand, 
 Which lays our glory low in duft, 
 And fpreads difmay around the land. 
 
 Yet O! indulge our mighty grief ; 
 Forgive the fighs that heave our breaft ; 
 Forgive thefe tears—a fad relief— 
 Thefe tears that will not be repreft. 
 
 We weep our Father, Guardian, Friend, 
 Late from our bleeding. bofoms torn. 
 Lo! millions feel the wound, and bend 
 In anguifh o’er his hallow’d urn. 
 
 Nor 
 
= 
 
 3s 
 
 Nor wilt thou frown while thus we pay 
 Affection’s tribute, Virtue’s meed : 
 When WASHINGTON thou tak’ft away, 
 Thou did’? our hearts with forrow bleed. _ 
 
 With pity’s eye behold our tears ; 
 Let mercy’s balm afluage our woe ; 
 Becalm the tempeft of our fears, 
 And fhield us ftill from ev’ry foe. 
 
 Long may our Father’s honers bloom, 
 His virtues on each heart imprett ! 
 His Country’s bofom be his tomb, 
 And diftant nations call him bleft! 
 
Mr. MILLER’s 
 SERMON 
 
 ON THE DEATH OF 
 
 GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
 
 : a 
 
ie 0 it aA 
 
 t ie 
 
 te 
 
SERMON, 
 
 Delivered December 29, 17993 
 OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF 
 
 GENERAL 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON, 
 : “ LATE 
 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 
 AND 
 COMMANDER IN CHIEF 
 OFTHE 
 AMERICAN ARMIES. 
 » By SAMUEL MILLER, 4. M. 
 "One of the Minifters of the United Prefbyterian Churches in the 
 
 City of New-York. ~ 
 
 Published. by Request. 
 
 SS 
 
 . 
 
 NEW-YO R K: 
 Printed by T. & J. SWORDS, No, 99 Peazl-firect. 
 =e 
 1800, 
 
ADVERTISEMENT, 
 
 il 
 THE Author has been informed, by a friend, that a fermon, publifhed 
 by the Rev. Dr. Exsxine, of Edinburgh, preached on occafion of the 
 death of the late Dr. Witntam-Roserrson, and on the fame text, has 
 fome coincidence in its plan with the following difcourfe. He mentions 
 this coincidence fiot with the view of fuggefting » comparifon between 
 any performance of that venerable and diftinguithed Divine and a fmall 
 hafty production of his own, which only became an objea, of attention 
 from its fubje& ; but merely to give himfelf an opportunity of obviating 
 fufpicion, by declaring, which he does moft explicitly, that he-had never 
 feen Dr. Ersxine’s difcourfe, nor heard a fyllable of its plan or con= 
 
 tents, until after the folowing was delivered, and the larger part of it: 
 
 tranfcribed and fent to the Printer. 
 
A 
 
 SERMON, &. 
 
 I NOPE O MATE SS XXX.) 12, 
 
 —And i in thine hand it is to make great. 
 
 ge REATNESS j is a eit beating ei is wedi in 
 
 different fenfes; according to the object to which 
 it is applied). . When applied to material objects, it 
 ‘is intended toexprefs large extent, or magnitude, 
 When ufed with teference to the human cha- 
 racter, or in any intelleCtual or moral fenfe, it has 
 a figurative meaning, and implies diftinguifhed 
 power, dignity, or excellence. «In comparifon with 
 _ the infinite and eternal God, no created being can 
 be called great. In his glorious prefence the higheft 
 angels. vail their faces, and are chargeable with 
 comparative folly. Much lefs, with reference to 
 him, can any appellation of this kind be applied 
 to man—a being lower than the angelic hofts—a 
 worm of the duft, who, before Jehovah, muft 
 contefs himfelf to be wothing, and lefs than nothing, 
 vad vanity. But comparing one race of creatures 
 swith anothers; or, more particularly, comparing in- 
 wae of mankind: ‘with their. fellow men, we 
 
 —————EeeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEoOor 
 
6 
 
 may, without impropriety, {peak of them as great 
 or good, when, of the limited portion of excellence 
 of which their nature admits, they poffefs an un- 
 common share. For this'ufe of terms we have the 
 example of many paflages of fcripture, and efpe- 
 cially.of that which is now under confideration, - 
 
 David, the fervant of God, was equally diftin- 
 guifhed as a monarch and a faint. His zeal for 
 the worfhip of God led him’ to Conceive the plan 
 of erecting a fplendid temple to his name: and, 
 although he was not permitted to execute this 
 plan himfelf, nor to fee it accomplifhed in his day; 
 yet, in conformity to the divine direction, he mad 
 large préparation for it’ before his death, and placed 
 the bufinefs in fuch a train as rendered the execu- 
 tion of ita more eafy tafk for his fon and fucceffor, 
 In making this preparation, the king’ contributed 
 largely of his’ own property; and, after having 
 done fo, to the extent of his “ability, he called 
 upon the great men and princes of the land to do 
 the fame. They complied with his requeft; with a 
 degree of promptitude, willingnefs, and liberality, 
 which evinced that they poffefied a large portion 
 of the fame fpirit which animated their mafter, It 
 ‘was on receiving this liberal-contribution from the 
 princes of the land, that David offered up to God 
 the humble and grateful acknowledgments of which 
 our text is a part. . Thine, O Lord, fays he, és the 
 ogreatnefs, and the power, and the glory, oud the vic- 
 tory, and the majefty. ‘Both riches and honours. come 
 ‘of thee; and in thine haad is power and might; and 
 
7 
 in thine hand it is to make great, and to | give Sirengihe 
 unto all. 
 
 “Tt would bi “ag to fhew, in the {pirit of our 
 text, that every fpecies of greatnefs, whether in: 
 the natural, moral, or political world, comes from 
 God. . But inftead of entering on this wide field, 
 T fhall confine myfelf to the confideration of that 
 greatnefs which is fometimes beftowed on man. It 
 fhall, therefore, be my objeét, in the prefent dif- 
 courfe, to thew, THAT WHEN ANY OF THE CHIL-. 
 DREN OF MEN BECOME GREAT, IT 1s GoD WHO) 
 MAKES THEM so; and then to’apply the fubject 
 to that 11.LustRrovs CHarRacrTeEr, for the lofs 
 of whom our.country mourns. 
 
 The general truth of the propofition contained 
 in our text will not, I prefume, be difputed by 
 any who are now prefent. To a chriftian audience 
 it'cannot. be neceflary to prove, that God is the 
 fource of all exiftence, the giver of every faculty; 
 and the author of all promotion. He made us, and 
 not we ourfelves, and the infpiration of the Almighty 
 gave us underfianding. He doth his will and pleafure 
 in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants 
 of the earth. . Promotion cometh neither from the eaft, 
 nor from the weft, nor from the fouth, but God is the 
 Fudge ; he putteth down one, and fetteth up another. 
 Inftead, therefore, of dwelling on thefe plain and 
 elementary principles of religion—inftead of going 
 about formally to prove, that God is the fource of 
 all human greatnefs, which an aflembly of believers 
 can never, for a moment, doubt; I Jhall rather 
 
fequiett your attention, while I endeavour to poi 
 
 ee 
 are 
 
 out fome of the various meibide. | in which he. makeg 
 
 men great; and the meas by which he pally 
 
 accomplifhes their exaltation. 
 _ As human, gteatnefs is of different ‘idindses aad 
 
 appears under a variety of afpects; fo the means) 
 
 which infinite Wifdom ufes to raife men tor iti 
 are alfo different: Sometimes 4zs path, with -re=: 
 {pect to them; is in the deep waters, and bis footfteps: 
 are not knowa: At other times his manner of cons 
 ducting their advancement is more perceptible and 
 plain:. Let us humbly attemptoto take fuch a 
 view of fome of thefe methods, as may lead us 
 more diligently to ftudy; and) more seven to 
 ddmire the ways of Providence: 
 
 . I. God fometimes makes mem great, by confers 
 xing upon them the advantage of diftinguifhed and 
 honourable birth: ‘This we are particularly ledota 
 notice by our context: For we there learn, that 
 the liberality which the royal Pfalmift acknowledges 
 in the paflage before us, was difplayed by the Chiefs 
 of the Fathers, and by the Princes of the tribes. of 
 dfrael. Thofe diftincétions. of birth: which are 
 founded:upon an 4ereditary nobility, and wpon the 
 fyftem of privileged orders, in general; are happily 
 unknown in our land, I fay happily; becaufe 
 whatever advantages fuch diftinctions may be fup- 
 pofed by fome to produce, they are generally acs 
 knowledged: to be alfo productive of multiplied 
 curfes, wherever they exift.. Tobe defcended from 
 the truly great, and the really. virtuous, is, indeed, 
 
9 
 
 an honour; but to be able to claim a defcent from 
 thofe whofe elevation is merely artificial and titu- 
 lar, is an honour only in the eftimation of frivolous 
 minds. In fa&, fuch nominal. exaltation,, when 
 confidered alone, is fo far from» fhedding a,real 
 glory around the character to. which it belongs, 
 that it rather ferves to render littlenefs:more con- 
 temptible, and frailty or-vice more odious. Still, 
 however, God has been pleafed to permit, in the 
 arrangements of human fociety, that birth fhould 
 be-the foundation of onefpecies of eminence. And 
 where this eminencé™is wifely improved, like every 
 other difpenfationgof Providence, it may be made 
 an inftrument of accomplifhing much good, both 
 to the poffeffor and to the world: —, 
 
 When, therefore, the Creator brings men itd 
 exiftence with this diftingtion, and under thefe 
 advantages, he may be faid to make them great, 
 becaufe he places them in a confpicuous and -re- 
 ‘fponfible fituation. He gives them a weight in 
 fociety, in addition to that arifing from their per- 
 ‘fonal: dignity, which they are bound to ufe for 
 his glory and the general happinefs. In propor- 
 tion as they are raifed above their fellow men, their 
 means of ufefulnefs become more numerous and 
 extended; their virtues become more precious, 
 from the force of elevated example; their vices 
 morgspoifonous, from the alluring form in which 
 they are exhibited; and their whole character more 
 important and ‘operative in its relations, by means 
 of the artificial power with which it is invefted. | 
 
 B 
 
To 
 
 “It is fearcely neceffary to add, that this is thé 
 loweft kind of greatnefs with which human beings 
 can ‘be endowéd; not.only becaufe it’ is merely 
 nominal; but ne and chiefly, becaufe it may, in 
 general, be faid to be lefs connected than any other 
 with perfonal excellence. It is an elevation of which 
 the wife and the foolifh, the righteous and the 
 wicked are equally made to partake; and, there- 
 fore, is of fuch a nature, as that, while it lays thofe 
 who poffefs it under peculiar and folemn obliga- 
 tions, it takes away all see of glorying 1 in them- 
 felves. wit 
 
 II. God fometimes snala great, by giving 
 them a large portion of this wor. a's goods. Itisan 
 old, and a juft maxim, that “ wealth is power.” 
 Tt gives thofe who poifefs it an importanee in fo- 
 ciety, and a capacity for ufefulnefs, which, when 
 properly improved, are ineftimably precious. When ~ 
 God makes men rich, he places them in'a high 
 ftation. He gives them an influence over their fel- 
 low men. He furnifhes them with the means of 
 promoting happinefs on an extenfive fcale. It was 
 doubtlefs this, among other fpecies of greatnefs, 
 which the Pfalmift had in view in’ uttering the 
 words of our text. The chiefs of the fathers, and 
 the princes of the tribes of Ifrael, were great by 
 reafon of their riches as well as their Aonours. It 
 was on account of this diftinction that theirgpious 
 monarch called upon them to honour the Lord with 
 their fubfiance; and it was, probably, with refer- 
 ence to them, that he acknowledged the hand of 
 
ti 
 
 God in making great, and in giving flrength unto 
 men. : 
 
 When, therefore, the Supreme ‘Difpofer. of all 
 things beftows on any of our race alarge fhare of 
 this world’s goods, he may be faid to make them 
 great, provided he alfo beftow upon them an, heart 
 to ufe his gifts with a noble generofity. For, let it 
 be remembered, that mere wealth, without a dif-. 
 pofition to make that ufe of it which its Giver de- 
 figned, does not conftitute greatnefs in the esti- 
 mation of the wife and the good. On the con- 
 trary, the rich mifer is, of all characters upon earth, 
 and in the view both of God and man, among the 
 moft defpicable and mean. There isa littlenefs in 
 his character to which the moft impoverifhed fa- 
 
 wage is incapable of finking. It 1s only to thofe 
 who have joined to wealth, a benevolent and gene- 
 rous fpirit, that the true elevation refulting from 
 property belongs. There feems to be an allufion 
 to this principle in the prayer of David before us. 
 “It is probable, that in calling the princes and chief 
 men of the land great, he had a refpect, not only 
 to the extent of their poffeffions, but alfo to that 
 noble elevation of mind which had. prompted them 
 to dedicate a large portion of their wealth to. the 
 worfhip and glory of their Almighty Benefactor. 
 
 Ill. God makes men great, in a ftill higher 
 fenfe, by befowing upon them diftinguifhed intellec- 
 iwal talents. By his powers of intelligence and rea- 
 fon, man is raifed above the brutal tribes. By his 
 capacity. of comparing, diftinguifhing, and com- 
 
” He 
 
 bining ideas, and of knowing, ferving, and  enjoy~ 
 ing God,. he is placed a little lower than the angels, 
 and crowned ‘with glory and honour. The fmalleft 
 portion of this intellectual power has a degree of 
 dignity and greatnefs annexed to it, which far ex- 
 ceed all the {plendours of material magnificence, 
 When we compare mind with body, or mental 
 activity with mere inert matter, the former claims 
 a fuperiority of the higheft and moft wigs 
 kind. 
 
 But, as our Creator has formed different orders 
 of intelligent beings, fo he has made beings of the 
 fame order to differ among themfelves.. ‘To fomé 
 he has given fmall talents; to others greater and 
 miore powerful. On thofe whom he defigns to em- 
 ploy in confpicuous ftations, and to make the ins 
 ftrumeats of extenfive good to the world, he ufus 
 ally confers talents of a peculiar and diftinguifhed 
 kind. He caufes them to poffefs, in an eminent 
 degree, acutenefs of perception, ingenuity of com+ 
 
 bingtion, force of reafoning, and accuracy and | 
 foundnefs of judgment. Thefe exalted minds re 
 
 ceive and deferve the name of great, becaufe their 
 
 powers and their activity are extended, They have 
 enlarged and comprehenfive views. They are ¢apas — 
 
 ble of great undertakings. They are qualified to 
 atchieve fublime enterprizes. To them, in general, 
 belong the deep inveftigations, the folendid difeo- 
 veries, and the wife improvements, which adorn 
 and elevate the charaéter of man. And to them 
 pertains the high prerogative of being ftudied and 
 
13 
 
 admired by millions who never faw their faces in 
 the fiefh; and of entertaining and enlightening, by 
 the efforts of their genius, diftant nations and ages. 
 
 It ought, however, to be obferved, and to be 
 born in mind, that true greatnefs does not confift 
 fo much in drilliancy of talents, asin folidity, ftrength, 
 and per/everance of intellectual character. It is not 
 the rapid and noify ftream, but the deep, majeftic, 
 and folemn, which carries all before it. It is not 
 the dazzling meteor, which aftonifhes by the ve- 
 locity of its movements, and affrights by the glare 
 and the found of its corufcations; but it is the 
 fteady, ferene, and regularly revolving. luminary, 
 that enlightens the world. Who that reads the 
 memoirs of a Sv//y will not pronounce him to have 
 been a far greater man than Servia, that prodigy, 
 and even monfter of talents, whofe chara¢ter he 
 has recorded. The powers of the latter, indeed, 
 were fplendid to a degree little fhort of miracu- 
 lous; but they were perverted, proftituted, and 
 ufelefs to the world. But the geniys of the for- 
 mer, fublime in its views, practical in its tendency, 
 and perfevering in its exertions, was continually 
 planning and executing the nobleft enterprizes; 
 and thus was made the inftrument of difpenfing 
 countlefs bleffings to his country, and to mankind. 
 
 IV. God makes men great, by producing occafions, 
 and difpofing events in fuck a manner as to call forth 
 and difplay their talents. It is an old and familiar 
 maxim, that “ occafions make men.” If by this 
 maxim be meant, that a fortuitous concourfe of 
 
r4 
 
 caufes, without the interference of any defigning 
 agent, creates and raifes up diftinguifhed charac- 
 ters, it is undoubtedly a fentiment replete with im- 
 piety. But if it be underftood to mean, that the 
 Governor of the univerfe makes ufe of great and 
 interefting occafions, to roufe, to expand, and to 
 exhibit the faculties which he has beftowed, there is 
 every reafon to fuppofe, both on the principles of 
 philofophy and religion, that the maxim is juft. 
 It is certainly true, that in order to make a great 
 figure on the political, military, or fcientific ftage, 
 there muft be preparatory circumftances, happy 
 occafions, and a favourable coincidence of events. 
 What would all the learning and wifdom of the 
 moft profound civilian avail him or the world, if no 
 opportunity were afforded him of putting them in 
 practice, or of bringing them, by fome means, into 
 public view? How could the moft {fplendid mar- 
 tial talents raife the character of their poffeffor, if 
 his lot were caft in a feafon of tranquillity and 
 peace? In fuch a cafe they muft terminate in 
 abortive wifhes, and ufelefs defigns. Great powers 
 can only be difplayed when great exigencies pre- 
 fent a field on which they can act. Now great 
 exigencies can happen but feldom; and, therefore, 
 thofe qualities which are moft worthy of being ad- 
 mired and efteemed by mankind, often lie hid- 
 den, like the treafures of the undifcovered mine. 
 The foot paffes over the golden cavern, as’ upon 
 common ground, until neceffity or accident breaks 
 it open, and difclofes its precious riches. Hence 
 
se: 
 
 there can be little doubt, but that multitudes, 
 whofe lives have glided away in an ufelefs tenor of 
 floth and obfcurity, might have been highly diftin- 
 guifhed, and eminently ufeful, if an opportunity 
 had prefented for the exertion of their powers. 
 
 Full many a gem of pureft ray ferene, 
 
 The dark unfathom’d caves of ocean bear; 
 Full many a flow’r is born to blufh unfeen, 
 And watte its fweetnefs on the defert air.* 
 
 When God, therefore, defigns to raife up a great 
 man, he difpofes occafions and incidents in a pro- 
 per train for the purpofe. He makes thefe inci- 
 dents to operate on the mind of the future hero; 
 and the mind of the hero again, by a kind of moral 
 re-action, to give increafing greatnefs and intereft 
 to the fcenes in which he participates. Hence both 
 may be faid, at least in certain ftages of their pro- 
 grefs, mutually to ftand in the relation of caufe 
 and effect to each other. Thus, the age in which 
 men are brought into the world, the circumftances 
 of their education, the company into which they 
 are thrown, and the events which daily take place 
 around them, may all contribute to form and 
 ftrengthen the mind. They may, and doubtlefs do, 
 frequently operate as fo many caufes to generate 
 talents, to give the tafte and views an elevated di- 
 rection, and to impart dignity and energy to the 
 whole character. 
 
 Who that reads the hiftory of Alexander, does 
 not fee that, humanly fpeaking, he would have 
 
 * Gray. 
 
16 
 
 lived and died unknown, beyond the. ounds of a 
 finall diftri€t, had not the atchieve lents of his 
 father Philip, and the leffons of his preceptor Arif 
 tot/e, fired his ambition; and had not the divifions 
 and the weaknefs of Perfia prefented an eafy road 
 to conqueft and glory? Who that traces the ca- 
 reer of the emperor Fufinian, from the rank of a 
 private foldier, till he afcended the imperial throne, 
 can refrain from admiring the myfterious ways of 
 Providence, or can doubt, fora moment, that j pro- 
 motion is affected by the power of the Moft High j > 
 Had God caft the lot of the illuftrious Charles of 
 Germany in other times, or ina different {phere ; had 
 other princes fat upon the neighbouring thrones 5 
 or had the period of his reign been lefs diftraéted 
 and critical, would he not, in all probability, haye 
 fallen filently and unnoticed down the ftream of 
 time? Nay, to mention a ftill more ftriking and 
 familiar inftance, had the noble enthufiafin in fa- 
 your of American Independence burft forth but 
 half a century earlier or later; or had our glorious 
 emancipation from Britain been aceomplifhed with- 
 out recurring to arms; is there not eyery reafon to 
 believe, that the GREAT MAN, whofe death wede- 
 plore, and whofe memory is embalmed in t 
 hearts of a grateful people, would have been, to the 
 end of his life, nothing more than a refpectable 
 farmer in Virginia? 
 
 But God not only ufes great and (plendid ‘occa- 
 fions, as means of conducting men to eminence. In 
 his hands the {malleft are nei. made produc- 
 
aw 
 tive of fimilar effects. Difpenfations of Providence 
 which, at firft view, appear trifling, often de- 
 cide the purfuits in which men engage; and thefe 
 purfuits are made, by the fame infinite wifdom, to 
 difclofe the latent energies of the foul; to ftimulate 
 _ into a¢tion the languid powers; to awaken a genius, 
 * which, without fach events, might have flamber- 
 ed for ever. If we trace the career of fome of the 
 greateft men who have ever lived, we {hall find, 
 that they were raifed by unexpected means to 
 eminence; and that events, apparently {mall, were 
 made to accomplifh their exaltation. How often 
 has an accidental interview, of which no confe- 
 quences were forefeen ;—a paffing civility, by which — 
 nothing extraordinary was intended ;—or a matri- 
 ‘monial alliance, from which no material advantage 
 was expected ;—how often have trivial events of 
 this kind led to the advancement of men, from 
 private life, to the throne of empire, and to the 
 command of millions !—Who that calculated on 
 the principles of human wifdom, could have fore- 
 feen, that alittlé domeftic difcord would prove the 
 firft link in a chain of caufes, to advance Fo/epk 
 from ob{cure retirement to the ftation of chief ruler 
 ever the land of Egypt? Who that followed the 
 ftripling David, when fent by his father on a hum- 
 ble errand fo the Ifraelitifh army, would have imi- 
 agined, that this youthful fhepherd was to be led, 
 by fuch a tranfient vifit, to become the deliverer 
 of his countrymen from the proud Philiftines, and 
 afterwards an ornament of the Jewith throne? 
 C 
 
18 
 
 And, to defcend to more modern times, how fin- 
 gular and unforefeen the means by which the great 
 
 William, whom Britain ftiles her de/iverer, gained 
 
 the fovereign power of that kingdom! And how 
 
 {mall, and apparently unimportant, the incidents 
 by which the Emprefs Catharine rofe, from the 
 
 loweft poverty, to wield the fceptre of the Ruffias! 
 
 Thefe, and a thoufand fimilar inftances of daily 
 occurrence, prove, that in the hands of God, not 
 
 only weak things of the world can be made to con- 
 
 found the mighty, and foolifh things of the world to 
 
 confound the wife, and things that aré not, to bring 
 
 to nought things which are; but alfo, that inftru- 
 
 ments the moft feeble, and circumftarices fearcely _ 
 thought worthy of notice, can be made to infpire 
 
 with wifdom, to clothe with power, and to conduct 
 
 to the higheft celebrity and honour. 
 
 V. God makes men great, by giving them the 
 affections and the confidence of their fellow men. A 
 man may be endowed with great talents—may be 
 enriched with large poffeffions—and may be called 
 to act a con{picuous part on thefage of human 
 life, and yet be confiderably defective in fome of the 
 attributes of greatnefs. If he cannot obtain the 
 re{pect and attachment of thofe around him, he 
 fails in an important point. ‘ The perfeétion of 
 «« glory,” {ays a great and admired heathen,* 
 ** confifts in thefe three particulars, that the people 
 “love us, that they have confidence in us, and 
 
 ¥ 
 
 * CicERo. 
 
19 
 
 t that being affected with a certain admiration to- 
 “ wards us, they think we deferve to be honoured.” 
 Though this fentiment proceeds upon principles in 
 fome degree erroneous, and, therefore, cannot be 
 adopted, in all its extent, by a chriftian, yet it 
 doubtlefs contains a mixture of truth. To attain 
 the veneration and love of our fellow men, is an 
 important ingredient in earthly greatnefs. It is 
 true, indeed, that fome of the greateft and beft 
 men who have ever lived, were, almoft wholly, 
 deftitute of it; but. would they not, probably, 
 have been greater arid more ufeful had they pof- 
 feffed this hold on furrounding minds? Repu- 
 tation, in a ftill higher fenfe than wealth, is power; 
 and a kind of power highly defirable, whether we 
 have a refpect to our own happinefs, or to the effi- 
 cacy of our fervices to others, 4 good name, {ays 
 Solomon, és rather to be chofen than great riches, and 
 loving favour rather than filver or gold. ; 
 Accordingly, when it is the will of God to make a 
 man great, or an inftrument of doing extenfive good 
 to the world, te ufually gives him the hearts and 
 the confidence of thofe around him. He fo orders 
 events, that his actions fhall appear in a wife and 
 dignified point of light, and fo controuls the affec- 
 tibns of men, that they fhall view all his condu& 
 through a favourable medium. This popularity, 
 when duly improved, has the beft effets. It is 
 ufeful to thofe who poffefs it. It is, at once, a 
 guard to virtue, and an excitement toduty. A 
 confcioufnefs that the eyes of the world were di- 
 
20 
 
 rected toward them, and the confidence of the 
 world repofed in them, has animated the patriot— 
 has fired the hero—and has given rife to fome of 
 the moft fplendid and ufeful enterprizes that were 
 ever atchieved. But public confidenée, while it 
 frequently produces happy effects on thofe who 
 poffefs it, is ftill more important with reference to 
 their ufefulnefs in the world. The {phere of their 
 influence is enlarged, in proportion to the degree 
 in which they enjoy, the good opinion of the com- 
 munity in which they refide. Men liften with a 
 willing ear, and with favourable prepoffeffions, to 
 a teacher whom they honour. Their affeétionate 
 attachment adds weight to his example, and gives 
 authority to his counfel. Hence his exertions to 
 do them good are more effectual than thofe of 
 others, becaufe they enter with readinefs into the 
 fpirit of his plans, and cheerfully co-operate with 
 him in his benevolent labours.—Seldom has any 
 people feen a more illuftrious inftance than we have 
 witnefled, of the influence of a BELOVED NAME 
 on the public mind. We have feen it unite the 
 affections and the counfels of thofe who would, in 
 all probability, have been otherwife divided. We 
 have feen it, more efficacious than the exertions 
 of official power, reprefs the murmurings, calm the 
 fears, and conciliate the confidence of the difcord- 
 ant and defponding in the moft trying times. 
 
 VI. Laftly, God makes men great, dy adorning 
 their hearts with virtue and holinefs. "This is the 
 top{tone of the edifice of human promotion, with- 
 
2 
 
 out which the whole ftructure is imperfect. Let 
 a man poffefs all the talents, the wealth, and the 
 honours which a human being can enjoy, or which 
 a grateful people can beftow; yet if his bofom do 
 not expand with benevolence, and his heart do not 
 reflect the moral image of his Creator, Teke/ mutt 
 be written upon all his greatnefs. What the light 
 and the genial warmth of the fun are to the natural 
 world, the beauty of holinefs 1s to the foul. It theds 
 a glory over all the faculties of man. It forms that 
 divinity of nature which renders rational beings like 
 God; and which conftitutes their fitnefs for the 
 pure joys of his prefence. 
 
 It muft be allowed, indeed, that many of thofe 
 whom the world has called great, and who, infome | 
 refpects, deferved the name, have been deftitute 
 of this moft noble of all diftinétions. Their am- 
 bition was wholly felfith. The views, though’ 
 comprehenfive, were terminated by the prefent 
 ftate. Their activity was rather a curfe than a 
 bleffing to mankind. ‘The characters of the moft 
 mighty conquerors, when viewed through a proper 
 medium, exhibit a degree of moral debafement, 
 from which humanity, to fay nothing of religion, 
 turns away with abhorrence and fhame. The ut- 
 moft with of that great heart, for which the whole 
 earth did ‘not afford fufficient objects of conquett, 
 
 was, afterall, to be praifed by the Athenians. And 
 the Cz/ars and Pompeys of our race have waded to 
 glory through the tears and the blood of their fel- 
 low men. : ; 
 
22 
 
 “But when tke Supreme Difpofer of all things 
 defigns to raife men to the higheft pinnacleof great- 
 ~nefs, he adds to every other fpecies of elevation that 
 -fublimity of virtue which fanctifies talents; that 
 difinterefted benevolence which gives a dignity to 
 the character; and that transformation of the whole 
 man into the image of God, which raifes the foul 
 from earth to heaven. Man never appears in fo 
 truly noble and honourable a point of view, as 
 wlien his faculties are directed to their proper ob- 
 jects, and all his powers confecrated to the divine 
 work of doing good. The hero in virtue is as much 
 fuperior to the hero in conqueft as the heavens are 
 higher than the earth, or as light excelleth darknefs. 
 How hittle did a Darius, an Agrippa, and a Nero, 
 appear in comparifon with a Daniex and a Pau, 
 even when thefe holy men were ftanding in bonds 
 ‘before them! How much does the charaéter of an 
 How arp rife above the moft powerful monarch, or 
 the moft renowned deftroyer of his {pecies, in all his 
 glory! To devife and execute plans for leffening the 
 miferies, and promoting the happinefs of man, was 
 his meat and his drink. For him no tears flowed but 
 the tears of gratitude and love. For him the lips 
 of the widow, the fatherlefs, and the prifoner, were 
 opened in fecret benediction. And future genera- 
 tions fhall rife up and call him blefied. 
 
 Such is the greatnefs. of him whofe underftand- 
 ing is enlightened with divine knowledge, and 
 whofe heart 1s warmed with holy love. His ta- 
 lents are no longer deyoted to the narrow plans of 
 
23 
 
 felfifhnefs,. but move in a wider fphere, and com- 
 mand a more extenfive horizon. His ambition, 
 lately confined to temporal aggrandifement, now 
 takes an higher aim. Inftead of temporal wealth 
 and honours, he feeks heavenly treafures, the ap- 
 probation of God, and the honour of advancing 
 his glory. . Inftead of thirfting after conqueft and 
 deftruétion, his bofom is animated with the noble 
 defire of promoting univerfal happinefs. His be- 
 nevolence, no longer bounded by names or terri- 
 tory, embraces the whole family of God. His” 
 hopes, inftead of terminating in the purfuits of 
 earth, rife to the moft noble, fublime, and excel- 
 lent objects in the univerfe. And his enlarged foul 
 can now be fatisfied-with nothing, as his fupreme 
 good, but infinite excellence, and az eternal weight 
 of glory. 
 
 I have thus attempted,’ brethren, to lay before 
 you a brief fketch of fome of the various means 
 by which God raifes men to diftinétion and great- 
 ~nefs To fill up the outline which has been given; 
 by a more particular recurrence to details and in- 
 ftances, muft be left to your own meditations. In 
 the mean time, I would requeft your attention to 
 afew of the numerous practical leffons which this 
 fubject fuggefts to the ferious mind. The follow- 
 ing are obvious and important : 
 
 1. If the doétrine which has been delivered be 
 juit, then«great ‘men have no reafon’ to glory in 
 themfelves; nor are others at liberty to fet them 
 up aS idols. Who made them to differ from others 2 
 
24 
 
 and what have they that they did not receive? Ff, 
 therefore, they have received all they paffefs, why 
 frould they glory as if they had not received it? The 
 truth is, the doétrine of our total dependence on 
 God, for our exiftence, and for every power and 
 enjoyment connected with it, removes, at one 
 ftroke, all ground of pride and. felf-confidence in 
 man. The moft ingenious, honourable, and ex- 
 alted, are nothing more than JEHovan’s inftru- 
 ments: and, therefore, to H1Mm 1s ultimately due 
 
 all the honour of their great and good aétions. In 
 
 contemplating, then, the yirtues and fervices of 
 diftinguifhed men, it becomes us to adopt the lan- 
 
 guage of the infpired Pfalmift: From thee, O Lord, . 
 both riches and honours come; and in‘thine hand is 
 
 power and might, and in thine handeit is to make 
 
 great, and to give firength unto all. Not unto us, not 
 
 unto us, but unto thy name be the glory! 
 
 2. Isit true that it belongs to God to make great ? 
 Then when thofe who have been raifed to high 
 diftinétion, and made eminently ufeful in the 
 world, are taken away, we are taught; by this doc: 
 trine, not to indulge in anxiety or defpair.. The 
 fame God who raifed them up, who girded them 
 with ftrength, who infpired them with wifdom, and 
 who fitted them for the {phere in which they moved, 
 ftill lives, and wiil forever live. He cam qualify 
 others, at his-pleafure, to take their places; and to 
 
 act in the various exigencies which may arife.. . For 
 
 every crifis which occurs in human affairs, he has 
 his infinitely wife plan laid, and his inftruments 
 
26. 
 
 . prepared, to do,his will, in every part of the {cene.: 
 
 And from even ftocks and ftones he can raife up 
 agents to accomplifh his purpofes. Brethren, how 
 confoling the thought that we'live under the go- 
 vernment of fucha God! What though the ob- 
 
 jects of our admiration and love be taken away ?, 
 
 What though inftruments on which our hopes were 
 placed, be unexpectedly removed from the ftage? 
 The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice, let the mul- 
 titude of the ifles be glad thereof ! 
 
 3. If the view which has been given of this fub- 
 ject be juft, then how awfully refponfible is the fitu- 
 ation of thofe whom God has made great!* Unto 
 whomfoever much is given, of them will much be re- 
 quired ; and to whom God has committed much, of them 
 will he afe the more. . 1 {peak to all fuch within my 
 hearing—to the rich, the ingenious, the learned, 
 and the honourable. . Ye great ones of the earth! 
 _ your Creator has made you eminent among men. 
 He has put into your hands many talents. ‘He has 
 given you a.weight in fociety, and an influence over 
 thofe around you, which enable you todo extenfive 
 good, and to bring a large fum of glory to his 
 hame. And let me remind you, that for the ufe 
 which you, make ofall, thefe advantages, he wi// 
 . bring you into judgment. What improvement, then, 
 are. you making of your diftinctions and your 
 talents? Dreadful, indeed, will be your reckon- 
 
 _* This inference, though in the original copy, was omitted in deli- 
 vering the difcourfe, as were feveral preceding and {ubfequent parar 
 graphs, for want of time. 
 
 D 
 
 ee ees Sites 
 
a i AT, oA 
 . 
 
 26 
 
 ing, ‘if you be found, either to have buried them! 
 in floth and ination, or to have perverted them to. 
 the unhallowed purpofes of fin. In fueh a cafe, 
 better had it been’ for you to creep, through life 
 with the moft obfcure and mean of your fpecies 5 
 or rather that you had never been born. - Be intreat-. 
 ed, then, to confider the defign for which you were. 
 raifed to eminence, and the obligations which it 
 
 lays upon you. . Study to be great in virtue, in 
 
 holinefs, in zeal for the glory of God and the pub- 
 lic good, as well-as in the objects of temporal pur- _ 
 
 fuit. Thus will your elevation prove a bleffing | 
 
 yourfelves and to mankind.. Thus will the tran> 
 fient honours of earth be but introductory to higher 
 honours—to the {ceptres and thrones of glory re- 
 ferved for the juft, in @ better von saad ts, ai 
 heavenly. 
 
 4. This fubject teaches us’ to ini thake 
 whom God makes the inftruments of great good to 
 the world: When he honours them, it is our duty 
 to do the fame: and if, in doing this, we act un= — 
 der the impreffion, and upon the principle, that 
 they are his inftruments, we aig: eherity him 
 thereby. 
 
 And here permit me to apply the fibjethis on 
 which we have been meditating, to the character - 
 of that rLLUSTRIOUS MAN, on account of whofe 
 death the emblem of forrow fhrouds this facred 
 defk, and for the lofs of whom we behold the fin- 
 gular {pectacle of a nation mourning. 
 
 It is not my intention, brethren, to <a <i 
 
29 
 
 tothe pain of hearing the language of fervility and. . 
 adulation with refpe& to this venerable Perfonage. 
 To fay nothing of other “confidetations, fuch,lan- 
 guage would be peculiarly inconfiftent and unfea- 
 fonable after the doctrine which has been delivered, 
 But I truft it will be unneceflary to prove, before 
 this audience, that we are called, in duty, to take 
 a particular notice of this folemn difpenfation of 
 Providence. It is our happinefs, and our boaft, _ 
 that we live under a government in which the 
 voice of the people is the {upreme law; and, there- 
 fore, the approbation and applaufe of this voice, 
 fhould be offered as the reward of long and faithful 
 fervices to the people. ‘Let it never be faid that 
 republicans are ungrateful. Let us teftify, by our 
 conduct; that’ we perceive the difference between 
 the oftentatious pomp and mockery of grief, which 
 attend the demife of tyrants; and the ardent {pon- 
 taneous affection with which a grateful people can 
 cherifh and honour the memory of a patriot and 
 benefactor. 
 
 You will not confider me, in the prefent dif. 
 courfe, as attempting to draw, at full length, the 
 character of this diftinguifhed Man. This isatafk — 
 which, as it would be too arduous; is alfo, happily, 
 unneceflary: THe record of his virtues and his 
 fervices, isto. deeply impreffed on: four hearts; his 
 great actions form fo fplendid an objeé& in our hif- 
 tory; and the bjeflings flowing from them to his 
 “eountty are fo numerous and extenfive, that 1am 
 perfuaded the feelings of your hearts, this day, 
 
28 
 
 form his beft eulogium. But you will indulge me 
 while I endeavour, in a few fentences, to recal to 
 your view forme of thofe confiderations, which de- 
 mand a tribute of gratitude and refpect to his te: 
 mory from the American people. 4) 55 
 Our- beloved and deplored: W asHincTon wa: 3 
 emphatically, A MAN wHom Gop HAD MADE 
 GREAT. Without’ the tinfel: ornament of’ titled 
 nobility-—without the advantage of whatcis called 
 diftinguifhed and honourable birth, he was: raifed 
 by. the: Governor‘of theworld toa degree of great- 
 “nefs, of which the hiftory of man has furnifhed 
 but few examples. He was not, indeed, endowed 
 with thofe brilliant and dazzling talents, which 
 many erroncoufly imagine to be alone eftimable: 
 His mind was of an higher order. Providence de- 
 fiened him to move in a {phere in which a digni- 
 fied prudence, foundnefs of judgment, firmnefs, 
 felf command, and uniformity, were efpecially need= 
 ful; and, therefore, thefe were the leading features 
 _ of his character. With thefe refpetable powers 
 he entered, at an early period of life, on the career 
 of military glory, againft favage invaders; and, even 
 then, gave the moft decifive and honourable pier, 
 fages of his future greatnefs.* 4) 
 
 * In the year 1755 he fuftained the rank of Colonel in the Virginia 
 forces, being then only twenty-three years of age. In this rank he ac- 
 companied Gen. Braddock in the celebrated) expedition in which that 
 officer was defeated and loft his life. On this occafion he A [,. 
 to imminent danger, and difplayed great bravery and military fkill. 
 is faid to have been owing, humanly fpeaking, to his advice not being et 
 lowed, that the dreadful cataftrophe took place. And when the Com= 
 
29 : 
 
 When the encroachments and oppreffions of Bri- 
 tain prompted ,our countrymen to throw off her 
 yoke—when a few infant coloniés rofe up to.con- 
 tend with a gigantic, rapacious, and haughty pa- 
 rent, you faw him ftep forth, their patriotic leader, 
 in afferting their precious rights, and im braving 
 all the ills of a perilous and doubtful confit. And, 
 though little verfed in the art of war; though 
 placed at the head of a raw and undifciplined army ; 
 though contending with fkilled, veteran, and more 
 powerful’ foes, you faw his wifdom, his  perfeve- 
 rance, and his valour, rife fuperior to the moft 
 formidable difficulties. You faw him lead on his 
 fellow-citizens, from time to time, to conqueft 
 and triumph; until the fair fabric of Independence 
 
 “was completely reared over the tomb of tyranny. 
 
 To prefent an adequate view of the fervices 
 which he rendered his country during this arduous 
 ftruggle, would be to give, in data a principal 
 part of the hiftory of the revolution. His talents, 
 as a military commander, were not fo much dif- 
 
 mander in Chief had fallen, it was chiefly by his addrefs and ‘good con- 
 duct that the broken remains of the army were brought off the ficld. 
 A few weeks fubfequent to the above-mentioned event, the Rev 
 Samuel Davies, afterwards Prefident of the College of New-Jerfey, and 
 then fettled in Virginia, was called upon to preach before an indepen 
 dent company of volunteers, which had juft been raifed, and which was 
 about to march againft the fame foe. In the courfe of his fermon he 
 took notice, with approbation, of the martial ardour which his hearers 
 difcovered; and, afterward, when the difcourfe was printed, he added, 
 ina nore, the following remarkable words: ‘ As an inftance of this, I 
 may point out to the public that heroic youth Col. WasuxnNeTon, whom 
 I cannot but hope Providence has hitherto priecas in fo'fignal a man- 
 
 ner, 4 fome i important fervice to his country.” , 
 
30. oD Z 
 
 played by ‘the number or the magia’ of the 
 battles which he won, nor by “ marching over 
 thoufinds * and. tens of thonlands who. had fallen 
 by his victorious fword;’’ as. by his addrefs) 
 making the moft of 'the feeble force whichthe’ halt 
 by preventing the effufion of blood; by fieilful di- 
 verfions and movements; by exhaufting the ftrength 
 of his foes; by wife delay, and avoiding” decifive 
 actions, where. they could only be hurtful ; by con- 
 cealing the weaknefs of his army, not only from - 
 his opponents, but from his own foldiery them= 
 felves; and, finally, by availing himfelf, with ade 
 mirable difcernment, of feafons and! opportunities 
 to make an effectual impreffion on the enemy. The. 
 rath and unthinking, who'eftimate the talents of 
 a general only by the multitudes he has deftroyed, 
 the cities he has facked, and the extent of the de- 
 vaftation which he has produced, may be ready to 
 imagine that fuch a pi@ure affords little evidence 
 of a high military character. But the fober and 
 reflecting, who. confider. his peculiar fituation, the 
 * fmall extent of his refources, and the formidable * ~ 
 difficulties with which he had to contend, will, with- 
 out hefitation, pronounce the Leader of our reyo- 
 lutionary army one of the‘ moft re{peétable’ comi- ‘ 
 manders of ancient or modern times. _ 
 
 You will not underftand me as intending ‘eae 
 cribe to this favourite Hero all the h honour of effect- 
 ing our deliverance from a. foreign yokes ‘Many 
 iluftrious 1 men, no doubt, fio largely with him 
 
 in the buidens and the honours .of thofe trying” 
 a oa 
 
 “ae 
 
 sy 
 
3h 
 
 times: But his pte-eminent. beer in accomplifh- 
 ing our glorious revolution, have been univerfally 
 acknowledzed, and have long been the theme of 
 
 wonder and eulogium in both hemifpheres. Who 
 
 was it that, under God, encouraged our fuffering 
 army, raifed their drooping {pirits, and cemented 
 their affections and their ftrength, in the moft 
 gloomy crifes?, Who was it that, by his prudence 
 and his. fortitude, eluded the {nares which were 
 laid for his feeble bands, and conducted them, by 
 unexpected means, to victory and glory? Ye pa- 
 triots of feventy-fix and feventy-feven! Ye who 
 
 _witneffed the hardfhips, the dangers, and the difaf- 
 
 ters of that memorable period, do not your hearfs, 
 big with mighty emotions, refponfive fay, It was 
 HE? ~ Yes; under the direCtion of the Gop oF 
 ARMIES; It was, indeed, HE. There wasa tmajefty, 
 and, I will add, if. the expreffion may be allowed, 
 a magic in his prefence, which. difpelled fear, which 
 infpired confidence, and which commanded the 
 veneration of enemies themfelves. 
 
 When the independence of his country was efta. . 
 blithed, you faw him, like Cincinnatus, retiring to 
 his farm, and, with a magnanimity cven greater 
 than he had difplayed in military atchievements, 
 exchanging the charaéter of the foldier for that of 
 the citizen. When the voice of his fellow-citizens 
 again called him into public view, you faw him, 
 vbedient to gheir command, quitting, a fecond 
 time, his beloved retirement, and putting his {plens 
 did and untarnifhed reputation to hazard.on the 
 
 4 
 
32 Kr 
 
 field of political conflict. It is probable ‘ae 
 the day when he accepted the chair of Prefi- 
 dent of the United States, no mortal ever ee 
 the applaufe and the admiration of fo large | a. 
 - tion of mankind fo unanimoufly enlifted i in "his 
 favour. 
 With refpect to the adminiftration of our de- 
 parted Friend and Father, as a civil magiftrate, it 
 1s, pethaps, impoffible, at prefent, to make up an 
 impartial opinion. The tendencies and effects of 
 fome of his meafures, pofterity only can fully ap- 
 preciate. That there is lefs unanimity among his 
 countrymen with refpect to thefe, than with refpeét 
 to his military fervices, you need not to be inform-~ 
 ed. It fhould always, however, be remembered, 
 that he was called to the helm of ftate only a 
 fhort time before the gathering of a ftorm in the 
 political world, which has fubverted the works of 
 ages, which {till fhakes Europe to its centre, and 
 of which no one can eftimate the confequences, or 
 fee the end. Many of the conjunctures in which 
 it became his duty to decide, and to at, were emi- 
 nently critical, arduous, and embarraffing. To 
 explore the untried. intercfts of an infant empire, 
 and to felec&t the fafeft connexions abroad, when 
 the civilized world had, almoft univerfally, rifen 
 in arms, was furely a tafk of magnitude, of peril, 
 and of doubt. Nor is it wonderful that, at fuch 
 a period, the feelings and paffions of his conftitu- 
 ents fhould be tremblingly alive to the impreffion 
 of public meafures; or that the human mind, weak, 
 
33. 
 " fallible, and varioufly modified as it is, fhoald ruth 
 to oppofite conclufions. Recollections of this kind 
 cannot. fail to foften the afperities of party, and to 
 fugeeft an apology, both for the! miftakes which 
 have been imputed to the'illuftrious Deceafed, and 
 for the warmth of many who differed from him 
 in opinion. And it is pleafing, and, in 4 high:de- 
 gree, honourable to his memory, to obferve, that, 
 amidft all the diverfity of fentiment, and the col- 
 lifion of parties ; amidft all the mutual accufations 
 of foreign influence and domeftic corruption, which 
 have, unhappily, agitated our country, .his integ~ 
 rity has remained unimpeached’ and unfufpected. 
 Even thofe who believe his political errors to have 
 been moft' numerous, have yet acknowledged, that 
 they were the efrors of a: mind. actuated by the 
 pureft motives, and purfuing, with undeviating, 
 rectitude of intention, the public good. frre 
 Many of thofe great men who have dazzled #fig 
 world with the fplendour of their actions, and who 
 commenced their courfe: with profeffions of:1un- 
 bounded attachment to liberty, have feized the 
 firft opportunity to ufurp power, and have proved: 
 the worft. of tyrants. - The hiftory of a Cromwed: 
 is the hiftory of many deceivers and falf patriots. 
 But the mAw whofe memory we delight to honour 
 was never liable to-this charge. ‘You never!faw 
 him thruft himfelf forward unfolicited to public 
 view, nor court an admiffion to’places of truft and 
 authority. On the contrary, he was always brought 
 forward by the unanimous and importunate voice 
 , E 
 
3 oa 
 
 34 
 of a gfateful people. He availed’ hinifelf of no 
 opportunity that was prefented to gratify ambition,’ 
 or to promote his perfonal aggrandizement.. He 
 
 feemed to hold the commiffions of his. countty for 
 
 no other end'than to do it good; and inftantly fur-! 
 rendered them, when the object for which ‘they: 
 wee conferred was accomplifhed. © 5 0 
 
 Singular fuccefs, and extended fein sia bin, 
 too often found to make even ftrong minds’ felf 
 confident and vain-glorious. A fuccefsful general of 
 antiquity, in recounting his numerous’ victories, 
 when he came to {peak of one diftinguifhed aboye all 
 the reft, boafted; “In this, Fortune” (the imagin- 
 ary deity to whom he had conceded fome agency in 
 the former inftances) “* had no fhare.” The Hero 
 ef America furnifhed an’example fo remarkably of 
 an oppofite kind, that his magnanimity was'not lefS 
 
 difplayed in his manner of bearing profperity, and: 
 
 receiving applaufe, than in accomplifhing the moft 
 important. enterprizes of his public life. Neither the 
 fuccefs of his great undertakings, nor the voice of 
 aniverfal praife, were found to diminith his digni- 
 fied, retiring modefty, or to feduce him from the 
 remembrance of human weaknefs. On the Provi- 
 
 ‘ dence of God he took every opportunity of expre 
 fing a firm reliance; and to Divine’ goodnefs and — 
 
 aid he never failed of vale the glory of every 
 favourable event. LY? 
 
 ‘Of the various kinds bf greatnefs to which hu- 
 man beings afpire, you have heard that moral he- 
 roifm is the moft worthy of our ambition. ‘The 
 
35 ie 
 
 jaurels which virtue beftows are more precious than 
 crowns and {ceptres. He that 1s flow to anger, fays 
 the wife man, 1s better than the mighty, and he that 
 ruleth his. fpirit, than he that taketh a city. But 
 how feldom have the proud favourites of, fame ap- 
 peared to recognize or regatd this truth! How 
 often, perhaps it may be faid, how generally, have 
 the {plendid and commanding talents of great men 
 been joined with degrading paffions, and the meaneft 
 - wices! ~The ties -of juftice, of benevolence, and 
 of gratitude have been violated, for the fake of 
 accomplifhing their magnificent but felfifh plans. 
 A decidediexception to this general charatter is a 
 gare phenomenon in hiftory. You have, doubtleis, 
 gone before me in making an application of thefe 
 semarks., The patriotic citizen, to whofe memory 
 ‘we are paying this tribute of refpect, furnifhed fuch 
 aniexception. His private deportment correfpond- 
 ed with the fplendour of his public reputation. 
 Amidft the din of arms, and the weighty cares of 
 office, he was not unmiindful of the virtues which 
 became him asaman. His ear was ever open to 
 the voice of humanity; and his attention to the 
 various duties of focial and relative life was digni- 
 fied and exemplary. 
 It is not uncommon for the moft-diftinguifhed . 
 heroes to end their lives in negleét and_obfcurity, 
 after a high career of celebrity and honour. To 
 the long and humiliating catalogue of the evils at- 
 tendant on old age, which moral and fatirical writers 
 _hayve given, we may generally add the diminution, 
 
> 36 
 
 if not thi total lofs of fame.* | But iain this ges 
 neral law our beloved and admired Hetomwas in a 
 great meafure exempted. He retained: the. affec- 
 tions of his countrymen, and the admiration of the 
 world, to the end of life. He defcended: to the, 
 grave full of years, loaded with honours, :and co- 
 vered with glory.. And though his :mortak part is 
 configned to the tomb, yet we have every day frefh. 
 reafon to‘ believe that his reputation will live, and - 
 his name be pronounced with colluaatie iar 
 among diftant generations. "hid 
 
 “Such was the maw whofe death :we this ie om 
 pie Citizens of “America! let his amemory be 
 ever dear, and ever honoured among you. - Tell 
 to your children, and to your children’s children, 
 what great things God has accomplifhed, through 
 him, for your country... ‘Tell them of his love of 
 liberty. Tell them of his long, faithful, and tri- 
 umphant exertions to eftablifh her ftandard in our 
 Jand.. Tell them how he lived, and how he died; — 
 that, like him; fhould the voice of national danger 
 again call, they may be ready to ftep forth in fup- 
 
 port of their-rights, dnd. prove themfelves inact: 
 of the defcent which they boatt. 
 
 And you, ye youths of America! behold the 
 example which has been) this day fet before ‘you; 
 and Jet a generous ambition fire your bolomiide 
 
 * es la cene wha rodigies 1urprile hs dl 
 
 a of ames sh en of an aia ee zp t 
 
 From Marlb’rough’s eyes the ftreams of dotage flow, ‘ 
 _ And Swift expires a driv'ler and a fhow, 
 
 Tea | 
 
 Jounson. & 
 
37 
 
 would be extravagant encomium to hold up our 
 departed Cuter to your view as an example abfo- 
  Jutely perfect, or to reprefent him as concentrating 
 all poffible excellence in his charaéter. Such in- 
 difcriminate and exceffive praife, when applied to 
 any mortal, however it may be intended, muft 
 have the effect of fatire in difguife. But he, un- 
 doubtedlys left an example, fo unufualiy ilu 
 trious, as to furnifh a fit object for your afpiring 
 imitation. Gothen, beloved youths! learn of him 
 to confecrate your talents to the public good. 
 Learn of him to love freedom, the birthright of 
 man, and to be always ready to facrifice your lives 
 in defence of your country’s rights. Learn of him 
 to maintain that felf-command, dignity, and order 
 of condudt, which are fo effential to focial welfare. 
 And, finally, learn of him to carry to the end of 
 life, that confiftent and uniform attachment to 
 principle, for whieh he was fo eminently diftin- 
 guifhed. 
 
 And thou, rLLusTRIOUS SHADE! father, fiche 
 and benefactor, farewell! Ever will we cherith 
 and honour thy memory. » Thy virtues and thy 
 fervices fhall be remembered while gratitude has a 
 place in our bofoms, «and while this land continues 
 to be the abode of freemen, who know how to 
 eftimate the value of that'liberty, which has been 
 purchafed and fealed with blood. Over thy grave 
 we promife, in dependence on the aid of Him who 
 alone can give ftrength, that we will never forfake 
 the principles for which thou haft fought, and - 
 
38 a 
 which animated thee to thy lateft boar. | While 
 we watch, with filial affection, around thy fleeping 
 duft, we will guard, with ever growing zeal, that 
 fair pug inheritance which was thy reed 
 thy joy. op. 
 
 F inally; my Eaten: we learn fren this fab: 
 ject, and from the folemn difpenfation of Provit 
 dence which we have been conten ae i 
 the end of all peony greatnefs. | oD at ge 
 
 The paths of jglory lead but to the acl 
 
 ‘The admired hero, and the beloved fage, not+ 
 withflanding all his greatnefs, muft, at length, lie 
 down in the duft. There, according to the high 
 decree of heaven, the rich and the poor, the learned 
 and the ignorant, the honoured and. the defpifed, 
 mutt become the common food of corruption and . 
 worms. Candidates for immortality! fo number 
 your days, that you may apply your hearts unto wifdom. 
 What will it avail you to receivethe applanfe of man, . 
 whofe breath is in his nofrils, and to be loaded with 
 thofe honours which foon fade away, if, after all, 
 you have no inheritance fecured beyond this little 
 {pan of exiftence? There is a kingdom which is 
 not of this world, offered and fecured to’ all the 
 faithful difciples of Jefus Chrift. There is a glo- 
 ‘rious exaltation tendered to them, without money, 
 aud without price;—an exaltation in comparifon 
 
 3 ; j 
 * Gray. 
 
39 
 
 - with which the objects of earthly ambition are 
 infignificant trifles. To this felicity and glory, 
 then, let each of us afpire. Let us feek after re- 
 conciliation with God, through the atonement of 
 his dear Son; and a conformity to his image, by 
 the power of the Holy Spirit. Let it be our 
 higheft ambition to be found of him at laft in peace, 
 without {pot, and blamele/s: that when He who is our 
 life fuall appear, we alfo may appear, and live and 
 reign with him in glory, forever and ever. AMEN! 
 
Hs omhoog 
 
Hudge Minsts Culogy. 
 
ot a ad 
 
 ta 
 
 pe ) | 
 
 o | gee 
 4 ribs TAAL See On Pare 
 
 = 
 
GEORGE WASHINGTON, 
 
 i LATE COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMIES OF THE §& 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 
 
 WHO DIED DECEMBER 14, 1790. 
 
 Delivered before the InnanrTants of the Town of 
 
 Ti} 03st07?, 
 
 Ar tre Request oF THEIR ComMMITTEE. 
 
 BY 
 
 GEORGE RICHARDS MINOT, a.m. a. As. 
 
 T 
 
 SECOND EDITION. © | 
 BOSTON : 
 
 FROM THE PRINTING-OFFICE OF MANNING &s LORING. 
 
ee ie ee kT ae ines os 
 
 oe r , 
 
 ie yet ‘o hoe 
 Fe & 
 
 ‘ 
 oe feet 
 by di tt ba we “0 
 
 -— 
 
 ta hig te tobe? 
 
 ot RF ae: as 
 
 Fok eepienr aes eeRceeCaRONE 
 
 338 
 
 ae " 
 y i): cena a 
 a \ : ; 4 
 
Boston, Yanuary 9, 1803, 
 SIR, ‘ 
 
 AM directed by the Committee of Arrangements, to exprefs to you 
 their acknowledgments, for your compliance with their withes, in deliver 
 ing an Eulogium this day in honour of the late General WASHINGTON; 
 te affure you of the pleafing though melancholy fenfations with which 
 they heard your able delineation of the character of that illuftrious man ; 
 and to requeft a egpy for the prefs, ; 
 . ] am, Sir, 
 
 With refpect and efteem, 
 Your moft obedient Servant, 
 CHARLES BULFINCH. 
 _ Fon. Geonce Ricwanns Minot, E/7. 
 
 Boston, Fanuary 9, 1800. 
 SIR, 
 
 THE refpeftable Committee of Arrangements honour me greatly by 
 their approbation of the manner in which I have executed the duty aflign- 
 ed to me by their appointment. I confider the difpofal of my production 
 to be their right, and deliver the copy requefted, with regret only that 1 
 could do no more, upon an occafion which deferved every thing that elo- 
 quence could beftow. 
 
 I am, Sir, 
 With much regard, 
 Your very refpe@tful humble Servant, 
 GEORGE RICHARDS MINOT. 
 
 Zo Cuartes Burrinez, E/7. 
 Chairman of the Committee of 
 Grrangements of the Town of Bofan. 
 
he Hn 
 phy tke eet ret i) 
 
 oy a fie 
 effet! ge vila pl wat 
 
 sian Bib ee 
 
 Aidia| tig? bak phe ust 
 
 sepa tin wes so 
 Pety} Ae 
 
 \ 
 
 yen 
 ive 
 
 ! ‘ 
 tie Lie 
 
. Ovr duty, my Fellow-Townfmen, 
 on this diftrefling occafion, is dictated by the 
 dignity and refplendent virtue of the beloved 
 Man whofe death we deplore. We aflemble to 
 pay a debt to departed merit, a debt which wé 
 can only pay by the fincerity of our grief, and 
 the refpectful effufions of gratitude ; for the high- 
 eft eulogy left us to beftow upon our lamented 
 WASHINGTON, is the ftri@ narration of the 
 truth, and the loftieft chara@ter which we can af _ 
 fign to him, is the very difplay of himfelf. When 
 ambition allies itfelf to guilt, when power tram- 
 ples upon right, when victory triumphs in blood, 
 _ when piety fits clouded in fuperftition, when hu- 
 mility is affected by cunning, when patriotifm is 
 _ founded on felfifhnefs ; then let adulation fpread 
 her proftituted mantle, to foreen the difgraces of 
 
 her 
 
her patrons, and aes with the falfefioods. of 
 her imagination, But to our political Father, 
 the faithful page of meas is paneay tit. and the 
 happinefs of his country is the monument of his. 
 fame. 
 
 Come, then, Warriors ! Statefmen | Philofo- 
 phers! Citizens! affemble round the int of this 
 favourite fon of virtue; with all the luxury of 
 forrow recollect the important events of his life, 
 and partake of the greateft legacy which a mortal 
 could bequeath you, in the contemplation of his 
 example. Whilft we folemnize this act, his dif. 
 embodied fpirit, if it be permitted to retrace the 
 {cenes of its terreftrial exiftence, will {mile bn 
 approbation on the inftruétive rite. 
 
 Your anniverfaries have long honoured de 
 eleventh of February, one thoufand feven hun- 
 dred and thirty-two, as the birth-day of our il- 
 luftrious Chief, and the parifh of his own name 
 in Weftmoreland county, in Virginia, boafts itfelé 
 the place of his nativity. But to fouls like his, 
 local reftriétions are not attached. Where Lib- 
 erty was, there would be his country: Happy 
 for us, the Genius of Liberty, refponfive to his 
 affections, refolved that where WASHINGTON 
 
 was, there alfo fhould be her abode, 
 EpyCcATED 
 
Epucatep by private inftruction, his virtue 
 grew with his knowledge, and the ufeful branch- 
 es of literature occupied the whole powers of his 
 mind. Exemplary for folidity of thought, and 
 chaftity of morals, he was honoured by the gov- 
 ernment of Virginia, with an important miflion, 
 at an age when the levities of the human character 
 
 feldom yield to the earlieft operation of reafon. 
 
 Ar the opening of the great war of encroach- 
 ments upon our weftern frontiers, he was the 
 bearer of the remonftrance to the French. Such 
 ~qwas the addrefs, fidelity and perfeverance with 
 which he executed this important truft, that he 
 was honoured at twenty-two years of age with 
 the command of a regiment.raifed by his prov- 
 ince. His military talents were foon called to 
 the teft. At Redftone, Viory perched upon his 
 ‘ftandard ; but, with that volatility by which ‘he 
 : tries the powers of her favourite heroes, fhe ina 
 "few months afterwards left him, by his own exer- 
 tions, to fave the honours of war for his little 
 band, in an unequal, but well fupported battle. 
 In Braddock’s flaughtered army, he was a wit- 
 nefs to {cenes of horror, which his caution, had 
 
 it been adopted, would have prevented, and 
 5 which 
 
to, 
 
 which his fteady courage ’affifted much t6¥etrieve. 
 Duting the ‘réemainder“of this’ “Wary he! was ‘ém- 
 ‘ployed ‘in’ fortifying’ his” native’ province; in ar- 
 ranging and perfecting i its militia,‘and in-check- 
 ing thé incurfiony of the’ enemy, until the’¢rifis'of 
 the ‘conteft ‘had’ paffed in this bag ski en "he 
 refigned his'‘command. Beh) a 
 
 ST Gt: bide aie inks 
 RETIREMENT to him was only a different mode 
 
 ‘of action, and ‘his repofe partook not ‘of indolence. 
 “Amidf the honourable’ purfuits of agriculture, 
 “hé“difcharged ‘varidus civil offices, until we find 
 ‘him rifing amotigit the patriots oftour countryyas 
 
 “a delegate ' frdm” Virginia, inthe firft American 
 
 eee + ious 
 
 WE hall ever remeinber the fifteenth day ‘of 
 
 _ June, one thoufand feven hundred and feventy- 
 
 _ five, when Providence direéted to his, appointment 
 _as the commander in chief of our revolutionary 
 army. In this neighbourhood he firft "drew I ‘his 
 fword. Many of you, my Fellow-Townfinen, w were 
 then languithing under the fetters ‘of ‘tyranny, or 
 were imprifoned within the joylefs confines of | your 
 
 * own habitations. Your hope was fixed on him, | “His 
 * command, independent of the refources of his own 
 ‘thind, afforded no ground for the fupport ‘of your 
 feelings. He had an army brave indeed, but with 
 little 
 
14 
 
 little difcipline ; naked at tie approach of winter ; 
 
 and almoft fubject to diffolution from temporary | 
 enliftments ; a- pay-mafter without money ; acom- 
 miffary ftruggling on the utmoft ftretch of credit. 
 
 A veteran army lay under his eye ftrongly forti- 
 fied, regularly paid, warmly clothed, and boafting 
 
 its fuperiority to militia. Yet did his victorious” 
 {word relieve you, and fave your city. Juftly 
 have you afcribed “ your reinftatement to his wife 
 
 arrangements, which compelled your invaders to 
 
 adopt a lefs deftruétive ‘policy than that which on 
 
 other occafions they fo wantonly practifed.” Could 
 our gratitude forget i it, the heights around us bear 
 
 the triumphant evidence of his conqueft. 
 
 To, trace this. protector. of our. liberties, 
 through, his unrivalled career, from his, gloomy 
 retreat through the Jerfies to his feveral victories 
 and his fplendid triumph at York-Town, would 
 be to narrate. the varying hiftory of our revolution. 
 To him, public labour was amufement, fuffering in 
 the caufe of freedom was a luxury, and every hour 
 
 as it flew carried an offering to his country. 
 
 As obedience to the voice of his oppreffed fel- 
 low-citizens drew his fword on the approach of war, 
 fo at the declaration of peace, by the fame refpetted 
 
 voice 
 
2 
 
 voice he reftored it to its  feabbard “He left them” 
 his blefling and their liberties. O Human ca 
 how haft thou been traduced ! ! ‘With thee, ery 
 it been faid, is effentially conneéted - ‘that luft” of 
 power which is infatiable ; which ‘eftores not vol. 
 untarily what has been committed ‘to its charge; 
 which devours all rights, and refolves all Jaws ir into. : 
 its own authority ; which labours not for others, 
 
 but feizes the fruits of their labours ‘for iefelf 5 
 
 which breaks down all barriers of religion, foci- 
 ety and nature that obftrudt its courfe ; ; now art 
 thou vindicated ! Here we behold thee allied to . 
 virtue, worn in the fervice of mankind, fuperior 
 to the meannefs of compenfation, humbly hoping 
 for the thanks of thy country alone, faithfully fur- 
 rendering the fword, with which thou waft en- 
 trufted, and yielding up power with a promptnefs 
 and facility equalled only by the diffidence and re- 
 luétance with which thou receivedit it. 
 Ue Tan it a 
 
 Now, will the future inquirer fay, this Hero 
 
 has finifhed the tafk afligned him, the meafure 
 of his glory is full. A world is admitted to free- 
 dom—a nation is born, Favoured beyond the 
 leader of Ifrael, not only with the profpect, ‘but. 
 with the fruition of the promifed bleffing, he has 
 retired, 
 
13 
 
 retired, like that prince of meeknefs, to the Mount, 
 
 whence he is to afcend, unfeen by a weeping people, 
 
 to the réward of all his labours. No, he is to live’ 
 another life upon this globe ; he is to reap a double 
 
 harveft in the field'of perennial honour. The peo-. 
 ple whom he has faved from external tyranny, fuffer ° 
 from the agitations of their own unfettled powers. 
 
 Thetree of liberty which he has planted, and fo care- 
 fully guarded from the ftorms, now flourifhes be-. 
 yond its ftrength, its lofty excrefcences threaten to, 
 tear its lefS extended roots from the earth, and to 
 
 proftrate it fruitlefs on the plain. But, he comes! 
 In Convention he prefides over counfels, as in war 
 
 hehad led the battle: The Conftitution, like ‘ the 
 
 rainbow after the flood, ‘appears to us, now juft 
 emerging from an overwhelming commotion ; 
 and we know the truth of the pledge from the 
 fanction of his name. 
 
 Tue production was worthy of its authors, and 
 of the magnanimous people whom it was intended 
 to eftablifh. You adopt it, you cherifh it, and you 
 refolve to tranfmit it, with the name of WASH- 
 INGTON, to the lateft generation, who fhall prove 
 their jufl claim to fuch an illuftrious defcent. 
 
 Who was fo worthy, as our great legiflator, to 
 direct the operations of a government which his 
 ut, counfels 
 
14. 
 
 counféls and his fword had laboured. to erect? By. 
 a,unanimous fuffrage he was invited to the.exalted., 
 ftation of Prefident of the United States. The call, ; 
 was too facred to admit of doubt : It faperfeded:the - 
 happinefS. of retirement, ,.the, demands of . private - 
 intereft, the fweet attractions of domeftic focietys 
 and the hazard (forgive it, WASHINGTON}! for: 
 thou waft mortal) the hazard of public reputation.! 
 Behold the man:on this occafion fo mighty in the’ 
 eye of all the world, fo humble in his own! He, 
 accepts the high appointment with fuch diftruft of. 
 his ‘natural! endowments, with fuch diffidence’ in. 
 lis capacity, as can be relieved: only. by. his reliance 
 on that almighty: Beme,. “ who: rules over the 
 
 univerfe;.who prefides in the- councils.of nations, 
 and: whofe providential aids.can. fupphy every, bus, 
 man defeét.”’ 
 
 Ons of the earlieft aéts of his adminiftration 
 was that’ circular vifit to transfufe his love, and 
 receive the grateful benedi¢tions of his loving 
 countrymen, in which you, my Fellow Townfmen, 
 partook fo liberal a fhare. “What fenfations ruth- 
 ed upon your minds, when you compared the 
 dreadful afpe@ of your befieged city, with its now 
 {miling condition. The well-cultivated fields. were 
 icreening from view the late tenpalic ramparts of 
 
 the 
 
AS 
 _ bespss 
 
 “the enemy, and the groans of the diftrefied had 
 yielded to the bufy noife of commerce and pleafure. 
 ‘ How grateful now is the recollection, that with tears 
 
 of joy you crowded to meet him in your ftreets, 
 difplaying the very infignia which you this day 
 
 bear in mournful proceffion ; and your children, 
 _ bowing their heads with eager folicitude to attract 
 
 his fatherly eye, received his pious bleffing. 
 
 Dip the occafion admit of it, how pleafing 
 would be the review of his adminiftration, as our 
 Supreme Executive Magiftrate! His talents and 
 “his virtues increafed with his cares. ‘ His foul 
 -feemed not to bear the limits of office, a moment 
 ‘ after the obligations of duty and patriotifm with- 
 “drew ‘their reftraints from his ‘univérfal love. 
 “When the ‘mifeuided favages of the: wildernefs, 
 “after feeling ‘his'chaftifement, had fued for peace, 
 “he feemed to labour for their happinefs as the com- 
 * mon reprefentative of mankind. |: Infurrection was 
 ~ {6 ftruck' at his countenance, that it fled from the 
 -fhock of his arms. Intrigue attempted to entan- 
 * gle him in her poifonous web, but he burft it with 
 “'gigantic ftrength,: aud: crufhed her Jabours.. An- 
 --archy looked:out from her.cavern, and was dafhed 
 . into oblivion,» ds we: truft, forever... ‘The nations 
 of 
 
6 
 of Europe faw the wifdom of our laws, the vigour 
 of our meafures, the juftice of our policy, the firm- 
 nefs of our government, and acquiefced in the 
 Biswas of our ftation: ©» (gga) Sele aes 
 
 eietiihs 
 Tue dangers of He Commonwealth avi 
 
 fubfided at the clofe of his fecond ‘adminiftration, 
 he felt himfelf juftified, after dedicating ‘forty-five 
 years of his valuable life to her fervice, in with- 
 drawing to receive with refignation the great 
 _ change of nature, which his age and his toils dem- 
  onftrated to be near, When he declined your fu- 
 ture fuffrages, he left you a legacy. What! like 
 Cefar’s to the Romans, money for your {ports ? 
 Like Attalus’s, a kingdom for your tyranny ? No ; 
 he left you not fuch baubles, nor for fach, pur- 
 pofes. He left you the records of wifdom for — 
 your government : a mirror for the faithful rep- 
 refentation to your own view, of yourfelves; your 
 weaknefles, your advantages, your dangers: a 
 magnet which points to the fecret mines and 
 windings of party fpirit, fa@ion, foreign influ- 
 ence: a pillar to the unity of your republic ta 
 band to inclofe, conciliate, and ftrengthen the 
 whole of your wonderful and almoft boundlefs 
 
 communities. Read, preferve the facred depolit ; 
 and 
 
<. 
 
 and Jet potterity. thould aed the truth of its 
 
 Ping 
 
 may tead See when hs weep befake't i. 
 
 In his fecond refisnation of power and the 
 charins of office} thé Ametican Leader appears 
 fuperior to ahcient or modern examples, Yet 
 another grade~was affigned ‘to’ his virtue. Our 
 national’ rights, fo' well defended at home, were 
 invaded en the ocean. The alarm reaches his re- 
 ‘treat'y the honour of our Republic warms his 
 heart ; and*hé again ‘accepts the fword for its de- 
 fence from‘ the hand~of another, placed by the 
 voice of the” people in’ that fupreme magiftracy, 
 which he alone had’ heretofore filled, With a lefs 
 dignified foul, this’ official ‘inferiority might have 
 availed to injure his country ; but he who could 
 defcend from the head of a nation to difcharge 
 ‘the’*‘minuteft duties ‘of a private’ citizen, was too 
 ‘gréit to alld the influence of etiquette to endan- 
 gér'the Yafety of the people. His condefcenfion 
 raifes‘him above hirtifelf ; his*fpirit fires all ranks 
 ofinén’y ‘he'is ‘ovérwhilined: with ‘the gratitude 
 and dpplaufe’of*an enrapturdd nation. 
 
 Wrst we ‘confide in his arm, and | are mar- 
 
 falling our warriors to march under his banners, 
 © . the 
 
18 
 ce | 
 
 the GOD of armies, whofe counfels are beyond 
 the fcrutiny of man, prepares for us the teft of 
 our fubmiffion to his chaftifing rod. It is decreed 
 that our WASHINGTON ‘hall die, but that his 
 death fhall be worthy of his life. He is to die 
 by the hand of Virtue. The rapid difeafe which 
 is felected as the inftrument of his diffolution, in- 
 ftantaneoully feizes him. His humanity delays 
 the immediate aid to which alone it may yield. 
 Inconfolable Domeftics ! what ftorms would you 
 not have braved, what hazards would you not 
 have encountered, to fave that life which was 
 facrificed to your comfort and fafety! At length 
 Science flies to fave him. Alas! what avails its 
 fkill againft the mandate of Heaven? It comes 
 too late ! It is finifhed. 
 
 Wonperrux event! Greatnefs departs in 
 glory, and envy is filent ! All acknowledge him to 
 be the firft of citizens, and none feel hurt by his 
 fuperiority. So impartial was he that none im- 
 peach ‘his juftice ; fo moderate, none complain of 
 his power ; fo magnanimous, his conquered ene- 
 mies applaud his humanity ; fo philanthropic, that 
 neither colour, nor climate, nor religion, nor poli- 
 tics could exclude the unfortunate from his fuc- 
 
 cour. 
 
cour. He had the habit of combining fentiment 
 with action in fuch method and force, that he fhed 
 his benevolence on communities of men with the 
 fame cafe as the fudden impulfe of momentary fen- 
 fibility beftows it upon individuals.- Unexampled 
 virtue ! allotted to. its merited reward. Many 
 founders of nations have been left to obtain from - 
 potterity that reputation which prejudice or big- 
 otry has denied at their deaths, The tomb has 
 been neceflary to bury anger, petty interefts and 
 emulation, which barred an equitable judgment. 
 But in regard to this Sage, the gratitude of his 
 country has been co-exiftent with his exertions. 
 Time has not been required to remove him from 
 our view, in order to magnify his exploits through 
 the medium of fame ; nor was it requifite that we 
 fhould be deprived of the good he had done us, to 
 entertain a juft fenfe of its importance. Medals 
 and ftatues have been decreed him when living, 
 and your tears announce his greater triumph in 
 your hearts, when dead. Difinterefted love ! 
 What motives have you, freemen, for thus offer- 
 ing up your applaufe ? He has now no hhield to 
 defend you from the invafions of your enemies ; 
 his head lies cold in the grave, and no counfel can 
 arife from his lips. His eyes were clofed by his 
 
 own 
 
own unfhaken hand, and n no fmile can now | bean, 
 from his ‘countenance to animate your troops, 
 Grateful Republicans ! ! indeed you weep not from 
 felfighnefs, AffliGed with the thought of the t bleff, 
 ings. which he has thowered upon ‘yourfelyes and 
 your children, you would call him, could your 
 voice be heard, from the clofed manfions of the 
 dead, again to receive the tribute of your a ‘affeGtion: 
 You weep for her, whofe tender participation ; in 
 dae: anxieties of a hufband relieved his c cares, ‘and 
 protracted the invaluable life which love ‘itfelf 
 could no longer detain, Difconfolate woman ° + 
 mourn not, f for the faithful i is gone | tor receive the 
 reward of his uprightnefs, The whole defire of 
 his heart, ¢ the whole purfuit of his labours has been 
 the good. ‘of his ‘fellow-men, ‘Contraft him 
 with thofe who have been raifed by the emp+ 
 a the criminal admiration of mankind, to 
 the higheft ranks in the Pantheon of fame, See 
 one inftead of liberating and protec employ- 
 ed in conquering and enflaving a world, and 
 weeping ‘that his guilty tafk could be contin, 
 ued nolonger. Another retiring ‘from the purple, 
 not with the united bleflings of all religious fobs, 
 but the bigoted perfecutor of the only rational 
 and divine religion : ; See the matter of fo “many 
 CrOWwDS, 
 
{ 
 
 4 
 crowns, after yielding t them up for a convent, in. 
 ftead of interciting himfelf in the welfare of man- 
 kind to the hour of his departure, relapfing into’ 
 the abfurdities of monkith fuperftition : and an- 
 other, whofe athes are fcarce! oly cald, flaughtering 
 the armies of half the nations of Europe, to extend 
 the limits of an Electorgte,with as much zeal as our 
 departed | Hero laboured to extend the limits of 
 freedom, civilization and morals. When fo much 
 worth fteps off from the ftage of life, the weaknels 
 of our nature is the only apology for our tears, 
 Such an exit is not death, it is the triumph of the 
 
 jut, Si 2 
 
 Sons of Freedom! as you regard the memos 
 ry of your afcended Chief, attend to the injunc- 
 tians of his will. Remember that it was not for 
 you alone he laboured. It was for your pofterity 
 alfo ; it was for the human race. For you. and 
 for them he was firft in building the nobleft polit- 
 ical fyftem that adorns the world. It isan experi- 
 ment to afcertain the nature of man; whether he 
 by the 1 reins fos spam ; pened he a paced 
 ed with that modoration and uaderftanding which 
 checks the extreme indulgence of his, will ; and 
 by. oe to others the fame rational enjoyment 
 
 with 
 
22 
 GIS 
 
 with himfelf, forms the liberty of the whole upon 
 the partial reftraint of each individual; or wheth-, 
 er he muft go on attempting to follow the dictates » 
 of felfifhnefs, and find his only reftraint in a pow- 
 er which will eftablith itfelf independent of his con- ee 
 fent, and make him its flave. Who of us can be 
 fuppofed to be fo loft to himfelf, fo forgetful of his 
 children, and {o traitorous to the world, as to con- 
 template the overthrow of this magnificent tem- 
 ple of wifdom ? No, my Fellow-Townfmen, 1 what." 
 ever zeal may {uddenly fuggeft, or apprehenfions 
 tempt us to fufpect, there lives not a man among at 
 us, fo depraved, fo curfed by. Heaven. "Shall it be 
 faid, that the works of his hands whom we this 
 day almoft adore ; that the hope which he held 
 out to the nations of the earth, thall be fruftrated 
 by our divifions? To the honour of our country, — 
 not a man but anfwers, No: all, when rightly inform- 
 ed, wave their particular prejudices in fupport of the 
 great pillar of our nationalunion. It is our pride ; 
 it was erected by our fathers; it is the ftandard of 
 our defence. Let us then, with a view of forever 
 maintaining it, banith all animofity, melt down all 
 parties, wipe away all diftinétions. Let us no 
 longer defignate men who have differed in fenti- 
 mient, “ah odious oe mutually reflected and 
 mutually 
 
> 
 
 Re Ae yy a yeas eS 
 
 23 
 Ss i 
 
 goutually difavowed : but if a common name be 
 ‘wanted; let it be formed from his whom we now 
 feek to honour, and let it be ufed to denote good 
 will to one another, refpect to our Conftitution, 
 fortitude to our enemies, love to our country, de- 
 votion to our Gop. 
 
 In the condolence of this day, we cannot fail 
 to notice the honour which we feel by the prefence 
 
 ‘of the Fathers of the State. It was not unbecom- 
 
 ‘ing the dignity of office, on fuch an occalion, to 
 fufpend its occupations and join the general for- 
 row. : Fo devote this portion of time to his mem- 
 ory who devoted a long life to our happinefs, is 
 rational and juft. Within the prefent political 
 year, you, Honourable Magiftrates and Legifla- 
 tors, in this place folemnized the obfequies of the 
 late excellent-Governor of our Commonwealth, 
 the much refpected SUMNER. Thus pafs away 
 the wife, the virtuous and the faithful; by an ir- 
 revocable decree, lef unwelcome to them, as it 
 refpects themfelyes, than” grievous tous. Their 
 lives are long enough for their own glory, but, 
 alas! {till too neceflary to their country’s welfare. 
 The experience, the learning, the genius, the vari- 
 ous coincidence of circumftances, which are necef- 
 
 fary 
 
24 
 
 fary to form that effulgence of character, by which 
 they enlighten, polifh and direé fociety, fall to 
 the lot of few, When fuch lampsare extinguifh- 
 ed, we.are happy if our darknefs be tranfient. But 
 in your wifdom the people of our Commonwealth 
 fafely confide ; nor as. members of our united 
 country, do they mourn like thofe who are with- 
 out hope ; for atthough in. the.prefent gloom of 
 our - political hemifphere, their late ruling planet 
 has travelled to the morning of another chime, yet 
 its kindred luminary rifes on the horizon, brilliant, 
 fteady, and propitious to direct their courfe. They 
 lament that their beloved WASHINGTON flesps . 
 in death,; their confolation is, that his faithful 
 Brother, the vigilant ADAMS, furvives. . . 
 
PROCEEDINGS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TOWN OF CHARLESTOWN, 
 
 IN THE 
 , COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 
 
 AND 
 
 COMMONWEALTH or MASSACHUSETTS; 
 
 RESPECTFUL TESTIMONY OF THE DISTINGUISHED TALENTS AND 
 
 PREEMINENT VIRTUES OF THE LATE 
 
 ‘GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
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donlehs e 
 A 
 
 PRAYER ann SERMON, 
 
 DELIVERED 
 
 AT CHARLESTOWN, DECEMBER 31, 17993 
 
 on THE Plath or 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON ; 
 
 LATE 
 PRESIDENT ; anv COMMANDER in CHIEF or tHe 
 
 ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 5 
 
 wo depatted this life, ar MOUNT VERNON, IN VIRGINIA, 
 ON THE 14th OF THE SAME MONTH, IN THE 
 
 69th YEAR OF HIS AGE: 
 
 WITH AN ADDITIONAL SKETCH OF HIS LIFE. 
 
 —————————————— ees 
 
 Br JEDIDIAH MORSE, D.D. 
 Paftor of the Church in Charleftown. 
 
 STD BA) ER EVES 
 
 TO WHICH IS PREFIXED, AN ACCOUNT OF THE PROCEEDINGS 
 OF THE TOWN on THE melancholy orcafion ; 
 WRITTEN BY YOSIAH BARTLETT, ESQ. 
 ANNEXED 1s THE “ VELEDICTORY ADDRESS” oF tHe 
 DCCTADSCD, ro wis FELrLow citizens. 
 it 
 Charlettorwn 2 
 Paintepy sy SAMUEL ETHERIDGE. 
 
 1800. 
 
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At a Meeting of the Szxzcrmen. and Partsu Com- 
 mirres; of the Town of CHARLESTOWN, 0” 
 Thurfday, December 26, 1799. 
 
 It having pleafed the Supreme and Unerring Dif- 
 pofer of all events, to remove from this world, 
 _ their late moft illuftrious.and beloved fellow-citizen, 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON ; 
 
 and it being in their opinion, the duty of every 
 American, in a’public and refpectful manner, not 
 only to acknowledge his various and unexamipled 
 fervices, but to teftify the moft affectionate regard 
 to his memory: They therefore, unanimoufly recom- 
 mended, that the afternoon of T: uefday, the 31/2 inft. 
 be fet apart, by the inhabitants of the town, for the 
 folemn purpofe ; and the following arrangements 
 were propofed. 
 
 _. Tar at one o’clock, P. M. the ftores and fhops 
 be fhut, and that there be a general fufpenfion of 
 bufineds. 
 
 Tuat the bell be tolled from one o’clock till 
 two, at which time it be rang, for the attendance 
 of the people, at the meeting houfe. 
 
 That the following be the Public Performances. 
 DIRGE on the ORGAN, 
 PRAYER, by the Rev. Docr. MORSE. 
 
 A FUNERAL HYMN. 
 DISCOURSE, by Docr. MORSE, 
 FUNERAL ODE. 
 
The Varzprcrorr Apprzss of GEORGE WASH. 
 INGTON, as. Prefident, to the b da. sec-iabbionl a. 
 _ the Unrren Srarzs, to be. read. 
 by Dod. Morse. 15 2 
 
 OCCASIONAL DIRGE. - 
 sein ie by Doct, MORSE. . 
 
 The bell to ‘a tolled an hour after fervice. : 
 
 - A COMMITTEE was rated to wait upon the pre. 
 fiding officer of the Society of Free,;Mafons, in this 
 town, and requeft their aii im a sian on 
 the occafion. , . ee oF hae 
 
 sexy er ee L nooo tae 
 “Carr. TimoTHy Wi tiat cad Lieut. NATHAN- | 
 EL Austin, Fun. were appointed marfhalls. And: 
 
 committees were raifed ‘to make all farther necel 
 fary arrangements. 
 
 allot of4. Sudkipi'e shoqusy cnidicht 
 ébgtoqosy oti 
 
 ’ AT the time appointed, the citizens’ affembled 
 at Warren Hall, and a proceffion, ‘confifting’ of 626 
 Liepigarage was formed in sis pero orders mud” 
 
 a ; ( i : ah > 
 
 " Matthall, it Sip Ow! 
 Male Children PM 7 to‘14 years of age. * 
 ‘Public School Matters. Pe be 
 
 “ 
 
 Young ‘Men from 14 re to 2 YEARS as 
 
 The three Military Companies ir in uniform, with ». 
 y 9 fide arms,..-- Military Officers, © “7 
 
 £9 Gitizense yy 
 
King ponsal s Lodge of Free Mafons, in hob tern 
 
 Affeffors.” 
 Parith Treafurer, and Clerk. 
 : Truftees of the Free Schools. 
 
 Minifter and Deacons. 
 Town Treafurer and Clerk. © 
 Magiftrates. Reprefentative. = ~ 
 
 Selectmen, Band of Mufic. 
 Mart! al. : an 
 
 5 
 ‘a 
 
 A DETACHMENT of a pofted by the 
 MONUMENT,* fired minute guns until the proceffion 
 entered the meeting houfe, where the propofed 
 folemnities were performed, to the entire approba- 
 tion of a crouded audience. 
 
 - * A Tufcan pillar, Eighteen feet high, placed on a brick foun. 
 dation, ten feet from the ground, eight feet fquare ; inclofed by 
 four pofts. On the top of the pillar is a gilt urn, with the letters 
 “ J. W. aged 35. ” entwined in mafonic emblems. On the fouth 
 fide of the pedeftal is the following infcription : 
 “@Erecrep, A. D. m,pcc,xciv, 
 By Kixc Sotomon’s Lopce of Free Masons, 
 Conftituted in CuarLEsTOwN, 1783, 
 In memory of 
 Mayor Generar JOSEPH WARREN, 
 and his AssociaTEs, 
 who were {lain on this memorable fpot, 
 June 17th, 1775. 
 
 **None but they who fet a juft value upon the bleflings of Lis. 
 ERTY are worthy to enjoy her. In vain we toiled; in vain we 
 fought ; we bled in vain ; if you, our Offspring, want valor to 
 repel the affaults of her invaders.’” : 
 “Cuarestown, fettled 1628. Burnt 1775,—rebuilt 1776. 
 
 “The enclofed land given by the Hon. James Ruffell, Efq.” 
 
- ‘Tue Addrefs to the Throne of Grace, was coms" 
 prehenfive, pathetic and devotional. The Dif 
 courfe was from this text : ‘“* So Mofes, the fervant 
 of the Lord died. His eye was not dim, nor bis natu- 
 ral force abated. And the children of Yrael wept for 
 Mofes, in the plains of Moab, thirty days.””. And while 
 appropriate fentiments and metaphors engaged the 
 profoundeft attention, a plaintive elegance of de- 
 livery, contributed to the mingled emotions of 
 grief, fenfibility and fubmiffion “ to zz, whomaketh 
 darknefs his pavilion? & vid; 
 
 Tue Mufic, directed by Mr. Oxrtver Horpen, 
 performed with accuracy on the Organ, by Mefl. 
 Peter and Cuarves Douiver, and vocally, by the 
 Society of Singers, was calculated, “* with mourn-' 
 "ful melody, to melt the foul into all the tendernefs of 
 woe,” and prepared for the “ VALEDICTORY 
 ADDRESS,” which concluded the folemn fcene, 
 
 2 SU ek 
 
 THE Society of Free Mafons, .2 ani 
 the Officers. of the town, the church, the parith, 
 and a number of the Rev. Clergy, returned in pro-. 
 ceflion to Warren Hall, where funeral ceremonies 
 were performed, in memory of the moft diftin- 
 guifhed uninfpired member of the fraternity, of 
 which facred or prophane hiftory can boaft. 
 
 Amip the moft unfeigned and deep felt forrow 
 on this occafion, the proper external tokens ‘were, 
 ‘not negleéted. The male inhabitants of every age, 
 appeared in the ufual badge of mourning ; and the 
 
females, whofe fympathetic tears denoted their 
 refpe& for the friend and protector of innocence, 
 were clad in the emblems of grief. 
 
 . Tue flags at the wharves and on fhore were dif- 
 played Aalf aff. The defk and front of the gal- 
 leries, in the temple of the Moft High, were cover 
 ed with black, an extenfive feftoon pafled over the 
 canopy of the pulpit, with fuitable veftments on the 
 organ and chandelier. Ewen the monument was veiled 
 on this occafion ; and the following were the 
 arrangements at Warren Hail. The walls, the 
 pedeftal, the tables,and the regalia of the lodge were 
 fhrouded.. In the eaft was a ftriking portrait 
 ofthe late GEORGE WASHINGTON, furrounded 
 by a difplay of bright rays in every direction, In 
 the north ftood the figure of a large Eagle,* mant- 
 led in black, with its eyes directed to the pifture, 
 and from its bill was fufpended a label, with the 
 following infcription ; “* All Fudea, and the inhab- 
 itants of Ferufalem, did him honor at his death.’ Inthe 
 fouth was a portrait, in mourning, of the PresipENT 
 or THE Unitep States. Thelight in the room was 
 no. more than fufficient to difplay thofe affecting ob- 
 jeG&ts, and the hall was vifited in the evening by. 
 every defcription of the inhabitants, whofe grave 
 deportment and propriety of behavior, denoted a 
 juft eftimation of the tranfactions of the day. 
 
 _* This and the beautiful appearance around the picture, were 
 from the ingenuity of Bro. Danizx Raynerp, a celebrated 
 painter and artift. 
 
At @ meeting of the Selectmen, Parifbs Commits, and 
 
 ee. 
 
 Majer of the Lodge, on the following i 
 
 A committee was raifed to wait upon the ‘the Rev. 
 Doéor Morsz, with a vote of thanks for his perfor- 
 mances, and to requeft a copy for the prefs ; vary 
 with the “‘Valedictory Addrefs,” and the fo 
 account was ordered to be publithed in a ‘pam- 
 phlet, and a copy delivered to the refpective families 
 
 intown. <A frequent perufal of its contents, was 
 earneftly recommended, as containing the LIFE, 
 
 CHARACTER, OPINIONS and ADVICE, of the greateft | 
 PATRIOT, STATESMAN, and HERO of the age Fa 
 and as a moft valuable legacy to their children’s 
 children, and their fucceffors, to the lateft period. 
 of time. 
 
 ~) 
 4 
 
 CHARLESTOWN, JAN. 2, 1800. 
 
 N. B. Tue Selectmen at this time, were Davin Goopwin, Chair- 
 man, Josrru Apams, Naruaniey Hawkins, Ricuarp Froru- 
 INGHAM, Joun Carrer, Naruaniet Goruam, and Danie 
 Turts. The Parifh Committce were James Froruincuam, 
 Josian Bartiett, Tuomas Harris, Timoruy ‘Tuomrson, 
 and Jonatuan Kerrext. And the principal Officers of the Lodge 
 were Oxtver Hoipen, Tomas Oxiver Larkin, and Date 
 Goopwin, Jun. Bb, 
 
A ve Ro Ay a ie. 
 
 / 
 
 Hoty, HOLY, HOLY LORD GOD AL- 
 MIGHTY. Before the mountains were brought 
 forth, or ever thou hadft formed the earth and the 
 world : even from everlafting, to everlafting, thou 
 art Gop. 
 
 We adore thee as a Being tranfcendently great, 
 and excellent in all thy perfections. Thou art glo- 
 rious in holinefs, fearful in praifes, doing wonders. 
 Thou art eternal and unchangeable in thy nature. 
 Thou filleft heaven and earth with thy prefence. 
 In whatever part of thy vaft creation we place our- 
 felves, we are fuill furrounded, embraced and per- 
 vaded by Gop. ‘Thou underftandeft alfo, our 
 thoughts afar off. All things are naked and open 
 unto the eyes of him, with whom we have to do. 
 There is not a thought of our heart, or a word of 
 our. tongue ; but lo, oh Lord! thou knowelt it 
 altogether. Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the 
 wifdom and the knowledge of Gop ! How unfearch- 
 able are his judgments, and his ways pait finding out! 
 
 We: adore thee, as the fovereign Lord and Ruler 
 of the univerfe. Thou doft according to thy will 
 in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants 
 of the earth. All events are under thy controul. 
 None can ftay thine hand: thy power is irrefiftible.. 
 
 Tsou killeft and makeft alive ; thou woundeft and 
 thou healeft. Thou haft thy way in the whirlwind, 
 and in the ftorm, and thecloudsarethedutt of thy feet. 
 
[ mg 
 "We adore thee asa Being of perfect redtitude. 
 Thy righteoufnefs reacheth unto the clouds, and 
 is immoveable as the great mountains, All thy 
 ‘ways are perfe@t. A Gop of truth and without in- 
 iquity, juft and right art thou. 
 
 ‘Wir thefe, thine adorable attributes, thon 
 uniteft thofe of infinite mercy, unbounded good- 
 nefs, and unfpeakable condefcenfion. *\ Thou haft 
 revealed thyfelf to thine offending offspring, under 
 the endearing name and character of The Lorb 
 Gop, merciful and gracious, flow to anger, and 
 plentéous in mercy. Efpecially, oh Lorp, ‘would 
 we magnify and praife thee, for that unfpeakable 
 mercy and unequalled condefcenfion, which thou 
 haft exhibited to our guilty world, in the plan of 
 redemption. We adore and blefs thee ; we thank 
 and praife thee for Jesus Curist, thy Sox our Sa- 
 viour. Through his mediation wé now approach 
 thee. For his fake alone, we intreat thee to hear 
 and to forgive us. . Our fins and tranfgreffions, we 
 confefs, are more in number than we can reckon 
 up, and greater than we can exprefs. ‘ Difpofe us, 
 we befeech thee, to a godly forrow for them, and 
 give us that repentance which is unto life. Shed 
 abroad thy love in our hearts by the Holy Ghoft ; 
 and put thy fear continually in our hearts, mae we 
 May never depart from thy law. (i 
 
 Atmicuty and righteous Gop, we sdk 
 the juftice of that awful fentence, pronounced on 
 man, after his apoftacy. * Duft thou art, and unto. 
 duft fhalt thou return.” ‘Sin entered into the 
 - world, and death by fin ; and fo death paffed upon 
 all men, for that all have finned. And what man 
 
f #3 3 } 
 is he that liveth and fhall not fee death ? If thou, 
 Aumicuty Gop, fetteft thine heart on man; and 
 gathereft unto thy felf, thy fpirit and thy breath, 
 all flefh fhall perifh together, and man ‘hall again 
 turn unto duft. For there is no man that hath 
 power over the fpirit to retain the fpirit, neither 
 hath he power in the day of spiel and there is 
 no difcharge in that war. 
 . Bexoxip thou putteft no truft in thy fervants, 
 and thine Angels thou chargeft with folly. How 
 much lefs in them that dwell in houfes of clay, 
 whofe foundation is in the duft, who are crufhed 
 before the moth, and whofe excellency goeth 
 away ? Behold, the Lord of Hofts doth take away 
 the mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, 
 and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, 
 the honorable man, and the counfellor, and the 
 eloquent orator. The prince, and the fubjec ; the 
 great, and the fimail ; the rich, and the poor ; the 
 wife man, and the fool, lie down alike in the duft, 
 and the worm covereth them, As the cloud is. 
 confumed and vanifheth away,’ fo he that goeth 
 down tothe grave fhall come up no more. He 
 fhall return no more to his houfe, neither fhall 
 his place know him any more. 
 _ Despuy impreffed with thefe mournful reflec. 
 tions, holy and righteous FaTHer ALMIGHTY, we 
 appear before thee in folemn affembly this day, te 
 adore thee in a recent dark, and very affliGing dif 
 penfation of thy Providence. By thy direction, 
 a prince, and a great man, has fallen among us, 
 Thou haft removed, by a fudden ftroke, one of the 
 brighteft luminaries of our world ; the richeft of 
 
[4 J 
 
 thine earthly gifts, to thine American people. The, 
 man on whom thou didf beftow thy choiceft. 
 earthly favors; the man greatly ufeful and greatly. 
 beloved, now, alas! fleeps in the duft. .Oh, our 
 Father, our Father, the chariot of Ifrael ‘and, the. 
 horfemen thereof. Our chiefeft of earthly friends 5 
 Columbia’s. greateft. earthly defence | : We mourn, 
 that we are to fee thy face no more!) Grant, we 
 befeech thee, oh Lord, that the mantle of thy de-, 
 ceafed fervant, may fall upon thine American>: 
 ExisHa, and may he have a double portion of his. 
 excellent {pirit. wrayer 
 
 Awnp now, oh Gop, who haft feen Git i in thine: un-)— 
 erring wifdom to make this great breach upon us,» 
 fanctify, we befeech thee, this moft affli@ting event, 
 to the bereaved widow and family ; to the prefi.., 
 dent, vice prefident and Congrefs, of the United 
 States ; to the commander in chief of the army, 
 and to all fubordinate officers and foldiers ; 3; to all 
 who furvive of that army, who formerly loved and. 
 obeyed the deceafed as Commander in Chief; to all 
 focieties of which he was a member ; to all our: 
 naval commanders and feamen ; to all officers in) 
 the federal and ftate governments; to our foreign 
 minifters ; and finally, to all the people of the’ 
 United States. Impart thy confolations to all thefe: 
 claffes of mourners refpectively, according to their 
 feveral circumftances; and give to them fuch’ 
 theafures of thy grace and Holy Spirit, as that all 
 may honor thee, our righteous Sovereign, in this: 
 event, and fo improve it, as that it may be turne? 
 into a great bleffing to our country. 
 
 WuiLe we. mof feelingly join in the dibs and 
 general forrow which now pervades our country, 
 
i ae 
 
 we feel it to be our duty to mingle thankfgiving 
 with our grief. We would be fenfible that our 
 gratitude to thee, oh Gop, for thy gifts, fhould 
 not end with the pofleffion of them. Bleffed be 
 thy name, oh thou Father of Mercies, for having 
 given to us that excellent man, whom thou haft 
 taken away. What fhall we render to thee, for 
 having lent us fo rich a treafure, at fo feafonable a 
 period, and for fuch a length of years?’ We blefs 
 thee, for his noble endowments of body and mind 5 
 for his perfonal bravery ; for his wifdom and 
 prudence ; for his fingular difintereftednefs and 
 patriotifm ; for his moderation in the day of prof- 
 perity ; for his calmnefs and fortitude in the fea- 
 fon of adverfity. We magnify thy goodnefs, in 
 preferving to his country fo long, his invaluable 
 life, through fuch variety of dangers and’ trials: 
 And we efpecially thank thee, that, directed by 
 wifdom from on high, and kept by thy mighty 
 power, he acquired and maintained, ‘to the laft 
 moment of his life, a reputation unequalled and 
 unfullied. We blefs thee, that through thy fup- 
 port, he was enabled to mect a fudden death, with 
 calmnefs and refignation ; and that we have good 
 hope, through grace, that he has gone to inherit 
 the promifes. We thank thee, for the bright 
 example he has left us, of all the private, focial and 
 public virtues. May we, as becomes us, in our 
 refpective ftations, emulate his virtues, and imitate 
 him in doing good. Efpecially, may it be our 
 earneft defire and our conftant endeavour to imitate 
 a greater than he, even the Divine and ever Blefled 
 RepgemeEr, our Lorp, Jesus Curist. 
 
C 16 J 
 
 _ Anp now, ALmicuty Gop, we would make our 
 fupplications to thee according to thy will for all 
 men. That wars, and the caufes of wars, may ceafe. 
 ‘That peace and good government may be eftablith- 
 ed in every nation. That true religion may flourith, 
 
 and the whole world be filled with thy glory. 
 Loox down, in thy favor, on our country. Heal 
 the great breach which thou haft made upon us. 
 Raife up and qualify, of our brethren, men who 
 fhall fill, with honor to themfelves, and ufefulneis 
 to their country, the exalted ftations of thofe who 
 have been removed by death. Blefg the prefident, 
 vice prefident and congrefs of the United States ; 
 and all rulers and magiftrates in our refpective gov- 
 ernments, and particularly the commander in chief, 
 and other officers of this commonwealth. Give 
 to them the fpirit of their ftations. May they dif- 
 cern the figns of the times ; and adopt the wifeft 
 
 meafures for our national fecurity and profperity. 
 ALMIGHTY FaTuer, look upon us who ate before 
 
 thee in thy fanctuary. May our feelings accord 
 with the folemn and affecting event which has. 
 brought us together. May we find it better to 
 come to the houfe of mourning than to go to the 
 houfe of feafting.” May the folemn and impreflive 
 {cenes with which this year clofes upon us, have a 
 lating and falutary effec upon us through that 
 which will fhortly open upon us, Aid us by thy 
 holy Spirit in all the remaining duties of this folemn 
 day. And thine, oh Lorp, fhall be all the glory, 
 and praife, through our Lorp Jzsus CurisT, to 
 whom be glory for ever. AMEN. 
 
ai A SERMON: 
 
 V V H AT mean thefe funereal fymbols ? Thefe 
 badges of univerfal forrow ? Whence the filent 
 fadnefs that broods over this crowded affembly ? 
 Why that unufual knell ? thofe melancholy ftrains ? 
 thofe heart-heaved fighs? Why thofe trickling 
 tears which bedew your cheeks? Thefe figns of 
 woe, befpeak fome deep-felt caufe. A deep-felt 
 ‘caufe there furely is. Alas! my friends, how 
 
 I proclaim it ? A GREAT MAN HAS FALLEN. 
 WASHINGTON is dead! The immortal fpirit of 
 this illuftrious and beloved patriot, loofed from its 
 prifon, has afcended to happier worlds ; his mortal 
 part is.configned to the dark and narrow houfe, 
 and we fhall fee his face no more. 
 
 Ox peatuH! now thou art indeed a conqueror. 
 Thou mayeft well glory in thy victory. Rarely, 
 fince thou waft commiffioned by héaven to wage 
 war with man, haft thou found fo noble a victim. 
 Seldom, at one ftroke, haft thou deprived the 
 world of fo much worth. Neverthelefs, thou haft 
 but executed the will of the righteous and unerring 
 Governor of the world. In the folemn filence of 
 unfeigned forrow, we would, therefore, humbly 
 fabmit and adore. 
 Cc 
 
[ 18 1 
 Tue contemplation of this fudden and great 
 
 event; in all its important afpeéts and confequences, 
 cannot fail to excite in usa group of diftrefiing: 
 and conflicting feelings and paflions. ‘In quick fuc- — 
 ceffion, we admire the greatnefs of the man’; we 
 rejoice in his unexampled fuccefs in: attaining the 
 height of earthly honor and earthly good ; 
 
 he has left a character, great almoft beyond exam- ‘ 
 ple, and without a blemifh. Our hearts Li 
 fwell with gratitude, to the Author of every Bond 
 gift, for fo precious a blefling, and for his i 
 
 able fervices to his country. We dove the am able 
 virtues, we revere the unaffected piety; » which \ ere 
 the ornament and glory of his charaéter. We 
 mourn, with heart-felt grief, that fo much worth 
 and guardian influence, at a period fo Coie a 
 momentous, is removed from our ‘wor 
 tremble for the confequences, 
 
 [~ 
 haa 
 4 40) : g OM: 
 
 A DEATH fo truly ‘and univerfally. 
 Americans, and which will excite the fympathy of 
 millions beyond the Atlantic, while it arrefts our 
 attention, demands our religious improvementy 
 But ona theme fo new, {0 vaft, fo complex, fo over- 
 whelming to the feeling mind, what canIfay? 
 td boitileyp ing 
 Ox thou, ALMIGHTY and ALL WISE DISPOSER Of 
 events ; fince, in thy holy and righteous Provi- 
 dence, thou haft removed from us, by death, thy: 
 worthy fervant, whom in mercy thou gavelt to 
 thine American Ifracl, as thou did Mofes thy 
 sroibabw 
 » Dee é phiw. bs 
 
 its etc if 
 
Saas i. a 
 
 fervant, to thine ancient people, to be their faviour 
 and lawgiver, teach us, we befeech thee, by thy 
 holy {pirit, what to fay, howto feel, and how to 
 deméan ourfelves on this folemn and affecting oc- 
 cafion ; and thine fhall be the glory forever. Amen. 
 
 A 
 
 \ To lead your meditations on this funeral celebra- 
 tion, I have felected the following appropriate 
 
 pale from 
 
 ~DEUTERON OMY xxxiv. 5, 7, 8. 
 
 SO MOSES, THE SERVANT OF THE LORD DIED. 
 
 MIS EYE WAS NOT DIM, NOR HIS NATURAL 
 ~- FORCE ABATED. AND THE CHILDREN OF 
 ISRAEL.WEPT FOR MOSES IN THE PLAINS OF 
 MOAB THIRTY DAYS. 
 
 © MOSES was raifed up and qualified, in a remark- 
 able manner, to aé& a very confpicuous part on this 
 éarthly ftage. His extraordinary prefervation in 
 his infancy, and his confequent education at the 
 court of Pharaoh, where he became learned in 
 all the wifdom of the Egyptians, at once prefaged, 
 _ qualified him for, future greatnefs. 
 
 Hoye criee to aé in the double capacity of a Gene- 
 Aaland aLawgiver to the tribes of Hrael ; to be at the 
 fame time, under Gop, their deliverer from Egyp- 
 tian bondage 3 their conduéfor, by a moft difficult and 
 wondrous way, to the promifed land ; the difpenfer 
 of wife and excellent laws for their internal regula- 
 tion, and the inftrument of their exaltation to inde- 
 
20 | 
 
 pendence and glory among the nations ; Gon vin’ 
 his wifdom, was pleafed to order the events of his? 
 life’ in a manner wifely fuited to Prepare him for 
 his various and important officesss ap gh Mon 
 i mg Cae 
 “He was early initiated and experienced in the 
 art of war. This we learn from Jofephus, who re- 
 lates many incidents in the life of Moses which 
 his own modefty, perhaps, forbid him to records, 
 “¢ When Moszs,” ays this refpectable: hiftorian, 
 << was grown to man’s eftate, he had an opportunity 
 offered him, of fhewing his courage and conduct. 
 The Ethiopians, who inhabited the upper land on 
 the fouth fide of Egypt, had made pet ae 
 incurfions, plundered and ravaged all the nei 
 bouring parts of the country, beat the Sortion 
 army in a fet battle, and were become fo elated with, 
 their fuccefs that they began to march towards the 
 capital of Egypt. In this diftrefs, the i 
 had recourfe to the Oracle, which anfwered - 
 they fhould make choice of an Hebrew for. sheig, 
 general. As none was more promifing than Moszs”” 
 he was appointed to the command of the Egyptian 
 army, attacked, with much addrefs, and vanqi hed 
 the enemy, and returned victorious, thus giving an 
 early and brilliant fpecimen of thofe military ‘talents, 
 which were afterwards to be employed in refcyin 
 his opprefled brethren from the bondage, r 
 Egyptians. 
 
 é kre lade 
 Soon after this exploit, Moszs, for prudential rea, 
 
 fem, retired from publis life, and {pent fore es 
 
C 2] 
 
 with Jethro in Midian, in the humble, yet delightful. 
 employment of a Shepherd. During this period he 
 married the daughter of his princely friend ;* and 
 under his patronage, in this calm retreat, he hada 
 happy opportunity, not only to perfec himfelf in 
 thofe arts and fciences which he had been taught ia 
 Egypt, but alfo to acquaint himfelf with the fcience 
 of legiflation, and the art of governing a great peo- 
 ple,t fo neceflary to qualify him for the important 
 and elevated ftation which, in the providence of 
 Gop, he was deftined to fill, 
 
 aii 
 
 , Wuen the period had arrived for the deliverance 
 of the tribes of Ifrael from Egyptian bondage, and 
 a leader was to be appointed for this purpofe, Mo- 
 ses was defignated and called, in a remarkable man- 
 ner, to.this honourable and arduous office. From 
 the burning buth, the Gon of Ifrael called to Moszs, 
 faying, Behold the cry of the children of Ifrael is come» 
 unio me ; and I have alfo feen the oppreffion wherewith 
 the Egyptians opprefs them. Come now, therefore, and I 
 will fend thee unto Pharaoh, that thou-mayeft bring forth 
 my people out of Egypt. Mark the reply. And Moszs 
 
 _ * Puro relates that “ Jeruro, being firft ftruck with admi- 
 ration of the goodly afpec&t of Moses, and then, of his wile dif- 
 courfe, immediately gave him the moft beautiful of all his daugh- 
 ters to be his wife, not ftaying to inquire of any body who he 
 was, becaufe his moft excellent qualities fufficiently recommended 
 
 him to his affection.” 
 PuiLo, de vita Mofis, I. 1. 
 
 + Tart Jevuro was a competent inftruéor on this fubjed, ap- 
 
 pears from the fage advice which he gave to Mosss in his en- 
 
 campment “ at the Mount of Gop,” inthe wildernefs. See Ex, 
 dus xvili. 13 to the end. 
 
oe ta 
 wieto ad. toul bb pas sonpbarng, suis 
 aid wnt Gon, who am I, that Lfoould go 
 
 unto Pharaoh, 
 and that I foould bring forth the children of Ifrael out of 
 Egypt ? We here notice that modefty and diffidence 
 which always accompany great merit, and which 
 are one mark of a noble and magnanimous foul. 
 _ After much perfuafion, and repeated affurances, 
 of divine fupport, Moszs accepted his commiflions. 
 and entered upon his office. root. vee ilivoer 
 Sri 49% ied 
 Ir would be no lefs clea she entertaining 
 to you, were it confiftent with the limits and the, 
 defign of this difcourfe, to follow our eminent hero, 
 and lawgiver, at the head of the tribes of Irael,, 
 through all his devious way from Egypt tothe, 
 borders of Canaan, and to difplay before you, im 
 detail, the many interefting and perilous fcenes’ 
 through which he pafled. But with fuch details it 
 would be eafy to filla volume. A few particulars: 
 ‘only can be noticed, which exhibit moft 
 the leading traits in the a ye bey re ana, 
 
 es human chara¢ter oattelgt ever cotta 
 greater, more numerous, or more ufeful talents 
 than Moszs.. As a General, a Statefman, anda Man, 
 he ftands unrivalled among thofe ancient worthies 
 whofe names have been tranfmitted to us in facred 
 and profane hiftory. The fkill and addrefs with 
 which he organized, difciplined, and conducted the’ 
 army of Ifrael, under circumftances peculiarly imaus 
 fpicious, arduous, and perplexing ; the ftri& order, 
 and judicious arrangements which he? eftablifhed 
 and invariably maintained in all his encampments ; 
 
C3 23 J 
 
 the prudence and decifion with which he quelled 
 the frequent infurreétions excited by envious, dif- 
 Organizing, and defigning men ; the patience and 
 fortitude with which he endured unintermitted, 
 and unparalleled toils and hardfhips, for the long 
 period of forty years ; the dexterity and judgment 
 with which he oftimes extricated himfelf and his 
 army, from difficulties and embarraflments which 
 would have difconcerted and overwhelmed any 
 mind lefs difcerning and firm than that of Moses ; 
 the dignity and calmnefs with which he endured 
 the ingratitude, complaints, and reproaches of the 
 difcontented multitude under his direction ; the 
 numerous expedients which he devifed, often on 
 the “¢ fpur of the occafion,” to filence their mur- 
 murs; and to fatisfy their complaints—All thefe 
 things prove that Moszs poffefled fingular military 
 merit ; that he difplayed all the beft talents ever 
 exhibited by the greateft generals the world has 
 produced, 
 gAEi 1669 
 
 AFTER this, it is fufficient that I fy, his politi- 
 éaly,were not-inferior in greatnefs to his military, 
 talents. As proof of this, I need only refer you 
 generally, for I cannot defcend to particulars, to 
 that conftitution and code of laws and regula- 
 tions, which, by divine direction, he gave to the 
 tribes of Ifrael ; and to thofe civil and religious in- 
 {titutions, which, under Gon, he eftablithed among 
 them. . Of the wifdom and excellence of thefe laws 
 and) inftitutions, we have had abundant evidence, 
 They were continued, a peculiar inheritance, to the 
 
 @ as 
 
E 24 J 
 
 ebree nation, for about fifteen hundred years. 
 So long as they were obeyed and fupported, the 
 nation was profperous, réefpeétable, and happy. A 
 contrary courfe of conduct was invariably followed 
 by divifions, diftrefs, and ruin. The wifdom of 
 laws and ordinances admits of no higher proof, 
 than their long experienced utility. Befides; from 
 the civil code of Moses, legiflators, in all after ages, 
 have derived their beft laws, and’ rapioesenyenind 
 ims of policy. reget ha andes 
 v7 shes fiil } 
 We would not be underftood to afcribe too 
 much to Mosgs, as a lawgiver. We admit that 
 his laws were {pecially dictated to him from heaven: 
 Yet, when we confider him as the favoured inftru- 
 ment defignated to commit them to ‘writing, and 
 to communicate them ‘to the people’; “and ef 
 pecially, as the chief magiftrate, invefted with au- 
 thority to appoint “fubordinate officers, and to ex- 
 ecute thefe laws, we fhall find fufficient reafons to 
 exalt him to the firft rank among the lawgivers 
 and politicians of either ancient or modern times.’ 
 or ON 
 ’ Tue virtues of Moses as a man, were as fplendid 
 and peculiar as his military and political talents. 
 His perfonal accomplifhments are celebrated by 
 facred as well as profane hiftorians.. Of his civil- 
 ity and kindnefs, we have a remarkable inftance in 
 his behaviour towards the daughters of JeTHRO, 
 whom he humanely protected againft fome rude 
 fhepherds at a well on the plains of Midian, and 
 then obligingly aflifted them in watering: their 
 
| C2 ] 
 flocks. This ftory gives us a beautiful fpecimen of 
 the fimplicity of ancient manners, and at the fame 
 time evinces that Moszs poflefled a noble, generous, 
 and humane difpofition. 
 
 He loved his countrymen with the affection of 
 a father and a brother. He gave long and une- 
 quivocal proof of this, by his extraordinary and 
 difinterefted fervices and fufferings; and by his 
 frequent and fervent prayers in their behalf. Of 
 his generofity and public fpirit, the following, 
 among others, are firiking fpecimens. When, 
 through a miftaken zeal for his honor, fome of his 
 friends requefted him to forbid two men, who 
 were prophecying in the camp, Moszs replied, 
 Envieft thou for my fake? Would to Gop that all the 
 Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would 
 put bis fpirit uponthem. Perfonal diftinGtion and re- 
 fpe&, in his view, were of no confideration in 
 comparifon with the public good. Provided the 
 interefts of the nation could be promoted by it, he 
 was willing and defirous that all fhould poffefs 
 equal honors and powers with himfelf. The 
 other inftance, in a ftill more firiking manner, 
 evinces the perfect difintereftednefs of the views of 
 Moses, and his entire devotion to the good of his 
 nation. When the Hebrews had grievoufly finned 
 in worfhipping the golden calf, Moses, in his inter- 
 ceffion for them, ufes thefe remarkable expreflions. 
 Ob ! this people have finned a great fin, and have made 
 them gods of gold ; yet now if thou wilt forgive their 
 D | | 
 
£6) 
 Jin ; and if not, aor me I prar- THER our oF vHY 
 800K, WHICH THOU HAST wRITTeN. “An inftance of 
 pure, difinterefted, and’ ardent’ affection and pat- 
 riotifm, equal to this, was never - exhibited by any 
 human charaéter, that of the Apoftle Pau, which 
 nearly refembles it, perhaps excepted.’ Like the 
 blefled RepeEmER, of whom, in this inftance ef- 
 pecially, he was a lively type, ‘he manifefted his — 
 willingnefs to become of * no reputation,” and to 
 lay down his life even, for the epine  ooe 
 ful nation. & wer Aatd brs x0 nt 
 Cay tag) UE Tay 
 Moses appears to have been a ftranger to ambi- 
 in: He fought none of the high offices which he 
 filled. He afpired after none of thofe honors, 
 which were beftowed upon him. . They were not 
 only unfolicited, but undefired. | Diffident of his 
 ewn talents and accomplifhments, as great) and 
 wife men always are, nothing but the command of 
 Gop, and affurances of his prefenee, and aid, 
 could have forced him from his calm and delight- 
 ful retreat, and induced him ‘to accept the arduous 
 office of Commander in Chief over the multitude of his: 
 brethren, for the honourable purpofe of breaking 
 the chains of their oppreflion, and condu@ting them 
 to, and eftablifhing them as an eiicionersel nation, 
 in, vie promifed Canaan. Lor eh tOhad ds 
 Wt. wodst 1H a 
 ‘Dvilsilesola too aeoeiie heel pride, and 
 power is of an intoxicating nature. Men invefted 
 with high offices, and clothed with many honors, 
 are sl to forget anne and to look with dif- 
 
 Wicley Sy Bo 
 
tL & I 
 dain on thofe below them, and too often to re« 
 fent perfonal: difrefpeét and infults with ftern fe~ 
 verity. It was not fo with Moszs. Pofleffing an 
 excellent natural temper, and having acquired a 
 profound knowledge of human nature, he, with 
 wonderful facility, conciliated the efteem, and fe- 
 cared the unlimited confidence, of the people un- 
 der his government. While they obeyed him as 
 their general, and their firft civil magiftrate, they 
 loved him as a father. He was not, however, 
 without his enemies, who not infrequently infulted 
 him with their hard {peeches, and their unfounded 
 complaints. The envious .at his advancement and 
 diftinguifhed privileges, often provoked his. re- 
 fentment ; but he endured all his fevere trials with 
 fuch calm magnanimity, and humblenefs of mind, 
 as obtained for him this honourable character, that 
 he was very meek, above all the men that dwelt upon’ saad 
 face of the earth. ) ud 
 
 “en if you would perceive, at one view, an epi- 
 este of the energies and excellencies of the mind: 
 of this great and good man ; if you would know 
 the foundne& of his underftanding, even invhis ad- 
 vanced age; his deep and extenfive knowledge of 
 the interefts of his countrymen ; his glowing con- 
 cern for theit welfare ; his admirable prefcriptions 
 to'promote it ; and, to crown the-whole, his fincere 
 and fervent piety towards Gop, read with atten- 
 tion, his tender and pathetic fpeeches which he de- 
 livered to all the tribes of Ifrael; while encamped 
 on the plains of Moab, on the banks of the Jordan, 
 
[ 28 J 
 at the time when he was about to 
 with its cares, to his fucceflor. The virtues of. 
 Moszs never fhonebrighterthan in the clofing fcenes 
 of his life. They cluftered and — 
 Resid the heavenly Canaane 
 wht gohhor 
 Whgar he had finifhed the work he had to do, 
 and had deliberately fettled all his public and pri- 
 vate affairs, forewarned of his approaching death, 
 he retired to Mount Pifgah, by the fpecial appoint- 
 ment of heaven, whence he viewed the promifed 
 Canaan. Though now an hundred and twenty years: 
 old, his eye was not dim, nor. his natural force abateds 
 On this Mount, without any previous ficknefs or, 
 pain, fo far as we know, he died. . And, to prevent. 
 the idolatry of the people, the Lorp himfelf buried. 
 him fo fecretly, that 2o man knoweth of his fepulchre, 
 unto this day. When his death was anounced to the, 
 tribes of Ifrael, they wept for him thirty days. Thus. 
 this great man, this beloved father of his people, 
 was as much diftinguifhed and honored above the 
 reft of his fellow men, in his death, as in his tile 
 
 ° “A 
 
 IREOTE 413 >. a hate 
 His writings, confifting of. then Peotajmeniasiitel as. 
 is generally believed, the book of Job, have proved. 
 an invaluable legacy, not only to his own nation, 
 but to the world. And they will be read with de. 
 light and inftruction, by all the future generations. 
 of men. . eth Mena’ 
 I CANNOT more partigeneiy ha this hiftorical 
 fketch of the life of Mofes, than by the character given, 
 
Ua: 5 
 
 of him by~-his. hiftorians.,.“ Moses,’’. fays the. 
 author of the book of Ecclefiafticus, ‘*.was beloved 
 of Gop and men, and his memorial is blefled. . The 
 Lord made him like to the glorious faints, and 
 magnified him fo that his enemies {tood in, fear of 
 him ; and by his word he caufed the wonders to 
 ceafe ; and he made him glorious in the fight of 
 kings, gave him ordinances for his people, and. fhew- 
 ed him part of his glory. He fandtified him in his. 
 faithfulnefs and meeknefs, and chofe him out of all, 
 men. He made him to hear his voice, and brought 
 him into the dark cloud, and gave him command- 
 ments before his face, even the law of life and 
 knowledge, that he might teach Jacob his coven- 
 ant and Ifrael his judgments.” ‘ He was a man,” 
 fays Jofephus, ‘‘ of admirable wifdom, and one that. 
 made'the beft ufe of what he underftood: An ex-. 
 cellent {peaker, and no man better fkilled in moving: 
 the affections of the people than himfelf ; and fo, 
 great a matter of his paffions, that he lived as though 
 he had none, or as if he only knew them by their. 
 names, or by obferving them in others. Never was. 
 there a greater captain, nor a prophet equal to him ; - 
 for all his words were oracles.” Ladd, the teiti- 
 mony of a greater than Jofephus or the fon of Si- 
 rach. There arofe not a prophet fince in Ifrael, fays 
 the facred hiftorian, /ike unto Moses, whom the Lorn 
 knew face to face, in all the figns and the wonders which 
 the Lorn fent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, 
 and to all his fervants, and to all the land, and in all the 
 mighty hand, and in all that great terror which Moszs 
 
 _ Spewed in the fight of all Irael. 
 
ae | 
 Suen. were the talents, the. var 
 and beneficent military and political Clie ante, 
 fuch the highly honourable and favoured lot,’in 
 life and in death, of MOSES: And fach, methinks: 
 . Ehear you fay, with united —o “was our: 
 WASHINGTON. — Y Spey athicphlihios Pars 
 sh ni 1° fie $itirp 
 Never, perhaps, were coincidences in charaéter 
 and fortune, between any two ilvftrious’ men 
 who have lived, fo numerous and fo ftriking as es 
 tween Moszs and Wasnincron, If the latter fe-| 
 leGted Moszs as his model, he was certainly ‘wife in) 
 his choice, and happy in his imitation. .Both!were’ 
 born for great and fimilar achievements ; to de- 
 liver, under the guidance of providence, each the: 
 tribes of their refpective countrymen, from. the: 
 yoke of oppreffion, and to eftablifh them, with the’ 
 beft form of government, and the wifelt code of 
 laws, an imdependent and refpectable _ nation. 
 Both were early and remarkably educated and: 
 qualified for their future elevated and various. 
 offices. Rue sg yA 
 - Lixe as was Moses, fo was WAsHINGTON, early” 
 inftruéted, both theoretically and practically, in the’ 
 art of war. Before he had attained the age of twenty’ 
 one, he fuftained the rank of major in the provincial 
 fervice, and adjutant general of the provincial forces?! 
 and by the appointment of the governor of Virginia, 
 he fulfilled an important, difficult, and perilous em-: 
 baffy to the commander in chief of the hoftile 
 French on the Ohio, im fo able and fuccefaful a 
 
 le at Res it 
 
ae 
 manner, as that he was complimented with the 
 thanks and approbation of his government. 
 ‘Durine the calamitous war whichfucceeded,and 
 in which he was engaged from its commencement 
 till its fuccefsful termination, in 1758, he acted a 
 very confpicuous part ; and on all occafions ac- 
 quitted himfelf to the utmoft fatisfaction of his 
 country ; difplaying uniformly, uncommon forti- 
 tude under perfonal hardfhips, perfevering induf- 
 try; cool and undaunted bravery, and the moft 
 brilliant ‘military talents.. Among the many une- 
 quivocal evidences to the truth of what I have now 
 faid, I cannot omit to mention that given by Pre. 
 Jfident Davies, in a fermon in print, preached to a 
 military company in Virginia, the 17th of Auguft, 
 1755, when General WasHiIncTON was little more 
 than twenty two years of age. “ Has Gop,” he 
 afks, “ been pleafed to diffufe fome fparks of this 
 martial fire through our country ? I hope he has.’ 
 *© As a remarkable inftance of this, (he adds in a 
 marginal note) I may point out to the public, that 
 heroic youth, Colonel WasuincTon, whom, I can! 
 not but hope, providence has hitherto preferved, 
 in fo fignal a manner, for fome important fervice 
 to his country.” 
 
 He continued in military life, with great credit 
 to himfelf, till, in 1759, his health obliged him to 
 refign his commiffion, and he retired, like Moszs, 
 married one of the firft among women, for beauty, 
 accomplifhments, and fortune, and with ample 
 eftate, fat down to cultivate the arts of peace. . 
 
bea? 
 
 Havine thus completed ‘his military, a 
 commenced his political’ education. “From ‘an eatly 
 period after he refigned his commiffion, he ‘was 
 conftantly a magiftrate, and ajudge apne outtin 
 his county ; and a reprefentative in the ature 
 of Virginia, till, by this refpectable body, in'conform- 
 ity with the unanimous wifhes of the people, he 
 was elected one of the four delegates from Virginia, 
 to the firft general Congrefs, In reference to this 
 event, a gentleman, who was ina fituation to be 
 correctly informed, fays, “It was with no > fimall 
 reluctance that he engaged again, in the aétive fcenes 
 of life ; and I fincerely believe, that no motives, but 
 fuch as fpring from a moft difinterefted patriotifm, 
 could. éver have prevailed upon him to relinquifh 
 the moft refined domeftic. pleafures, which jit 
 was ever in his power to command, and the great 
 delight he took in farming, and the Pan eyate 
 of his eftate.” & 
 
 He had not long been in Congrefs, before the 
 portentous afpect of the difpute between Great Bri- 
 tain and her colonies, rendered it neceflary to raife | 
 - anarmy, and to complete its organization by the 
 appointment of a Commander in’Chiefy It was 
 natural to expeét that all eyes would at “once be 
 turned upon WasuincTon, for this arduous office. 
 ' He was appointed. “ And it is perhaps his peculiar 
 glory that there was not a fingle inhabitant of thefe 
 ftates, except himfelf, who did not approve the 
 choice, and. place the firmeft confidence in his in- 
 tegrity and abilities.” The refult has proved that 
 confidence was never better placed. 
 
oe a 
 
 Hunpreps of abler pens than mine have made 
 you, who were not living witnefles, familiarly ac. 
 quainted with the toils and achievements of our 
 Hero during our revolutionary war ; and with the 
 affecting and joyous circumftances which attended 
 his taking leave of his war-worn officers and fol- 
 diers, and retiring once more with fupreme fatif- 
 faction to private life. 
 
 Ty refpec& to the occurrences during the remain- 
 ing period of his life, I can only fay generally, nor is 
 it neceflary that I here be particular, that after four 
 years refpite from the fatigues and bufinefs of pub- 
 lic life, he was called, in 1787, to prefide over that 
 aflembly of fages who framed our admired Confti- 
 tution ; and in 1789, by the unanimous voice of 
 hiscountry,was invefted with the office and honours 
 of Presipent of the United States. Great in the 
 cabinet as in the field, he fuftained and honoured 
 this office eight years, when he again nobly defcend- 
 ed and became the private citizen, and the Farmer 
 “of Mount Vernon, “ confoling himfelf with the hope 
 of clofing the remnant of his days in that peaceful 
 abode.””* 
 
 WueEn about to quit forever, as he fondly hoped 
 and expected, the public walks of life, he gave his 
 country that rich Legacy, his admired, and ever to 
 be remembered VALEDICTORY ADDRESS, which 
 is to be read to you at the conclufion of this folem- 
 
  * Sep his letter on his accepting the command of the Army in 
 1798. 
 
he ea 
 
 nity, and which, with his other excellent writings, 
 conftitute a moft valuable treafure of | fage tite. 
 tion and advice, worthy to be tranfmitted down to 
 the lateft pofterity. Ca iewihi esate 
 
 COS ARP REED ala 2 
 
 But his public fervices were not yet terminated. 
 
 The voice of his endangered country called ‘him 
 once more to the command of the American Ar- 
 mies. I cannot refrain repeating to you the lan- 
 guage of his acceptance : “ Satisfied” he fays to the 
 Prefident, “ that you have fincerely wifhed and en- 
 deavoured to avert war, and exhaufted to the latt 
 drop the cup of reconciliation, we can with pure 
 hearts appeal to heaven for the juftice of our caufe ; 
 and may confidently truft the final refult to that 
 kind Providence, who has heretofore and fo often 
 fignally favoured the people of thefe United States. 
 Thinking in this manner, and feeling how incum- 
 bent it is upon every perfon to contribute at 2 
 times to his country’s welfare, and efpecially in a 
 moment like the prefent, when every thing we hold 
 dear and facred is fo ferioufly threatened, I have 
 finally determined to accept the commiffion of 
 Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United 
 - States. I take the liberty to mention, that I mutt 
 decline having my acceptance confidered as draw- 
 ing after it any immediate charge upon the public ; 
 or that I can receive any emoluments annexed to — 
 the appointment, before entering into a fituation 
 to incur expenfe.” This commiffion he held till he 
 was fummoned to the enjoyment of more exalted 
 honours in heaven. 
 
[ 35, 4 
 As to the ability and fuccefs with which he dif- 
 charged the duties of his elevated military and civil 
 offices, I will only fay in one word, that if Moszs 
 was his pattern, he was an admirable copyitt. 
 
 Nor was he a whit behind his prototype in re- 
 fpec&t to his perfonal virtues, In thefe he was as 
 great as in his talents for public employment. Like 
 Moszs he ardently loved his countrymen, and ferved 
 them with equal zeal, fidelity and difintereftednefs. 
 Like Mosss, he was a ftranger to ambition,and would 
 gladly have avoided thofe diftinétions and honors 
 
 which he received as the unfolicited and voluntary 
 offerings of the American people. A fenfe of duty 
 appears, in eyery inftance, to have influenced him 
 to accept all the public offices which he has been 
 called to fuftain. Like Moszs, he “ was beloved of 
 - Gop and men, and his memorial is blefled. The 
 Lord magnified him fo that his enemies ftood in 
 fear of him, and he made him glorious in the fight 
 of kings. He fantified him in his faithfulnefs and 
 meeknefs, and chofe him out of all men.” Like 
 Mosss, he was “‘ a man of admirable underftanding 
 and wifdom, and made the beft ufe of what he un- 
 derftood. He was an excellent fpeaker, and no 
 man. was ever better fkilled in moving the affections 
 of the people than himfelf,’”* or had a happier talent 
 at conciliating the efteem and confidence of the peo- 
 ple, or fhared more largely in either. “ And fo 
 great a mafter was he of his paffions, that he lived 
 as though he had none. Never was there a greater 
 captain,” nor a ftatefman fuperior “ to him, for all 
 
cE @.4 
 
 his words were oracles.” He had the peculiar iy | 
 while in public office, of colleéting and amalgamat-' 
 ing (if I may fo exprefs it) in his own mind, the 
 opinions of thofe whom he thought proper to con- 
 
 fult on great and momentous queftions, and in this 
 
 way of affifting, informing, and confirming his own 
 
 fuperior judgment. To this excellent art, the of— 
 {pring of his confummate prudence and felf-diffi-’ 
 dence, it is to be chiefly attributed that he commit-’ 
 ted no material error through his whole public life. 
 
 Or his exemplary piety and refpec for the Chri’ 
 tian Religion, he has given ample proofs, by his nu- 
 merous declarations in his public fpéeches and ad- 
 dreffes ; by his reverence of the Sabbath, and his 
 devout and conftant attendance on public worfhip ; 
 by his pious and humble acknowledgments of his 
 dependence on Gon, for every gift and favour ; but — 
 more efpecially by his ftri@ and uniform udhenehee 
 to the principles, and his obfervance of the duties of 
 Chriftianity through his whole life, and the devout 
 refignation and calmnefs which he manifefted at his 
 death. Thefe things are predicable of no other 
 than a good man and a Chriftian. , 
 
 To do juftice to the character of THE MAN of 
 whom I have been {peaking, is not in me; nor is 
 it pretended. If any man pofleffes elevation of 
 thought and language proportioned to the fubjec, it it 
 muft be the prefent cu1zF MAGISTRATE of our na- 
 tion, and the greateft statesman in the world. fF 
 wu! therefore gratify you, and enrich my difcourfe 
 
t wm 
 
 with his juft and elegant Eulogy, pronounced at the: 
 important era of our prefent form of government, 
 when he and his co-patriot WasHincTon, by the 
 unanimous. voice of their country, were entering 
 on the two firft offices in the gift of their fellow- 
 citizens. ‘* Were I bleffed,” he fays, “‘ with powers 
 to do juftice to his character, it would be impoflible 
 to increafe the confidence, or affection of his country, 
 or make the {malleft addition to his glory. May I, 
 neverthelefs, be indulged to inquire ; if we look 
 over the catalogue of the firft magiftrates of nations, 
 whether they have been denominated prefidents or 
 confuls, kings or princes, where fhall we find one 
 who has fo completely united all hearts, and all voi- 
 ces in his favour ; and who enjoyed the efteem and 
 admiration of foreign nations, and fellow-citizens 
 with equal unanimity ? Qualities fo uncommon are 
 no common blefling to the country which poffeffes 
 them. By thefe great qualities, and their benign 
 effects, has Providence marked out the head of this 
 nation, with an hand fo diftinéily vifible as to have 
 been feen by all, and miftaken by none.” 
 
 Never did honors fit more eafy on any man than 
 on WasHincton. Like a garment he put them on, 
 not from choice, but from duty ; not for fhew, but 
 for ufe ; and the happieft epochs of his life were 
 the refpeftive periods when he difrobed himfelf 
 of his official honors and retired to private 
 life. He wonderfully combined unaffected hu. 
 ' mility and piety, with almoft unprecedented influ. 
 
foe 
 
 i rt 
 ence, and great diffidence, with uncpinanan salen ale 
 Strikingly appropriate to this part of his character, 
 are the following lines. ec re 
 “ Afk him indeed what trophies he has rais’\d, 9 9) 
 
 « Or what achievements of immortalfame  ==s— 
 « He purpofes? And he will anfwer, None. a 
 « Yet, with deep-felt voice,on every heart = 3 = 
 
 “© Imprefs’d, his deeds themfelves atteft his praife. + 
 
 « How vain this tribute then ? Yet nought 18 Wades tigeass 
 
 * Which Gratirupbe infpires.” - ca tat Ohl Bo 
 
 i pina s wines a 1! 
 
 * Iw proof of what is here afferted of this excellent man, Taf” 
 the reader’s particular attention to the following extraé from 
 his Speech to the firft Congrefs under our prefent form of Gov- 
 ernment, delivered May 1789. I give it as a fpecimen at once,” 
 of the modefty of true greatnefs, of found underftanc 1B deep 
 and comprehenfive difcernment, conciliating addrefs, meek 
 and fincere piety, and of that correét, perfpicuous and ‘melliflu- 
 ent ftyle, which always reaches the heart. I am under no appre- 
 henfions of fatigueing the reader with its length. © Fiala ae} 
 
 HY Rian Wa 
 site (yane> 
 
 “ FELLOW-CITIZENS OF THE SENATE, AND OF’ 
 THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 
 
 Le eB ee 
 AMONG the viciflitudes incident to life, no event could have 
 filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notificatic 
 was tranfmitted by your order, and received on the 14th day 
 of the prefent month. On the one hand, I was fummoned by my 
 country, whofe voice I can never hear but with veneration and 
 love, from a retreat which I had chofen with the fondelt predilec- 
 tion, and, in my flattering hopes, with an immutable decifion as 
 the afylum of my declining years: A retreat which was rendered. 
 every day more neceflary as well as more dear to me, by the ad- 
 dition of habit to inclination, and of frequent interruptions in my 
 health to the gradual wafte committed on it by time. On the 
 other hand, the magnitude and difficulty of the truft to which the 
 voice of my country called me, being fufficient to awaken in the 
 wifeft and moft experienced of her citizens, a diftruftful feru- 
 tiny into his qualifications, could not but overwhelm with def, 
 pondence one, who, inheriting inferior endowments from natu 
 and unpractifed in the duties of civil adminiftration, ought to be 
 peculiarly confcious of his own deficiencies. In this, conflié of 
 emotions, all I dare aver is, that it has been my faithful ftudy to 
 colle& my duty from a juft appreciation of every circumftance, 
 
i es 
 
 But the man who combined fo many great 
 and eftimable qualities, and who fo remarkably 
 ‘ynited all hearts,” is now no more. As like 
 Moszs he lived, like him he died. When the 
 fummons, for his departure, arrived from the 
 
 by which it might be affected. All I dare hope is, that if in 
 executing this tafk I have been too much fwayed by ‘a grateful 
 remembrance of former inftances, or by an affectionate fenfibility 
 to this tranfcendent proof of the confidence of my fellow-citizens ; 
 and have thence too little confulted my incapacity as well as dif- 
 inclination for the weighty and untried cares before me; my 
 error will be palliated by the motives which mifled me, and its 
 confequences be judged by my country, with fome fhare of the 
 partiality in which = originated. 
 
 _ Such being the impreflions.under which I have, in obedience 
 to the public fummons, repaired to the prefent ftation, it would 
 be peculiarly improper to omit in this firft official aét, my fervent 
 ipergen: to that Almighty Being, who rules over the univerfe, 
 who prefides in the councils of nations, and whofe providential 
 aids can fupply every human defeé, that his benediftion may 
 confecrate to the liberties and happinefs of the people of the 
 United States, a government inftituted by themfelves for thefe 
 effential purpofes, and may enable every inftrument employed in 
 its adminiftration, to execute with fuccefs, the functions allotted 
 to his charge. In tendering this homage to the great Author of 
 évery public and private good, I affure myfelf that it expreifles 
 your fentiments not lefs than my own; nor thofe of my fellow- 
 citizens at large, lefs than either. No people can be bound to 
 acknowledge and adore the invifible hand, which condués the 
 affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every 
 ftep, by which they have advanced to the charaéter of an inde- 
 pendent nation, feems to have been diftinguifhed by fome token 
 of providential agency. And in the important revolution juft 
 accomplifhed in the fyftem of their united government, the tran- 
 quil deliberations and voluntary confent of fo many diftin@ com- 
 munities, from which the event has refulted, cannot be compared 
 with the means by which moft governments have been eftablifhed, 
 without fome return of pious gratitude along with an humble 
 anticipation of the future bleflings which the paft feem to 
 prefage. Thefe reflections, arifing out of the prefent cri- 
 fis, have forced themfelves too ftrongly on my mind to be fup- 
 prefled. You will join with me, I truft, in thinking that there 
 are none under the influence of which, the proceedings of a new 
 and free government can more aufpicioufly commence.” 
 
7 eageer | 
 
 Le, 
 
 ic ct in his full ftrength. His ge was nN nor 
 his natural force abated. He iy the grave 
 with “ all his blufhing honors n hi 
 
 “«< He was not like the unfubftantial mete 
 while in its eae is exting! 
 
 the firmament, who fhines tlt he ew at oe che 
 horizon.” 7 cyt! ianteicaap 
 a ye a: 
 
 Ciblog cic the forrow of the angers 
 
 Moszs, exceed that which is now en ye 
 
 part of our country, { for our beloved 
 
 Never, probably, were mourners ‘more Walaa, 
 
 nor more fincere, in any country, on Leth 
 
 than in ours at the prefent time. 
 nas : oo vrata! » 
 
 Ar this portentous crifis, the lofs 
 has fuftained in the death of Him, whofe name 
 for defence was inftead of a Host, , is” great’ and 
 
 afflicting indeed ; but there is every t ; confor 
 
 latory in it, that the cafe can admit. He hada 
 . weight of character to maintain naidieninitiereaee 
 unfullied, which more advanced years inight have 
 been unable to fupport. The -wifdom: and 
 
 nefs of Providence, no doubt, chofe'the fitteft time 
 for hisremoval. ‘The charatter that was'covers 
 ed with glory, is now placed beyond the edad 
 malice or misfortune. The life that was mo 
 
 ee ae 
 
 eo 
 
a | 
 
 nently ufeful to his country andthe world, is now 
 confummated i in heaven.” He had fpent his days 
 in active ufefulnefs ; in honourable and exemplary 
 induftry, and. it was fit that he fhould ceafe from 
 his earthly labours and enter into his reft. He had 
 lived long enough for himfelf ; he had finifhed the 
 arduous work affigned him, ‘ud was ready for his 
 departure. We have feen his end and it was 
 peace. His dying pains were of fhort duration. 
 The garment of mortality foon dropt off, and the 
 eminent fervant of Gop, fell afleep in the Lord. 
 Concerning him we may write, “ Bleffed are the 
 dead who die in the Lord ; they reft from their 
 labours and their- works do fllcw them.” “ The 
 righteous fhall be in everlafting remembrance.” 
 We believe he has now in pofleffion, all that we 
 have in promife and in profpect. | 
 
 A variety of important reflections naturally 
 tufh upon the mind in a review of our fubjed. 
 
 « By the event which we have been contemplating, 
 ‘we are emphatically taught the vanity of all earthly 
 greatnefs. In the language of a celebrated and 
 energetic writer,* accommodated to this occafion, 
 ‘we may fay,‘ Who art thou that fetteft thine affec- 
 tions on things below? Art thou greater than the 
 deceafed ? Doft thou value thyfelf on thy riches, 
 thy power, thy greatnefs? Lo, WasninerTon is 
 
 * Da. Younc. See his Eftimate of Human Life, p. 67. 
 ‘ 
 
cannot fwell 0" high 
 comparifon.” ai! orn 
 od doajibinntt Giagd Bt ain ery soe 
 cle How oes the ey 
 6f Europ = too, heb ‘on h 
 man eal hint now, hd . 
 pina ‘ihe a seem ity fH pts made. 
 that find him now mutt feck’ for him 5 
 for him in | the duft.” “What on é2 d th pu 
 us this world is vainj fince the dé 
 incTon, i isa gg ii of it patinds 
 
 Pea tey® Ste cer ent >) 2G “iad om 
 _ “Ts that poor man hat bangs on Px 
 
 » THE voice’ Cai this great and afflictin wad 
 us, my friends, is plainly and loudly’ th 
 not your truft in princes, nor in the fon of man, i 
 there is novhelp. “His' breath goeth’ atlas 
 to his earth : in that very day his t om ‘ 
 Ceafe from man whofe breath is in his ‘noftril 
 wherein is he to be accounted of 2, Set your i 
 things above, and not on things on the €arth. 
 hotfes in order. Beye alfo ready; jin 
 ye think not, the Son of Man cometh. Wha 
 hands find to do, do it with your might 3 for her 
 work nor device, nor eae: i aes he gre 
 qwhihertite goof > ibe de Biel 93% oe 
 
 | 
 
: #4 
 » Tus, day, concludes the yeary; How. dark and 
 gloomy . are. its clofing fcenes !. In. its courte, ae 
 have | Been called to lament the death of one: of th 
 beft of Chief, Magiftrates, and. gether ha 
 our greatly, refpected and beloyed Sumner.*, His 
 memory is blefled.. He has left. behind him, to be 
 tranfmitted, to potterity, t that good. name which is. betr, 
 ter than precious sa Now, Ww, Our, whole country. 
 weeps for her immortal “Wastincron. The year 
 99. is fignalized, by the death of thefe great and 
 _men, Alas} | for us, that two, fuch great 
 gh ts have « ceafed to illumine our American world 
 with | their benign | influence, and . efpecially at this 
 -and gloomy pei, when, their light i is fo 
 mesh needed ! ; rt ro hirror 
 ntold boo a 
 Tae sm ar men se pone ees ie exten. 
 five influence, 2 sot diftinguifhed ufefulnefs, has ever 
 been lamented as a general calamity. All, Ifrael 
 wept for Moszs. All Judah and Jerufalem mourn- 
 ed for the good king Jostau...And Jeremiah. Ja- 
 eon for Josiau, and all the finging men and. the 
 
 ging women fpake of Josian i intheir. lamenta- 
 tions, and they were made an ordinance i in, Ifrael, 
 en fociety, by the death. of its diftinguithed 
 C mbers, is deprived | of the. advantage of much 
 ifdom and experience, of much harmonizing 
 — exemplary. induftry, ; and active _good., 
 umanity cannot, ought not. indeed, to, with. 
 
 ad 
 
 Fe 
 
 Dae ae 
 
 Peers nt 
 
 we ‘Governor ‘Sumner died Jund oth, 1 799. Zitat 530, 5 7 
 Me Cadangierions A ORW Oe Sees 
 
Hit rwhor? is the author anid 
 gift, this is not “yet the cafe 
 WasHINGTON i is no more, ee 
 with him a hoft of ‘worthies, » 
 aéters vil ornament the 
 
 Neverthelefs, the removal Of F fach: 
 earth, as we now mourn, ought to excite fur i vOrs 
 efpecially rulers, to much folemn ‘soa fips 
 
 While the death of ‘illuftrious and nag 
 ters awakens our tendereft fenfibilities for the pub- 
 lic lofs, thefe generous feelings, no doubt, fhould 
 prompt our fervent interceffions to. Gop, that he 
 would raife up and qualify others:to fucceed them, 
 and fhould animate us all, in our refpe@iive places, 
 
 and thofe in authority efpecially, to ‘red 
 tions for the eee weed atl: 
 
 sata viii and fee ie fathion of hl his wor 
 
 continually pafling away ; while the he 
 qurable, the excellent, and the pracy £9 
 country are removed from us in quick fuce lo cn in a2 
 _while year after year deprives us of fome of our 
 moft valued cap eye and Tag pes * hilt 
 
 ing is be safieddon: that “ities ith phates 
 heavenly FaTHer, whois unchangeable in his na 
 
E45 ] 
 ture, and whofe mercy hath no end, fill Hives to 
 protest and comfort. us. “How ig it is, 
 the anxious inind and heart fearch the univerfe for 
 fomething whereon to reft, to confider that what is 
 moft glorious and worthy our affections, is the moft 
 remote from change ; that the moft excellent of 
 beings i is abfolutely immutable, and that the richeft, 
 of his benefits arethe moft enduring.” Lift up ‘yous 
 eyes to the heavens, and look alfo upon the earth beneath ; 
 the heavens fhiall vanifh away like fmoke, and the a4 
 Joall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein- 
 Shall die in like manner ; but ur sarrarion, faith the 
 Lond, SHALL BE FOREVER, AND MY RIGHTEOUSNESS 
 SHALL NOT BE ABOLISHED. The moyntains fhall depart 
 and the bills be removed, but my kindnefs fball not depart 
 Srom thee, neither {hall the covenant of my peace be remove 
 ed, faith the Lorn that hath mercy on thee, Vf then our 
 wifeft and beft men are taken from us, the ever 
 blefled Gop remaineth, and of his years there is 
 noend, With Him, therefore, let us now acquaint 
 ourfelves and be at peace. In this day of indigna- 
 tion and calamity, while ftorms of earthly enotihle 
 affail us on every fide, let us make Him our truft, 
 our hiding place, our hope, our chief joy. Let us 
 prefer Him to our greateft earthly bleflings, to our 
 deareft worldly comforts. Then fhall we be ina 
 fituation to enjoy them, without the alloy of fear, 
 while they are continued ; and fhall refign them, 
 when taken away, without amurmur. And when 
 they are gone, having Gop for our portion, we fhall 
 find our refources of enjoyment ftill undiminithed, 
 
heen ah poet tears 
 The ee? edie saree i 
 ge THE Nam oF THe Load, 
 deta Yeh tet) yaks bead asain 
 wht 4 ath Lee A 
 
 CRE LUIO ORE MPR TK 
 
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 Tra ia Yad  eahis s Bre 04 aS ae - 
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 Ry ty waly YEA OG 
 
 Od Dek ay it RL SD bytes: adie = 
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 Roxas 1a ‘vaby dete ng sunny we 
 
 hor ybrhen.o te ania alive gee 
 
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 Phe aw eo sed? tas) 
 
 Teo es ea lA ths Here wa0'O? Fe 
 ettis ad ow eel a PR 
 
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 demeuees vodk bag cp betditho 
 
 HEPRMY Dy h vs SUGRUIni gawadiiw TW 1 oF 
 OE Men cceU ETT Nye PING wat mn ive be : +: 
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 sont ah 
 
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HOV Se RINT Washes Kept 
 _ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 
 
 : OF ; 
 
 -GiX GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
 _ THe death of this great man, has rendered an 
 account of his life particularly defirable. To a na- 
 tion whofe feelings feem to be abforbed by this moft 
 afflicing event, whofe attention is chiefly directed 
 to the contemplation of the refplendent. virtues of 
 the deceafed Father of his country, every circum- 
 ftance of his life has become i 
 
 I nave not the vanity to aflume to be the Biogra- 
 pher of General Wasnincron. This arduous, hon- 
 ourable, and ufeful tafk, is probably already aflign- 
 ed by proper authority, to a man competent to its 
 execution, and who is already, or will be, in pof- 
 feflion of all the requifite documents for fo import- 
 ant a work. , But having heretofore given to the 
 public, in awork* defigned for their ufe, a brief 
 fketch of his life, I hope they will not confider it as 
 prefumption in me, if, with a view to fatisfy, infome 
 degree, folicitous inquiries on the fubject, and as a 
 humble tribute to the memory of the fr/t of men, I 
 revife and enlarge this fketch, and in an improved 
 
 form, at this moment of general feeling, pins it'to 
 their perufal, 
 
 * The Ree: Geography. 
 
a ae 
 
 ‘Tue late GENERAL. WASHINGTON! W : born'in 
 the parifh of Wafhington, ‘Weftmoreland 
 in Virginia, February 22,1732. He was the third 
 fon of Mr. AucUSTINE Wasa or 
 farmer of refpectable talents, diftinguith 
 tion and large eftate in Virginia. “The anceftors of 
 this gentleman, about the year 1657, removed 
 from Yorfhire in England to Virginia, and fettled 
 in King George’s county, where, at ‘the com: 
 
 mencement of our revolution, the ¢ 
 
 three brothers living, viz. Samuel, John and 
 Charles, all gentlemen of confiderable landed pro- 
 perty, and a fifter, the wife of Set eee 
 Lewis.* t Seit'g.0° ee 
 
 bt ebretrmta 
 
 Tue general was the firft fruit af a 
 riage. His early education, conduéted bya iacnde 
 tutor, under the direCion of his father, was fuch 
 as favoured the production of an athletic and 
 vigorous body, and the formation of a correé and 
 folid mind. Inhaling a pure mountain air, accuf- 
 tomed to the healthful occupations: of rural life, 
 and to the manly toils of the chafe, his limbs exe 
 panded to an unufual, robuft,: but well proportioned 
 and graceful fize, adapted to endure the fatigues 
 of his fature life, and to fuftain the aioe 
 of his noble foul. . ’ eR) rc tigg 
 
 roe kk oe 
 
 * See a letter, written at an early period of the re ym 
 Revolution, by Joun Bex, Efg. of Maryland, toa 
 Europe, and publifhed in the Maffachufetts ae he 
 March 1791. ah ts 
 
 s 
 
 tad 
 
ce] 
 
 __» By his tutor he was taught the rudiments of the 
 Latin language, Englifh grammar; /and the ele- 
 ments of the mathematicks. At the age of ten 
 years, his father died, and the charge of a numerous 
 family devolved on his eldeft brother, Mr. Law- 
 ‘RENCE WasHincton. This brother, a young 
 gentleman of moft promifing talents, had a captain’s 
 command in the colonial troops, employed againft 
 Carthagena, under Admiral Vernon. On his re- 
 turn from this expedition, he married the daughter 
 ef the Hon. Winiiam Fatrrax, of Belvoir, and 
 fettled' on his patrimonial eftate, which he called 
 Mount Vernon, in honour of his admiral, from 
 whom he had received many civilities. He was 
 afterwards made adjutant general of the militia of 
 Virginia, but did not long furvive his appointment. 
 He'left one daughter, who dying young, and his ~ 
 fecond brother alfo having deceafed without iflue, 
 the General fucceeded to the family nee and toa 
 very confiderable mayen eftate. 7 
 spaee Ltt cee kn LB 
 vr is:a en aioade which ought not to behene 
 emitted, that, at the age of fifteen, he was entered. 
 amidfhipman on board a Britith fhip of war fta- - 
 _tionedon the’ coaft of Virginia, and his baggage 
 prepared for embarkation ; but his mother, then a 
 widow, exprefling her relutance at his engaging 
 in that Brettipn, the akg was a shanianed: 
 sovamA ede t & a ech? 
 Tur. office of, Te | made vacant o 
 the death of his brother, in confequence of the ex. 
 tenfive limits of the province, was now divided into 
 
 three diftricts ; and the future Hero of America, 
 G 
 
fal 
 
 before he had completed his twentieth year) "bep 
 his military fervice by a” principal’ appe ntment? ir 
 that tepastnivent, 4 = the rank of Major — 
 
 ee 3607 ete 4 ced gcs 8 
 
 ‘Wuen he was little more than twenty 
 
 age, an event occurred which called forth his great 
 talents into public ‘notice and “exercife, © In 17533 
 the French from Canada, aided) ‘by the indians; 
 whom they engaged for the purpofe, made inroads 
 and encroachments. upon the “weftern’ frontiers, 
 along the Allegany and Ohio rivers.'' Orders’were 
 received from England, by the Governour* and 
 Council of Virginia, to repel by force thefe sen+ 
 croachments. It was however thought a prudent 
 preliminary ftep, to make an effort ‘to preventopen 
 hoftilities, by friendly and fpirited remonftrances 
 to the French, and conciliatory overtures to the 
 Indians. Major WasHincTon was deputed to un- 
 
 dertake this important and perilous *embaflys Ac 
 cordingly he was difpatched by the Governour, with 
 
 a letter to the Commander in Chief of the French 
 _on the Ohio, complaining of the inffattions: of the 
 treaties {ubfifting between the two’ crowns 3° and’ 
 with inftructions and plenary powers to treat with - 
 the Six Nations and other tribes of ‘Weftern In/ 
 dians, and to fecure their attachment to England.’ 
 He commenced his journey late in Oétober, with | 
 about fifteen attendants, and endured the fatigu 
 and performed the duties of ‘ol miffion, with ng 
 
 * Ligur. Governour Dinwiddie at Hiya time adminifens th 
 government. : tHe aes 
 
G33 
 
 Jar) fortitude, induftry, intelligence and addrefs. 
 When he returned with Monfieur de St. Piere’s an- 
 fwer, and gave information: of his fuccefs in his 
 negociations with the Indians, he received the ap- 
 probation and thanks of his country... His journal* 
 and report to Governour Dinwiddie, which were 
 publifhed at the time, early announced to the world, 
 _ that ftrength and correctnefs of mind, eafe and man- 
 linefs of ftyle, and that judgment, method, and ac- 
 curacy in doing bufinefs, which have fince charac- 
 terifed him in conducting more arduous affairs. 
 . His journal for many years after, proved of eflential 
 fervice to travellers into that weftern wilderne(s. 
 
 Beda ly j 6 
 iidaieotis winites the temonfiza dees made by 
 the’ government of Virginia to the French com- 
 mander on the Ohio, through Major WasHincTon, 
 hoftile operations in that quarter, were {till contin- 
 ued, as part of a meditated plan of general.attack 
 upon the then Britifh colonies.t| In. this. ftate, of 
 things, orders were received from the mother coun- 
 try, for the colonies to unite, and prepare to defend 
 themfelves, The aflembly of Virginia took the lead ; 
 and early in the year 1754, voted a fum of money 
 for the public fervice, and agreed to raife areg- 
 iment of 400 men for the defence of the frontiers 
 ~ “oni colony. Mr. Fry, one of the profeflors of 
 
 * Pores Sournal was publifhed in the Maffachufetts Magazine 
 for June and July 1789, from a copy fent to the writer of this, 
 from his correfpondent in Virginia. 
 
 >t Sez Note (A) 
 
 — 
 
£64 
 
 the Collegeof William and Mary, was'z ) 
 lonel of this regiment, and Major -Wasuin 
 
 about twenty-three years of age, received. the 
 apr ee of Lieut. Colonel. Col. Frvdied fhortly 
 ‘after his appointment, and left his. iis eon 
 ‘rank to the fecond in else th bide RAS GEE 
 
 ROME ia 
 
 Co. Weasmixaires now was i 
 efforts to form his regiment, to eftablith magazines, 
 and open roads fo.as to pre-occupy the, advantage; 
 ous poft at the confluence of the : Allegany and Mo. 
 nongahela rivers (now Pitsburg) which he had 
 recommended for that purpofe, in his r 
 preceding year. Impreffed with the, neceffity of 
 expedition in accomplifhing this important..ob- 
 - - ject, without waiting for a detachment.of indepen, 
 dent regulars, and fome companies. of -provincials, 
 from the neighbouring colonies, who were expett. 
 ed tojoin him, he commenced his march in the 
 month of May. ) AHN oniioggo tod 
 
 ioeprhorgena ‘bo 
 . On his way, at. a place called Red Stone, he met 
 a ftrong party of the French and Indians, which he 
 engaged and routed after killing and capturing fif- 
 ty of the enemy. Among the prifoners was the. 
 celebrated Monf. de la Force, and two other ¢ . 
 from whom Col. WasHINGTON received ae ' 
 gence, that the French forces on the Ohio confifted 
 of upwards of 1000 regulars, and feveral hundred . 
 Indians, and that they had already ereéted a fo at 
 the poft he had intended to occupy, which t 
 called Fort du Que/ne. Upon this intelligence, he. 
 
Be had” 
 
 7 weet 
 
 dont his ftores, and ereey it fort athe ‘Here 
 he’ waited the arrival of expected fuccours from 
 New York and Pennfylvania, but was joine 
 by Capt. McKay’ 's regulars, only, which increafed 
 his force to about 460 effetive men. He remained 
 unmolefted ‘till July, when he received information 
 from his fcouts that’a confiderable party of the en- 
 émy was approaching to réconnoitre his poft ; he 
 fallied and defeated them’; but in return was attack- 
 éd'by an arty of French and Indians, computed to 
 have been 1500 ftrong, under the command of the 
 Sieur dé Villiers. ~The little garrifon made a gallant 
 defence, of feveral hours, during which they killed 
 nearly 200 of the enemy,’ and more than one third 
 of theit own number were either killed or wound- 
 ed.’ Thé Fretich ‘commander, difcouraged by fuch 
 bold oppofition, propofed a parley, which terminat- 
 ed in an honourable capitulation. Col. Wasuinc- 
 TON, at the head of his troops, quitted the fort with 
 the honours of war, agreeable to the articles of ca- 
 pitulation, and ¢arried with him his military ftores, 
 and baggage ; but the French commander either 
 unable or unwilling, did not reftrain his Indian aux- 
 iliaries from plundering the provincials, and mak- 
 ing a confiderable flaughter of men, cattle and hor- 
 fes. After this difafter, the remains of the Virginia 
 regiment returned to Alexandria to recruit, 
 
 oe ; 
 
ab aa 
 Tu Britifh ambafladour at the court of Ver 
 
 was directed to remonftrate to the French gover 
 ment againft the breach of the articles/of, capitula- 
 tion above mentioned ;) and this may be‘confidered 
 as the period when the French court began) to, un- 
 mafk, and to difcover thatthe condud& of its gov- 
 ernours and officers in America, was in conformity 
 to their orders. After this, warlike»preparations 
 on the frontiers were made by the French with re- 
 doubled aétivity, and were continued. through the 
 winter of 1754, and the fpring of 1755.9. 9) 
 4 hood OUR d aia 
 Durince this period the government of Virginia 
 raifed an additional number of troops, who built 
 fort Cumberland, and fort Loudon, and formed a 
 camp at Wills Creek, a fituation convenient for the 
 annoyance of the enemy on the Ohio. Inall thefe — 
 
 fervices, and particularly in the ereétion of the for 
 
 Col. WasHIncTon was atively and. principally 
 employed. Viena 
 
 . ee a 
 sae 2 
 oO ae | 
 ¢ 5 : 
 
 Ar this time, May 1755, Gen. Braddock arrived 
 at Alexandria, from England, with two veterar 
 regiments from Ireland, to which were to be jo 
 ed the independent and provincial corps in Am 
 ca, and at the head of this army he was el] 
 the invaders of the colonial frontiers. Upon.a royal 
 arrangement of rank, by which “ no officer who 
 did not immediately derive his commiffion fromthe 
 king, could command one who did,” Col. Wasn-. 
 INGTON refigned his commiflion, and as a Volunteer. 
 and extra Aid de Camp, joined general Braddock. 
 
1 8 F 
 
 The army marched dire@ly for. Fort du Que/ne, by 
 the route of Wills Creek. No perfon was fo well 
 acquainted with this route as Col. WasHIncTon, 
 and no other officer in the colony, at this time, fui 
 tained fo high and well eftablifhed a military repu- 
 tation; and had his counfel been fufficiently regard- 
 ed, there is reafon to believe the misfortunes which 
 followed would. have been prevented. In his route, 
 Gen. Braddock unexpectedly, and of confequence, 
 unpreparedly, met a large body of the enemy. 
 Without detailing minutely the particulars of the 
 hard fought and bloody battle which enfued, and 
 which terminated in the total defeat of Braddock’s 
 
 army, which confifted of 2000 regular Britifh for- 
 ces, and nearly 800 provincials, I fhall only fay, in 
 ‘ the words of the refpectable and correct writer,* to 
 whom I am indebted for many of the faéts con- 
 tained in this fketch, that “ it is allowed on all 
 fides, that the haughty behaviour of Gen. Brad- 
 dock, his high contempt of the provincial officers 
 and foldiers, and his difdainful obftinacy in reject- 
 ing their advice, were the caufes of this fatal dif- 
 after. With what refolution and fteadinefs the pro- — 
 vincials, and their gallant commander (Col. Wasu- 
 INGTON) behaved on this trying occafion, and in 
 covering the confufed retreat of the army {let every 
 Britith officer and foldier confefs, who were ref- 
 cued from flaughter on that calamitous day by 
 
 their valour and conduct.” 
 Py Bas sy 
 
 * Joun Betz, Efq. 
 
 + See Capt. Orme’s Letter to Gov. Dinwiddie, and alfo the 
 other accounts of that day. 
 
f'e J 
 “rothistaformation’t it is proper to add, that C . 
 WasxincTon was the only Officer, Who : 
 liged ‘him to be on horfeback during 
 ‘who was not either ‘killed or: ‘wotinded i 
 
 gahela, and ending the dnéitiy ae ourfu 
 viétory, Col. Wasrincron haftened to 
 meafures for their further” fecuri with Co 
 Dunbar, who had remained fome | Sita 7 de 
 rear, with the fecond divifion of the army and the 
 heavy bagg age. To effe& this, he trave 
 
 two guides, all night, through a dreary wildernefs, 
 notwithitanding the fatigues of the preceding 
 day, and the enfeebled ftate of his “health, ‘hav ng 
 but imperfectly recovered from, ficknefs. _So_ 
 haufted was he in the morning, that he was obliged 
 
 public accounts of this aiiaie, both in, Soden 
 America, were not parfimonious of applaufe for the 
 effential fervice he rendered his ie try: 
 ing an occafion.. ee : Bat =x 
 20) WO. Tom ‘> 
 Nort long a after this time, the regulation of rank 
 which had been’ fo injurious to the Colo officers, 
 was changed to their fatisfaétion, in con Paes 
 of the’ difcontent “of the officers and the rem 
 ftrance of Col. WasutneTon ; and the doversatiae 
 of Virginia, imprefled ” with a due fenfe, of his 
 merits, gave him, in a new and extenfive.commif- 
 fion, the command of all the troops raifed, —— 
 
 2 dee 
 
CQ 
 
 be raifed in that colony. ‘This commiffion he held, 
 with fignal credit to himfelf, and advantage to his 
 
 yuntry, till 1759, ‘when, tranquillity being reftor- 
 
 ‘on the. frontiers of the middle colonies, and 
 his conftitution having become: extremely enfeebled 
 and endangered by an inveterate pulmonary com- 
 plaint, he refigned his Military appointment. Im- 
 partial hiftorians will do juftice to his character, i in 
 detailing the judicious plans he fuggefted, and the 
 fyftem he purfued for defending the frontiers, and 
 his perfonal hazards, bravery, and achievements 
 previoufly to the period of his refignation. Nor 
 are. authentic documents ‘wanting to fhew the ten- 
 der regret which the Virginia line expreffed at 
 parting with their Commander, and the affe@ion- 
 HF ‘regard which He entertained for them. 
 
 ’ From this period, till the year 1775, he culti- 
 vated the arts of peace. Soon after he refigned his 
 Commiffion in 1759, his health having been gradu- 
 ally re-eftablifhed, he married the prefent Mrs. 
 Wasnincton, then Mrs. Marria Custis,* an 
 amiable-and beautiful young widow, “with whom 
 he had a fortune of twenty thoufand pounds fter- 
 ling in her own right, befides her dower in one of 
 the principal eftates in Virginia,” and fettled as a 
 Planter and Farmer, at his favourite, deligheful feat, 
 the far famed M ount Vernon 
 
 “tpt Bray. 
 
 NERAL et soccies was he lareeft pelt 
 haltes, probably, i in the United States. Befides the 
 
 ‘* Gewerav and Mrs. Wasuincton were both born in the 
 fame, year. 
 
 + Brit’s Lire. tT See Note (B) 
 
[24 
 large eftates which came into his poffefion bysh 
 marriage, and by the death of Mrs- - Wasttine To N’s 
 only daughter (amounting in ‘the whole to thirty 
 thoufand pounds fterling) he owned I é 
 excellent land in different parts of the fate \ 
 in early life, while he was Surveyor, hehad m1 1 
 for himfelf, or purchafed of officers who had lands 
 allotted them for their fervices. - He alfo ‘made lai 
 additions to his eftate at Mounr Vernon Which. in 
 1787, confifted of about nine thoufand acres, 
 his own cultivation. His income from: his eftates 
 was ‘reckoned, ‘in 1776, to amount at leaft to / 
 thoufand pounds fterling a year ; and it. was then fg 
 pofed they would have fold for more than one bun- 
 dred and fixty thoufand pounds* of the fame ‘money, 
 equal to upwards of 666,000 dollars. There’ can 
 be no doubt, that under his fuperintendence and 
 admirable management, his property has fince much 
 increafed. “EO ag ata, 
 
 * GENERAL WASHINGTON was not lefs diftinguifhed 
 asa Farmer, than as a Warrior and a Statefman. He 
 undertook every thing on a great fcale, proportion- 
 ed to his great and comprehenfive mind ; and kis 
 exaé and exemplary method in tranfadhing’ all his 
 bufinefs, enabled him to accomplifh more, and in a 
 more perfect and advantageous manner, than per- 
 haps any other man of the age. © He has raifed feven 
 thoufand bufhels of wheat, and ten thoufand ee 
 dian corn in one year, on his eftate at Mouwr 
 ~ won. Ina fucceeding year he raifed two niente 
 lambs, fowed twenty-feven buthels of flaxfeed, hye 
 
 * Sse Bevv’s Letter. vat 
 
we 383 4 
 _»planted more than feven hundred buthels of pota- 
 toes. At the fame time he had manufa@ured un- 
 der his eye, by his domeftics, linen and woollen 
 cloth fufficient for his houfehold, which confifted 
 of nearlya thoufand fouls. His land, defigned for 
 cultivation, he had enclofed in lots of equal dimen- 
 fions, and crops affigned to each for many years. 
 On Saturday in the afternoon, every week, he was 
 aecuftomed to receive reports from all his overfeers, 
 (and thefe reports, I have been informed, were 
 received and attended to, conftantly, during the 
 periods of his Command of our Armies, and his 
 Prefidency of the United States) which reports were 
 correttly regiftered in books kept for the purpofe ; 
 fo that, at the end of the year, he was able accurate- 
 ly to afcertain the quantity of labour beftowed on 
 each of the feveral lots, and the amount of the prod- 
 uce. Order and economy were eftablifhed in all 
 the departments within and without doors. 
 
 AcricuLTURE was his fayourite employment, 
 and he purfued it in a manner worthy of himfelf. 
 : One great object which he ever kept in view, was 
 to introduce or augment the culture of thofe ar- 
 ticles which he conceived would be the moft bene- 
 ficial in their confequences to his country. Upon 
 this principle, he early gave up planting tobacco, 
 and. went altogether into the farming bufinc(s. 
 To acquire and communicate practical iceeedne: 
 he correfponded with the celebrated Mr. Arthur 
 Young, | of England, and with many agricultural 
 gentlemen i in this country. As improvement was 
 known to be his object, he was in the habit of re- 
 
E ft403 9 
 
 ceiving rare feeds, and refults of new projedts from: 
 every quarter. He likewife. made..copious r otesy 
 relative to his own experiments, the ftate of the « 
 feafons, the nature of foils, of which. he was an © 
 excellent judge, and the effects of different kinds — 
 of manure, and fuch other topics, as tendedstgisinn 
 improvement of nenienlnre: ) 11" See acl 
 i ee saloon BOror 
 aie he was thus oaiaie occupied asa Farmer, — 
 and giving to all around him; and to. pofterity; a 
 noble example of induftry, economy; eich 
 management, he was, at the fame time,” 
 in ferving the ftate. From the time he. left» ye 
 army, in 1759, until the year 1774, he was 
 ftantly'a Member of affembly ; he was alfo a Mag 
 trate‘of the county in which he lived, and a Judg 
 of the court. He. was elected a Delegate to the a 
 firft Congrefs in 1774, and to that which aflembled- 7 
 ‘the year following. , aa [ 20? OF Fe a 
 ‘wre tte  Deges 
 Ir was. while he was a Member of this Aflembly ~ 
 of the wifeft men in America, that he a: on the’ 
 15th of June 1775, by their. unanimous vote, ap- ) - 
 pointed Commander in Chief of all the forces raifed, ~ 
 or to be raifed for the defence of the then ai 
 He rr his appointment ; with what 
 dence’ and difintercftednefs, his reply to the. Prefi- “sy 
 dent of Congrefs, when his appointment was an- 
 nounced to him, witneffes.* “ It was a fortunate 
 circumftance, attending his election, that it was ace 
 companied with no competition, and followed by 
 no envy.” "That fame general impulfe on the pub 
 mind, which led the colonifts to agree : in wR hig 
 * Ser Note(C) ay 
 
 at 
 
E tas* 
 
 other particulars,:pointed to him as the moft proper - 
 perfon for prefiding over the military arrangements 
 
 of America. Not only Congrefs, ‘but the inhabit- 
 
 ants in the eaft and weft, in the north and the fouth, 
 
 as well before as at the time of embodying a con- 
 
 tinental army, were in a great degree unanimous in 
 
 his favour.”’* The very high eftimation he ftood im 
 
 for integrity and honour, his engaging in the caufe_ 
 of his country from fentiment and a conviction of 
 her wrongs; his moderation in politics, his exten- 
 five property, and his approved abilities as a Mili, 
 tary Commander, were motives which obliged the 
 choice of America to fall upon him.’’t 
 
 We. have now arrived at a period in the life of 
 this great man, fince which, the events of it. have 
 been more confpicuous and more generally intereft- 
 _ing; and it is the lefs neceflary to particularize 
 
 them in this place, becaufe they have been often de- 
 tailed, and are familiar to almoft every perfon. 1 
 will only obferve, that General WasHIncTon arriv- 
 ed at the camp in Cambridge, and took the Supreme 
 Command of the American Army, July 2, 1776.- 
 “ He was received with that heart felt exultation, 
 which fuperior merit alone can infpire,after having, 
 in his progrefs through the ftates, been honoured. _ 
 with every mark of affe¢tion and efteem which they 
 conceived were due to the man, whom the whole 
 continent looked up to for fafety and em 
 Ir is taped pofterity will be ihe, in what 
 manner he transformed an undifciplined body of 
 * Ramsay’s Hilt. Rev. Vol. I. p. 192. Fra fa 
 of Bets t ibid. 
 
C 16 J 
 
 ‘peafantty into a regular army of foldiers. Com 
 mentaries on his campaigns would undoubtedly b 
 highly interefting and inftructive to future wav 
 tions. The conduct of the firft ca: in, com- 
 pelling the Britifh troops to abandon - Botton bya 
 bloodlefs victory, will merit a minute narration. 
 But a volume would fcarcely contain the mortifica- 
 tions he experienced, and the hazards* to which he 
 was expofed in 1776 and 1777,in vege 
 the prowefs of Britain, with an inadequate 
 
 His good deftiny and confummate prudence, prév- 
 ented want of fuccefs from producing watitof confit? 
 - ence onthe part of the public ; for want: ‘of fuccefs is 
 apt to lead to the adoption of pernicious ‘counfels 
 through the verfatility of the people, or the ambi. 
 tion of demagogues. Shortly after this peri period, 
 fprang up the only cabal that ever exifted Baie 
 his public life, to rob him of his reputation an com- 
 mand. It proved as impotent in effect, as ‘it was. 
 audacious in defign. In the three fucceedi years 
 the germ of difcipline unfolded ; and the 1 re fources 
 of America having been calle? into co-operation 
 with the land and naval forces of France, produce 
 the glorious conclufion of the campaign in 1 781. : 
 From this time the gloom began to difappear from 
 ouppalitical bg rizon, and the affairs of the union 
 proceeded in a meliorating train, until a peace was 
 mott ably negociated by our ambafladours i in Ea. 
 rope, in 178 3. 
 
 reidos 
 
 No perfon, Yao had not the waviness of | being 
 
 prefent when General WasHincTon received the 
 
 intelligence of peace, and who did not accompany 
 * Sze Note (D) 
 
Cw) 
 
 him to his domeftic retirement, can defcribe the re- 
 lief which that joyful event brought to his labour- 
 ing mind, or the fupreme fatisfaction. with which 
 he withdrew to private life. . From his)triumphal 
 entry into New-York, upon. the evacuation of that 
 city by the Britith army, to his arrival at Moonr 
 Vernon, after the refignation of his commiffion 
 to Congrefs, feftive crowds impeded _ his paflage 
 through all the populous towns, the devotion of a 
 whole people purfued him with prayers to Heaven 
 for bleffings on his head, while their gratitude fought 
 the moft exprefflive language of manifefting itfelf to 
 him as their common father and benefactor. When 
 he became a private citizen, he had the unufual fe- 
 licity to find that his native {tate was among the 
 Rk zealous to do juftice to his merits ; and that 
 ftronger demonitrations of affeétionate efteem (if 
 poflible) were given by the citizens of his neighbour- 
 ~ hood, than by any other defcription of men on the 
 continent. But he conftantly declined accepting 
 | any ‘compenfation for his fervices or provifion for 
 the augmented expenfes incurred in confequence 
 
 his public employment, although propofals were 
 made him in the moft delicate manner, particularly 
 the ftates of Virginia and Pennfylvania. | 
 
 _ Tue virtuous fimplicity which diffffiguithed the 
 private life of General WasuincTon, though lefs 
 known than the dazzling fplendor of his military 
 achievements, is not lefs edifying in example, or 
 worthy the attention of his countrymen. The 
 confpicuous character he acted on the theatre of hu- 
 man affairs, the uniform dignity with which he 
 
* 
 
 ‘Crea 
 faftained his part amidft difficulties of the thon 
 couragirig nature, and the glory 6f having arrived 
 through them at the hour of triumph, ‘made tatty 
 official and literary perfons, ‘on both fides of the 
 ‘écean, ambitious of a correfpondence with ‘him: 
 Thefe correfpondencies’ unavoidably engrofied a 
 great portion of his time; and the communications 
 contained in them, combined with the numerous 
 periodical publications and news papers which He ~ 
 Pe eles 7 
 
 peruifed, rendered him, as it were, the focus of polit- 
 ical intelligence for the new world. Nor were his 
 
 > Op ve > y .. ih. Vo it ia , : 
 converfations with well-informed men lefs condu- 
 
 dive to’ bring him acquainted with the various - 
 events which happened'in different countries of the 
 globe. Every foreigner of diftinétion, who trz rel- | 
 ed in America, made it a point to vifit him. Mem- 
 bets of Congrefs and other dignified verfonages did 
 not pafs his houfe, without calling to pay him their 
 refpects. As another fource of information ‘it may 
 be mentioned, that many literary nieces Wie 
 fent to him annually by their authors in Euro J. 
 and that there was fcarcely one work written 
 America on any art, {cience, or fubject, which ¢ 
 not feek his protection, or which was not offered 
 to him as a token of gratitude. — Mechanical in 
 ventions were frequently fubmitted to him for 
 
 his approbation, and natural curiofities” prefent- 
 
 ed for his inveltigation. But the multiplicity of 
 
 epiftolary applications, often on the remains of 
 fome bufinefs which happened when ‘he was com- 
 
 mander in chief; fometimes.on fubjeGts te. 
 
 his fittation, frivolous in their nature, and inte nd- 
 ed merely to gratify the vanity of the writers by 
 
[9°] 
 drawing anfwers from him, was truly diftreffing 
 and almoft incredible. His benignity in anfwering, 
 perhaps, increafed the number. Had he not huf- 
 banded every moment to the beft advantage, it 
 would not have been in his power to have noticed 
 the vait variety of fubjects that claimed his attention. 
 
 In this manner he {pent his time, from the peace 
 of 1783, till he was elected a Member of the Con- 
 vention who framed, in Philadelphia, in the fummer 
 of 1787, the prefent Conftitution of the United 
 States. Of this Convention of fages, he was chofen 
 Prefident, and with his name he has fanétioned 
 the Conftitution of their and his country’s choice. 
 
 Wurn this conftitution, adopted by the nation, 
 was to be organized and put in operation, by an 
 eleGtion of the proper officers, the United. States, 
 “ ftedfaft in their preference, with one voice fum- 
 moned their beloved WasuincTon, unprattifed as 
 he was, in the duties of civil adminiftration,” to 
 ‘the chair of government. He heard their voice 
 “ with veneration and love,”* and with that felf 
 diffidence and modefty, which ever accompany 
 pre-eminent.merit, he obeyed theirfummons. On 
 the 30th of April, 1789, he was inau a Presi- 
 DENT of the United States, in the’tity of New- 
 York, amidf the acclamations of thoufands of 
 fpectators. “It feemed, by the number of witnef- 
 fes,” fays one, who beheld the interefting fcene, 
 
 * ert — niga at the opening of the firft sai quoted . 
 
 P- 38 ie | Hi) a8 
 
 ii RS 
 
[ 20 J : 
 
 “to be a folemn appeal to heaven. and earth 
 once. Upon the fubjeé& of this great and ¢ 
 man, I may perhaps be an enthufiaft : k 
 fefs, I was under an awful and relig ous perfua- 
 fion, that the gracious Ruler of the Won erfe ; 
 looking down at that moment, with peculiar com- . 
 placency, on an aét, which, to a part of his crea- 
 tures, was fo very important. Under this i 
 fion, when the chancellor pronounced, jn av 
 feeling manner, ‘ Long live GEoRGE Wateaae 
 my fenfibility was wound up to fuch a pitch, th: at 
 I could do no more than wave my | hat with the 
 reft, without the power of j Es in the Li iy: ed 
 acclamations which rent the air.’ 
 
 te 
 is) Seay 
 
 In the autumn after his indu@ion § into office, he. 
 vifited the Eaftern ftates ; with how much | t 
 and advantage to the people, and fatisfadtion to his 
 own mind, let the volume of their addrefles: ae 
 his anfwers pany 
 
 Wirtx what dignity, wifdom, firmnefs, i fit 
 and high and general approbation, he performed q 
 the duties of his moft arduous, elevated, and 
 ponfible office, during his eight years adminiftra- 
 tion, his eulogifts have eloquently announced, 
 and hiftorian@ will record with pride and admira- 
 tion. “ Commencing his adminiftration, t 
 heart is not charmed with the recolle@tion of the 
 pure and wife principles announced by himfelf, as 
 the bafis of his political life. He beft underftood 
 the indiffoluble union between virtue and happi- 
 nefs, between duty and advantage, between the 
 genuine maxims of an honeft and magnanimous 
 
[a J 
 policy, and the folid rewards of public profperity 
 and individual felicity : watching with an equal 
 and comprehentive eye over this great aflemblage 
 of communities and interefts, he laid the founda- 
 tions of our national policy, in the unerring and 
 immutable principles of morality, bafed on re- 
 ligion, exemplifying the pre-eminence of free gov- 
 ernment, by all the attributes which win the affec- 
 
 tions of its citizens, or command the refpect of 
 the world.’* 
 
 Durine ‘his adminiftration as our Supreme Ex- 
 ecutive Magiftrate, “ his talents and his virtues in- 
 creafed with his cares. His foul feemed not to 
 bear the limits of office a moment after the 
 obligations of duty and patriotif{m withdrew their 
 reftraints from his univerfal love. When the 
 mifguided favages of the wildernefs, after feel- 
 ing his chaftifement, had fued for peace ; he feem- 
 ed to labour for their happinefs as the common 
 reprefentative of mankind. Infurrection was fo. 
 ftruck at his countenance, that it fled from the 
 fhock of his arms. Intrigue attempted to entangle 
 him in her poifonous web, but he burft it with gi- 
 ‘gantic ftrength, and crufhed her labours. Anarchy 
 looked out from her cavern, and w: dafhed into 
 oblivion, as we truft, forever. The nations of Eu- 
 rope faw the wifdom of our laws, the vigour of our 
 meafures, the juftice of our policy, the firmnefs of 
 our government, and acquiefced in the neutrality 
 of our ftation.”+ 
 
 _ ™ Major General Henry Lze’s Funeral Oration. p. 12, 
 ~ > Jupce Minor’s Eurocy, p. 15. 
 
ft 2 J 
 
 - Twice elected by the unanimous voice o 
 country to the Prefidential chair, when the p 
 for a‘third election arrived, in September ae 
 when the ftate of his country was fuch that ry: 
 confidered it no longer neceffary for him to. 
 fice his inclination to his duty, he announced to his : 
 fellow citizens, in-an appress which will be im- 
 mortal as his name, his determination to retire, 
 and requefting them not to confider him, as a can-. 
 didate for their future fuffrages; thus preventing 
 “the anxious wifhes of an affectionate people, from 
 adding a third unanimous teftimonial of their un- 
 abated confidence in the Man fo long enthroned in 
 their hearts.’ Having fpent forty-five years of his 
 life in the fervice of his country, he confoled him-. 
 felf-with the hope that he was now quitting for.. 
 ever, “ the boundlefs field of public aétion, inceflant 
 trouble and high refponfibility,” in which. he had. 
 fo long acted a principal part ; but this fond hope 
 was not realized. He had not yet arrived at the 
 pinnacle of human greatnefs. One afcending ftep 
 yet remained untaken. From March 1797, to July. 
 1798, he lived in peace, at his beloved retreat, dif-. 
 charging the duties of a private citizen with a con- 
 defcenfion and greatnefs of mind peculiar to him- 
 felf. At the latter period, “‘ when every thing we 
 hold dear and facred was ferioufly threatened,”’* 
 the voice of his countrymen was raifed to him, as 
 the Inftrument, under Providence, for their protec- 
 tion : He heard it and inftantly obeyed ; and thus 
 advanced the laft afcending ftep in the career of 
 
 earthly glory. On this high and commanding 
 ground he ftood, venerable in fervices as in years, 
 
 * Gewerat Wasuincrton’s Letter of Acceptance. 
 
C 23 ii 
 
 the cement and the bulwark of our nation, till the 
 14th of Dec. 1799, when he was fummoned above 
 to join that noble company of the “ wife, who thall 
 fhine as the brightnefs +g the firmament, and as the 
 ftars forever and ever.” et 
 
 His laft ficknefs was fhort and painful. On 
 Thurfday the rath, he was abroad on one of his 
 plantations. The day was rainy and he took cold; 
 which, on Friday, produced a violent inflammation 
 in the throat. The following night his difeafe be- 
 - Came very alarming, and he was urged to fend to 
 Alexandria for his phyfician, His humanity for his 
 fervants prevented it till the next morning. At 
 
 11 o’Clock on Saturday his Phyfician arrived. It 
 was too late. The hand of death was already upon 
 him. Though: his diftrefs was extreme, he was calm 
 and refigned, | ** He informed his attendants that 
 his affairs were in good order ; that he had made 
 his will, and that his public bufinefs was but two 
 days behind hand.” A very fhort time before lie 
 died, he faid, to his Phyfician, ‘* Doct. What is the 
 clock 2 How long am I to remain in this fituation ? The 
 Doétor replied, “ Not long Sir’? He then rejoined 
 with the firmeft countenance “ I have no fear, Door, 
 to die.” His breathing foon grew fhorter; and 
 prefently after he expiredwithout a figh or a groan.” 
 
 ‘at 
 
 “« When keeneft angtifh rack’d his mighty mind, 
 » “ And the fond heart the joys of life refign’d, 
 - No guilt nor terror ftretch’d its hard controvul, 
 “ No doubt obfcur’d the funthine of the foul. 
 *¢ Prepar’d for death, his calm and fteady eye, 
 . “ Look’d fearlefs upward to a peaceful fky ; 
 “ While ‘wondering Angels point the airy road, 
 “ Which leads the Curis1an to the Turone of GOD.”* 
 
 * See Note (E) 
 
Ea J : 
 ~ GanerAL WasuineTon in his. perfor ’ was t I, 
 ebeene and well made ; in his manners eafy and. 
 unaffected.. His eyes were of a Diueith caf, 1 not. 
 
 prominent, indicative of deep thoughtfulnefs, a ane 
 when in action, on great occafions, remark: 
 ly. His features ftrong, manly, and comm iS 5 
 his temper. referved and ferious ; his peas 2 
 grave, compofed, and fenfible. There 3 was in his 
 
 __nefs which at once fecured for him’ profound refpedt 
 and cordial efteem. He feemed born. toMibinndand 
 his fellow men. In his official capacity | he received 
 applicants for favours,.and anfwered their req e i 
 with fo much eafe, condefcenfion and ki ndnefs, 
 as that each retired, believing himfelf a favouri ot ite of 
 his Chief. He had an excellent and well cultivated 
 underftanding ; a corre¢t, difcerning, and compre- 
 henfive mind ; a memory remarkably fee ne 
 energeticpaflionsunder perfect controul; j aju nent 
 fober, deliberate, and found. He was a man of the 
 {triéteft honour and honefty, fair and honourable 
 in his dealings ; and punctual to his engagements. 
 His difpofition was mild, kind and generous. 
 ‘Candour, fincerity, moderation, and fimplicity, 
 were, in common, prominent features in his tiie: 
 acter ; but when an occafion called, he was fod 
 of difplaying the moft determined bravery, firm 
 nefs, and independence. He was an affeeetoalite 
 hufband, a faithful friend, a humane matter, and ; a 
 father to the poor. He lived in the u Rusaryis 
 habits of regularity, temperance, ind’ ae 
 He fteadily rofe at the dawn of day, and retired to 
 reft ufually at 9 o’clock in the evening. Prine. 
 
EF as J 
 
 intermediate hours all had their proper bufinefs 
 affigned them. In his. allotments ; for: the revolving 
 hours, religion was not forgotten. Feeling, what, 
 he fo often publickly acknowledged, his entire de- 
 pendence on Gop, he daily, at ftated feafons, Te- 
 _ tired to his clofet, to worthip at his footftool, and 
 to afk his divine blefling.. He was remarkable for 
 his ftri& obfervation of the fabbath, and exem- 
 plary in a attendance on publick worthip. _ Mi 
 Orhis faith i in the truth and excellence of the holy 
 {criptures, he gave evidence, not only by his excel- 
 lent and-moft exemplary life, but in his writings ; 
 efpecially when he afcribes the meliorated condi- 
 tion of mankind, and the increafed bleflings of fo- 
 ciety, “ above all, to the PURE and benign light of REV- 
 ELATION ;” and when he offers to Gon, his earneft 
 prayer “ that he would moft gracioufly be pleafed 
 to difpofe us all to do juftice, to love mercy, and 
 to demean ourfelves with that charity, humility, 
 _ and pacific temper of mind, which were the char- 
 acteriftics of the DIVINE AUTHOR OF OUR BLESSED 
 RELIGION ; without an humble imitation of whofe 
 example, in thefe things, we can never hope to be 
 a happy nation.”* In an addrefs to him, im- 
 mediately after he commenced his Prefidency 
 the United States, from a venerable and 
 refpeétable body of men, who were in the beft 
 fituation to know his religious charaéter, and 
 who, no doubt, expreffed what they knew, is the 
 ; “following teftimony to his faith in Chriftianity.. 
 “ But we derive a prefage,” fay they, “even 
 
 * See his “ Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United 
 States, dated Rocky Hill, near Princeton, Nov. 2, 1783. 
 
C 26 J 
 more. flattering, from the piety of your char- 
 aéter. ‘Public virtue is the’moft’ certain mean of 
 
 public felicity ; and religion is the’ farek 
 of virtue. We therefore efteem it sere = 
 
 and exalted fentiments of piety, and who, ‘in his 
 private condu&, adorns the doctrines of the Gofpel of 
 Chrif.”* Grounded on thefe pure and excellent 
 doétrines, to which his life was fo. ‘conformable ; 
 
 copying, as he did, with fuch’ exemplary ftrictnefs 
 and uniformity, the precepts of Chrift, we have 
 ftrong confolation and joy im believing, that ‘e’re 
 this, he has heard from his Gop and | ia: ‘this. 
 enrapturing fentence, Well done good: and — 
 
 OB" Bie 
 
 Servant, enter into the joy of your mide abet} 4, 4. 
 
 ~ "WHat a blefling to the world, Anse an hono 
 
 to human nature, is a charatter: thus « throughout 
 fublime ?” What a bright exemplar for” ‘kings, 
 
 for princes, for rulers of every name, for war- 
 riors, for farmers, for Chriftians, fot mankind ? 
 Thanks be to Gon for fo rich a gift ; praife to his 
 name for beftowing it on our nation, and thus dift 
 tinguifhing it above all others on the globe, and let 
 all the PEOPLE oF COLUMBIA, WITH ONE VOICE; 
 
 . SAY vy AMEN. aie goa: 
 
 * er thomammyn: 
 
 o# See the “ Addrefs of the General Affembly of ne | fby- 
 
 terian Church, to BF Prefident of the United States,” dated Phi- 
 
 ladelphia, May uo 9- ic Soa 
 +38 Z : rye a De $i ’ 
 
 ° . , Rt see St sf iy dia 
 
- 
 . 
 
 SEE SE ee 
 
 ee - 
 
 ; - Nore (A) page 5. Hog 
 Tur following intercepted letter from Monf. La Rocue, to 
 Monf. L’Marne, a French officer, was publifhed by Mr. Thomas 
 Fleet of Bofton, in 1754, fhortly after it was intercepted, and is an 
 authentic and important document, containing a particular account 
 of the deep defigns and extenfive plans of the French for fubjugat- 
 ing the Britifh colonies at that period ; of their forces, and arran- 
 gements ; and-alfo of the defencelefs fituation of the colonies. Ina 
 word, it throws much light on the hiftory of that gloomy and in- 
 terefting period of our hiftory, and developes the nature of that long 
 and cruel war, in which the wexo of the preceding memoirs bore fo 
 confpicuous a part. 
 
 « Sir). . ii UEBECK, FEB. 16, 1753. 
 
 ' THE day of my arrival at this place, I fent difpatches to all 
 the commanding officers in New-France, to meet me within ten 
 days at Montreal : I alfo immediately fent expreffes to all the com- 
 manding officers at Miflifippi, to mufter with all expedition, the 
 natives enlifted in his moft chriftian majefty’s fervice, to join our 
 troops from France, and proceed forthwith to Ohio, there to follow 
 fuch direétions as from time to time they fhall receive from us at 
 Canada : And according to time appointed, I met Monf. Duver- 
 ney at Montreal, with our other officers; at which interview, -I re- 
 ceived a moft agreeable account from them, in favour of our royal 
 mafter’s mtereft, which gives us a glorious profpect of foon adding 
 a kingdom unto our dread fovereign’s dominions ; for by their ac- 
 count from north to fouth, they have enlifted inte his majefty’s 
 fervice four, or five thoufand refolute young natives among the feve- 
 ral tribes ; and thofe have been for fome time difciplined, and well 
 equipt with all neceffaries. They alfo inform me, that our regulars 
 from France, with the natives included, at Miflfifippi, amount to 
 neat two thoufand four hundred, who are to build many ftrong 
 forts at Ohio and places adjacent, which in a little time we expect 
 will prove impregnable againft any force the Englifh can raife in 
 thofe parts. The cannon for faid forts is already difpatched. 
 Our army at Canada, with our regulars included, wil! amount 
 o near five thoufand, which we determine to divide into three main 
 
 s0dies, one to be commanded by count Montery, the fecond by 
 Monf. Boriel, and the third by Monf. Eftrides. Count Montery 
 to proceed to Crown-Point, and divide his fquadron into parties on 
 theback of Albany. The fecond divifion under Monf. Boriel, on. 
 ack of Maryland and Pennfylvania ; and the third under Monf. 
 es, on the back of New-England ; which are all to be divided 
 into parties, as the commanding officers fhall judge proper. We 
 defign only to fend {mall parties of Indians into their back fettle- 
 ments, to bring us frefh fupplies of provifions, until we are properly. 
 fortified. Father Anthony, by an uncommon afliduity and influs 
 K ! 
 
{ 2 7 
 
 ence, has gained over‘to our-intereft, \ 
 
 the fix nations, who by the Kagiibaniiel ooked upon as 
 let that fufpicion remain, and they may keep the eld asd} 
 
 women. = aiem ne = ae 
 Imi Mot omit to acquaint . smiths that, our new, governour 
 more ‘and more zealous .and refolute to be a prine pal, inftrument. 
 , the united affiftance of the houfes of Banrbes | tofubdue and: 
 extirpate Heretics out. of America. .And fuch.a. glorious acqui 
 fition, will add a kingdom, which will prove fuperiourto- Seotl 
 and Ireland, and furnith ftores of every kind for his moft.chrif 
 and alga alg hayy E a pronionneg ther. neceflar 
 even to protufion,, for fupply. iv cogah ity’s pol 
 in the Welt-Indics. ‘ ree 
 Our young Hero, the prefent coereheal ‘anada, did 
 this tafk upon him, of making a conqueft of : 
 America poffefsed by the, Englith, only — a 
 him ruler thereof, and becaufe he has not afi 
 ient alipeltion animates him.to be revenged on 
 for the] ate indignities offered his illuftrious oe 
 rs ;.and is come into. thefe parts, invefted) with the pone 
 authority-of church and tate, and fopportedhitle rc. 
 affiftance,. by his moft chriftrian. and. eatholic sole ain ad hg , and. has. 
 likewife_received the fupreme.fan@tion, and foyereigs ediction. 
 his holinefs, the popes to drive out ne — tent Tieretics, 
 to make. room, for: good Catholics.. I shave. e datista : 
 acquainting. you, — the regiments. raifed., oat ney " 
 fome time paft, which our governour brought over.with him, aredn. 
 high {pirits, zealous. to afliit.us againft.the Englih,. and conceive an . 
 infinite fatisfaction.at our prefent, UF eileen etl 
 ful lands now, enjoyed.by the Englith AN ee teilh ea 
 I have lately hada cakcuune atti ‘M°Laith, an egieneg 
 the order of St. Patrick,.a politic, ingenious, 
 among the feveral tribes,,inSuencing and a 
 his mof chriftian majefty’s fervice : He gives. me.awery; 
 and fatisfactory account of the feveral.tribes one nea ony 
 that upon any emergent .occafion,, we, may. 
 bers we fhall have occafion for... He gives me alfo.a’ ea 
 lation of the feveral provinces. inhabited..by_ the Englihen 
 coafts, and appears perfe@ly acquainted,with’ 
 toms. He informs.me.there are many of.our. ‘eat enon 
 them, with whom he has fettled.a correfpondence by-Jetters;/by the - 
 way of Cape Breton, and from, thence.to Quebecks The, Enghth 
 (he, fays) ay ae ont good friends ; thatthe meafures we have co { 
 could not -be fo effectually. carried.on, » were-it paadbiaanaeeeel 
 fail of their veffels. yearly arrive. at, ‘Cape Breton, Mer te ll 
 and other neceflaries from Philadelphia, New-York e 
 Ifland, &c..which,, by.a. mmedasagablanpstatiaen aa ca 
 year 10,000 barrels of flour, 5000. barrels,.of; 
 
 tons of bread, and of butter, cheefe, hogs, seat a pole, : 
 
; To J 
 “even ‘to \profufion ;'fome of which is fent to'our fouthern planta- 
 -tions, and the*king’s commiffioners: fupply the magazines at Cape 
 “Breton, and fend ‘large quantities to-our army at Quebeck, which 
 ‘elevates the fpirits-of our ‘foldiers. ‘We'havealfo a good fupply-of 
 “powder by theway of Cape Breton. M’Laifh’s: fentiments of the 
 ‘bordering’ on the fea coaft is fatisfattory 5 they having little _ 
 “or no! military diftipline among them, ‘no ‘arms‘nor ammunition, 
 ‘neither dothey know properly how to ufe them, except thofe Olive- 
 °fian heretics*who*took-our Cape Breton ; ‘thefe caft'a damp on our 
 vundertakings ; *they have the fame gov. Shirley, who is an enterprif- 
 ing, refolute man ; and when he, and the puritan minifters, fay to 
 \the inhabitants, “Go, fight for your religion and country,” they rufh 
 -like lioris, and had ‘rather die in battle, than fubmit to the ‘ditates 
 -ofour holy'fathers, jefuits, friars, and‘monks, and become mem- 
 ~bers‘ef our mother:church. They retain the moft ‘martial fpirit 6f 
 ‘any in North America, and have a tincture-of Oliver Cromwell's 
 ‘blood remaining; ‘therefore for the prefent, we fhall not ‘erect any 
 “forts*bordeting near them ; fhould we attempt fuch a'thing, even 
 with ten‘thoufand'men, M’Laifh ‘is confident we fhould be -prevent- 
 -ed, and-all our meafures difconcerted, by the vigilance of thofe New 
 England heretics ; for if they could take Cape Breton’ (which we 
 ‘imagined to be impregnable) what can we fuppofe they could ‘not 
 fee, when their indignation and refentment: provokes them ‘to op- 
 ~pofe our encroachments on their territories ? And they are feérifible, 
 ~that'when once we become their mafters, fire and gibbet will be their 
 “portion, if theydo not fall down‘and worfhip the images we fhail 
 “fet ‘up. : F 
 
 “sOur'defign ‘isto get footing in the weftern provinces. Lord Bal- 
 
 “tim6re Was ‘one of our mother church,-and a good ‘friend to’ kin; 
 James; and'‘in Maryland and Virginia, and thofe parts, there are’ma- 
 _ ty true Catholics that will not fight their brethren. M?Laifh ac- 
 uaints ‘me, ‘the ‘inhabitants of Pennfylvania are'a‘meck, peaceable 
 » who will'neither furnifh money, arms, nor ammunition, that 
 ya take their coat, they will give you their cloak alfo : thefe we 
 ‘hall indulge with many privileges, for their not oppofing our meaf- 
 ares, and quietly ‘furrendering their'lands, and fubmitting’to the 
 
 oe Sore of our holy fathers. 
 
 ‘ikewife acquaints me, ‘that'from New York 'weftward, 
 #the inhabitants are not 'fuch bigots ‘to ‘religion, therefore may:more 
 ‘eafily be “prevailed on 'to be of ourholy religion. The rich traders 
 “in ‘thofe’parts, are not ‘concerned ‘at our ereéting forts ‘near 
 
 - gheni, from a view'of private gain in thé fur'trade. And M*Laifh 
 
 Gnelith might have demolifhed Crown Point, ‘but many 
 
 ‘and ‘New York ‘have received confiderable advantages by 
 
 our fur trade, by which, we have‘alfo ‘been benefitted, in ‘receiving 
 ammunition, &c. in exchange. i , 
 
 © ‘There is'now @ difpute between our grand monarch and the Eng- 
 
 lifh, relating ‘to ‘the boundary ‘line in the north, and what phate 9 
 
 the nevitral iflands,-inSouth America ; but “his moft chriftian ma- 
 
iC ao IF 
 
 jetty - is determined to decide the controverfy)véry foons, He 
 is now. (peopling the neutral iflands, ns “what. CE 
 be requifite to fortify the fame, is already at Marto. fom 
 ' Canada and Miffifippi we are to have a, fufficient of 
 re egular troops to join the natives, fo foon’as we are:pr 
 ceive them, and thofe to be difperfed on the back of 
 tween Crown Point and Ohio. Our officers are direéted.to fend 
 proper perfons into the Englith provinces, to: make a More »perfect 
 difcovery of their ftrength.and weaknefs :. thofe,,are to deceive the 
 Englifh which [French policy has sreaveat done !]_ by amufing 
 them, with being deferters. cant ete: 
 Our grand monarch’s will and, slgdinad is, that mp aa 
 build ftrong forts. between Crown Point and. Qhio,, fufficient to fe- 
 cure fifty thoufand men, and fo, fituated, that upon 
 nary occafion, they may immediately unite and « 
 if they fhould attempt to oppofe us ; but, at prefent, asides 
 uncanaerted and fecure. However, their numbers cannot terrify 
 us, when they have no difcipline or union. Had they.as ‘many as 
 Mexico, before the conqueft, could boaft of, our regulars, h by 
 our hero, the prefent governour, would delinay as many thoufands 
 as Cortes did of the Mexicans. . wate gaat cudnt: 
 I muft, with fecret pleafure to ourfelves, pi yo you, Suaiien, ; 
 pitying, not envying, the Englifh who are peopling 
 in thus fatigueing themfelves in clearing land, | and expending 
 fiderable fums in building, &c. as his moft chriftian majelty’s 
 ure is, to prepare a large fquadron to deprive them of 
 bour and pofleflions : Then will they cry out, Who would. 1 
 imagined this would have befallen us, when, no, more difturbance 
 has been at home ? When this is effected, the Englifh may,under-. 
 take by remonitrances, to complain ofa violation and infringement 
 of treaties. rt! ir a Setanetag() aga = 
 I need not inform you, fir, of our well concerted plan, 
 to keep New-England, South Carolina and. Georgia fully, , 
 to defend their own territories, in order to prevent their affift afiifting the ; 
 intervening provinces, which will fall.an eafy prey» 
 will be blocked up by our fhips, and thofe of his catholic majelty’s 
 who have alfo a fufficient number to divert the 
 and keep them at home ; at which time, with our numerous Indian 
 allies, we fhall enter the Englifh provinces of. New- -York, | Pennfyl- 
 vania, Virginia, &c. Our Indian allies eaftward, are to attack the 
 eaftward fettlements ; and_his catholic smajefty. to tranfport a num- _- 
 ber of regulars from the. Havanna,.who are to, attack Georgia | 
 South Carolina, which will. be added to his other dominions ‘of New 
 Spain ; and his moft chriftian majefty to poflefs all the land from 
 South Carolina to. Newfoundland... ome spade siihveo 
 I need. not caution you, fir, to conceal the contents 
 which, you mutt be fenfible fhould remain an. cnet fecret, left the 
 Englifh fhould difcover the meafures we have co : and while 
 whey are ans themfelves with, idle. difputes and. de Soaasebeds 
 
 ‘ 
 
(Erca: 3 
 
 _province coutending,and promoting jealoufies, and raifing ground- 
 
 _lefs fufpicions of each other, without making any preparations for 
 
 defence, let us unite as one body, as loyal. fubjects and good catho- 
 
 lics, then fhall we accomplifh our glorious undertaking, and fing 
 
 Te Deum., and celebrate mafs in thofe places which have been long 
 defiled by the breath of heretics: «5 
 I remain, Sir, your obedient Servant, 
 
 DE ROCHE. 
 
 Pe More’ ( B) papesrt. Dates 
 
 MOUNT VERNON, the feat of the late GEnERAL WASHINGTON, 
 
 ts pleafantly fituated on the Virginia bank of Patowmac river, in 
 Fairfax county, Virginia, where the river is nearly two miles wide ; 
 9 miles below Alexandria ; 4 above the beautiful feat of the late 
 Col. Fairfax, called Bellevoir ; 127 from Point Look Out, at the 
 mouth of the river, and 280 miles from the fea. The area of the 
 mount is 200 feet above the furface of the river ; and, after fur- 
 ‘nifhing a lawn of five acres in front, and about the fame in rear 
 ‘of the buildings, falls off rather abruptly on thofe two quarters. 
 Onthe north end it fubfides gradually into extenfive pafture 
 grounds ; while on the fouth it flopes more fteeply, in a fhort dif- 
 ‘tance, and terminates with the coach houfe, ftables, vineyard, and 
 nurferies. On either wing is a thick grove of different flowering 
 foreft trees. Parallel with them, on the land fide, are two fpa- 
 cious gardens, into which, one is led by two ferpentine gravel walks, 
 planted with weeping willows and fhady fhrubs. ‘The manfion 
 houfe itfelf (though much embellifhed by, yet not perfeétly fatis- 
 factory to, the chafte tafte of its late poffeflor) appears venerable and 
 convenient. ‘The fuperb banqueting room was finifhed after he re- 
 turned home from the army, in 1783. A lofty portico, 96 feet in 
 Yength, fupported by 8 pillars, has a pleafing effect when viewed 
 from the water ; the whole aflemblage of the green houfe, fchool 
 houfe, offices, and fervants’ halls, when feen from the land fide, 
 bears a refemblance to a rural village ; efpecially as the lands on 
 that fide are laid out fomewhat in the form of Englifh gardens, in 
 meadows and grafs grounds, ornamented with little copfes, circu- 
 lar'clumps, and fingle trees.» A fmall park on the margin of the 
 river; where the Englifh fallow deer and the American wild deer 
 are feen through the thickets, alternately with the veflels as they 
 are failing along, add a romantic and picturefque appearance to the 
 whole feenery. On the oppofite fide of a fmall creek to the north- 
 ward, anextenfive-plain, exhibiting corn-fields and cattle grazing, 
 affords in fummer a luxuriant landfcape ; while the blended verdure 
 of wood-lands and cultivated declivities, on the ‘Maryland fhore, 
 variegates the profpect in a charming manner. Such are the philo- 
 fophic fhades to which the Commander in chief of the American 
 army retired in 1783, at the clofe of a vitorious war; which he 
 againleft in 1789, to dignify, with his unequalled talents, the higheft 
 office in thegift of his fellow-citizens; and to which he again retreated 
 
[ s T 
 
 in'1797, loaded ‘with honours,-and the’ benedidtions of his country: ; 
 where, in 1798, having again heard. and obeyed the call of S en- 
 -dangered country to command herarmies, ‘he was ‘fu 
 the 14th of Dec. 1799, to join the heavenly Hofts. y 
 
 pT AYO sng 
 
 Nore (C) page 14. Pion 0 Sl 
 Mr. PresipenT, sili aL i yaaa’. 3 
 
 « THOUGH I am truly fenfible of the high honour done me 
 in this appointment, yet I feel. great diftrefs from a confcioufnefs, 
 that my abilities and military experience may-not be equal to the 
 extenfive and important truft : however, as the Congrefs defire 
 it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert : nay power 
 I poffefs in their fervice, and for the fupport of the glo; fe ae 
 
 ks : or ais : in- 
 
 I beg they will accept my moft cordial thanl ii ; 
 guifhed teftimony of their approbation. ae itl Saye <ltel 
 - © Bur left fome unlucky event fhould happen unfavourable to 
 
 my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentle 
 inthe room, that I this day declare with the utmoft fincerity 
 I do not think myfelf equal to the command1am honoured wit 
 
 « As to pay, fir, I beg leave to affure the Congrala, “that as no 
 pecuniary confideration could have tempted me to accept this 
 arduous employment, at the expenfe of my domeltic eafe and_hap. 
 pinefs, I do not wifh to make any profit from it. I will. 
 keep an exa&t account of my expenfes. ofe I doubt. not ae 
 will difcharge, and that is all I defire.” pare ssietils 
 ar wibeaiat 
 
 Nore. ( D_ ) page diGens: uingal iat meeciieet 
 AMONG the many hazards to which General ‘Wasuineros 
 was expofed, while at the head of the American.armies, sthe.fol- 
 lowing deferves to be particularly mentioned. In the month of 
 June, 1776, while the army lay,at New-York, a plot was meditat- 
 ed under the direction of Gov. Tryon, managed by the then Mayor 
 of the city, to aid the king’s troops on their arrival at New-York, 
 The plot was fo far matured as. to have been communicated to fome 
 of the American army, and Thomas Hickey, one of the General’s 
 life guard, was engaged in it, and had enlifted others, General 
 Wasutncron was to have been taken off, either by poifon or aflaffi- 
 nation. By a Providential and timely difcovery, the’ deteftable 
 defign was fruftrated. Hickey was tried by a court ‘martial, on 
 the morning of the 28th.of June, found guilty, and executed, amidit 
 the execrations of the army, at eleven o’clock thefameday. . .- 
 peters See ee } tT ae eae te 
 Nore (Z.): page 23: »-haaien hae 
 PRESUMING it would be acceptable to the reader, I have 
 thrown together in a note, the following ae ‘documents re-— 
 lating to the laft ficknefs, death, and interment, of the greateft and 
 belt of men. FR RIAD MR 5 
 A « oo Ae aS 
 
fT 33 ¥ 
 Avexanpkids (Vire.) pec. 215 17992 
 PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE edit senna DEATH nes: 
 GEORGE. WASHINGTON. 
 
 SOME time in the night of Friday, the 1oth infant, hav- 
 ing been expofed to. a rain on the preceding. day,, General 
 WASHINGTON was attacked with an inflammatory affection 
 of the upper part of the wind pipe, called in technical language 
 Cynache Trachealis. The difeafe_ commenced witha violent ague, 
 accompanied withfome pain in the upper and fore:part of the 
 throat, a fenfe of ftri€ure in the fame part, a cough, and a dif- 
 ficult, rather than a painful deglutition, which were foon fuc- 
 ceeded by fever and a quick and laborious refpiration. The 
 neceflity of bloodletting fuggefting itfelf to the General, he pro- 
 cured a bleeder in the neigbourhood, who took from his arm in 
 the night 12 or 14.0unces of blood. He could not by any means be. 
 prevailed on by the family to fend for the attending phyfician till 
 the following morning, who arrived at Mount Vernon at about 
 1t o’clock:on Saturday. Difcovering the cafe to be highly alarm- 
 ing, and forefeeing the fatal tendency of the difeafe, two con- 
 fulting phyficians were immediately fent for, who arrived, one 
 at half after three, and the other at four o’clock inthe afternoon: 
 in the mean time were employed two pretty copious bleedings, 
 a blifter was applied to the part affected, two moderate dofes of 
 calomel were given, and an injection was adminiftered, which ope- 
 rated on the lower inteftines, but all without any perceptible advan- 
 tage, the refpiration becoming ftill more difficult and diftreffing. 
 Upon the arrival of the firft of the confulting phyficians, it was 
 agreed, as there were yet no figns of accumulation in the bronchial 
 veflels of the lungs, to try the refult of another bleeding, when about 
 32 ounces of blood were drawn, without the fmalleft apparent alle- 
 viation of the difeafe. Vapours of vinegar and water were fre- 
 quently inhaled, ten grains of calomel were given, fucceeded by 
 repeated dofes of emetic tartar, amounting in all to 5 or 6 grains, 
 with no other effeé than a copious difcharge from the bowels. The 
 powers of life feemed now manifeftly yielding to the force of the 
 diforder ; blifters were applied to the extremities, together with a 
 cataplafm of bran and vinegar to the throat. Speaking, which was 
 
 from the beginning, now became almoft impraéticable ; ref- 
 piration grew more and more contracted and imperfeé, till half af- 
 ter 11 on Saturday night, retaining the full poffeffion of his intel- 
 leét—when he expired without a firuggle. 
 
 He was fully impreffed at the beginning of his complaint; as well 
 as through every fucceeding ftage of it, that its conclufion would be 
 mortal ; fubmitting to the feveral exertions made for. his recovery; 
 rather as a duty, than from any expectation of their efficacy. He- 
 confidered the operations of death upon his fyftem as coeval with 
 
iL # I 
 the difeafe ; and feveral hours before his death, after repeated efforts 
 to be underftood, fucceeded in exprefling a defire that he m be 
 pefmitted to die without farther interruption. Oke 4 
 During the fhort period of his illnefs, he eases, time, in 
 the arrangement of fuch few concerns as required his attention, 
 with the utmoft ferenity ; and anticipated his approaching diflo- 
 lution with every demonftration of that equanimity for which his 
 whole life has been fo uniformly and fingularly confpicuous. 
 JAMES CRAIK, Attending Phyfician. 
 ELISHA C. DICK, Confulting Phyfician. 
 
 WASHINGTON’s FUNERAL. 
 
 A correfpondent at Alexandria, under date of the 1 th, communi- 
 cated to the Editor of the Bofton Centinel, the followin ; interefting 
 particulars of the funeral of him whofe exit has filled an Empire 
 with tears : 
 
 “ Yefterday I attended the Funeral of the Saviour of our coun- — 
 try at Mount Vernon; and had the honour of being one who carried 
 his Body to the vault. He was borne by military gentlemen, and 
 brethren of our Lodge, of which he was formerly Mafter. I inclofe 
 you a fketch of the Proceffion. To defcribe the feene is impoffible. 
 The coffin bore his Sword and Apron ; and the Members of the 
 Lodge walked as mourners. His horfe was led, properly capari- _ 
 foned, by two of his fervants, in mourning. « shyem 
 
 “« As I helped place his body in the vault, and ftood at the door 
 while the funeral fervice was performing, I had the beft opportu- 
 nity of obferving the countenances of all. Every one was affected, 
 but none fo much as his domeftics of all ages.* : , 
 
 INTERMENT. _. aiid 
 Grorcetown, Dec. 20. 
 
 On Wednefday Iaft, the mortal part of WasuincTon the great— 
 the father of his country and the friend of man, was configned to 
 the tomb, with folemn honours and funeral pomp. ae. 
 
 A multitude of perfons affembled, from many miles around, at 
 Mount Vernon, the choice abode and laft refidence of the illuftrious 
 chief. ‘There were the groves, the fpacious avenues, the beautiful 
 and fublime fcenes, the noble manfion; but, alas! the auguft in- 
 habitant was now no more. That great foul was gone. His mortal 
 part was there indeed ; but ah! how affecting! how awful the. 
 fpectacle of fuch worth and greatnefs, thus, to mortal eyes, fallen : 
 Yes ! fallen ! fallen! Ree olan: 
 
 In the long and lofty Portico where oft the hero walked in all his — 
 glory, mow lay the fhrouded corpfe. The countenance ftill compof- 
 ed and ferene, feemed to exprefs the dignity of the fpirit which 
 lately dwelt in that lifelefs form. There thofe who paid the laft fad 
 honours to the benefactor of his country, took an impreflive, a fare- 
 well view. : 
 
 On the ornament, at the head of the coffin, was inferibed SurGE 
 ap yupicium 3 about the middle of the coffin Groria Deo; and 
 on the filver plate, 
 
ORE 
 GENERAL 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON, 
 
 DEPARTED THIS LIFE, ON THE 14th DecemsBer, 1799, /Et. 68. 
 
 Between three and four o’clock, the found of artillery from a 
 veffel in the river, firing minute guns, awoke afrefh our folemn for- 
 row ; the corpfe was moved ; a band of mufic with mournful mel- 
 
 ody, melted the foul into all the tendernefs of woe. 
 
 The proceffion was formed and moved on in the following order : 
 
 rte i With arms reverfed. { Guard, 
 Mutfic, 
 
 Clergy, 
 The General’s horfe, with his faddle, holfters, and piftols. 
 Colonel Simms, a Colonel Gilpin, 
 
 Colonel Ramfay, Colonel Marfteller, 
 Colonel Payne, Colonel Little, . 
 Mourners, 
 Mafonic Brethren, 
 Citizens. 
 
 When the proceffion had arrived at the bottom of the elevated 
 awn, on the banks of the Patowmac, where the family vault is 
 placed, the cavalry halted, the infantry marched towards the Mount 
 and formed the inlines ; the clergy, the Mafonic brothers, and the 
 ‘citizens, defecended to the vault, and the funeral fervice of the 
 ‘church was performed. ‘The firing was repeated from the veffel in 
 the river, and the founds echoed fromthe woods and hills around. 
 _ Three general difcharges by the infantry ; the cavalry, and 11 
 pieces of artillery, which lined the banks of the Patowmac back of 
 the vault, paid the laft tribute to the entombed Commander in 
 Chief of the Armies of the United States, and to the venerable de- 
 . The fun was now fetting. Alas! the Sun of Glry was fet for- 
 ever. No—the name of WASHINGTON, the American Prefi- 
 dent and General, will triumph over death ; the unclouded bright- 
 nefs of his Glory will illuminate future ages. 
 L 
 
[36 3 
 
 PRESIDENT’s MESSAGE. © 
 
 Mr. Suaw, Secretary to the Prefident, communicated the fol- 
 lowing Meflage : ; 
 
 Gentlemen of the Senate, and . 
 
 Gentlemen of the Houfe of Reprefentativess \\-\— » 
 
 IN compliance with the requeft in one of the refolutions of Con- 
 grefs of the 21ft of December laft, I tranfmitted a copy of thofe 
 refolutions by my fecretary, Mr. Shaw, to Mrs. WasnincTon, “al- 
 furing her of the profound refpeét Congrefs will ever bear to her 
 perfon and charaéter ; of their condolence in the late‘afflicting dif- 
 penfation of Providence, and intreating her affent to interment 
 of the remains of General GEORGE WASHINGTON, in the 
 manner exprefled in the firft refolution. As the fentiments of 
 that virtuous lady, not lefs beloved by this nation, than fhe is. 
 prefent greatly afflicted, can never be fo wall ematied once ae 
 words; I tranfmit to Congrefs her original letter. ar = 
 
 It would be an diccahins of too ae delicacy, to make Say eee 
 ments upon it, but there can be no doubt, that the nation at large, 
 as well as all the branches of the government, will be highly grat- 
 
 ified by any arrangement which may diminifh the facrifice fhe ma 
 
 of her individual feelings. 9 3 pouempeed 
 JOHN ADAMS. 
 United States, Fan. 8, 1800. pa 
 
 : U3 Tal i Bayes 
 Mount Vernon, Dec. 315.1799. 
 Sir, - ' ee wee 5 
 = 
 WHILE I feel with keeneft anguifh, the late difpenf ions of 
 Divine Providence, I cannot be infenfible to the mournful tributes’ 
 of refpect and veneration, which are paid to the memory of my 
 dear deceafed hufband ; and, as his beft fervices and moft anxious 
 wifhes, were always devoted to the welfare and happinefs of his 
 country, to know that they were truly appreciated, and gratefully 
 remembered, affords no inconfiderable confolation.. — = ~~ 
 Taught by the great example, which.I have fo long had before 
 me, never to oppofe my private wifhes to the public will, I muft con- 
 fent to the requeft made by congrefs, which you have had the good- 
 nefs to tranfmit me, and in doing this I need-not, 1 cannet fay, 
 what a facrifice of individual feeling I make to a fenfe of public duty. 
 With grateful acknowledgment and unfeigned thanks for the | 
 perfonal refpect and evidences of condolence exprefled by Congrefs 
 and yourfelf; I remain very refpettfully, fir, your moft obedient 
 and humble fervant, Peter ++ | needa Ste 
 , -MARTHA WASHINGTON. — 
 The Prefident of the United States. “ “7 ST 
 
 =o tA 
 ia a a ewes 
 
 vod Arie SBE: 
 
 | 
 
 - 
 
 | 
 | 
 
rHE ADDRESS oF 
 
 THE LATE 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON, 
 wren PRESIDENT, ro re 
 PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, 
 ON DECLINING BEING CONSIDERED 
 A CANDIDATE FOR THEIR FUTURE SUFFRAGES, 
 
 Frienps anv Fetxrow Citizens, 
 
 ‘THE period for a new election of a Citizen to ad- 
 minifter the executive government of the United 
 States, being not far diftant, and the time actually 
 arrived, when your thoughts muft be employed in 
 defignating the perfon, who is to be clothed with 
 
 that important truft, it appears to me proper, efpec- 
 
 ially as it may conduce to a more diftincé expreffion 
 of the public voice, that I fhould now apprife you 
 of the refolution I have formed, to decline being 
 confidered among the number of thofe, out of whom 
 a choice 3 is to be made. 
 
 es you, at the fame time, todo me the juftice 
 to be affured, that this refolution has not been tak- 
 en, without a ftrié& regard to all the confiderations 
 ttaining to the relation, which binds a dutiful 
 tizen to his country ; and that, in withdrawing 
 | | tender of fervice, which filence in my fituation 
 might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of 
 zeal for your future intereft ; no deficiency of grate- 
 | ful refpect for your paft kindnefs: But am-fup- 
 | ported by a full conviction that the Rep i is com- 
 > a with both. 
 a 
 
 en 
 
xi? Dgeakiors:* L i J ror soryscniailiilies 
 fl Si iieenthees of, and continuance hitherto in 
 the office to which your fuffrages have twice called 
 me, have been a uniform factifice of inclination to 
 the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what 
 appeared to. be your defire, UE sonirady: hoped, 
 that-it. would have been much earlier, img ve 
 confiftently with motives, which I was ; not at liber- 
 ty to difregard, to return to, that retirement, from 
 which I had been relu€antly drawn. _ The firength 
 of my inclination to do this, previous - st aes 
 election, had even led to the preparation, oO: 
 _drefs to declare it to you ; but mature. refle oft or 
 on | the then perplexed and critical ssdtiee oF 0% » 
 affairs with foreign nations, and the | unanimous 
 advice of perfons entitled to my, ‘confidence, i 
 led me:to abandon the idea. , 
 
 oiM a2aabitg@on Rey 
 I REJOICE, that the. tate: of your concerns, ex- 
 _ternal as well as internal, no, lon 
 purfuit of inclination incompatible. with. the fenti- : 
 :ment of duty, or propriety ; and am perfuaded, 
 whatever partiality may be retdined for my fervices, 
 that in the prefent circumftances of ‘our country, : 
 you will not difapprove my determination toretire. 
 ' THE impreffions, with which I fir ian 
 arduous truft, were explained on the ser 
 fion. In the difcharge o of this tru a1 will only 
 that I have, with good iecadoagg pit te to- | 
 wards the organization a and ad et ation of the j 
 government, the beft exertions of ‘which a very. 
 “fallible judgment. was capable. _ Not unconicious 
 in the outfet, of the inferiority of my « ualifica 
 tions, experience, in my own eyes, perhaps fill 
 
4 
 Be 
 | 
 
 [3 3 
 
 more in the eyes .of others, has. ftrengthened the 
 motives to diffidence of myfelf.; andevery day the 
 increafing weight of years. admonifhes me more 
 and more, that the fhade of retirement is \as necef- 
 fary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if 
 any circumftances have given peculiar value to my 
 fervices, they were temporary, I have the confola- 
 tion to believe, that while choice and prudence in- 
 vite me to quit the political Rahs wee _— 
 not forbid it. > ik 
 
 ~ In looking forward to the moment, which is in- 
 tended to terminate the career of my public life, 
 
 “my feelings do not permit me to fufpend the deep 
 
 acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude, which I 
 “owe to my beloved country, for the many honours 
 ‘it has conferred upon me’; ftill more for the fted- 
 faft confidence with which it has fupported me ; 
 and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed ar 
 manifefting my inviolable attachment, by fervices, 
 faithful and perfevering, though in ufefulnefs une- 
 qual'to my zeal. If benefits have refylted to our 
 country from thefe fervices, let it always be re- 
 
 membered to your praife, and as an inftructive ex- 
 ample in our annals, that under circumftances, in 
 
 which the paflions, agitated in every direction, 
 were. liable to miflead, amid appearances fome- 
 times dubious ; viciffitudes of fortune often dif- 
 " couraging; i in fituations in which, not unfrequently, 
 want of fuccefs has countenanced the fpirit of crit- 
 icifm ; the conftancy of your fupport was the effen- 
 ‘tial prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans. 
 by which they were effected. Profoundly pene-. 
 
 Gia 
 
eee 
 trated with this idea, Ifhall eartyy Nivohe! métomy” 
 gravé, as a ftrong incitement to ‘unceafing ‘vows, 
 that*"Heaven may continue to you the choiceft to- 
 Kens of its beneficence ; that your union and broth. 
 erly affection may be perpeeall that the free Con- 
 ftitution, which is the work of ‘your hands,. may 
 be facredly maintained ; that its: al 
 every department may be n 
 and virtue ; that, in fine, the hegitiedpell Meecadin 
 ple of thefe ftates, under the aufpices of li 
 may be made complete, by fo.careful a preferv: 
 and fo prudent a ufe of this blefling, as will acquire 
 to them the glory of recommending it to the ap- 
 plavfe, the affection, and the adoption — of every 
 
 nation which is yet a ftranger toit. ... | wesniag 
 
 ' Herz, perhaps, I ought to ftop. But a folicitude 
 for your welfare, which cannot end but’ with my 
 life, and the apprehenfion of danger, natural'to that 
 folicitude, urge me on an occafion like the p 
 to offer to your folemn conte 
 recommend to your frequent review, fome thal 
 ments, which are the refult of much refleCtion) ‘of 
 no inconfiderable obfervation, and’ which appear to 
 me all-important to the permanency of yout felicity 
 as a people.’ Thefe will be offered to you with the - 
 more freedom, a$ you ‘can ‘only fee in them: the © 
 difinterefted warnings of a parting friend; who'ean 
 poflibly have no perfonal motive tobias histcounfel. 
 Nor can I forget, as an encouragement’to it, your 
 indulgent.reception of my fentiments on°a former 
 and not diffimilar occafion. A eOrar | 
 
 INTERWOVEN as is the love of liberty with every : 
 ligament of your hearts, no recommendation — 
 
 - 
 
tes 24 
 ‘of mine is neceflary to biases? or confirm the at-' 
 ‘tachment. pik) 
 
 ‘THe unity of Government, widens SSimftitatch 
 you one people, is alfo now dear to you. It is 
 juftly fo ; for it isa main pillar in the edifice of 
 your réal independence ; 5 the fupport of your tran- 
 quillity' at home, your peace abroad ; of your 
 fafety ; of your profperity ; ; of that very liberty 
 which you fo highly prize. But, as it is eafy to 
 forefee, that from different caufes and from dif- 
 ferent quarters, much pains will be taken, many 
 artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the 
 conviction of this truth ; as this is the point in 
 your political fortrefs, againft which, the batteries 
 of internal and external: enemies will be moft con- 
 ftantly and actively, (though often covertly and 
 infidioufly) directed, it is of infinite moment, that 
 you fhould properly eftimate the immenfe value of 
 your National Union, to your collective and indi- 
 vidual happinefs.; that you fhould cherifh a cor- 
 dial, habitual, and immoveable attachment to it ; 
 soe yourfelves to think and fpeak of it as 
 
 the palladium of your political fafety and prof- 
 ae watching for its prefervation with jealous 
 anxiety ; difcountenancing whatever may fuggeft 
 even a fufpicion that it can in any event be aban- 
 doned ; and indignantly frowning upon the firft 
 dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion 
 of our country. from the reft, or to enfeeble 
 the .facred: ties. which now link together the 
 various parts. 
 
 _ For this you have every inducement of fym- 
 vpathy and intereft. Citizens, by birth or choice, 
 
i 6 J 
 
 of 2 common inal that country has'a.right to 
 concentrate your affections. The name of Amur. 
 ICAN, which belongs to you in your. By eq 
 capacity, muft always exalt the juft pride 6! patri- 
 jotifm, more than any appellation derive fom 
 focal difcrimination. With flight thades of 
 
 ence, you have the fame religion, manners, habits 
 and political principles. You have, in _a common 
 caufe, fought and triumphed together 5. the Inde- 
 pendence and Liberty you poffefs, are the work of 
 joint councils, and joint efforts, of common dan- 
 Bers, fufferings and fuccefles, » i Subang 2000 
 
 Burt thefe confiderations, however ‘ehwentalh 
 they addrefs themfelves to your ‘fenfibility,, we ; 
 greatly. outweighed by thofe which apply = 
 immediately to your intereft. Here every | y mi 
 of our country finds the moft commanding m 
 for carefully guarding and preferving the u 
 of the whole. 
 
 * Tue North, in an unreftrained feitetdotdte with 
 the South, prote@ed by the equal laws of a com- 
 mon government, i finds in the produétions of the 
 latter, great additional refources of maritime ‘and 
 commercial enterprife, and precious materials of 
 manufacturing induftry.. The South, in the fame 
 intercourfe, benefitting by the agency of the - 
 fees its agriculture grow, and its commerce expand. 
 Turning partly into its own channels the feamen 
 of the North, it finds its particular navigation ; 
 vigorated ; and while it contributes, in different 
 ways, to nourith and increafe the general ‘mafs of 
 the national navigation, it (oie “eed rd to the 
 protection of a maritime Bron gig to > which | ittelf | 
 
 ii 
 biog 
 
> at ee 
 is unequally adapted. The Eaf, in a like inter- 
 ‘courfe with the Wef, already finds, and in the 
 progreflive improvement of interior communica- 
 tions, by land and water, will more and more find 
 a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings 
 from abroad, or manufaétures at home. The 
 Weft derives from the Ea/ fupplies requifite to its 
 growth and comfort ; and, what is perhaps of ftill 
 greater confequence, it muft of neceflity owe the 
 fecure enjoyment of indifpenfable outlets for its 
 own productions to the weighty influence, and the 
 future maritime ftrength of the Atlantic fide of 
 the Union, direéted by an indiffoluble community 
 of intereft as oné nation. Any other tenure by which 
 the Weft can hold this effential advantage, whether 
 derived from its own feparate ftrength, or from an 
 apoftate and unnatural connection with any foreign 
 power, muft be intrinfically precarious, 
 
 ‘Wuize then every part of our country thus fects 
 an immediate and particular intereft in Union, all the 
 parts combined cannot fail to find in the unitedmafs 
 of means and efforts, greater ftrength, greater re- 
 
 rce, proportionably greater fecurity, from exter- 
 nal danger, a lefs frequent interruption of their peace 
 by foreign nations ; and what is.of moft ineftima- ~ 
 ble, value! they sia derive from Union an exemp- 
 tion from thofe broils and wars between themfelves, 
 which { fo frequently afflict neighbouring countries, 
 not tied together by the fame government ; which, 
 their own rivalfhips alone would be fufficient to pro- 
 duce, but which oppofite foreign alliances, attach- 
 ments and intrigues would ftimulate and embitter, 
 Hence likewife they will avoid the neceflity of thofe- 
 
. { ¢ J 
 overgrown military eftablifhments,whichut y 
 form of government are inaufpicious part 
 which are to be regarded as’ particularly: h | 
 Republican Liberty : In this fenfe it isy the 
 Union ought to be confidered ‘as’ a main prop of 
 your liberty, and that the love of the ‘one oug ght to 
 endear to you the prefervation of the bape igh Path 
 
 ‘Turse confiderations fpeak a pet fuafive languag 
 to every Teflecting and virtuous pera 23 vit. 
 the continuance of the Union as a prii obje 
 
 of patriotic defire. Is there a doubt, wl ether’ a 
 common government can embrace fo large arge a fphere ? 
 Let experience folve it. To liften to mere fpecula- 
 tion in fuch a cafe were criminal. We are author- 
 ifed to hope that a proper organization of te Whole 
 with the auxiliary agency of governments | 
 refpective fubdivifions, will afford a happy i ag! 
 the experiment. It is well worth a fair dey. full 
 experiment, With fuch powerful and obvious mi al 
 tives to Union, affecting all parts of our « un 
 while experiment fhall not have demonftrated 
 impracticability, there will always be reafon toc 
 truft the patriotifm of thofe, who in any Res 
 may endeavour to weaken its bands. 
 
 In contemplating the caufes which may ‘difturb 
 our Union, it occurs as matter of ferious concern, 
 that any ground fhould be furnifhed for charaéteri- 
 fing parties, by Geographical difcriminations : 3 North. 
 ern and Southern ; ; Atlantic and We Cs: ti whence « de- 
 figning men may endeavour to excite a belief, ‘that: 
 there is a real difference of local interefts and views. 
 One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, 
 within particular diftricts, is to mifreprefent the opin- 
 
t-9 3 
 
 fons and aims of other diftriéts. ‘You cannot fhield 
 ‘yourfelves too much againft the jealoufies and heart- 
 burnings which {pring from thefe mifreprefenta- 
 tions : they tend to render alien to each other thofe 
 who ought to be bound together by fraternal affec- 
 tion, The inhabitants of our weftern country have 
 lately had a ufeful leffon on this head: They have 
 feen, in the negociation by the Executive, and in 
 the unanimous ratification by the Senate, of the 
 Treaty with Spain, and in the univerfal fatisfaction 
 at that event, throughout the United States, a de- 
 cifive proof how unfounded were the fufpicions 
 propagated among them, of a policy in the general 
 government and in the Atlantic flates, unfriendly to 
 their interefts in regard to the Miffifippi; they have 
 been witneffes to the formation of two treaties, that 
 with Great-Britain, and that with Spain, which fe- 
 cure to them every thing they could defire, in res 
 {pect to our foreign relations, towards confirming 
 their profperity. Will it not be their wifdom to 
 rely for the prefervation of thefe advantages on the 
 Union by which they were procured? Will they 
 not henceforth be deaf to thofe advifers, if fuch there 
 are, who would fever them from their brethren, 
 and connect them with aliens ? 4 
 
 “To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, 
 a government for the whole is indifpenfable: No 
 alliances, however ftrict, between the parts, can be 
 an adequate fubftitute ; they will inevitably experi« 
 ence the infra¢tions and interruptions which all alli- 
 ances in all tenes have experienced. Senfible of. 
 
 i 4 
 
i[ ao q 
 itkdaickems sates truth, you’ have imptoved’ upon 
 -your firft eflay, by the adoption of a conftitution of 
 ‘government better calculated than” your’ former 
 
 «for an intimate Union, and for the efficacious'man- 
 agement of your common concerns. This’ govern- 
 ment, the offspring of your own'choice, uninfluenc- 
 ‘ed and unawed, adopted upon ‘full? im 
 and mature deliberation, completely free in its prin- 
 ciples, in the diftribution of its powers, uniting fe- 
 curity with energy, and containing within itfelf/a 
 provifion for its own amen Genevieve 
 to your confidence and your fupport... Refpect fe 
 its authority, compliance with its laws, acquis 
 in its meafures, are duties enjoined by rari 
 mental maxims of true liberty., The. bafis),of our 
 political fyftems is the right of the people to; make 
 and to alter their conftitutions of government. But, 
 the conftitution which at any time exifts, until 
 changed by an explicit and authentic a oF ay 
 whole people, is facredly oblig ory, Up _ he 
 very idea of the power and the: rig nt of t the peop 
 to eftablith government, prefuppofes ‘the duty. of 
 every individual to obey the cftablithedg igovernment. 
 
 * ALL obftrudtions to the PSL of the Laws, 
 all combinations and affociations, under whatever 
 plaufible charaéter, with the real defign to direc, 
 controul, counteract or awe the regular ‘delibera- 
 tion and aétion of the conftituted authorities are 
 deftructive of this fundamental’ principle, and of 
 fatal tendency. They ferveto or. to 
 give it an artificial and extraordinary force ; to’put — 
 in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the 
 
Loa 
 
 -will of a party, often a {mall but‘artful and enter- 
 prifing minority of the community ; and, accord- 
 ingto the alternate triumph of different parties, to 
 make the public adminiftration the mirror of the 
 ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, 
 rather than the organ of confiftent and wholefome 
 plans, digefted by common councils, and modified 
 by mutual interefts. 
 
 - However combinations, or affociations, of the , 
 above defcription, may now and then anfwer popu- 
 lar ends, they are likely in the courfe of time and 
 things, to become potent engines, by which cun- 
 ning, ambitious, and unprincipled men, will be 
 enabled to fubvert the power of the people, and 
 ‘ufurp for themfelves the reins of government ;_ de- 
 Rroying, afterwards, the very engines which have 
 lifted them to unjuft dominion. 
 
 Towarps the prefervation of your government, 
 and the permanency of your prefent happy ftate, it 
 is requifite, not only that you fteadily difcounte- 
 ‘nance irregular oppofitions to its acknowledged au- 
 thority, but alfo that you refift with care, the fpirit 
 ‘of innovation upon its principles, however fpecious 
 the pretexts. One method of affault may be to ef- 
 fe&, in the forms of the conftitution, alterations 
 which will impair the energy of the fyftem, and 
 thus to undermine what cannot be directly over- 
 - thrown. In all the changesto which you may be 
 “invited, remember that time and habit are at leaft 
 as neceflary to fix the true character of governments, 
 as of other human inftitutions ; that experience is 
 the fureft ftandard, by which to teft the real tena 
 
Tm } 3 
 
 dency of the exifting conftitution of a country: that 
 facility in changes upon the credit of ‘mere hypo: 
 thefis and opinion, expofes’ to” peepee ees 
 from the endlefs variety of hypothéfis anid opi 
 and remember, efpecially, that for che-tiebataemd 
 agement of your common intereft,in'a country f6 
 extenifive as ours, a government of as’ much vigour 
 as is confiftent with the perfeétfeeurity of ‘liberty, 
 is indifpenfable. Liberty itfelf wilbfind»in fach a 
 government, with powers properly diftributed and 
 adjufted, its fureft guardian. It isindeedy little elfe 
 than a name, where the government is. too feeble 
 to withftand the enterprifes of faction, to confine 
 each member of the fociety within the limits pre- 
 feribed by the laws, and to maintain all-in. the fe- 
 cure and tranquil enjoyment of ae righte of perfon 
 and property. ‘Pay BAS 
 
 LT uave already intimated to.yous, the danger of 
 parties in the ftate, with-particular reference t 7 the 
 founding of them on geographical difcriminations. 
 
 Let me now take a more abe 
 warn you in the moft folemn manner. e 
 
 baneful effects of the fpirit of party generally. var . 
 
 Tuis fpirit, unfortunately, is infeparable from 
 our nature, having its root in the ftrong 
 paffions of the human mind. It exifts under’ 
 ferent fhapes in all governments, more or | 
 ftifled, controuled, or tepreffed 5 but i in _thofe of 
 the popular form, it is feen i in its greatel cnefs, j 
 and is truly their wort enemy. 
 
 aie 
 
 Sree © Jt oma vee 
 Tue alternate domination of -one,/faction, over 
 another, fharpened by the fpirit of revenge, natural 
 
! 
 
 {4 7 
 
 ‘to party diffenfion, which in different ages and 
 countries has perpetrated the. moft horrid enormi- 
 ties, is itfelf a frightful defpotifm. . But this leads at 
 Jength toa more formal and permanent defpotifm. 
 The diforders and miferies, which refult, gradually 
 incline the minds of men to feek fecurity.and repofe 
 in the abfolute power of an individual: And fooner 
 or later the chief of fome prevailing faction, more 
 ableior more fortunate than his competitors, turns 
 this. difpofition to the purpofes of his own elevation, 
 on the ruins of public liberty. 
 
 “Without looking forward to an extremity of 
 this kind (which neverthelefs ought not to be en- 
 ‘tirely out of fight) the common and continual mif- 
 chiefs of the fpirit of party are fufficient to make it 
 the intereft and duty of a wife people to difcourage 
 and reftrain it. 
 
 ‘Tr ferves always to diftraé the publick cotsiile 
 and enfeeble the public adminiftration. It agitatés 
 ‘the community with ill founded jealoufies and falfe 
 alarms ; ; kindles the animofity of one’part againft 
 ‘another ; foments, occafionally, riot and infurret- 
 tion. It opens the door to foreign influence ‘and 
 ‘eorruption, which find a facilitated accefs to the 
 ‘government itfelf, through the channels of party 
 
 Thus the policy and will of one country 
 ‘Ae fajeed to the policy and will of another. 
 
 Tuers i is an opinion that parties in free countries 
 are ufeful checks upon the adminiftration of the 
 
 government, and ferve to keep alive the fpirit of 
 liberty. This, within certain limits, is probably 
 
{C 4] 
 
 true;, and in governments of a.monar 
 ‘patriotifm may look with ae 
 favour, upon the fpirit. of party. But. in thofe of 
 the popular character, in COTE RINE DPM ane? 
 tive, it is a {pirit not to be encouraged. Fro 
 their natural tendency, . it is certain there will ale 
 ways be enough of that fpirit for every falutary pur- 
 pofe: And there being conftant danger of excels, 
 the effort ought to be, by force of public, opinion, 
 to mitigate and afluage it.. .A fire mot to) be 
 quenched ; it demands a,uniform vigilance to pre- 
 
 vent its burfting into a flame, left, inftead of warm- 
 
 ing it fhould confume, } ays 
 
 Ir is important likewife, that the habits of title: 
 ing in a free country, fhould infpire caution in 
 thofe entrufted with its adminiftration, to confine 
 themfelves within their refpettive. conititutional 
 {pheres, avoiding in the exercife of the powers-of 
 one department, to encroach upon another. The 
 {fpirit of encroachment tends to confolidate the 
 powers of all the departments in one, and thus to 
 create, whatever the form of government, a real 
 defpotifm. A juft eftimate of that love of power, 
 and pronenefs to abufe it, which predominates in 
 
 the human heart, is fafficient to fatisfy us of the 
 
 truth of this pofition. The neceflity of reciprocal 
 checks in the exercife of political power ; by divide 
 ing and diftributing it into different depofitories,’ 
 and conftituting each the guardian of the’ public’ 
 
 weal againft at by the others, has been evince. 
 ed by. experiments ancient and modern ¢«Some'of 
 
 a 
 
 them in our country, and under our own eyes.) Ta’ 
 
% 
 
 preferve them muft be as neceffary as to inftitute 
 them.“ If, in the opinion of the people, the diftri- 
 bution or modification of the conftitutional powers 
 be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an 
 amendment in the way which the conftitution de- 
 fignates : "but let there be no change by ufurpation ; 
 for though this, in one inftance, may be the inftru- 
 ment of good, it is the cuftomary weapon by 
 which free governments are deftroyed. ‘The pre- 
 
 cedent muft always greatly overbalance in perma- 
 nent evilkany partial orttanfient ascii sn gor the 
 ufé can at any time yield. 
 
 Or all the difpofitions and habits which lead to 
 - political profperity, religion and morality are indif- 
 penfable fupports. In vain would that man claim 
 ‘the tribute of patriotifm, who would Jabour to 
 fubvert thefe great pillars of human happinefs, 
 thefe firmeft props of the duties of men and citizens. 
 The mere politician, equally with the pious man, 
 ought to refpect and to cherifh them. A volume 
 could not trace all their connections with public 
 and private felicity. Let it fimply be afked, Where 
 is the fecurity for property, for reputation, for life, 
 if a fenfe of religious obligation defert the oaths 
 which are the infiruments of inveftigation in courts 
 of juttice } ? And let us with caution indulge the fup- 
 pofition, that morality can be maintained without 
 religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influ- 
 
 | ence of refined education, on minds of peculiar. 
 
 ftruciure; reafon and experience both forbid us to 
 expect that national morality can prevail, in Rosy 
 fion of religious principle. . 
 
 ene EE ee 
 
16 J 
 * rls ewan true; that virtue o . “A or 
 a neceflary fpring of popular government. 
 indeed extends with more or lefs prac y fpe- 
 cies of free government. ‘Who that is . fi ‘tod 
 friend to it can look ‘with indifferen: upor sat 
 tempts to fhake the foundation of thes ric? tore 
 
 Promote then, as an objeé c of pri ary os 
 ance, inftitutions for the general se know 
 
 sr 
 
 NT 
 § 
 
 ledge. Tn proportion a bgt a govern- 
 
 ment gives force to pub fen ial 
 
 _ that public opinion fh € ante shtened emi 
 ar | BHF ty 
 
 As avery important fource of firength and. ‘fe 
 curity, cherifh public credit. One method of pre- 
 ferving i it is to ufe it as {paringly as poflible ;, avoid- 
 
 ing occafions of expenfe by. cultivating peace ; but 
 remembering alfo that timely’ difburfements to pre- 
 
 pare for danger, frequently prevent much greater 
 difburfements to repel it : Avoiding likewife the 
 accumulation of debt, not only by fhunning occa 
 fions of expenfe, but by vigorous exertions in time 
 of peace to difcharge the debts which unavoidable 
 wars may have occafioned, not ungenerouily throw~ | 
 ing upon pofterity the burthen which we ourfelves 
 ought to bear. The execution of einige: | 
 belongs to your reprefentatives, but it is neceflary © 
 that public opinion fhould co-operate. , To faeili- 
 tate to them the performance of their duty, it is d 
 effential that you fhould praétically bear in mind, 
 that towards the payment of debts .there muft be 
 revenue ; that to have revenue there muft bet 
 that no taxes can be devifed which arenot more. 
 
Bw 3 
 
 lefs i inconvenient and unpleafant ; that the intrinfic 
 emb ments infeparable . from the feleétion of 
 the proper objects (which, is always a choice of 
 difficulties) ought to be a decifive motive for a can- 
 did conftru@ion of the conduct of the government 
 in making it, and for a fpirit of acquiefcence i in the 
 meafure, for obtaining revenue, which the public 
 exigencies may at any time dictate. 
 
 Bisse: 0 good faith and juttice towards all na- 
 tions ; cultivate peace and harmony with all ; 
 a amd morality enjoin this conduct ; eed , 
 can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin 
 it ? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and 
 (at no diftant period) a great nation, to give to 
 mankind the magnanimous and too novel example — 
 of a people always guided by an exalted juftice and 
 benevolence. Who can doubt, that in the courfe 
 of time and things, the fruits of fuch a plan would 
 richly repay any temporary advantages which might 
 be loft by a fteady adherence to it ? Can it be, that 
 Providence has not conneéted the permanent felici- 
 ty of a nation withits virtue? The experiment, at 
 leaft, is recommended by every fentiment which 
 ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered im- 
 poffible by its vices? 
 
 « Iw the execution of fuch a plan, nothing is more 
 ‘effential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies 
 againft particular nations, and paflionate attach- 
 ments for others, fhould be excluded ; and that in 
 the place of them, juft and amicable feelings to- 
 wards all fhould be cultivated. The nation, which 
 indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an 
 i - € * 
 
[ 8 J 
 
 habitual fondnefs, is in fome degree a flave. It is 
 a flave to its animofity or to its affeétion, either of 
 which is fufficient to lead it aftray from its duty 
 and its intereft. Antipathy in one nation againft 
 another, difpofes each more readily to offer infult 
 and injury, to lay hold of flight caufes of umbrage, 
 and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental 
 or trifling occafions of difputeoccur, pitt 
 
 Hence frequent collifions, obftinate; envenomed 
 and bloody contefts. The nation, prompted by ill 
 willand refentment, fometimes impels to war the 
 government, contrary to the beft calculations of 
 policy. The government fometimes participates in 
 the national propenfity, and adopts through paflion, 
 what reafon would reject ; at other times, it makes 
 the animofity of the nation fubfervient to the projects 
 of hoftility inftigated by pride, ambition, and other 
 finifter and pernicious motives. The peace often, 
 fometimes perhaps the liberty, of orn es been 
 the victim. | 
 
 So, likewife,a paflionate attachment of one nation 
 for another, produces a variety of evils. Sympathy 
 for the favourite nation, facilitating the illufion of 
 an imaginary common intereft, in cafes where no 
 
 real common intereft exifts, and infufing into one — 
 the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a — 
 participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter, : 
 
 without adequate inducement or juftification. ‘lt 
 
 leads alfo to conceffions to the favourite nation of : 
 
 injure the nation making the conceflions ; by un 
 neceflarily parting with what ought to have been 
 retained ; and by exciting jealoufy, ill will, and a 
 
 privileges denied to others, which is apt doubly m 
 
 Dt. 
 
fF 9 
 
 difpofition to retaliate, in the parties from whom 
 equal privileges are withheld : And it gives to am- 
 bitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote 
 themfelves to the favourite nation) facility to. be- 
 tray, or facrifice the interefts of their own country, 
 without odium, fometimes even with popularity ; 
 gilding with the appearances of a virtuous fenfe of 
 obligation, a commendable deference for public 
 opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the bafe 
 or foolifh compliances of ambition, corruption, or 
 infatuation. 
 
 As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable 
 ways, fuch attachments are particularly alarming 
 to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. 
 How many opportunities do they afford to tamper 
 with domeftic factions, to practife the arts of feduc- 
 tion, to miflead public opinion, to influence or awe 
 the public councils ! fuch an attachment of a fmall 
 or weak, towards a great and powerful nation, 
 dooms the former to be the fatellite of the latter. 
 
 AcatnstT the infidious wiles of foreign influence 
 
 (I conjure you to believe.me, fellow-citizens) the 
 jealoufy of a free people ought to be conjfeantly 
 ‘awake ; fince hiftory and experience prove, that 
 foreion influence is one of the moft baneful foes of 
 ‘Tepublican government. But that jealoufy, to be 
 -ufeful, muft be impartial ; elfe it becomes the inftru, 
 ‘ment of the very influence to be avoided, inftead 
 of a defence againft it. Exceflive partiality for one 
 foreign nation, and exceflive diflike of another, 
 caufe thofe whom they actuate, to fee danger only 
 On one fide, and ferve to veil and even fecond the 
 arts of influence‘on the other. Real patriots, wha 
 
[oso JD? 
 may refift the intrigues of the favourite, are liable 
 to become fufpected and odious ; whileits tools and . 
 dupes ufurp the applaufe and confidence of the peo.» 
 ple to furrender their interefts. 9. 4. ts 
 
 Tue great rule of condué for us, in regard to for: _ 
 eign nations, is, in extending our commercial rela.) 
 tions, to have with them as little political conne@tion » 
 as poffible. So far as we have already formed en- 
 gagements, let them be fulfilled ber Lay une 
 faith. Here let us ftop. i, Ae 
 
 Evrore has a fet of primary ont which to ia 
 have none, or a very remote relation.’ Hence fhe - 
 muft be engaged in frequent controverfies, the caus. 
 fes of which are-effentially foreign t to our concerns. 
 Hence, therefore, it muft be unwife in us to impli- ; 
 cate ourfelves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary 
 viciffitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combina- 
 tions and collifions of her friendfhips, or enmi 
 
 Our detached and diftant fituation, , invites. and. . 
 enables us to purfue a different. courfe. If we re- 
 main one people, under an efficient government, . 
 the period i is not far off, when we may defy mate. 
 rial injury from external annoyance ; when we may, 
 take fuch an attitude as will caufe the neutrality, | 
 we may at any time refolve upon,to be 
 refpected ; when belligerent nations, under the im=_ 
 pofflibility of making acquifitions upon us, will not 
 lightly hazard the givilig us provocation ; when . 
 we may choofe peace or war, as our ite 20 Y 
 ed by juttice, fhall counfel, © -- «©. stor > 
 
 Wuy forego the advantages of fo Senillgratiasis 4 
 ation ? Why quit our own, to ftand upon foreign 
 ground ? Why, by interweaving our»deftiny with | 
 
 Py 
 Ld 
 
rt er: a 
 that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and 
 profperty in the-toils of European: ates or 
 thipjintereft, humour or caprice 2:5 
 
 Ir is our true policy to fteer clear’ of permanent 
 alliances, with any portion of the foreign world ; 
 
 fo far, 1 mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; 
 
 for let mé not be underftood as capable of patroniz- 
 ing infidelity to exifting engagements. I hold the 
 maxim no lefs applicable to public than to private 
 affairs, that honefty is always the beft policy. Ire. 
 peat it, therefore, let thofe engagements be obferved 
 in their'genuine fenfe: »But in my opinion, it is 
 unneceflary, and would be unwife to extend them. 
 
 TAKING care always to keep ourfelves, by fuita- 
 ble eftablifhments, in'd'refpectable defenfive pofture, 
 we may fafely truft to temporary alliances for eX- 
 tradrdinary emergencies. 
 
 Harmony, liberal intercourfe with all blip 
 are recommended by policy, humanity and intereft. 
 But. even our commercial policy fhould hold an 
 equal ‘and impartial hand ; neither feeking nor 
 granting exclufive favours or preferences ; confult- 
 ‘ing the ‘natural courle of things; diffufing and di- 
 verfifying by gentle’ means the ftreams of com- 
 merce, but forcing nothing ; : “eftablifhing, with the 
 powers fo difpofed, in order to give trade a ftable 
 courfe, to define the rights of our merchants, and 
 
 ‘to"enable the government to'fupport them, conven- 
 ‘tional rules of intercourfe, the beft that prefent 
 ‘circumftances and mutual opinion will permit, but 
 temporary, and liable to be from time to time aban- 
 _ doned or varied, as experience and circumftances 
  fhalldittate; conftantly keeping in-view, that it is 
 
 } 
 
 —_—— 
 
be guided by them. 
 
 f e2 7 
 
 folly in one nation to look for difinterefted favouts 
 from another ; that it muft pay with a portion of 
 its independence for whatever it may accept under 
 that character; that by ‘fach acceptance,’ it may 
 place itfelf in the condition of having given equiva- 
 lents for nominal favours, and yet of being reproach- 
 ed with ingratitude for not giving more. There 
 can be no greater error than to expeét, or calculate 
 upon real favours from nation to nation. It isan 
 illufion which experience muft cure, which a juft 
 pride ought to difcard. 
 In offering to you, my countrymen, thefe coun- 
 
 fels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not 
 hope they will make the ftrong and lafting impref- 
 fion I could with ; that they,wwill control the ufual 
 current of the paffions, or prevent our nation from 
 running the courfe which has hitherto marked the 
 deftiny of nations : But if I may eyen flatter myfelf 
 that they may be productive of fome partial bene- 
 fit, fome occafional good ; that they may now and 
 then recur to moderate the fury of party fpirit, to 
 warn againft the mifchiefs of foreign intrigue, to 
 
 guard againfttheimpoftures of pretended patriotifm; ; 
 
 this hope will be a full recompence for the folicitude 
 
 for your welfare, by which they have been 1 diétated. 
 
 How far, in the difcharge of my official duties, 
 I have been guided by the principles which have | 
 been delineated, the public records and ot r evi- | 
 dences of my conduct muft witnefs to you and to 
 the world. To myfelf, the affurance of my ow 
 conicience is, that I have at leaft believed myfelf t 
 
 In relation to the ftill fubfiting war in Europe 
 
A485. 3 
 my Proclamation of the 22d of April, 1793, is the 
 index to my plan. Sanctioned by your approving 
 voice, and by that of your reprefentatives in both 
 houfes of Congrefs, the fpirit of that meafure has ~ 
 continually governed me; uninfluenced by any 
 attempts to deter or divert me from it. 
 
 Arter deliberate examination, with the aid of 
 the beft lights I could obtain, I was well fatisfied 
 that our country, under all the circumftances of 
 the cafe, had a right to take, and was bound in 
 duty and intereft to take, a neutral pofition. Hawv- 
 ing taken it, I determined, as far as fhould depend 
 upon me, to maintain it with moderation, perfever- 
 ance and firmnedfs. 
 
 Tue confideratiots which refpec& the right to 
 hold this conduét, it is not neceflary on this occa- 
 fion to detail. I will only obferve, that according 
 to my underftanding of the matter, that right, fo 
 
 ‘far from being denied by any of the belligerent 
 powers, has been virtually admitted by all. 
 
 Tue duty of holding a neutral conduct may be 
 inferred, without any thing more, from the obli- 
 gation which juftice and humanity impofe on every 
 nation, in cafes in which it is free to act, to main- 
 tain inviolate the relations of peace and amity to- 
 
 ~wards other nations. 
 
 Taf inducements of intereft for obferving that 
 conduct, will be beft referred toyour own reflections 
 and experience. With me, a predominant motive 
 has been, to endeavour to gain time to our country 
 to fettle and mature its yet recent inftitutions, and 
 to progrefs without interruption to that degree of 
 
Ese Soe i. 
 ftrength and confiftency which is nee 
 it, humanly oe he: coca et its own 
 
 shag’ 
 
 _ THoues in reviewing t nts 
 iftration, lam unconfcious of i dates amy al 
 neverthelefs too fenfible of my defeéts, ne te 
 it probable that I may have committed ma ny IT 
 Whatever they may be, I fervently b efeech 
 Almighty to avert or mitig:te the evils. to which 
 they may tend. I fhall alfo carry with me the hope, 
 that my country will never ceafe to view them 
 with indulgence ; and that after forty five years of 
 my life dedicated to its fervice, with an upright 
 zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be con- 
 figned to oblivion, as myfelf #iult foon be to fe 
 manfions of reft. petete:: 
 
 Retyinc on its kindnefs in this. Heck 
 things, and actuated by that fervent love owards 
 it, which is fo natural to aman who view 
 native foil of himfelf and his progenitors for over 
 generations, I anticipate with pleafing expectation 
 that retreat, in which I promife to realize, bigest 
 alloy, the fweet enjoyment of partaking, in the — 
 midft of my fellow-citizens, the benign alee 
 of good laws under a free government 5 the ever 
 favourite object of my heart, and the ‘happy 1 re- 
 ward, as I truft, of our mutual cares, bass rs ual ; 
 —— : 
 
 , G. Wa 
 
LLL LLL ELLE L EEE IE ELE AIDE EDD DEL ID DIE GES L IES SIS 
 . 
 
 DR. PORTER’S 
 CONVENTION SERMON. 
 
 LPI FL LILLIE DILL IE IPDS GE LIL LS PLL LL IE LLL EMS A SSF 
 
THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST, AND THE DANGER 
 OF ITS BEING CORRUPTED. 
 
 ee ee are eteesSeesgeneessessees 
 
 SERMON 
 
 PREACHED IN BOSTON 
 
 AT 
 
 . 
 
 THE ANNUAL CONVENTION 
 THE, CONGREGATIONAL MINISTERS 
 
 OF 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS, 
 
 MAY 31, 1810. 
 
 BY ELIPHALET PORTER, D. D. 
 Pastor of the First Church in Roxbury. 
 
 BOSTON, 
 FROM THE PRESS OF JOHN ELIOT, JUN.’ 
 1810, 
 
Rage oh eee ae a wok 
 
 Ail: 
 Several p paragraph “eho mt 
 
 ¢ a Py Oe eh ine 
 for the sake of breve were - 
 duscoursesis\) eee ae ‘elit iat 
 ae ae OAL He! OR 
 AIRE SRI TRE AEP ER Hemp: 
 nies ada abe he Daaieiet 
 
 Ange k Oh i Ree i i 
 et A 
 Ra vis ae ier wae baa i" 
 
 ety teas has igh way hy ar: sebtis 
 
 Be ECE RE SOE Boe wae tos 
 
 z - 
 fal ary ey 
 * 
 Z si). Aji 
 a . 
 u 
 . 
 
 cb a | Bd 
 
SERMON. 
 
 ii CORINTHIANS xi. 3. 
 
 BUT I FEAR, LEST BY ANY MEANS, AS THE SERPENT BEGUIL- 
 ED EVE THROUGH HIS SUBTILTY, SO YOUR MIND SHOULD 
 BE CORRUPTED FROM THE SIMPLICITY THAT IS IN CHRIST- 
 
 N exr to the truth and purity of the chris- 
 tian religion, its simplicity, perhaps, is its most re- 
 markable attribute. This, undoubtedly, is one of its 
 principal excellencies and highest recommendations. 
 It is this that places christianity on a level with the 
 humblest understanding, and at the same time makes 
 wt more worthy the admiration of the most exalted. 
 It is this that renders the gospel suitable to be preached 
 to every rational creature under heaven, and encour- 
 ages the animating hope, that it will one day become 
 the religion of the world. 
 
 Simplicity, you are sensible, in the honourable ac- 
 ceptation of the term, denotes a certain excellence, 
 either moral, or natural. In the former sense, it stands 
 opposed to all guile and insincerity, to all artful and 
 double dealing, and is a most important christian vir- 
 tue. In the latter sense, in which it is now used, it is 
 the opposite of whatever is complex, intricate, unin- 
 telligible, or mysterious, and is a glorious property of 
 the christian religion. 
 
 ee 
 
6 
 
 it will be admitted by all, that simplicity is a most 
 desirable quality in human productions. It gives them 
 the fairest stamp of genius, and is their surest passport 
 to posterity. This affords a strong presumption of 
 what is in itself sufficiently obvious, that simplicity 
 is chief in the ways of God. It is, indeed, a grand 
 characteristick of the works and operations of nature 
 around us. It is also a beautiful master stroke drawn 
 through the gospel, from the beginning to the end, 
 marking it as the production, not of human genius, 
 but of something more, the inspiration of God. 
 
 This attribute of christianity seems to have attracted, 
 in a peculiar manner, the attention of the ancient pa- 
 triarchs and prophets, when by the eye of faith they 
 saw Christ’s day, and were glad. To their view re- 
 ligion, under the gospel, was represented as something 
 plain, well defined, and laid open to all, like a highway, 
 in which the wayfaring men though fools cannot err. 
 To them the gospel appeared as a great light about to 
 arise on the moral world, dispelling, not only the gross 
 darkness of the night of heathenism, but the clouds 
 and obscurity that hung over the Jewish dispensation. 
 The author of christianity himself likewise recognised 
 its great plainness and simplicity, when he rejoiced 
 in spirit, and gave thanks to the Father, the Lord of 
 heaven and earth, that though the things of his gospel 
 were hidden from the wise and prudent, they were 
 revealed unto babes. 
 
 But in what does the simplicity of the gospel ap- 
 pear ? It appears in every thing essential to evangel- 
 
7 
 
 ical faith ; in every thing indispensable to a holy life; 
 in every thing necessary to eternal salvation. 
 
 It is not asserted, that every thing relatmg to our 
 religion, or belonging to the subject of christian the- 
 ology, is plain and easy to be apprehended. Nor is it 
 affirmed, that in the scriptures there are not many 
 things hard to be understood. It is with the volume 
 of sacred writ as itis with the book of nature, it con- 
 tains many things which appear intricate and myste- 
 rious, or which are yet wholly unknown. But in 
 whatever is essential, or of the first importance, to 
 faith and practice, it is simple, ps and intelligible 
 to every capacity. 
 
 The simplicity that is in Christ, to say nothing of 
 the original and simple style and manner of his teach- 
 ing, is apparent in the principal matter and substance 
 of his religion. 
 
 It appears in the sINCLENESS, OR UNITY, OF THE 
 oBjecT of ourreligious worship. ‘The gospel every 
 where inculcates, or takes for granted, that there is 
 but one only living and true God; and founds all 
 genuine religion in the belief of his existence, provi- 
 dence, and perfection. In this respect it accords with 
 the mosaic institution. It was, indeed, a principal 
 object of the calling of Abraham, and of the wonderful ° 
 dispensations of heaven towards his posterity, to restore, 
 preserve, and diffuse in the earth, the knowledge of the 
 
 ‘trueGod. That the Lord our God is one Lord, was 
 a fundamental docrine of judaism. It is also a first 
 principle of christianity. How different in this respect 
 
8 
 
 were the religions of the gentile and pagan world! 
 They acknowledged gods many and. lords many ; and 
 the multiplicity and diversified characters of their 
 deities distracted their worship; generated the most 
 abominable superstition, debased their moral. senti- 
 ments, and corrupted their manners. We have, then, 
 in the great, but simple doctrine of the divine unity, . 
 adopted and confirmed by Jesus Christ, one impor- 
 tant instance of the simplicity that is in him. 
 
 We shall find a second in that EVANGELICAL 
 vAITH, which, in his own person, and by his apostles, 
 he preached, and required of men, in order to their 
 becoming the subjects, and enjoying the privileges, of 
 his spiritual kingdom ; or, in order to their being re- 
 ceived into his church, acknowledged as his disciples, 
 and every way treated as his friends. To find what 
 this faith is, we must go to the gospel itself, that faith- 
 ful record of what our Saviour taught and required. 
 It is there to be seen in almost every page ; connected, 
 indeed, with the proper evidence and facts, particu- 
 larly that of his resurrection, and with other religious 
 truths and instructions, but itself prominent and dis- 
 tinct. Itconsists of one glorious article, and is con- 
 tained in one bright line. Jzsus or NAZARETH IS 
 - tHE Curist. This is that pure, simple, evangelical 
 faith once delivered to the saints, and for which we 
 are required earnestly to contend. ; ¢ 
 
 But though this article may be consid as di 
 foundation on which Christ will build his church, yet — 
 let it not be supposed, that what is contained or im-— 
 
9 
 plied in it, is all that a true christian does, or will be- 
 lieve. Still less ought it to be imagined, that this, or 
 any othér faith, without repentance, charity and an 
 obedient life, will be of any saving effect. 
 
 Further, we find in the mora PrecerrTs of chris- 
 tianity the simplicity of him, who taught as never man 
 taught. In the gospel we see nothing like the me- 
 thodical arrangement and minute detail of the duties 
 of life attempted in the hindoo code ; nor any thing 
 that resembles the seventy-five thousand mahometan 
 precepts. The christian lawgiver was too wise to 
 attempt what would be found impracticable, or, if 
 performed, would produce only perplexity and confu- 
 sion. It was his great object, while he exhibited a 
 perfect example of piety and. virtue, to furnish his 
 followers with those general rules and maxims of 
 conduct, and to inculcate those great principles of love 
 to God and love to man, of humility and meckness, 
 purity of thought and spirituality of affections, from 
 which all right actions and courses of life would nat- 
 urally proceed, as pure streams issuing from a pure 
 fountain. \ 
 
 In regard to the PostTIVE INSTITUTIONS Of chris- 
 tianity, they need only be mentioned, to convince us 
 of their simplicity. While they serve to distinguish 
 the professors of Christ, while they give a useful visi- 
 
 bility to his church, and are perpetual proofs and me- 
 
 “morials of his religion to the world ; while they con- 
 
 Sist of actions significant of that moral purification, 
 
 {| 
 
 — of that spiritual growth and improvement, which 
 2 
 
 0 
 {| 
 
 \ 
 
BO ed cr a 
 
 10 
 
 it is their ultimate object to promote, they are very 
 simple in their form, easy to be understood, and easy 
 to be observed. A splendid and expensive ritual, 
 external pomp and parade, make no part of the religion 
 of Christ, in its primitive simplicity. == 
 
 If we attend, lastly, to the motives by which he 
 recommended and enforced the duties of repentance 
 and a holy life, we shall find, that they were perfectly 
 natural and simple. ‘They were adapted to persons of 
 every grade of understanding, and could be perceived 
 and felt by all who partook of human nature. They 
 did not depend for their influence on the knowledge 
 of any abstruse theories ; nor were they drawn from 
 any intricate and mysterious doctrines, whose con- 
 nexion with practice could not be easily discovered. 
 
 Christianity recognises and addresses all those origi- 
 nal principles implanted within us by the God of na- 
 
 ‘ture. It appeals to our understandings and con- 
 
 sciences, to our hearts and affections, and to that in- 
 stinctive desire of happiness and dread of misery, 
 which are inseparable from our being. It endeavours 
 to excite, direct, and press into its service, our hopes 
 and fears, our sense of shame and honour, our grati- 
 tude and love, with every ingenuous disposition of the 
 soul. The principal objects, however, about which 
 these natural passions. and affections are to be employ- 
 ed, are not such as are material and sensual ; they are 
 not the things which are seen and temporal, although 
 
 these are not wholly excluded; but they are such as | 
 
 are spiritual and divine, unseen and eternal. 
 
' 
 
 11 
 
 » The view now given of the simplicity of the gos- 
 
 pel is undoubtedly very imperfect. To some, per- 
 haps, it will appear essentially defective and erroneous. 
 That part of it, in particular, which relates to evan- 
 gelical faith, will, I am sensible, be thought lable to 
 objection. 
 
 . This is a subject to which Mr. “a directed his 
 particular attention, in his work entitled, The reason- 
 ableness of christianity, as delivered in the scriptures. 
 To that masterly production permit me to refer you, 
 for a minute and full inquiry, what it was that our Sa- 
 viour and his apostles preached and required, as the 
 only gospel article of faith, necessary to be believed, 
 in order to admission into the kingdom, or church, of 
 Christ. After having critically examined their dis- 
 courses, he expresses himself with a confidence, which, 
 if ever proper to be indulged, was allowable in one, 
 who had so particularly considered his subject, and 
 who was possessed of his industry, learning, and 
 ability for its investigation. I will relieve you, fora 
 moment, from my own observations, by a quotation 
 from him. 
 
 “It is likely, it will be objected by some, that to be- 
 ** lieve only that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, is 
 ‘but an historical and not a justifying or saving faith. 
 “To which I answer, that I allow to the makers of 
 
 “systems, and their followers, to invent and use what 
 ‘distinctions they please ; and to call things by what 
 “names they think fit. But I cannot allow to them, 
 
 “or to any man, an authority to make a religien for 
 
12 
 
 “‘me, or to alter that which God hath revealed’) Ai 
 “if they please to call the believing’ caloimsinin ee 
 “Saviour and his apostles” preached” and proposed 
 “alone to be believed, an historical faith, they have 
 “ their liberty, but they must have'a care, how they deny 
 “it to be a justifying, or saving faith) when our Saviour 
 “and his apostles have declared it tobe so, and taught 
 “no other which men should ‘receive, ‘and: whereby 
 “they should be made believers unto ‘eternal life ; uns 
 “Jess they can so far make bold with our Saviour, for 
 “the sake of their beloved systems, as'to”say, that he 
 “forgot what he came into the world for; and that 
 ‘he and his apostles did not instruct people right in 
 “the way and mysteries of salvation : for that this is 
 “‘ the sole doctrine pressed and required to be believed 
 “in the whole tenor of our Saviour’s and his apostles 
 ‘¢ preaching, we have shewed through the whole histo- 
 “ry of the evangelists, and the Acts. “And/I challenge 
 “them to shew, that there was any other doc 
 “¢ pon their assent to which, or disbelief of it, m 
 “‘ pronounced believers, or unbelievers ; and accord- 
 ‘ingly received into the church of Christ, as members 
 “of his body, as far as mere believing could ne 
 “‘ them so, or else kept out-of it.” Tae} 
 
 There are those, perhaps, who ‘will aoa sinh 
 believe that ‘‘ Jesus is the Christ,” is the sum of gos- 
 pel faith. But then they are ready to think this prop- 
 osition is so comprehensive, and so abounding in evan- 
 gelical doctrines,.as to contain, at least by implication, 
 all the important articles of their religious creed. They 
 
13 
 
 imagine, perhaps, that from the prophecies in the jew- 
 ish scriptures, respecting the Messiah, the first believ- 
 ers must have been led to. the knowledge and belief 
 of those disputed doctrines, respecting his person and 
 offices, and the precise ends of his mission, which are 
 now represented as some of the essentials. of chris- 
 tianity. But allow me to ask, Is it reasonable to sup- 
 pose that they could learn from the prophecies, which 
 were then but partially accomplished, essential truths, 
 which a great proportion of christians, of succeeding 
 ages, who, in addition to the same prophecies, illus- 
 trated by their more ample fulfilment, have had the 
 pages of the gospel to instruct them, have not been 
 able to discover ? Besides, is not the supposition di- 
 rectly opposed to recorded facts relating to the igno- 
 rance, prejudices, and mistakes of some of the first 
 disciples, and even of the apostles themselves ? 
 
 The great article of faith required to be believed 
 both by the Jews and the Gentiles, was, stated to them 
 im a variety of terms. Jesus was spoken of and 
 preached, as ‘‘ the Messiah, or Christ,” ‘the Son of 
 God,’’ ‘“‘the King of Israel,’’ ‘‘the Saviour of the 
 world,”’ ‘‘ the just one,” ‘‘ he of whom. Moses and 
 the prophets did write,” and under other titles and 
 descriptions, all of which appear, from the indifferent 
 manner in which they are used, to have been of the 
 same general import, or indicative of the same charac- 
 ter; and seem to have been as familiar, and well under- 
 stood, in Judea, as would be a declaration among us, 
 that such an one is appointed. chief magistrate of our 
 
14 
 
 nation, or is placed at the head of our national govern- 
 ment, or is deputed and authorized to’ exercise the 
 functions, and to enjoy the sich abe first office 
 in the union. anocigrty Moanipth 
 It would be in vain fled any one to a that we 
 could not understand and believe this) declaration to 
 apy purpose, unless we were acquainted with the per- 
 sonal character of this high officer, with the exact 
 extent of his constitutional powers, with the articles 
 of his political creed, and with the measures of his 
 future government. Would it not be equally unrea- 
 sonable to imagine that no one can understand and 
 believe, to any valuable purpose, that, Jesus is the 
 Christ, or that he was sent of God, or is constituted 
 head of the church, without first having a like particu- 
 jar knowledge with respect to him, his doctrines and 
 administration ? ‘True saving faith does not imply a 
 full acquaintance with the truths of christianity; its 
 only necessary implication is, that we cordially receive 
 Christ as a teacher from God, and. sincerely desire to 
 be taught, governed, and saved by him. The idea, 
 which some seem to entertain, that this proposition 
 contains in it, the whole system of christian theology, 
 in its various heads and divisions, as the acorn is said 
 to contain the roots, trunk, and branches of the oak, 
 partakes too much of mystick or cabalistical divinity 
 to gain much credit, and is indeed too extravagant to 
 require a serious consideration. Or, if it does’ contain 
 all this, what individual, or what body of men, civil 
 or ecclesiastical, have skill and authority to develope 
 
mc 
 
 and lay open its contents, and to require all others, 
 however different their powers of vision, to see them 
 in the. same light in which they appear to themselves ? 
 
 It will probably be said, that since the apostles have 
 fulfilled their ministry, and the canon of scripture. has 
 been completed, more is necessary to be believed than 
 was required at an earlier period. It will be readily 
 admitted by all, that our religious improvement ought 
 to be in proportion to our advantages, and that every 
 one must account for his talents unto God: but that 
 any new specifick terms of christian communion and 
 salvation are now to be imposed, which our Saviour 
 did not impose, and which his apostles did not require 
 in constituting the first churches, nor propound 4s 
 terms of pardon and eternal life, none ought to admit, 
 without clear and express declarations of scripture to 
 this effect. If such declarations exist, let them be 
 produced. 
 
 I cannot but think, that the idea, which has been 
 often advanced of our Saviour’s great reserve, in re- 
 spect to the discriminating and essential doctrines of 
 christianity, and of his leaving these to be taught by 
 his apostles, after his ascension, has been carried to a 
 length, which cannot be justified, and that is derogatory 
 to the character of the great author and finisher of our 
 faith. It is true he forbore, for a time, to speak 
 plainly to his disciples on some subjects, particularly 
 his sufferings and death, because he perceived, that 
 such were their weaknesses and prejudices, they were 
 then unable to bear them : and, as he neyer employed 
 
16 
 
 his miraculous powers to produce effects to which 
 human prudence and means were competent, he’ also 
 refrained, and in various instances endeavoured to 
 prevent others, from making such open’ and explicit 
 declarations of his being the Messiah, as he knew his 
 watchful enemies would avail themselves of to procure 
 his condemnation and: death, before his hour was come, 
 and the purposes of his publick ministry were ac- 
 complished. But neither of these reasons, nor any 
 other, that I have ever heard offered, will account 
 for his not discoursing often and at large on many 
 subjects, in respect to which he is wholly silent, or 
 very sparing of his instruction, provided they are, as 
 is supposed, the essential and vital parts of his religion. 
 
 But, since, as all admit, our Saviour and his apos- 
 tles taught various important doctrines, and communi- 
 cated much religious instruction in their discourses, 
 or writings, it will be asked, whether a ‘person who’ 
 professes faith in Christ, may not'discover, on’ being 
 examined, such ignorance of these doctrines, and of 
 the nature of christianity, and entertain such erroneous 
 opinions, as to evince his hatred to the light and the 
 utter insincerity of his profession, and so justify us in 
 excluding him from our churches, and from’ our 
 charity, notwithstanding his inoffensive and exemplary 
 life and conversation ? Admitting that this is possi- 
 ble, admitting that we can imagine cases of this’ 
 nature, yet do they actually exist ? Do they exist in 
 such number, with such evidence, and with such 
 hazard to the interest of religion, as that more good’ 
 
17 
 
 than evil will be likely to result from our sitting in 
 judgment upon them ? But where has the great head 
 of the church described such cases ? Where has he 
 prescribed laws in relation to them? Where has he 
 appointed judges of them ? These things I find not. 
 But one thing I havefound ; I have found, that where- 
 eyer a spirit of exclusion and denunciation was dis- 
 covered, or an attempt made to debar any from the 
 privileges and blessings of his kingdom, on account 
 of their nation, religious sect, opinions, or prejudices, 
 there, meek and lowly as he was, we see his face cov- 
 ered. with a frown ; there we hear the voice of indig- 
 nant reproof. 
 
 Iam not insensible, that there are various passages, 
 or expressions, of scripture, particularly in the epistles, 
 which are often adduced to justify our not receiving 
 persons into the church, and even excommunicating 
 them after admission, not on account of their vicious 
 and unholy lives, nor because they are ashamed to 
 profess before men, their faith in Jesus Christ, as 
 the light and Saviour of the world, but because of their 
 religious opinions. Butif we examine these passages 
 with a due attention to the context, and to the state, 
 character and circumstances of the religious parties, to 
 which they referred, I am persuaded, we shall not find 
 them adequate to the purpose for which they are al- 
 leged. 
 
 _ The special directions of an inspired apostle in re- 
 gard to certain characters of his day, would justify 
 proceedings, relative to them, which it might be very 
 
 2° 
 ‘a ¢ 
 
 ae a eS So aE 2 
 
 — r 
 Ca «tlie aaa 
 
 Te 4 ee 
 
18 
 
 improper and presumptuous for us, without the guid. 
 ance of inspiration, to attempt to imitate. — esisp 
 “ the heretick, who, after the first and second admoni 
 tion, was to be rejected,”’ those whosdiiiad erates 
 to ‘‘ mark,” those from whom the christian _ brethren 
 were commanded to “ withdraw themselves,” and 
 such as ‘‘ brought in damnable heresies,” were “ ‘men 
 of corrupt. minds” and flagitious manners. » _ They 
 were such as “sinned,” “put away a good con- 
 science,’’ and were ‘‘ self-condemned ;? ” or they « ‘ walk- 
 ed disorderly,”’ ‘‘ caused divisions” in the churches, 
 were ‘‘ presumptuous and self-willed,”. had « “< hearts 
 exercised with covetous practices, supposing that gain 
 was godliness,” and ‘‘ walked after the flesh in the lusts 
 of uncleanness ;”” or they “ denied the Lord that bought 
 them,” renounced their christian faith and allegiance, 
 and ‘‘ turned away from the holy commandment deliy- 
 ered unto them.” ‘These, I trust, were a very differ- 
 ent sort of men, from those, to whom it has since been 
 often attempted to attach the reproach of heresy ; and 
 with whom it has been thought unsafe to hold minis- 
 terial and christian communion. tits 
 
 But it will be asked, if the simple proposition, which 
 has been mentioned, is all that we have authority to de~ 
 mand, in the way of gospel belief, What are we to think 
 of those articles of faith, which have been long receiv- 
 ed in the church, and considered, perhaps generally, as 
 fundamentals, and essential to be believed ? What are 
 we to think, not of those doctrines, which haye been — 
 exploded by protestants, and which have had, and now 
 
19 
 
 have, their turn of being viewed as essentials, more ex - 
 
 tensively than any others ; but of those disputed articles 
 
 of faith, which have been retained, or taught and requir- 
 
 ed, in the catechisms and confessions of protestant and 
 
 reformed churches, and in particular among ourselves ? 
 
 Or, to be more explicit still, for 1 wish to be under- 
 
 stood, what are we to think of the doctrines of original 
 
 sin and total depravity ; of imputation of sin and right- 
 
 eousness; of a trinityin unity ; of the mere humanity, | 
 superangelical nature, or absolute deity, of Christ; of 
 particular and general redemption; of unconditional 
 
 decrees of personal election and reprobation ; «of moral 
 
 inability and the total passiveness of man in regenera- 
 
 tion ; of the special and irresistible operation of the 
 
 holy spirit; of perseverance, or the impossibility of the 
 
 believer’s total apostacy ; and, to mention no more, the 
 
 absolute eternity of the torments to which the wicked 
 
 will be sentenced at the last day ? 
 
 My individual belief in respect to the truth or errour 
 of these points can be of but little importance, and my 
 subject no way requires, that it should be given. It 
 rather becomes me to follow the example, which has 
 
 “been sometimes set by learned judges on the bench, 
 _ when difficult questions suggested themselves, but 
 Swhose decision the main subject before them did not 
 ‘require ; and prudently say, Negue teneo, neque refello. 
 “But it is pertinent to the object of this discourse, and 
 ‘Consonant to my serious and deliberate conviction, to 
 ‘observe, that I cannot place my finger on any one | 
 ‘article in the list of doctrines just mentioned, the belief, =» 
 
20 
 
 or the rejection, of which, I consider as essential to the 
 
 christian faith or character. I believe that an innu- 
 
 merable company of christians, who never heard of 
 these articles, or who were divided in their opinions 
 
 respecting them, have fallen asleep in Jesus; and that 
 
 innumerable of the same description are is mk 
 
 after. ov 
 
 It is an indisputable fact, that there have ane in eh 
 past ages of the church, and now are, men, to all ap- 
 pearance, equally wise and learned, equally the believers, 
 admirers and defenders of christianity, as it appeared 
 to them in the scriptures, and equally its ornaments 
 in their lives and conversations, who wholly disagree 
 on those points which are confidently pronounced es- 
 sential. Against one portion of these christian pro- 
 fessors, do we feel ourselves authorized to rise up and 
 shut the door of the church and the gate of everlast- 
 ing mercy ? I am_ persuaded better things of them. 
 I am persuaded, that they who cannot receive the sup- 
 posed essentials, are nevertheless true believers, and 
 that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, er 
 shall be saved even as others. 
 
 Were we to set aside those disputed Peusicin were. 
 we to substract from theological systems and church. 
 rituals those opinions and ceremonies, which have di- . 
 vided christians into so many sects and denominations, 
 would not the remainder be far more valuable than all — 
 we should take away? Would it not be enough and ~ 
 more than enough, if truly believed and regarded, to 
 make us wise unto salvation? I will illustrate the 
 
/ 
 
 SF 
 
 sentiment I wish to convey, and bring it to the test, 
 by a particular application of it to one of those subjects 
 in christian theology, which have been most contro- 
 verted, and which have been thought most essential. 
 
 For this purpose I will select the personal character 
 of our Saviour. One portion of professing christians 
 believe, that his person was human, that he was a man, 
 on whom God was pleased to pour a spirit of wisdom, 
 purity and power, in such measure, as to qualify him 
 to become the light and Saviour of the world. An- 
 other, rejecting this hypothesis, say, that he was more 
 than human, that he was a superangelick being, the 
 greatest and first of created intelligences, and inferior 
 only to God. Sut not satisfied with either of these 
 opinions, a third class insist, that he is of still higher 
 dignity, that his person is absolutely divine, that he 
 is Gad, coessential, coeternal, and coequal with the 
 Father. Now the advocates of these several schemes, 
 as just stated, or according to any of the endless 
 modifications through which they have passed, or 
 are now passing, all have ‘one faith” in common. 
 They all believe, that the glorious personage, de- 
 signated by the name of Jesus of Nazareth, was a 
 teacher from God, one divinely commissioned, author- 
 ized, and every way qualified, to enlighten, ‘sanctify 
 and save mankind, that this was the great business 
 on which he was sent, and that he finished the work 
 that was given him to do. 
 
 Bat are we prepared to pronounce this faith, which 
 is common to all christians, of no value, unless saecom- 
 
22 
 
 panied by a decision of the endless questio is that | 
 been raised and agitated respon the ‘two na 
 and one person of Christ? Are we ‘prepared to “say, 
 that it is insincere, or useless, unless ‘qualified 1 by ¢ our 
 own opinion and view of these difficult subjects ? z ‘Has 
 this faith no tendency to engage us to resign n ourselves 
 to the teachings and guidance of the blessed Saviour, 
 and to produce in us a proper solicitude to acquaint 
 ourselves with his doctrines, precepts, and example ? 
 Has it no power to inspire us with a grateful sense of 
 his benefits, a firm reliance on his precious promises, 
 and an animating hope of a glorious immortality 2 ? In 
 a word, has it no efficacy to purify the heart, work by 
 love and overcome the world? I speak as to ‘wise 
 men, judge ye. 
 
 It requires but little reflection to perceive, that thi 
 faith must be a powerful principle of action haa 
 provement. They who possess it have centered. the 
 school of Christ, where they will not want the proper 
 motives and means for acquiring the knowledg c of all 
 necessary truth, and growing in every | christian | grace 
 and virtue. Our blessed Saviour, in ‘the si sim plicity of 
 
 aut Bi saw, 
 the pastoral style, has said, “‘ I am the « oor ; by me if me if 
 
 any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall ; ‘e 
 r dis- 
 w 
 
 2 oi Pa. 
 
 out, and find pasture.” Those, who, are s neer el 
 posed to listen to the voice of, the good s sh ept bere and 
 
 and cause to drink from the wale ‘of a a ie 
 It has been thought by some, ‘that RES ot 
 
 f 
 success has attended the preaching of certain doctrines, 
 
23 
 
 about which christians have been greatly divided, as 
 clearly evinces their truth and essential importance. 
 It will undoubtedly be granted by all, that those doc- 
 trines are most important, which are most efficacious 
 in sanctifying the hearts and lives of men. But in judg- 
 ing of this efficacy, we are liable to too many decep- 
 tions and impositions to depend on it as a mark of truth. 
 In all the sermons we preach, or hear, with all their de- 
 fects and errours, and these undoubtedly are not a few, 
 there are many truths, truths of real and essential im- 
 portance, and in which all christians are agreed. These, 
 if duly believed, are more than sufficient to produce all 
 the salutary effects we see. Besides, we are apt to 
 judge of the prevalence of religion, by the prevalence 
 of certain opinions, forms, appearances and expressions 
 of it, which we have been led to imagine are its ne- 
 cessary attendants. But as those vegetable produc- 
 tions, which are forced by art, or are out of the ordi- 
 nary course of nature, bear no proportion to those 
 which spring up by virtue of the widely extended 
 heat of the sun, and genial influence of the showers of 
 heaven ; so that religion, or true virtue and piety, 
 which is the effect of what is peculiar to any religious 
 sect or party, is of little account, when compared with 
 the salutary and saving effects produced in the moral 
 world by the diffusive beams of the sun of righteous- 
 ness, : and the silent dews of heavenly grace. 
 Forasmuch as many, on this anniversary, or on other 
 publick occasions, have taken in hand to set forth in 
 order a declaration of those more complex, and myste- 
 
24. 
 
 rious , doctrines, which they suppose are ate be ie 
 surely believed among us, I have thought, that Im n Lig 
 be more readily indulged in the preceding fst 
 tions, tending to illustrate and defend what I conceive 
 to be ‘‘ the simplicity that is in Christ.” : ‘Still relying 
 on your indulgence, I will attempt, with freedom and 
 plainness, to shew the danger and the evil of. departing 
 from that simplicity. Meth 
 It is abundantly evident from the history of philoso- 
 phy and religion, that men, in all ages, under the flat- 
 tering idea of elevating their views, of making inge- 
 nious discoveries, of establishing immortal theories, and 
 becoming as gods, haye, like their common mother, 
 been unhappily beguiled from the paths of wisdom 
 and innocence. In seeking after mysteries, they have 
 often overlooked the simple truth. In their attempts t to 
 grasp that which was at a distance, and beyond. their 
 comprehension, they have lost what was much more 
 useful, and near at hand. Solomon seems aware ‘of 
 the strange disposition of men to direct their views 
 ' wide of their object, when he ah +e Wisdom i is be- 
 fore him that hath understanding ; but the eyes of a 
 fool are in the ends of the pes 3 Moses perceived 
 and reproyed it, when he said to Israel, ‘“‘ This com- 
 mandment which I command thee this day, it is not 
 hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It 1 is not in 
 heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for 
 us to heaven and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, 
 and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou 
 shouldest savy, Who shall go over the sea for us, and 
 
25 
 bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But 
 the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in 
 thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” 
 
 This remarkable passage is still more interesting, 
 as quoted and applied by the apostle Paul. Varying 
 a little the expression, he expressly applies it to the 
 plain, simple, and intelligible faith of the gospel, as 
 though he distinctly foresaw, and meant to censure, 
 that wide range which christians have taken, in order 
 to find out what they must believe, and what they 
 must do, to be saved. He appears to have clearly 
 seen, by a prophetic eye, how they would consult the 
 fathers, appeal to popes, call councils, convoke diets, 
 assemble divines, form combinations, and travel from 
 sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth, 
 in Order to decide on articles of faith, and set forth 
 creeds and confessions; when, had all this trouble been 
 spared, it might have been said, on the authority of the 
 apostle, to every person, indulged with the gospel, 
 «The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy 
 heart, that is, the word of faith’? which the apostles 
 preached ; ‘‘ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth 
 the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart, that 
 God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be 
 saved.” 
 
 If we attend to the instructions and warnings of our 
 Saviour and the inspired writers, we shall perceive, that 
 in their view, the danger of christian teachers and pro- 
 fessors does not all lie on the side of not declaring, or 
 not receiving, the whole counsel of God: but that 
 
26 
 
 there is also danger of their corrupting christianity by 
 their unauthorized additions ; by blending with it vain 
 philosophy, groundless theories, metaphysical subtilties, 
 the traditions of the elders, or of antiquity, and the 
 commandments of men. It will also appear from a 
 slight attention to the history of our religion, that its 
 beauty has not been more marred, by any maimings, 
 or deprivations, it has suffered, than by the monstrous 
 and unsightly additions, with which it has been encum- 
 bered and disfigured. 
 
 The evils, which naturally result from a departure 
 from the simplicity of the gospel, are too many and too 
 lamentable not to be perceived and deplored by all. 
 The apostle foresaw them so clearly, and they were so © 
 felt and experienced, even in his own times, that it is 
 not strange, that his benevolent mind should be filled 
 with painful apprehensions on this subject. 
 
 To the corruption of christianity, by multiplying 
 fundamental articles of faith and unscriptural rites and 
 ceremonies, we may trace, as their principal source, the 
 uncharitableness, censoriousness, strife, contentions, 
 divisions, persecutions, and wars, which have rent and 
 afflicted the church. 
 
 In addition to which, how many serious and well- 
 disposed minds, minds truly desirous to come to the 
 knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, have been 
 perplexed and confounded, by the strange, mysterious 
 and doubtful doctrines, propounded to them as essen- 
 tial to salvation! Not knowing what to believe, or 
 what to reject, and taught that their eternal welfare 
 
27 
 
 depends, on a right decision, they have been filled with 
 distress and discouragement. 
 
 On different minds, the same means produce an 
 opposite effect, but equally to be lamented. In them 
 is generated the habit of implicit belief, of unreason- 
 able confidence, of bold assertion, and of censorious 
 judging. Such a habit is hostile to free mquiry and 
 of course to the cause of truth ; it impairs the moral 
 sense, and destroys charity. 
 
 It is no less manifest, that departing from the sim- 
 plicity that is in Christ is one great cause of prejudi- 
 cing many against christianity and of leading them to 
 reject it. Viewing it as blended with human doc- 
 trines, superstitions and absurdities, they cannot be- 
 lieve, that it is of heavenly origin. It wants the sim- 
 plicity that characterises the divine productions. It 
 is too dark and obscure to proceed from the Father of 
 lights. It appears too inconsistent with their clearest 
 notions of justice and purest feelings of benevolence, 
 to have for its author the God of rectitude and love. 
 The opinion is no way extravagant, that the indiscreet | 
 and erroneous representations, which have been made 
 of christianity, by its professed friends, have injured 
 it more than all the objections of its avowed enemies. 
 
 From the observations that have been made, it ap- 
 pears, I think, that a principal respect, in which chris- 
 tians have departed, and in which we are still in danger 
 of departing, from the simplicity of the gospel, relates 
 ._to what we receive, teach, and require of others, as 
 essential doctrines of christianity. To this quarter, 
 
28 
 
 then, it becomes us, as christians, and especially as 
 publick teachers of religion, to direct our particular 
 attention. Here let us be on our guard. Here let us 
 exercise over ourselves, and over our christian breth- 
 ren, a godly jealousy, lest, by any means, the simplicity 
 that is in Christ should be corrupted. A conscious- 
 ness of habitual sincerity in thercause of Christ will 
 not place us out of danger of being betrayed into mis- 
 apprehensions of his religion, and the proper means 
 of supporting it in the world. ‘The innocence of para- 
 dise is not an effectual security against the tempter’s 
 wiles. But of this innocence we cannot boast. We 
 are in danger from that vanity, which loves human ap- 
 
 plause and distinction ; from pride, that disdains to be 
 
 instructed ; from party spirit, which often seeks its 
 
 own ends at the expense of truth and charity ; and 
 from indolence, or a love of ease, which takes things 
 
 upon trust, because it cannot endure the labour of 
 
 inquiry. ‘These are strong and subtle enemies, and it 
 
 requires all our vigilance and fortitude to avoid their 
 
 snares, and resist their power. 
 
 Let us cultivate a sincere and ardent lowe of the 
 simple truth, a high reverence for the authority of the 
 sacred scriptures, and a humble sense of our own falli- 
 bility. This would diminish our confidence in our 
 own theories, and lessen our attachment to human 
 creeds. It would enable us to view, with a degree of 
 distrust, instead of undue fondness and veneration, . 
 those religious opinions and systems, which our own . 
 ingenuity had framed, or which had been handed down 
 
29 
 
 to us from less enlightened times ; and, when they 
 were attacked, to preserve a becoming composure of 
 mind, instead of indulging a disposition like that 
 which distinguished the ancient Egyptians, a dispo- 
 sition to resent every slight, and retaliate every injury, 
 -offered to their own crocodiles. 
 
 Let us seriously review the religious creeds and 
 church covenants, which are in use among us, and 
 satisfy ourselves not merely, that they contain no arti- 
 cles but may be proved by scripture ; but that they 
 contain none which are umessential, or else discard 
 them as unauthorized tests of the qualifications neces- 
 sary to christian communion and charity. To every 
 symbol of faith, drawn up in the words which man’s 
 wisdom teacheth, in preference to those which the 
 Holy Ghost teacheth, may we not justly apply the rea- 
 soning of the prophet, “The hand of the workman 
 hath made it, therefore it is not God.”? But in vindi- 
 cation of that idol, it was said, that “it was from Is- 
 rael.” This circumstance, however, did not deify it. 
 Nor is it a sufficient justification of human creeds, as 
 tests, that they are supposed, or that they are known, to 
 be gathered out of the holy scriptures. The understand- 
 ing and believing of all that others see in the word of 
 God, is no where required by him, as a term of salva- 
 tion, or christian communion. We take too much 
 _ upon ourselves, whenever we impose on others any 
 conditions, by which their christian privileges and en- 
 | joyments are unnecessarily infringed, or interrupted. 
 Tous the ark of God may seem ready to fall, the 
 
30 
 
 cause of true religion may appear to be in danger. In 
 this apprehension, however, we may be deceived ; but, 
 at any rate, we had better suffer it to take its course, 
 than, with the presumption of Uzzah, attempt to up- 
 hold and defend it, by profane hands, by any unautho- 
 rized. and improper means. 
 
 In respect to what are called the special ordinances 
 of our holy religion, is there no danger of corrupting 
 their original simplicity 2? I will not disturb your 
 feelings, by attempting to paint to your view that thick 
 cloud of mystery, superstition and horror, in which, 
 in former ages, and, in a great part of the christian 
 world, at the present day, the simplicity of those institu- 
 tions was, or is enveloped and lost. I willrather inquire, 
 whether among us this cloud is entirely dissipated ? 
 
 Are not the kind memorials of our absent Saviour, 
 in many of our churches, still guarded, like the tree of 
 life, by a flaming sword? At least, is the access to the 
 christian passover rendered as plain, as easy and invit- 
 ing as the blessed institutor intended ? Would not the 
 language of that institution be understood by children, 
 even before they are capable of being edified by that 
 of the pulpit ? Were they to be brought to it, at an 
 early age, might it not be the means of making salutary 
 impressions on their minds, and giving a religious di- 
 rection to their whole lives? Is it certain, that the 
 original design of the institution would not be better 
 answered, and more be gained to the cause of chris- 
 tianity, by a more frequent, familiar and general at- | 
 tendance on it, than by all that awe, solemnity, and 
 
31 
 
 air of mystery, with which it has been usually sur- 
 rounded ? 
 
 Were I to mention another instance, in which there 
 is reason to fear we depart from the simplicity of our 
 great Master, it would be the manner in which we 
 often inculcate and enforce repentance and the duties 
 of life. On subjects that are purely practical, how 
 often do we render our discourses confused, and, if I 
 mistake not, lessen their intended effect, by the unsea- 
 sonable introduction of doubtful and intricate, or at 
 least much disputed, points of theology ? Admitting 
 that the doctrines, to which I refer, are true, as viewed 
 by improved and philosophical minds, yet as conceived 
 of by the hearers in general, are they not more likely 
 to make injurious, than useful impressions ? more 
 likely to lessen men’s convictions of guilt, to weaken 
 their sense of moral obligation, and to discourage every 
 effort towards reformation and improvement, than to 
 produce, as is desired, the contrary effects ? 
 
 These inquiries are suggested not by any uncer- 
 tain theories, but by a comparison of that kind of 
 sermons of which I am speaking, with the dis- 
 courses and exhortations recorded in the sacred. scrip- 
 tures. Let these discourses and exhortations be con- 
 sidered in this comparative view. ‘Turn in particular 
 _ to our Saviour’s sermon on the mount, the longest, 
 on record, which he ever delivered, and addressed, as 
 _ has been supposed, to his largest auditory. Do we 
 _ find a great part of this discourse employed in state- 
 | ments and discussions of the doctrines just described ? 
 
32 
 Do we find any reference to them, even BK way of 
 
 parenthesis ? OE eae 
 I am aware that a simple inculcation of the virtues 
 and duties of religion, and enforcing them by such 
 motives as our Saviour employed, without being di- 
 verted from our objéct, by controversial divinity, will 
 subject us to the reproach of delivermg mere moral 
 essays, or heathenish harangues, such as might have 
 been expected from Plato, or Seneca. But if to 
 preach such moral discourses, as Christ’s sermon on 
 the mount, is to preach like those philosophers, would 
 that all the Lord’s ministers were Senecas and Platos. 
 In the conclusion of my discourse, and in view of 
 its subject, it is proper and natural to direct your 
 thoughts, and my own, to that incorruptible integrity 
 of heart and life, which, as men, as christians, and as 
 ministers of the pure word of God, it is our indispen- 
 sable duty to maintain. Corresponding to the simpli- 
 city of our divine religion, should be the simplicity of 
 all our aims, and of all our conduct. In every thing, 
 let us think, and speak, and act, as of sincerity, and in 
 the sight of God, who knoweth our hearts and weigh- 
 eth our actions. Especially when employed in reli- 
 gious concerns and duties, in things pertaining to the 
 ‘kingdom of God, let us see, that we are not actuated 
 by the spirit and motives of the world. By such great 
 inconsistency and defect of piety we should subject 
 ourselves to the prophet’s severe reproof, “ Israel hath 
 forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples.” 
 
 , 
 
33 
 
 If we are zealous, and it is good always to be zeal- 
 ously affected in a good thing, let us take due care, that 
 our zeal be guided by knowledge and tempered by 
 love ; let it be kindled by a live coal from off the altar, 
 and not by strange fire. Charity is greater than faith, 
 and than all other christian virtues. Let us cultivate 
 it with sincerity and ardour; be at peace among our- 
 selves ; and study to promote each other’s reputation, 
 usefulness and comfort. 
 
 If there are any, who are disposed to cast on us 
 the reproach of heresy ; to withhold from us ministe- 
 rial, or christian communion; and to cause divisions 
 and separations among our churches, or their pastors, 
 let us not retort their accusations, nor imitate their 
 conduct. But while we love and esteem them as 
 christian brethren, professors of the common faith, 
 and heirs of the common salvation, it does not become 
 us tamely to surrender cur own reputation and standing, 
 as christians, or christian ministers. It is rather our 
 duty to follow the example of the apostle Paul in a sim- 
 ilar case ; and to adopt the language, which he employ- 
 ed, on behalf of himself and his friends, when his and 
 their influence and christian character were attempted to 
 be destroyed, “If any man trust to himself that he 
 is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as 
 he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.” 
 
 ~ It only remains, to remind you of “ the words of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, how he said, It is more blessed to 
 give than to receive.” This superior felicity you 
 S 
 
34 
 
 will now have an opportunity to enjoy. Listen to the 
 claims on your charity from the widows and orphans 
 of deceased ministers of our common Lord and Master, 
 and impart of your substance to their necessities. But 
 he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity, and he 
 that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness ; for the Lord 
 loveth, and abundantly rewardeth the cheerful giver. 
 
ee 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 A LIST OF THOSE WHO HAVE PREACHED ON THIS ANNI- 
 VERSARY. 
 
 _ THE following list is added by desire of the Historical 
 Society, with the hope and expectation that the blanks may 
 be filled up, and that they may be furnished with copies, of 
 such sermons as they do not possess, by those into whose 
 hands this may come. The objects of this institution being 
 of general utility, “the collection and preservation, for the 
 “use of the publick and posterity, of all documents relating 
 “tothe history and antiquities, ecclesiastical, civil, and nat- 
 “ ural, of our country,” itis hoped that the public spirited 
 and liberal will lend assistance. 
 
 Norse. Those in Italicks are known to have been printed. 
 Those with a star are in the Historical Library. 
 
 By whom. Of what place. Text. 
 
 Ca 
 =m Oo 
 
pen 1690 
 
 aa 
 
 gancicous agai eye rie 
 89 Cotton Mather, i: 
 
37 
 
 _ By whom. Of what place. Rex. 
 
 * Cotton Mather, Boston. Rey. ii. 19. 
 
 * Nehemiah Walter, Roxbury. 1 Tim. i. 12. 
 *Peter Thacher, Milton. Phil. i. 21. (MS.) 
 * William Williams, Hatfield. Col. iv. 11. 
 John Williams, Deerfield. 
 John Barnard, Marblehead. Col. i. 18. 
 *Edward Holyoke, Pres. of H. Coll. Matth. xvi. 6. 
 Israel Loring, Sudbury. 
 
 * Nathaniel Appleton, Cambridge. Matth. v. 13, 14 
 Charles Chauncy, D.D. Boston. Titus ii. 15. 
 
 * Peter Clark, Salem Village. Romans iii. 1, 2, 
 Ebenezer Gay, Hingham. John i. 32. 
 Edward Wigglesworth, D.D. S.T.P. Harv. Coll. 
 
 John Barnard, 
 William Welsteed, 
 Samuel Wigglesworth, 
 
 Small pox in Boston. 
 * Samuel Phillips, 
 Stephen Williams, 
 Joseph Parsons, 
 
 Hull Abbot, 
 
 *William Rand, 
 *Jonathan Townsend, 
 Ebenezer Pemberton, 
 William Batch, 
 
 * Ebenezer Parkman, 
 Samuel Mather, 
 John Lowell, 
 
 Small pox in Boston. 
 Charles Chauncy, D.D. 
 Thomas Prentice, 
 Andrew Eliot, D.D. 
 
 * John Tucker, 
 Samuel Dunbar, 
 
 2 Corinth. iy. 1. 
 Boston. i Tin. iv. 6. 
 
 Ipswich. 2 Corinth. xi. 2. 
 No sermon was preached. 
 
 Andover. 
 
 Andover. Acts x. 36. 
 Springfield. Exodus xxv. 8. 
 Bradford. Matth. v. 14, 15, 16. 
 Charlestown. 
 Kingston. 1 Thess. ii. 4. 
 Needham. 3 John, 8. 
 Boston. Rom. xi. 13. 
 Bradford. 2 Corinth. i. 12. 
 Westborough. 2 Corinth. v. 14. 
 Boston. 2 Corinth. xi. 28. 
 Newburyport. 2 Corinth. vii. 2. 
 No sermon was preached. 
 Boston. Acts viii. 5. 
 Charlestown. 1 Corinth. xiy. 1, 
 Boston. James v. 19, 20, 
 Newbury. Col. iv. 11. 
 
 Stoughton. Gal, i, 8, 9. 
 
“s 
 
 oo 
 rare 
 COONDMWE 
 
 By whom. 
 Samuel Cooper, D.D. 
 Robert Breck, 
 * Samuel Locke, D. D. 
 * Edward Barnard, 
 James Chandler, 
 Benjamin Stevens, 
 Samuel Cooke, 
 Samuel Langdon, D.D. 
 Isaac Morrill, 
 Samuel Webster, 
 Ebenezer Bridge, 
 John Mellen, 
 Thaddeus Maccarty, 
 Daniel Shute, 
 Joseph Willard, 
 Phillips Payson, 
 Moses Hemmenway, 
 Gad Hitchcock, 
 Nathan Fiske, 
 Jacob Cushing, 
 Simeon Howard, D.D. 
 Jason Haven, 
 Josiah Bridge, 
 Thomas Barnard, 
 Chandler Robbins, D.D. 
 Henry Cumings, D. D. 
 Jeremy Belknap, D.D. 
 David Tappan, D.D. 
 David Oszood, D.D. 
 Eli Forbes, 
 John Lathrop, D.D. 
 Joseph Dana, D.D. 
 Peter Thacher, D.D. 
 Thomas Prentiss, 
 Nathanael Emmons, 
 Zedekiah Sanger, 
 Joseph Lyman, D.D. 
 John Reed, D.D. 
 Daniel Chaplin, 
 Samuel Spring, D.D. 
 Eliphalet Porter, D.D. 
 
 38 
 
 Of what place. 
 See ‘ 
 ringfield. 
 Peek! - H. Coll. 
 Haverhill. 
 Rowley. 
 Kittery. 
 Cambridge. 
 Pres. of 
 Wilmington. 
 Salisbury. 
 Chelmsford. 
 Hanover. 
 Worcester. 
 Hingham. 
 
 . Coll. 
 
 Rev. xii. 1. 
 
 Heb. xiii. 1. 
 
 2 Corinth. iv. 2. 
 John iv. 36, 37, 38. 
 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. 
 Matth. xxiv. 45, 46. 
 1 Thess. ii. 4. 
 
 Gal. i. 11, 12. 
 
 Dan. xii. 3. 
 
 Matth. vii. 28, 29. 
 
 Pres. of Harv. Coll. 
 
 Chelsea. 
 Wells. 
 Pembroke. 
 Brookfield. 
 Waltham. 
 Boston. 
 Dedham. 
 Sudbury. 
 Salem. 
 Plymouth. 
 Billerica. 
 Boston. 
 S.T.P. H. Coll. 
 Medford. ~ 
 Gloucester. 
 Boston. 
 Ipswich. 
 Boston. 
 Medfield. 
 Franklin. 
 Bridgewater. 
 Hatfield. 
 Bridgewater. 
 Groton. 
 Newburyport. 
 Roxbury. 
 
 Acts ii. 42. 
 
 1 Thess, ii. 4. 
 
 Eeel. iii. 1. 
 
 Acts xx. 26. 
 
 Rom. xi. 13. 
 
 2 Tim. i. 8. 
 
 Exod. xxviii. 36. 58- 
 Matth. xiii. 33. 
 
 2 Corinth. vi. 3, 4. 
 
 Rom. i. 16. 
 
 Rom. i. 9. 
 
 Luke xiv. 23. 
 
 1 Corinth. i. 10. 
 Isaiah i. 18. 
 
 1 Corinth. xi. 1. 
 Matt. xxiii. 8, 9, 10. 
 Mal. ii. 7. - 
 
 1 Thess. iv. 17, 18. 
 2 Corinth. xi. S. 
 
hoist Apes a y 
 
 thie eg A 
 ys! Si adearotl 
 
SERMON | 
 
 ny - , 
 DELIVERED IN BOSTON 
 
 BEFORE 
 
 THE AMERICAN SOCIETY 
 
 es OO 
 a wicenaii | FOR 
 Apeelt. 2: 
 9 aie 
 My, EDUCATING PIOUS YOUTH. 
 Gps 7 
 . | FOR THE 
 
 ss Gospel Winistry. 
 
 OCT. 26, 1815. 
 
 ANDOVER 
 PRINTED BY FLAGG AND GOULD. 
 
 1945. re de 
 
Boston, Oct. 26, 1815. 
 
 Vorep, That the Rev. Dr. Woops, Rev. Josuva Bates, 
 and Mr. Joun Apams, be a Committee, to express to the 
 Rev. Dr. Pearson the thanks of the “ American Society 
 FOR EDUCATING PIOUS YOUTH FOR THE GOSPEL MINISTRY” 
 
 for his Sermon, this evening delivered before them; and to | 
 
 request a copy for the press. 
 
 H. HOMES, Czerx, P. T: 
 
 ‘7 
 
SERMON. 
 
 a, 
 
 ROMANS X. 1”. 
 
 FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GoD. 
 
 Ohsarrive all introduction, I shall make only a few 
 reneral observations on the nature and source of faith. 
 By faith in the text is to be understood that act of the 
 nind, which, through nine successive chapters, the apostle 
 nakes his ‘principal subject of discussion. It is accord- 
 ngly that act, by which a man is justified, without the 
 leeds of law; by which Abraham was justified; and 
 which was counted to him for righteousness. This act, 
 sommonly denominated justifying or saving faith, though 
 t necessarily presupposes simple belief of every thing, 
 recorded of Jesus, is of much higher import; intending 
 sonfidence, trust, or reliance. The distinction is impor- 
 ant. Simple belief, or what is called speculative or his- 
 joric faith, is mere assent of the understanding to a propo- 
 sition, in which the will has no concern ; a necessary ef- 
 fect of preponderating evidence, in which the mind is per- 
 
 y passive. Consequently it does not partake of the 
 na re of virtue; nor, strictly speaking, can it be required, 
 is a duty; nor the want of it, simple unbelief, be punish- 
 
 in which h the will and affections are as much concerned, 
 @ understanding Convinced of his guilt, and of the 
 iil and compassion of the Savior, the bee sinner 
 
 \ 
 | e 
 
 d,asasin. But saving faith is an act of the whole soul ; _ : 
 
 > ‘i _ = 
 
4 
 
 voluntarily and penitently, with cordial esteem, love, and 
 gratitude, and with perfect confidence in his character, 
 easts himself, like a drowning man, upon Christ, as the 
 alone rock of safety. . Hence it.is, that we/are command- 
 ed to believe on Jesus Christ; and hence also unbelief is 
 condemned, as asim. Faithin Christ, being an act of the 
 will, is frequently expressed by coming to him. “ He, 
 that cometh to me, shall never hunger; and he, that be- 
 lieveth on me, shall never thirst ;’’ and ‘¢ ye will not come 
 to me, that ye might have life.’?. Here we see clearly, 
 what is the great obstacle to saving faith. It is the sin- 
 . ner’s wills his unholy disposition ; his love of sin... We 
 also read of the obedience of faith. Faith in Christ is a 
 voluntary act of obedience ; and unbelief is»a voluntary 
 act of disobedience ; and, as such, highly criminal.) /Ac- 
 tion and inaction are scarcely so different, as saving and 
 speculative or historic faith 5. since in the latter the mind 
 is absolutely passive, the will having no-influence on: it; 
 while the former Arepondl nielga on the will.or. — 
 tion. Ocal thead 
 I will only add on this topics thiat to. my-auind this ait. 
 ference is denoted by the very mode of expression, com- 
 monly used by the new testament writers, when they 
 speak of saving faith. Christ said to the Jewsy‘‘hadye 
 believed Moses, ye would have believed me.” John v. 46. 
 Here it is observable, that the person aceredited. is con- 
 nected with the verb believed immediately, i. +e. pvpebbist 
 an intervening preposition. Believed Moses, belie) 
 Now this immediate connexion between the verb eaplts 
 object is the form of expression, by which specilative. or 
 historic faith is denoted in the new testament... -Butjwhen 
 saving faith is intended, a preposition is usually interpo- 
 sed. ‘He, that believeth on the Sen,’ hath everlasting 
 life.” John vi. 47. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 and thou shalt be saved.” Acts xvi. Shuer* He, that) be-- 
 
| 
 
 i 
 q 
 i] 
 
 5 
 
 lieveth not, is condemned already, because he believeth 
 not onthe name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 
 iii. 48. In these and numberless other instances,* in 
 which saving faith is intended,’ a preposition is interposed 
 between the verb believe and its object. ‘The phrase, 
 believe on me, is a Greek idiom ; and never, as I appre- 
 hend, is used to signify mere belief of a) proposition, but 
 personal trust or confidence. | Indeed the original verb, 
 when used absolutely or without a preposition, has some- 
 times this same sense, and is so rendered. “ Jesus did 
 not [emorever] commit himself to them.” John ii. 24. 
 Saving faith therefore, or believing on Christ, seems to 
 be, nota mere belief of the doctrines, taught by him ; but 
 trust, confidence, and reliance on his person, for pardon 
 and life, as a sick man commits himself to a physician, in 
 whose ability to help him he has perfect confidence ; and, 
 to continue the simile, as sense of sickness and danger 
 precedes application to the physician ; so likewise convic- 
 tion of guilt, helplessness, and impending misery, precedes 
 saving faith, i. e. a sinner’s committing himself to Christ 
 for wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, 
 with perfect confidence in his ability, as the Son of God, 
 “al * See Matth. xviii. 16. John i. 12.—ii. 11, 23— iii. 15, 16, 18, 36 
 vi. 29, 40—vii. 5, 38, 39, 48—vili. 30—~ix. 35, 36,—xi. 25, 26, 45, 
 A8—xii, 11, 36, 37, 44, 46—Xiy. 1,12—xvi. 9—xvii. 20. . Acts x. 43 
 —xiv. 23—xix. 4—xxii. 19. Rom. ix. 33—x. 14. Gal. ii. 16. Eph. 
 4.43. Phil. i. 29. 4 Tim. i. 16. 4 Peter i. 8—ii. 6. 1 John v. 10, 
 43; im all which passages, a preposition being inserted before its ob- 
 ject, the verb signifies, not simple belief, but personal trust, confidence, 
 or dependence. Nor is this change of sense in the verb the only thing 
 
 noticeable, in this mode of expression; for it is apprehended, that this 
 phraseology is never applied hy the sacred writers to a being merely 
 
 human. uf 
 ye Instanees of the common form of expression, to denote belief of a 
 _ proposition, doctrine, assertion, testimony, or fact, are too numerous 
 
 o be inserted in a note, and must arrest the critie’s eye in almost ev- 
 very page of the new testament. shi 
 _ For additionai examples, in which the verb x:c7ev, used absolute- 
 Ty, signifies to commit or entrust, the learned reader is referred to 
 a ae : 
 
 §) 4 Corwix. 47. 1 Thess. ii. 4. 4 Tim. i. 12, and iii. 16. 
 
6. 
 
 not as the son of man, to make atonement and intercession: 
 for him... In this connexion permit.me.to,add, that; it is 
 on the divine character of the Savior, thatall rational faith . 
 absolutely and exclusively rests... Jesus said, “ thisis my 
 blood of the new covenant, which is shed for the remission’ 
 of the sins of many.”’ But, separately from all consider- 
 ation of his real divinity, with reverence let me.ask, what. 
 was the blood of Jesus better, for the purpose of atone- 
 ment, than the blood of Abel, er any other man? The 
 question is momentous. Let every one pacih it for him- 
 self... wt Yee det 
 With respect to the iniediglel source or medium of 
 this faith, the apostle says to his Ephesian converts, “by 
 grace are ye saved through faith; and this notiof your- 
 selves; itis the gift of God.” Faith as well,as) every, 
 other grace, is to be referred to God, as its)author. , Still, 
 however, it is through the medium of his. word and the 
 instrumentality of his ministers. . Writing to the Corin- 
 thians, Paul says, ‘‘ I have begotten you through the gos- 
 pels”? and of Philemon, “ whom I have begotten in my 
 bonds.’ So also Peter, in his epistle to Christians in 
 general, “ being born again of incorruptible: seed, by the — 
 word of God ;’’ and, in our, text, it.is laid down, asa _— 
 maxim or first principle in religion, “faith cometh by — 
 hearing,” or more literally, faith is from hearing,” that _ 
 is, from hearing the gospel preached. | Faith is the off. 
 spring ; the preached word the medium or instrament, by — 
 which it is generated... This connexion between the 5 
 preached word and that faith, which is saving, is a con- 
 nexion, established and revealed by God himself sand is 
 to be admitted by us, as such. It is a self evident truth, 
 that no man can believe a proposition, before ‘i.ie, opment 
 nicated to his mind. But it is equally certain, that 
 can exercise saving faith in Christ, who has no knowledge 
 of him. Hence the pertinency and importance of the 
 
7 
 
 question in the context, “ how shall they believe in him, 
 of whom they have not heard ? And how shall they hear, 
 without a preacher? And how shall wri haba except 
 they be'sent ?” 
 
 Since, therefore, there is no name under heaven, ¢ given 
 among men, whereby they can be saved, but that of Je- 
 Sus; since saving faith cometh from hearing him preach- 
 eds; since men cannot hear without a preacher; and, as 
 fone can preach, except those, who are sent 5 we see, not 
 only the immense importance of the preached word to the 
 eternal happiness of men ; but the necessity of ministers, 
 duly qualified and commissioned to preach the gospel 5 
 and also the impropriety and danger of hearing such, as 
 are neither qualified, nor sent by God. The text says, 
 “this faith is from hearing ; and this hearing is through 
 the command of God,” as it is in the original. This hear- 
 ing, with respect both to matter and preacher, ought to be 
 such only, as God has commanded. Who then, it may be 
 asked, are qualified ministers of the word? I reply, nei- 
 ther the immoral, the impious, the ignorant, nor the en- 
 shia easie With respect to the two first of these charac- 
 ew Christians are professedly agreed. But with respect 
 ‘to the two last, if we may judge from the conduct of many 
 at the present time, it would be no breach of charity, to 
 ee that, in their view, neither ignorance, nor enthu- 
 \siasm, disqualifies a man for the ministry. But a minister, 
 leshouta be remembered, is a public instructer ; and, as 
 ‘such, should be able to enlighten his audience on the great 
 ‘subject of his preaching. In order to this, he should be 
 man of talents and learning, and possess a more correct 
 id thorough knowledge of his subject, than his hearers. 
 in-unlearned instructer is a solecism. From ignorance 
 ‘fothing better, than ignorance, can be expected. —Enthu- 
 siasm “is still worse. To ignorance an enthusiastic 
 preacher adds imposture. To. gain the confidence, and 
 
 i 
 
8 
 excite the wonder of his hearers, he has recourse to vis- 
 ions, voices, and revelations. He assures them, that he 
 received both his commission and his message immediate: 
 ly from God; with whom he pretends to have frequent 
 and familiar conversations. Under this impression his 
 
 deluded vetaries are led to neglect and contemn the writ- 
 
 ten word of God ; and to embrace with avidity every new 
 doctrine, dogma, and superstition, thus imposed on them, 
 however contradictory to reason and scripture; however 
 monstrous, pernicious, and blasphemous. Would to God, | 
 this were all fiction! But our country, at this moment, 
 furnishes many distressing instances of such impostors. 
 
 To Christians however there is but one standard of 
 faith and practice, the Bible. If preachers speak not 
 according to this word, it is because there is no light in 
 them; it is because of their ignorance; or because the 
 light, that is in them, their pretended illumination, is dar 
 ness, delusion, and black imposture. It is to treme 
 bered, that the canon of scripture was long since complet. 
 ed, that the age of inspiration and miracles is past, and 
 that he, who would know, what the Spirit saith to the 
 churches, must learn it from what he has written to them} 
 from diligent and prayerful study of the written infallible) 
 word of God. 'To this study he must also bring with him 
 all the advantages and helps, his country affords ; among, 
 which the first and most important are a liberal education 
 in the arts and sciences, and a critical knowledge of 't 
 Greek and Hebrew languages. But, not to enumerate, in 
 this place, all the requisites for the study of biblical theol- 
 ogy, I simply remark, that it is by this study alone; th t 
 the minister of God can be thoroughly furnished for his, 
 good work; and that in the present age this is, what God 
 requires of him. In no age indeed did God ever press 
 ignorance and enthusiasm into his service, either to prop. 
 agate or defend his truth ; but usually selected) men of the 
 
9 
 
 best talents and education. Nor did the Author of our 
 faith think his twelve disciples qualified to preach his 
 gospel, before they had, during three years, enjoyed the 
 advantage of his instructions “te manner of preaching 5 
 nor indeed before he had endued them with the power of 
 speaking many tongues and of working miracles. When 
 the gospel was to be preached to the gentiles, whom did 
 he select for this service? A man of the first talents, one 
 educated in the school of the learned Gamaliel ; to whom 
 also. was given a singular abundance of miraculous pow- 
 ers. This conduct of our Savior, during the age of mira- 
 cles, affords decisive proof on this point. For now, when 
 miracles have ceased, learning cannot be less necessary 
 to a gospel minister, than in the apostolic age. The mind 
 of Christ, collected from his own example in the ease, 
 ought surely to be received, as law, by Christians in all 
 ages of the church.. What Christ thus requires, is also 
 sanctioned by common sense. Are many years of close 
 study necessary, to qualify a man for the practice of law 
 er physic? ‘To take care of the property or bodies of 
 men? Andis not as much study, as. much learning ne- 
 cessary, to qualify a man to take charge of immortal souls? 
 _ £Ejther say frankly that the soul is of less value, than the 
 _ body ; or that the ministerial office is of little use ; or that 
 it is attended with little difficulty 5 or else admit the ne- 
 _cessity of learning to the ministerial character. The first 
 of these alternatives no Christian will adopt in direct op- 
 position to our Savior’s declaration. Of the utility of the 
 | ministerial office all will judge more correctly, when the 
 _clergy become more learned ; and that it is attended with — 
 little difficulty must be the idle fancy of sheer ignorance. 
 Lek him, who thinks thus, read, if he be able, ranas the 
 great apostle Paul thought on this subject, who, under the 
 pressure of official difficulty, exclaimed, “ who is sufficient 
 
 -for these things ?’? In the best state of the church a min- 
 
 2 
 
10 
 ister has to contend with. the natural ignorance, d ty, 
 pride, and obstinacy of the human. heart. In addition 
 to these, for many successive ages, he also had to en- 
 counter the heresy, power, and artifices, of the man of 
 sin, the beast, and the false prophet, But in no age per- 
 haps, since the days of the apostle, has the minister of 
 Christ had so many difficulties to encounter, as in the 
 present ; an age, in which all the engines of wit, sophis- 
 try, and vain philosophy, have been put in requisition 
 against Christianity. Never therefore was there a period, 
 when it was more necessary for ministers to put on the 
 whole armour of God, that they may be able to stand 
 against the wiles of the devil; of which armour the prin- 
 cipal weapon is “ the sword of the Spirit, which is the 
 word of God.’’ This word must also be studied in the 
 language, in which it was first written. A man may as 
 well be an able and finished lawyer, who is ignorant of 
 the language, in which the civil code is written; as an 
 able and thoroughly accomplished minister, who is unac- ; 
 quainted with the original languages of the Bible. With- 
 out this knowledge, it is true, he may repeat, what 
 others have said or written; he may be a retailer of 
 scraps ; but, strictly speaking, he must be unable to as- 
 certain, in many cases, what the Spirit hath said to the 
 churches, because he understands not the language of the 
 Spirit; because he is unable to look directly into the 
 
 original and inexhaustible fountain of pure light and 
 truth. * ete? | 
 
 ~- 
 
 * Nothing in this discourse is intended to derogate fron 
 of our English translation of the Bible, than which the Laity of no 
 nation perhaps ever enjoyed a better. It is readily and’ gratefully 
 acknowledged, that it contains all the articles of faith and practice, 
 essential to salvation. Still however a minister belle le- 
 fense of the gospel, ought to be able to maintain these arti 
 all opposition, by a direct appeal to the very words, in which they 
 were inspired, and thus to prove their truth from the mouth of God. 
 Were there no learned infidels or skeptics ; were all error and reli- 
 
44 Raa; 
 
 ‘No one, it is hoped, will be displeased by the prece- 
 ding observations. ‘Truth ought never to offend. It is 
 the prerogative of divine wisdom, to bring good out of 
 evil. Perhaps it is the intention of Him, whose judgments 
 are a great deep, by the prevalence of ervor of so many 
 kinds, many of which spring from and are supported by 
 ignorance of the original word of God, to give experimen- 
 tal proof of the necessity of understanding the Greek and 
 Hebrew scriptures, and of a strict adherence to what the 
 Holy Spirit has therein taught, as the only sure word of 
 faith and practice ; and, until Christians are practically 
 convinced of this necessity, it may be, that error and en- 
 thusiasm will continue and increase. ; 
 
 The subject of present consideration forces upon us the 
 immense importance of a learned gospel ministry to the 
 salvation of sinners; and the duty of those, who enjoy 
 this inestimable blessing, in referen}e to those, who do 
 not. What then, it may be asked, is the state of man- 
 kind in reference to the means of salvation? Eighteen 
 hundred years have rolled away, since the Son of God 
 came down to earth, to make propitiation for our world ; 
 nevertheless, to the present hour, five sixths of the whole 
 human race have probably never heard even the name of 
 Jesus. During this lapse of ages, how many millions of 
 millions of precious souls must have perished! Oh, the 
 ingratitude, pride, and obstinacy of the human heart, that 
 
 has resisted such grace! Qh, the inactivity, the apathy 
 
 ous controversy happily terminated; however delightful it might 
 e to quaff divine knowledge at the fountain, to the support of truth 
 /it would not be equally indispensable. But in an age, in which errors 
 
 @re multiplied beyond former example, all claiming support from 
 ur English Bible, how is it possible to ascertain, what is truth in 
 many controverted points, without recurrence to the very words of 
 ‘God? By which recurrence, it is firmly believed, the cause of or- 
 thodoxy will be best supported; and the christian religion made to 
 appear fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and to her enemies terrible, 
 
 as an army with banners. 
 
12 
 
 of Christians, who have done so little, to second the v 
 of that Savior, by whose blood they themselves hope 
 pardon! Professed disciples of Jesus in ages. ‘past, how 
 did ye exeeute the last great command of your ascending 
 Lord, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel 
 to every creature ?”?—How, let me ask, do Christians of 
 the present age obey this command? As Christians, the 
 heathen have claims upon our compassion, our charity, 
 and our active benevolence. Panl said, “ he was a debtor 
 both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians.” ‘Therefore 
 ‘‘ he was ready, as much as in him lay, to preach the 
 gospel to them at Rome.” This clearly points out our 
 duty to the heathen, which jis to educate and send to 
 them such missionaries, as Paul, miraculous powers ex- 
 cepted. 
 
 But important, as is this duty to distant heathen) there 
 is one still more important, more imperious 3 and this is 
 the duty of educating such ministers and’ missionaries, as 
 Paul, for the salvation of our own countrymen.* “To 
 
 * Wishing to guard against all mistake relative to foreign missions, | 
 I take the liberty of saying that 1 have ever been, | and still am, a 
 friend to foreign missions ; and have often declared in private eireles — 
 that, since the days of the apostles, no effort of benevolence has ap-_ 
 peared to me so truly Christian, or filled my heart with such trans-— 
 port, as that for sending missionaries to the heathen in the east. 
 Still I hope to he pardoned, while in the language of our great apos- i 
 tle to.the heathen of his time, I freely declare, 6 Brethren, my heart's 
 desire, and prayer to God for Israel,” our own countrymen, “i » tha 
 they may he saved.”—-My own ideas and feelings on this most inter- 
 esting subject are exactly in unison with those of the Ohirisable Boel 
 ciety i in Connecticut, as expressed in their address to te tin Cy 
 
 which I beg leave to transeribe, ‘“ The evangelizing of 
 
 say they, “ ‘mast not be a secondary object to any one. It 
 forth in all its magnitude, as the prominent object, | upon i 
 eyes are fixed ; for which all hearts beat, and in whie ne 
 employed. A Bible for every family, a school for y district, d 
 a pastor for every thousand souls, must be the motto upon ‘the standard 
 round which the millions, who enjoy these blessings, must rally for 
 the purpose of extending them to those, who do’ not. ‘le foreign 
 missions are in no degree to be abandoned, a strong ye m 
 plied to the work of domestic missions. "A thousand 1 
 as has yet been done, mast be done every year, fill ei 
 rescued, and rendered great, and good, and happy.” _ 
 
 F is 
 * yy FR 
 
 AES 
 
13 
 
 Americans as well, as to Hindoos, faith cometh by hear- 
 ing; nor can they hear withouta preacher. But you may 
 subjoin, as in the next verse, “ have they not heard ? 
 ‘Wes, verily,’ blessed be God, many have heard; but 
 many more of our countrymen have not heard ; oriliaia 
 heard, what was worse than nought, idle tales, dreams, 
 visions, raptures, trances, groanings, screamings, and fall- 
 ings. 
 
 But, lest the preacher difinself may by some be thought 
 visionary on this subject, permit a condensed statement of 
 facts, founded principally on printed documents, on which 
 much reliance may be placed. ‘That the following state- 
 ment may be rightly understood, let it be premised, that 
 by educated ministers such are intended, whether episco- 
 pal, presbyterian, congregational, or. baptist of the old 
 
 school, as have received a liberal or college education ; 
 and that, under existing circumstances, a thousand souls 
 are a sufficient charge for one minister. 
 
 From the report of missionaries, specially instructed on 
 | this subject, it appears, that in the nine western States and 
 Territories, viz. Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, 
 | Mississippi, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan, 
 containing 1,078,815 souls, there are but 116 ministers of 
 ‘public education ;' leaving, at the rate of one minister to 
 4000 souls, 962,309 of the inhabitants destitute of a regu- 
 Tar ministry. ' 
 
 . From the preceding and other documents it appears, 
 that in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and 
 Virginia, which contain a population of 2,197,670, there 
 are 2 but 126 ministers of competent education; leaving in 
 those four States 2,071,670 souls without a eves wiahaid 
 
 oy New England States, containing 1,471,927 inhabi- 
 ‘ants, do not contain more than 803 regularly educated 
 
 a 
 
14 ; 
 ministers ; leaving in this land of boasted light, this asy- 
 lum of salefinss 668,927 souls destitnte obtia'e om scat 
 gospel ministry. : Loria, clvheeiie 
 
 So far our statement is grounded on well authenticated 
 facts. But with respect to the five remaining ‘ 
 States, viz. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Del- 
 aware, and Maryland, together with the Distite Gsm. 
 bia, our documents are deficient Tf, therefor oa an esti- 
 mate be formed on the supposition, t ‘that (tid oa ~¥ 
 erage number of ministers, compared with the other At- 
 lantic States on the south and on the north of them ; the 
 result will be, that these middle States, containing a pop- 
 ulation of 2,495,945, have but 632 ministers duly educat- 
 ed; leaving 1,863,945 souls without a competent minis- 
 tration of the word. ” ead is 
 It is farther-to be observed, that, according to an 
 of increase between the census of 1800 and 1810, the last 
 five years have added 1,262,189 souls to the myriads of 
 the destitute, already stated. But, as it is possible, thoug 
 not probable, that the estimated number. of ministers in 
 the five middle States may be too small, let 323 be added 
 to it, which gives 955 for the number of ministers — 
 States. Md r 
 A summary of the whole stitial will then be, pielt 
 ent population of the United States 8,502,092 ; n ! 
 of educated ministers 2,000 ; inhabitants, destitute of sue 
 ministers, 6,506,040 ; or thus in round numbers, wer ont 
 population 8} millions ; number of ministers 2,000; de: 
 titute of educated witahviele 63 millions. == wg 
 Astonishing or incredible, as this statement may 
 to many, there is good reason to believe, from variot 
 facts, not named, that, in point of destitution of ministe 
 it is much within the truth ; and that in the whole Chris 
 tian world there is not cidéitter country, containi 
 ‘fourth part as many inhabitants, so deplorably d 
 
415 
 
 f competent religious pein as the people of these 
 Jnited States. K 
 
 - Deplorable indeed, as ‘would be the condition of the 
 eople of _these States, were this calamity equally divid- 
 id; to many portions of our country it is greatly aggravat- 
 d_by the very unequal distribution of the few ministers, 
 ur country enjoys. Hence, while some sections are tol- 
 rably supplied with religious teachers; others of large 
 xtent are left te suffer a famine of the preached word of 
 
 _ Such, for example, is the distressing state of the Mis- 
 issippi Territory ; which, though it contains 45,000 in- 
 iabitants, has but four regular ministers ;—of the Terri- 
 ory of Indiana, which, with a population of 40,000, has 
 yut two ministers, recently settled ;—the Territories of 
 Missouri and Illinois, containing, one 15,000, and the 
 ther 30,000 souls, are both destitute of a regular“minis- 
 ry. The State of Louisiana, which has a mixed popu- 
 ation of 76,000 souls, has neither a protestant minister, 
 1or a protestant house of worship. ‘Twenty five of the 
 ounties in Tennessee, containing 150,000 inhabitants, are 
 without a regular minister in either of them ; and of Ken- 
 ucky the missionaries say, “ the greater part of the State 
 y be considered, as a proper missionary field. Some 
 ities, containing from 10 to 12,000 inhabitants, have 
 yt a congregational or presbyterian minister within their 
 mits.””—Even in the State of New York are many coun- 
 es, similar to Kentucky, and in one of them, containing 
 souls, there is not one settled minister of any de- 
 Omination. 'To come still nearer won there is not in 
 
46 
 accompanied and inconceivably aggravated, by a famine 
 of the written word of God. _ Myriads of Bibles ar re still 
 wanting, to supply each destitute. family*,in ‘our own 
 country with a single copy of God’s Book. 9.) a 
 
 But of all the ev ils; which aggravate this spiritual fam- 
 ine, the greatest, most pernicious, and. remediless, remains 
 io be named. It is the widely extended prevalence of 
 sectarianism and enthusiasm, together with, the number 
 less errors and extravagancies in doctrine and, praetice, 
 which they generate, and by which they three, An ad. 
 dition to Papists and Quakers, many new. sects have. re- 
 cently sprung up, and rapidly spread through, the land 
 Among these might be named Shakers, Dankers, and Swe- 
 denburghers. But the most numerous, and active sects ¢ re 
 ‘Methodists, freewill Baptists, and) Christyans or, folé 
 lowers of Elias Smith, to which may be added the New 
 Lights, and Haleyons. head seid 
 
 A particular account of the peculiarities and eccentri cl 
 ties of each of these sects would fill a volume. I can onl 
 glance at a few of the most prominent. To say. nothit 
 of their denial of human depravity, of the divinity al 
 atonement of Christ, of regeneration by, the Spirit, and. 
 the necessity of divine i i I ‘simply state th 
 Methodists believe the perfectibility, of man,in the prese 
 life, and that the regenerate may fall from,grace ;-— *r¢ 
 will Baptists hold, that men regenerate themselyes, a 
 that they may perform this operation several times. Chri 
 yans deny the fore knowledge of God, and eyen his knot 
 edge of many present events ; they believe it of no ¢ 
 sequence to partake the Lord’s supper, and that 8 the wi 
 ed will be burnt up at the day of judgment. 
 liebe believe that there i is no merit in nee sul eri 
 
 in the ales States. 
 
47 
 and répentance mean the same, that the millennium has 
 already commenced, and that there will be no resurrec- 
 tion, nor future judgment; and the Halcyons not only 
 renounce all creeds, confessions, and catechisms; but 
 receive not even the holy scriptures, as the foundation 
 of their faith. 
 
 _ Baptists are farther subdivided into Antinomian,. Av: 
 minian, Arian, and Socinian ; the two latter denominations 
 believing the doctrine of ietimacaal salvation. Their lead- 
 ers pretend to preach wholly by the Spirit, as the apostles 
 did; yet at the same meeting they frequently contradict 
 each other.’ The Spirit within, as they term it, these 
 sectaries make the guide of their actions and rule of their 
 faith. Hence the written word of God is neglected and 
 contemned by many of them. Instead of trying the spir- 
 its by the law and testimony ; they try the law and testi- 
 mony by the spirit within. In their preaching they rail 
 much against the divinity of Christ, human learning, and 
 ministers’ salaries. In their prayers as well, as preaching, 
 they often tell stories, low, vulgar, and profane; and 
 
 sometimes address the Son of God in this familiar dia- 
 
 lect, “ brother Jesus !” 
 
 Such, my christian hearers, is the imposture, the infat. 
 ‘uation, by which, not only multitudes of our countrymen 
 ‘in the new States, but thousands of our brethren in the 
 _yery bosom of New England are at this moment deluded, 
 and led astray from the path of life eternal. But I forbear. 
 I cannot distress your feelings, nor my own, by an at- 
 tempt to describe the baleful influence of such ignorance 
 and delusion upon the holy cause of saving truth, upon 
 the best interests of society, civil and religious ; in a word, 
 ‘upon every thing, valuable to man, as a rational, social, 
 ' nd immortal being. 
 
 _ Enough, fF trust, has been said, to convince every one 
 
 of the existence in our land of a deadly religious pesti- 
 3 
 
‘ 48 & 
 lence as well, as famine, which t 
 
 health and life of more than sgh allaeecomte 
 
 Inett) tio ety the stage, and of coun less 1 nillic 
 
 is. the saab mendes Bu I answer, “the ‘sole 
 rance is knowledge; and of enthusiasm, 
 
 The first is to be acquired by a course Jatnaianaiite: 
 tion; the latter, by diligent and prayerful study, is tobe 
 extracted from the only focetsinigieee eae 
 original word of God. Hence we instantly perceive, acs 
 cording to our statement, the necessity ofa as 
 of skilful spiritual physicians. How ean the:ne 
 supply be obtained? Only by importation from:ab 
 or by education at home. To the:domist fied 
 there are many objections and some imsuperable diffieul- 
 ties; the latter only remains to uss) ee 
 . The necessity of unprecedented exertions anil sacrifices: 
 will be manifest, if we advert to the smallinumber of min- 
 isters, annually furnished by our colleges. From aeompu- | 
 tation; made on a period of thirty years, fairly taken; it ap- 
 pears to be a fact, that six of the colleges in N . 
 viz. Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Rhode Island, Middlebu- ' 
 ry, and Bowdoin annually furnish but twenty eight minis-. 
 ters; a number little more than sufficient:tosupply t 
 al loss of ministers in New England. Small as. this mambex or 
 is, it is probably two fifths of the whole number of ministers, 
 annually educated at all the colleges im the Unite eS, 
 that is seventy ;_ a number, inadequate to. snspatheesh ; 
 which must annually take place Wrertideee educated 
 ministers, if the country already contains so 
 as we have seen, the present deficiency is 6, 
 could we impart 100 ministers a year, it would 
 five years to supply ; at the end of which peric 
 habitants of these States, should they increase, as 
 have done the last thirty years, will amount to 65,000. 
 
sixty millions of which, according to our present course, 
 will be destitute of competent religious instruction ; and 
 most of these, it is to be feared, infidels, or, at best, heathen 
 inachristian land. My heart sickens at the thought. 
 May God Almighty arrest the fatal inthis of this reli- 
 gious pestilence ! 
 
 But is nothing to be done on our part? Yes, every 
 thing, to rouse the attention of the public to the common 
 calamity, and to provide for its relief. Schools are to be 
 multiplied, Bibles distributed ; and, above all, thousands 
 of pious young men must be educated for the ministry ; 
 and this speedily. A little more sleep, a little more slum- 
 ber, and all is lost. Fifty years ago, when the propor- 
 tionate number of learned ministers in New England was 
 double, what it now is, the very word sectary was un- 
 known, except in books. There was then one faith and 
 one baptism as well, as one Mediator and one God. But, 
 should the common degeneracy in religion and morals 
 
  inerease the next half century, as it has the last; millions of 
 | our descendants will not care, whether there be a Mediator 
 or not, one God or fifty. We have no warrant to expect mir- 
 acles. . For seventeen hundred years God has discontinu- 
 ed) the use of them; and buiit up his church by the instru- 
 mentality of talents and learning. The former is the im- 
 mediate gift of God; the latter the effect of education, 
 _ and depends immediately on human exertion; without 
 which, as in all other cases, we have no rational ground 
 | to hope, nor to ask for divine assistance. Let it not be 
 ‘said,,as an objection, the expense of educating so many 
 ihousand ministers is immense. So is the object immense- 
 dh stab and immensely good; and nothing is wanting to 
 achieve it, but enlightened zeal, and united, ssi per- 
 severing ineiiain 
 * Under this impression, and encouraged by the success- 
 fulvefforts of many benevolent institutions, by which our 
 
 i 
 
20 
 
 age and country are happily characterized v vs 
 uals, let it not be thought ei cee 
 formed themselves into a Society by the name of the’ 
 “ American Society for saneonre- pious youth for the 
 gospel ministry.” - bem Tahoe, aie: 
 The motives, views, and feelings of the constituent mem- 
 bers of this Society, its principles and regulations, its offi- 
 cers and their duties, may be learnt from the Constitution, 
 which is in print, from which the following extracts are 
 made. ‘Taking into view,” says the preamble, “ the 
 deplorable condition of the inhabitants of these United 
 States, the greater part of whom, as appears from authen- 
 tic documents and well supported estimates, are either 
 destitute of competent religious instruction, or exposed ta 
 the errors and enthusiasm of unlearned men, we, whose 
 names are underwritten, do hereby, in the fear of Godiand 
 love of man, form ourselves into a Society for the benevo~ 
 lent purpose of aiding, and of exciting others to aid indi- 
 gent young men of talents and hopeful piety, in acquiring a 
 learned and competent education for the gospel ministry.” 
 The views and feelings of the Society are still farther — 
 developed in that article, which assigns to the’ Directors 
 their primary duty, “ which is to superintend the man-_ 
 agement of the funds, and to effect their enlargement, by 
 soliciting, and by appointing agents in distant parts, to 
 solicit, in behalf of the Society, of Christianity, of the, 
 human race, and especially of millions of our own coun. , 
 trymen, perishing for lack of knowledge, the aid, meces~., 
 sary to achieve the glorious object ; by exciting churches | 
 and congregations, to make annual collections 5, by estab- 
 lishing auxiliary Societies in towns, counties, and distant, 
 regions, together with cent Societies and other ita 
 associations of various kinds; by personal addvesses to, 
 rich individuals, and by respectful applications'to Legis. 
 lative pasien and other classes of men; by eee 
 
21 
 extensive correspondencies, and by making known to min- 
 isters, to magistrates, to Christians in general, and to all 
 of every order, age, and sex, in whom are any remains of 
 humanity, the destitute, ruinous state of many parts of our 
 eountry, relative to instruction in religion and morals, the 
 source of all, that is stable in government, happy in life, 
 and safe for eternity ; in a wiinil: by every possible meth- 
 od, calculated to produce i in the mind of every man, wo- 
 man, and child, a heartfelt, operative conviction, that it is 
 the imperious and indispensable duty of every human be- 
 ing, while life remains, to contribute all in his power to 
 the cause of Christ, to the redemption of the souls of his 
 brethren from eternal death.” 
 
 Such, my hearers, are the views and object of this new- 
 ly formed Society ; and such, in part, its Constitution, 
 which now offers itself to the signature, patronage, and 
 cooperation of all good men, either as members, auxilia- 
 ries, or benefactors. 
 
 It seems to be the decided opinion of those, who have 
 | paid most attention to this subject, that “ an immediate 
 | and universal effort must be made, to provide religious 
 \imstruction” for the destitute in our own land, by engag- 
 ‘ing all the pious and well disposed of our nation, to unite 
 and act systematically in this work of self preservation. 
 |The enterprise is one, which will baffle the attempts of 
 ‘individuals, and of a few local, independent Societies, 
 partially informed of the general condition of the nation, 
 ‘and acting under the influence of variant impressions and 
 discordant views. It is an enterprise, which requires 
 | wisdom of plan and uniformity of operation 5 and these 
 require a correct knowledge or statistical view of the re- 
 igious condition of every part of the Union. But this 
 mowledge cannot be obtained, except by a great Society, 
 mmprehending, both in its agency and object, all parts of 
 
 id. Jt is also a fact, supported by experience, that 
 
22. 
 
 one large, well informed, active Society excites the atten- 
 tion and commands much more of the public confic 
 
 than small Societies, however numerous. . A»similar ob: 
 servation might likewise be made with respect to. the effi- 
 ciency of large Societies. There is reason to, believe that, 
 the “ British and Foreign Bible Society” has ‘effected. 
 more since its formation, than would be. effected by fifty. 
 independent Societies in half a century. © This, being, 
 the case, why should not an attempt to form one large 
 Society, to supply our nation, as necessity requires, 
 with a learned ministry, meet publie encouragement, as 
 well, as the Bible Society in London? Surely, not, be- 
 cause it requires more wisdom or unity of plan, or the co- 
 operation of greater numbers, to print and distribute, the. 
 Bible, than to find proper characters, and the/means, ne-_ 
 cessary to supply a whole country with more than 6000, 
 pious ministers of education. Oe aa sal | 
 Tf, then, it is granted, that such a | Society. i is necessary, | 
 at the present lines why not commence it now, and:in this, 
 antient metropolis, so famed for deeds of charity, so justly, 
 styled the cradle of liberty? Oh, let, it also become the, 
 cradle of a pious, learned ministry, which shall be the, 
 glory of this land, a light to the heathen, and the joy, of, 
 Heaven. (hin 44:8 
 Of the practicability of this Sorians iain men of 
 piety and information can no more doubt, than of its nes 
 cessity. What, my hearers, is needful to: its achievment, 
 but proper characters, and means to support them? . Has 
 God said, preach the gospel to every Sa maiden? will 
 he not provide the materials? Does he»require brick 
 without straw? Nay, has he not recently ousiinall 
 mon provision for the work, and thus sanctioned: our ides 
 of a learned ministry, by visiting so many of our College: 
 with the influences of his Spirit? The. means | th 
 silver and the gold, he has furnished in rich abundance 
 
23 
 
 But, in his wisdom and goodness, he has entrusted these 
 to men, as his stewards, that they may have the sublime 
 pleasure of sharing a part in the salvation of their brethren. 
 Nor is this godlike pleasure confined to the rich. Every 
 man has it in his power, by industry and economy, and 
 even the poor widow, by casting in her mite, to share a 
 part in this divine joy, and in the approbation of our di- 
 vine Lord. 
 
 I said in abundance; for is not a nation, that in two 
 years can devote a hundred millions of dollars to the 
 support of war, that destroyer of the human race, able 
 in the course of ten years to apply ten millions, if so 
 much be necessary, to save the souls of men from eternal 
 death? In what way indeed could such a sum be em- 
 ployed, more conducive to the union and iemporal pros- 
 perity of these States, than in the education of a pious 
 ministry? It may perhaps be objected, that such an ap- 
 plication of money is not recognised in the national com- 
 pact. Nor, I shudder at the omission, does it recognise 
 he being, or even the name of Gop. But is not God 
 Hherefore to be worshipped? Does religion therefore 
 j:ease to be the foundation of morality, that sole basis of 
 yermanent government? Does an order of men, quatified 
 )'0 be public teachers of religion, consequently cease to be 
 scessary ? This may be the dogma of infidel philosophy; 
 ut we, my hearers, have not so learned Christ. 
 "Suffer me then, in conclusion of this discourse, and in 
 lace of a thousand considerations, that might be urged, 
 4 ap y to remind you of him, “ who, though he was rich, 
 
 for your sakes became poor; and humbled himself, 
 "became obedient even to the death of the cross.” 
 herefore let the same mind be in you, which was in 
 hrist Jesus; which brought him from heaven to earth ; 
 hich carried him from Gethsemane to Calvary ; remem- 
 Ting always that, “if any man have not the spirit,” the 
 
24 
 benevolent, selfdenying spirit “ of Christ, he is none of 
 his.” Let us therefore imitate his example, or renounce 
 the name of Christians. He gave his life for the redemp- 
 tion of rebels ; in grateful return, let us give of our sub- 
 stance for the salvation of our fellow beings, especially 
 our countrymen. Whatever we do, let us do quickly, for 
 the cries of those, who perish through our neglect, will 
 enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth; and we our- 
 selves are hastening to the judgment. What, O what re- 
 ply shall we be able to make when thus addressed by our 
 compassionate Judge ; ‘my blood I freely shed for your 
 salvation; and gave you various talents, to be employed 
 in my cause. What have you done for me; what for 
 the salvation of your fellow sinners?” O my brethren, as 
 we would wish to escape the doom of the slothful servant, 
 let each of us, as David did, when in distress for the ark 
 of God, “ sware unto the Lord, and vow unto the mighty 
 God of Jacob; surely I will not come into the tabernacle 
 of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not sive 
 sleep to.my eyes, nor slumber to my eyelids; before J 
 have done something for the worship of Jehovah, by con: 
 secrating a part of the substance, he has given “me, to thy 
 education of young Nazarites, to minister at his Altar. 
 
pa 
 
 SOR hegy be sixes’. 
 
 ei). ine Mn ML 4 eee hae i ainas 
 deereevi CONSTIFUTION« 
 edi Fey! ote sping uheily vty Ty hay 
 piven _ OF THE ae ee ies 
 AMERICAN SOCIRTY FOR EDUCATING PIOUS YOUTH 
 _. FOR THE GOSPEL MINISTRY. = 
 The piv dayapaiie Titer: cl ngs: bay Rinna RS 
 » TAKING. into serious consideration the deplorable 
 -eondition of the inhabitants of these United States, the 
 greater part of whom, as appears from authentic docu- 
 Jmenits and well supported. estimates, are either destitute 
 of pe ah religious instruction, or exposed to the er- 
 rors and enthusiasm of unlearned men, we, whose names 
 ‘are underwritten, do hereby, im the fear of God and love 
 sof man, form ourselves into a Society for the benevolent 
 purpose of aiding, and of exciting others to aid, indigent 
 jyoung men of talents and hopeful piety, in acquiring a 
 Jearned and competent education for the Gospel Ministry, 
 “upen the principles and in the manner following, viz. 
 ’ DT. (This Society shall be denominated the American 
 ‘Society for educating pious Youth for the Gospel Minis- 
 Sa ae : ; 4.9 riz 
 si If. Any person, who shall subscribe, and annually pay 
 }into the Treasury a sum, not less than five dollars, shall 
 . member of this Society ; and shall be holden to make 
 }i payment, until by written notice to the Treasurer he 
 all have dissolved his connexion with the Society 5; any 
 ‘Olergyman however, to whom, in his own opinion, it may 
 je inconvenient to pay this sum, may be a member, who 
 ll annually pay, as above, the sum of two dollars only; 
 should any member, for three successive years, neg- 
 to pay his subscription, unless excused by the Socie- 
 |, his membership shall cease. 
 Hf. Any person who shall pay at one time a hundred ~ 
 lars, shall be’a member for life. 
 V. A permanent fund, of which five sixth parts of 
 lie interest only may be expended, shall be formed of be- 
 ests, legacies, donations, grants, and subscriptions, thus 
 | Ppropriated by the donors; and from a portion Of the © 
 
 ; 
 
~ ‘pel, to magistrates, to Cihriatibalean general, aitdisie al 
 
 ‘being, while life remains, to contribute all in his powe 
 
 anual receipts, to be determined from time to time by the 
 Society. ante |irraigoe tah te iananee F he 
 V. The 6ffiders of this Rosicky! shall be a Presider 
 three Vice Presidents, a Clerk, a Corresponding Se 
 ry, a Treasurer, and Auditor, ‘together. with sue h assist- 
 ant Officers and Agents, as experience may prove to be - 
 necessary ;, all which shall be annually chosen by ballot. 
 VI. There shall also be chosen annually a 
 Board of Directcrs, consisting of seven members whose 
 duiy it shall be to superintend the management of» 
 funds and other property of the Society 5» mt 0 of “t , to 
 the utmost of their power, pyiiees a of the same 
 by soliciting, si Wg and ap aaasseon is i n we 
 
 the aid, necessary to este ithe giachenonieiiiie view 3 
 
 by exciting churches and congregations, fo Leap 
 collections for this purpose; and by establishing ¢ lia- 
 ry Societies in towns, counties, and. tenis oaltonas to- 
 gether with cent Societies and other Seam aayen 
 sociations of various kinds, as also associations 
 men of different occupations, especially of) such insoheabe 
 themselves enjoyed the advantages of a liberal: educations 
 by personal and persevering addresses to rich individuals 
 of both sexes, particularly those in single life, and by re- 
 spectful applications to Legislative bodies and other class- 
 es of men; by establishing active and:extensive, c | 
 pondencies, and by making known to ministers of 
 
 of every order, age, and sex, in whom areany:temains of 
 humanity, the. destitute, ruinous Pape ate of 
 our country, relative to instruction in religionan s, 
 the source of all, that is, stable. in’ ‘government, — appy in 
 life, and safe faa eternity 3) ina. word, by every: } ossible 
 method, calculated to produce. in the mi an 
 
 woman, and child, a. heartfelt, operative. eonyietiony.iii 
 itis the imperious and. indispensable duty of every hum an 
 
 the cause of Christ, ifoegiredensp lini of the souls of nis 
 brethren from eternal death, © 9) iin Jnabieog , 
 
 ~  ® 
 
27 
 
 VIL. Qualified candidates for this charity may be aid- 
 ed in each of the several stages of preparatory education 
 forthe ministry. But, except in very singular cases, no 
 applicant shall be assisted, | even in the first stage, who is 
 not fifteen years of age; nor in either stage, shall any 
 ' candidate receive assistance, who shall not produce, from 
 
 serious and respectable characters, unequivocal testimoni- 
 als of real indigence, promising talents, and hopeful piety; 
 nor shall any person be continued on this foundation, 
 whose instructor or instructors shall not annually exhibit 
 to the directors satisfactory evidence, that in point of ge- 
  nlus, diligence, literary progress, morals, and piety, he is 
 a proper character to receive this sacred charity ; in ad- 
 dition to which, each beneficiary, after his admission into 
 any college, shall annually exhibit to the directors a writ- 
 ten declaration, that it continues to be his serious purpose, 
 if his life be ao to devote that life to the gospel min- 
 hp ine 
 
 © VILL. The appropriation of all mionies shall be made. 
 ay the directors:; with whom also shall be entrusted the 
 power of examining and selecting candidates for this chari- 
 | ty: and likewise the power of appointing agents, to exam. 
 ‘ine and recommend to the board applicants, living in dis- 
 tant parts; but the power of placing and continuing a 
 ‘person on this foundation, in either stage of education, 
 | shall be lodged with the directors alone. 
 | IX. If any:person, who has been assisted by the So- 
 _eiety, with a view to the gospel ministry, shall not devote 
 himself to that work; “he shall within a reasonable time 
 refund the sum, expended for his education, with lawful 
 ‘interest for the same, whenever required by the directors. 
 ): Xs." The directors shall appoint a President and Clerk 
 | ‘ai rset board out of ae own erat iy : and have “power 
 
 hburer, Anthitor; or any aide officer of the Society, when- 
 /ever they shall deem it necessary. 
 ») XL Any vacancy, occurring among the officers, may 
 as e supplied, if necessary, by the directors, till the next 
 meeting of the Society. 
 F XII. The President, or ‘in his absence week vgn Vic¢- 
 
x 
 
 ' that every proposed alteration or a 
 
 \, 
 
 28 
 
 the directors, to call special meetings of the Soeie 
 the President of the directors, or in his ) 
 Clerk, shall have power to call special meetings 
 board. 
 XIII. The Treasurer shall be bound orisbi pee re Lies, 
 in a reasonable sum, to be déterihiohie the direct t 
 a faithful discharge of his duty; which shall be to yest 
 the property of the Society in the safest and most produc- 
 tive forms, agreeably to instructions of the diredtoris; to 
 make such payments and advances of money, as they sha ut 
 order; and annually to render to the Pi a a written 
 account of all-receipts and expenditures within the year, 
 _ of the amount of its fund, and of the spi 2 
 vested. Ph aS 
 XIV.. Twenty members shall constitute. a 
 the Society for transaction of business. ves 
 XV. This Society shall meet annually rien 
 of officers, the transaction of other annual 
 hear the report of tis directors, and:to attend 
 ship and a sermon, at such time and place, as geormened 
 shall appoint; and the first meeting of the Society shall 
 be at the. Church in Park Street, Boston, on the last 
 Thursday in October next, at three 0’clock in the after- 
 noon ; at which time the Society shall be organized. — 
 XVI. The first meeting of the directors shall — | 
 pointed by the oldest member of the board 3 and all 
 ture stated meetings shall be appeinien by vote of the di- 
 
 rectors. 
  KVIL Every meeting of the Society and . te 
 tors shall be opened with prayer. 
 
 XVII. This Constitution, but se its c se aC 
 altered and amended by voie of three fourth S¢ 
 bers, present at any annual meeting 5° 3 prot 
 
 been submitted to the Directors, and ap) 
 
 C ad | them, 
 three months previously to its ventas proposed to the So- 
 \ clety. 3 tae 
 \\ Boston, Aug. 29, 1815. Tea ie 
 ie * Ree: Oe ae § 
 che } eed ni ET i 
 , e mers $89 é 
 - m * 2 
 
Our Savior’s Divinity in Primitive Pyrity. 
 
 savocaescoenseneeossoed 
 
 A 
 
 SERMON, 
 
 ON THE 
 
 DIVINE SONSHIP OF CHRIST, 
 AS THE 
 FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLE 
 OF THE 
 
 CHRISTIAN FAITH. 
 
 ; Soedoseocconcsovenenedd 
 BY THOMAS WORCESTER, A. it 
 PASTOR OF A CHURCH IN SALISBURY, 
 
 Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” —petEk. 
 “ On this Rock will I build my Church.”—curist, 
 
 ¥ 
 
  Y 4 & ka é 
 
 CONCORD ¢ 
 PRINTED BY GEORGE HOUGEH, 
 
 JuLny—1810, 
 
WEST, ’ 
 
 y ; ne 
 on” Be ES 4 
 
 Ou ae Diine | 
 ak Sic 
 
Sermon. 
 
 ACTS VIII. 37. 
 I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 
 
 Tuts fhort but very comprehenfive con- 
 feffion of faith was made by the Ethiopian 
 eunuch, preparatory to his receiving the Chriftian 
 baptifm. This man of diftinétion, riding in his 
 chariot, reading in the Scriptures concerning the 
 humiliation of the Meffiah, found favor with 
 God, who fent the apoftle Philip to be his in- 
 ftru&or, Taking for his text the paflage which 
 he found the eunuch reading, Philip “ preached 
 unto him Jefus. And as they pafled on their 
 way, they came unto a certain water; and the 
 eunuch faid, See, here is water, what doth hin- 
 der me to be baptized? And Philip faid, If 
 thou believeft with all thine heart, thou mayeft.” 
 The anfwer was, “I believe that Jefus Chrift is 
 the Son of God.” Then, without delay, this 
 nobleman was baptized.—It is not improbable, 
 that much more than is recorded. paffed on this 
 occafion. But undoubtedly we have the prin- 
 cipal thing, the fummary of. that confeffion of 
 faith on which the eunuch was baptized. 
 
 Hence then we have this doftrine— 
 
 To belicwe, according to the Scriptures, that 
 Fefus Chrift is the Son of God, foould be deemed 
 the Ss article of Chriftian faith. 
 
Let us confider, " 
 
 I, What is the fenfe of Scripture on this, 
 point.—And, : 
 
 Il. Why this fhould be deemed the nana 
 pal article of Chriftian faith. 
 
 I. Let us confider the fenfe of Secipture om. 
 this point, that Jefus Chrift is the Son of God. 
 
 The Scriptures teftify of Chrift, and fhould 
 be fearched as our guide concerning him. There 
 is a fimplicity in the Gofpel, which fhould be 
 facredly regarded in preference to all words of 
 man’s wifdom. Departing, as it is thought, from 
 the fimplicity of the Gofpel, many have afferted 
 that Chrift is the felf-exiftent God; and many. 
 others, that he is only a created being, more or 
 lefs exalted : and of late, it feems to have been 
 pretty generally taken for granted, that Chrift is. 
 either felf-exiftent, or a mere creature. Moft 
 feem to fuppofe that the cafe admits of no me- 
 dium. But it is apprehended, that this general 
 opinion has refulted from the heat of contro- 
 verfy, and that, after all, it will be found that 
 there is a fiplicity of the Gofpel, from which 
 there isa lamentable departure, both: by thofe 
 who fpeak of. Chrift as felf-exiftent, and by thofe 
 who {peak of him as only a created DEN 
 
 In oppofition to thefe. extremes, the fimaple 
 do€trine of the Bible és, that Jefus Chrift is the 
 
 i 
 
 5 
 
 § 
 
5 
 
 Son of God. Some fuppofe they find Biblte 
 language which implies that Chrift is the felf- 
 exiftent God ; but none will pretend that this is 
 fo plainly and fo abundantly aflerted, as that he 
 is the Son of God. Others fuppofe they find 
 Scripture which implies that Chrift is only a 
 created being; but they will not pretend that 
 the Bible aflerts this as it does that he is the Son 
 of God. 
 
 The inftances in which Chrift is emphatically 
 called the Son of God, are very many. And 
 in ftill more inftances, Gaa; the God of Ifrael, 
 is emphatically called the Father of Chrift. And 
 have we any authority for underftanding the 
 words Father and Sox in any other than in the 
 moft proper fenfe? Who can find in the Bible 
 the flighteft intimation, that Chrift is not as re- 
 ally and properly the Son of God, as Haac was 
 the fon of Abraham? Inftead of any fuch inti- 
 mation, are not feveral terms ufed with evident 
 defign to make the matter as clear as poffible 
 that God is the proper Father of Chrift, and that 
 IChrift is the proper Son of God? Why elfe is 
 he fo emphatically called God’s “own Son” “his 
 iy uly Son” —“ the only begotten Sox of God” —and 
 ‘the only begotten of the Father?” Could any 
 | anguage be more ftrong or more decided on this 
 lpoint? Shall we then look after fome figurative 
 or allegorical meaning to this language, as though 
 it were a thing incredible that God fhould, of 
 iis own fubftance, of his own felf-exiftent, in- 
 ielligent nature, give exiftence to a being prop~ 
 
6 
 
 erly called “ his own Son, the brightnefs of his 
 glory, and the exprefs image of his perfon ? PAL! 
 
 Whatever may be the devieas or cet of 
 man’s wifdom in regard to this matter, is it not, 
 my brethren, moft fafe to receive the fimple tef- 
 timony of Scripture, and reft in the belief that 
 Jefus Chrift is truly the Son of God? It is thus 
 that the Scriptures moft diftinguifh him from all 
 other beings. Various, yea, and very many oth- 
 er names and titles are given him; but “ ¢he. 
 Son of God” is in Scripture his moft ‘emphatical 
 and exclufive defignation. Tt was this high and 
 peculiar defignation of himfelf, that enraged the 
 Jews to charge him with blafphemy. He fpake 
 of God as his Father~as Dr. Macknight vend 
 ders it, “ his proper Father ;” and they evidentl 
 underftood him to mean that God was Ne 
 proper Father : for if he had called God his Fa. 
 ther, only as they called God their Father, they: 
 would not have accufed him of” blafphemy a as 
 they did. They underftood him to mean that 
 he was the proper Son of God, a being of moré 
 than human, of more than angelic, yea, a being 
 of divine nature and dignity. * "They counted it 
 greatly to their honor that Abraham was theit 
 father: and they perceived that it was a claim} 
 infinitely higher for Christ to fpeak of himfe elf 
 as the proper Son of God. This was, in thei 
 view, making himfelf God, or as bes bin | 
 
 if 
 
 But Chrift defended himfelf in ‘relpeet to th 
 high claim,and appealed to the works he wroug 
 
7 
 
 n the Father’s name, as evidential that he was 
 he Son of God, and as fuch entitled to divine 
 ,onors. In this we have evidence, that as Adam 
 segat a fon in his own likenefs, after his own 
 mage; fo we are to underftand, that Jefus Chrift 
 s a divine perfon, the image of the invifible God 
 uis proper Father. The proper fon of a human 
 yeing, is another human being: the proper Son 
 of God is likewife another divine being. Al- 
 hough a fon is of the fame comnion nature and 
 order of being with his father, yet in many in- 
 tances fons are, in perfon and character, very 
 inlike their fathers ; but in this cafe we have the 
 uigheft affurance that the Son is “ the brightnefs 
 of the Father’s glory, and the exfre/s image of 
 bis perfon,’ a beloved Son in whom the Father 
 s well pleafed. 
 
 Would an objector fay, Chrift has faid, “Tand 
 ny Father are one,” it may be anfwered, that 
 n john xvii. {peaking to the Father, of his dif- 
 ‘iples, Chrift fays, ** And the glory which thou 
 savelt me, I have given them, ¢hat they may be 
 me, even as we are one. —Now the onenefs con- 
 uted among Chrift’s difciples by the glory he 
 s given them, is not an identity of being, yet 
 is even like the unity of the Father and the Son, 
 
 rift alfo fays, “I proceeded and came forth 
 bm God; neither came I of myfelf, but he 
 lent me.” ‘I came forth from the Father, and 
 im come into the world ; again I leave the world, 
 ind go to the Father.” Do not thefe and many 
 ach things very decidedly exprefs a diftin@ion 
 
$ 
 
 of being between God and Chrift? Yea, does 
 the Bible furnifh any more evidence of this dif- 
 tinGion, between Abraham and Ifaac, or between 
 David and Solomon, or between any other father 
 and fon, than it does of the fame diftin@ion be- 
 tween God and his Son? Would an objector 
 afk, “* If Chrift be another being, and not in his 
 own perfon the felf-exiftent God, wherein is he 
 effentially different from a created angel?” this 
 Bible anfwer is in point, “ Unto which of the 
 angels faid he at any time, Thou art my Son, 
 this day have I begotten thee?” And when 
 he bringeth the firft begotten into the world, he 
 faith, And let all the angels of God worfhip him.” 
 Is not this the language of the Moft High God, 
 as one being, {peaking to, and of, his begotten 
 Son, as another being, and markinle an infinite 
 diftinction between this Son and the higheft or. 
 
 der of angels? - And in view of this, and ar 
 other Scripture of fimilar import, does it not be- 
 hove us to believe, that between the only begotten 
 
 Son of God, and the higheft being created, there 
 is an infinite difparity, although both have ex: 
 iftence from the fame fountain ?* ‘ 
 
 * This appears to awe bec precisely the point of di dif 
 ference between the Arians and the most orthodox of th 
 fourth century, according to Dr. Mosheim and Mr. Milner, 
 The Arians said, ‘‘ That the Son was not begotten of thi 
 Father, that is, ‘produced of his substance ; but only cre 
 ated out of nothing.” [Mosheim’s Ec. Hist. "vol. 1. + pe 4216, 
 But the council of Nice, in the year 325, determinet 
 « That creatures were indeed said to be of God, because 
 not existing of themselves, they had their beginning from 
 
9 
 _ Would any objedtor further afk, How is it 
 that we are not to worfhip more Gods than one; 
 
 ' 4 
 
 x. Seas 
 @eeoevooeooeececaeD 
 ee eS | 
 
 him ; but that the Son was peculiarly of the Father, being 
 of his substance as begotten of him.” [Ch.His. vol.2. p.70.] 
 
 -—We should indeed be very thankful for a better standard 
 
 than names, or councils of men, by which to determine 
 what is Truth, But such as have said they can. see no 
 material difference between the sentiments set forth in 
 these pages, and Arianism, are, desired to look carefully 
 at the foregoing quotations, and see what greater differ- 
 ence they can perceive, between the views of the famous 
 Nicene council, and what that council meant to condemr 
 as heresy. Mr. Milner allows that the council of Nice 
 was ‘in piety and wisdom” far superior to that, which, 
 more than fifty years after, adopted the language which 
 Ke and.other Trinitarians prefer to follow, as will be shew 
 inanother place. Lee Wm 
 
 Dr. Macknight translates Rom. viii. 32. thus, “ He, 
 ertainly, who spared not. Ais proper Son, but delivered 
 im up for us all, how will he not with him graciously’ 
 
 give us all things?” Then he has this note: “He who 
 
 spared not [zdioz] his proper Son-~The word zdiou is much 
 more emphatical here, than the word autow ;. as it is like- 
 wise in John v.18. But said also, that God was patera 
 zdiou, his proper Father. Christ is God’s proper Son, to 
 
 distinguish him from others who are sons of God by cre= 
 
 ation or by adoption, that is, by some temporal dignity 
 conferred on them. No argument was ever addressed to 
 creatures capable of being persuaded or obliged, equal ta 
 this: for while it convinces the understanding, it raises 
 every tender and devout feeling in the heart, and is a con- 
 tinual source both of hope and gratitude.” . 
 
 . “He that planted the eai, shall he not hear? He that 
 formed the eye, shall he not see? He that teacheth man 
 knowledge, shall he not know ?”—Unte man is also given 
 the power of propagating his own likeness; and he can 
 see that this power; in differerit modes, is given to an al- 
 most endless variety of animals, insects, and plants; and 
 shall he suppose that the Giver of all this power could not 
 én any mode have a proper Son? In respect to his hdman 
 
 3 
 
Ks) 
 
 if God and his Son are not the fame bg 
 
 To this it may be anfwered; that we are in 
 ly required to worfhip the Father, and as diftiné- 
 ly required to worfhip the Son ; but at the fame 
 time we are taught, that they are one in divine 
 nature, one in divine fulnefs, one in‘divine work, 
 one in divine authority, and one in divine glory. 
 And we are alfo taught, that when Chrift is dif- 
 tinétly worfhipped, or diftinélly confeffed to be 
 Lord, it is to the gtory of God the Father. — r 
 
 But there are feveral diftina confiderations, by 
 which it may further and more clearly. appear, 
 that Jefus Chrift is the Son of God in the proper 
 fenfe already ae 
 
 rae language of Script J in a refpee 
 his pre-exiftence, is clearly of this import. V 
 not only find him called the Son of God on ac- 
 count of the miraculous conception of his human 
 nature; but in refpeét to him before his" incar- 
 nation, we find fuch language as this, * Before 
 the mountains were fettled, before'the” hills, was 
 L brought forth'—* the firft begotten’ —‘ who 
 is the image of the invifible God’——-t God hath 
 in thefe laft days {poken unto us by his Son, 
 whom he hath appointed heir of alt i a dH 
 
 Cocessessoeoetsevssccone 
 nature, Christ was xo less the Son of pret ba if his 
 birth had been by ordinary generation. Likewise does it 
 not become us to believe, that, in respect to his divine 
 person and nature, he is no less the Son of God, than if we 
 
 could understand, and explain, the mode of his divine — 
 
 generation? In ‘regard to this, is it enough for-us te 
 know that he “ proceeded forth and came from God 2” 
 
ts 
 
 whom alfo he made the worlds.’ And in the 
 days of his flefh Chrift prayed thus, ‘ Father, 
 glorify thou me with thine own felf, with ihe 
 lory which Thad with thee before the world was.’ 
 i it not the moft natural import of all fuch Bi- 
 le language, that in his whole pie Jefus Spt 
 is the proper Son of God ? 
 
 2. Of the ames import is Scripture language . 
 in refpeét to his incarnation. ‘ Wherefore when 
 he cometh into the world he faith, Sacrifice and 
 offering thou wouldeft not, but a dody haft thou 
 prepared me-—*‘God fent his Soa into the world’ 
 
 —‘ God fending his Son in the likenefs of fin- 
 ful fleth’—* God had promifed to David, that 
 of the fruit of his loins, according to the fig “pb, he 
 would raife up Chrift to fit on his throne’-= 
 
 * His Son Jefus Chrift, who was made, of the 
 
 feed of David, accor ding to the fic’ —‘Of whom, 
 as concerning the jle/b, Chrif? came’— Foral- 
 much as the children were partakers of jlefh and 
 blood, be took part of the Jame’—‘ He that. de- 
 
 {cended is the /ame alfo that afcended up far above 
 
 all heavens, that he might fill all things —* What 
 and if ye fhall fee the Son of man afcend up 
 where be was before? Could any language 
 more clearly imply, that a. diftiné being from 
 the Father, the proper Son of God, became the 
 Son of man by incarnation, by taking to himfelf 
 a human body of David's line ? 
 
 3. The language of Scripture, in refpect to 
 the fuffering, death, and refurrection of Chrift, 
 
12 
 
 is of the famei import. ‘ God fo loved the w orld, 
 that he gave his only begotten Son’-—* He lov 
 
 ed us, and fent his Son to be the Propitiation for 
 our fins’ —* He {pared, not his own Son — His 
 
 Son Jefus Chrift our Lord, who was made of 
 
 the feed of David according to the flefh, and de- 
 clared to be the Son of God with powbe' accord= 
 ing to the fpirit of holinefs, by the refurrection 
 from the dead’—‘* Who raifed | up ica | 
 our Lord from the dead’—* Wait : 
 
 from heaven, whom he raifed from the ‘dead cf 
 ‘Who brought again from the dead our Lord 
 Jefus, that great Shepherd ‘of the theep.’ ——In 
 view of thefe things, muft it not appear to.eve- 
 ry one, whofe mind is duly. open. to. the light, 
 that the proper Son of God, in his whole erfon, 
 
 and not merely in his human nature, was given 
 
 and did /ugfer for our redemption # “If all his 
 fuffering was exclufively in his human nature, 
 
 inftead of fo many ftrong expreffions importi 
 that the real fufferer on the crofs was God’s o 
 and only Son in his whole perfon? ‘Can it be 
 true, that Chrift fuffered only in human nature, 
 
 why is it not fo ftated fomewhere in the ening 
 
 and yet be true that ‘ God {pared not his owi’ 
 Son?” or that he raifed our Lord from the dead | B 
 
 Is the mete ‘humanity of Chrift our Lord Jefus, 
 or is his human nature, all that is meant by ‘the 
 great Shepherd of the theep, brought again from 
 
 the dead” Was there datknefs over all the 
 
 earth, did the earth quake, were the rocks rent, 
 and graves opened, becaufe the mere humanity 
 of Chrift fuffered on the crofs ? >In view of thefe, 
 
 ; 
 ¢ 
 
 ¥ 
 
43 
 
 things, the centurion exclaimed ine furprize; 
 “Truly this was the Son of God.” And al 
 not we, my brethren, believe as much ? 2 Shal 
 we not believe that this language on the crofs, 
 é My God, my God, why haft thou forfaken 
 me? was more than the language of fuffering 
 
 umanity, that it was the language of God’s 
 only begotten Son, by whom he had made the 
 earth which quaked, the rocks which rent, the 
 fun which was darkened, and. without whom 
 there was not any thing made ? gt 
 
 4. The language of Chrift, in jek to his 
 own fufficiency, very clearly implies his diftin® 
 exiftence from the Father, as a’proper Son is 
 his whole perfon. This faithful and trne Wit- 
 nefs thus teftified, ‘If I honor myfelf, my honor 
 is nothing ; it is the Father who honoreth me, 
 of whom (fai he to the Jews) ye fay that he is 
 your God’— I can of mine own felf do noth- 
 ing’—* The Son can do nothing of himfelf’— 
 ‘ The Father i in me, he doeth the work’-—‘ All 
 things are delivered unto me of my Father’— 
 ‘ He hath gzven to the Son to have life in him- 
 felf’— “I have power to lay down my life, and 
 Whe’ to take it again ; this commandment have 
 
 received of my Father’'—* All power is given 
 into me in heaven and earth. ——Do not thefe, 
 and many fuch fayings of Chrift, moft naturally 
 and very ftrongly imply, that all his fufficiency 
 was by the indwelling and by the gift of the 
 Father? And by what authority can we un- 
 ‘ke all fuch fayings of Chrift as refpedting 
 
4 > 
 only his humanity? Was his hum 
 fively Lim/elf? If,in all sch aon ments, 
 Chrift meant to be indertaas as iy ing © o his 
 human nature only, why do w find f 
 fuch qualification in his own ae And why 
 do we not find him fomewhere fpea of Me 
 own independent felf-{ufficiency, | ifin any} 
 he thus felt, or could thus fpeak? Has sy Be 
 triarch, prophet, or apoftle, or any. other man 
 whofe name is in the Bible, faid more ¢ of his re- 
 ceiving all his fufficiency from God? And could 
 any language more fully or more obvioufly i im- 
 ply, that while he and the Father are.one in 
 divine nature and glory, they are in bei 
 PREY diftin® as any other i: se ae 
 
 Fl 
 
 ‘of Chrift. "We he of him § ‘Whos en ae the | 
 crofs, defpifing the fhame’ —that he is is forever 
 fit down at the right hand of the majefty in the 
 heavens’ —Alfo that ‘ God hath 7 made that fame 
 efus, whom the Jews crucified, ‘to be both Lord 
 and Chrif’ —That * God hath canted | him to. be 
 a Prince and a Savior’—* Given him val: ower 
 in heaven and earth’—* Ordained hi tobe 
 Judge of the quick and the dead’ a 
 mitted all judgment unto the Son, fl t all men 
 fhould honor the Son even as, they onor [ 1g. 
 Father, who himfelf fays to the ‘Son, ‘ Thy 
 throne, O God, is forever and ever’— nd Jo | 
 faw ‘ ten thoufand times ten thoufand, and thou- 
 fands of thoufands,’ paying divine honors @ 
 
15 
 
 Son of God, ‘ faying with a loud voice, Worthy 
 is the Lamb that was flain’—And he heard a 
 creature in heaven, earth, and fea, ‘ faying,Blefi- 
 ing, and honor, and power, unto him that fitteth 
 on the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever.’ . 
 All this accords with what is written in Philip- 
 pians ii. Having brought into view the humili- 
 ation of Chrift, who in the form of a fervant was 
 obedient unto death, even the death of the crofs, 
 of the fame perfon the apoftle fays, ‘ Where- 
 fore God hath highly exalted him, and given 
 him a name which is above every name, that 
 _ at the name of Jefus every knee fhould bow, of 
 _ things in heaven, and things in earth, and 
 things under the earth, and that every tongue 
 Should confe/s that ‘fefus Chrift is Lord, to the glo~ 
 ry of God the Father.’ n all this, is not Chrift 
 _ evidently fpoken of as a being diftin& from God 
 the Father, and his proper Son? . 
 
 tal 
 
 ' 6. The moft explicit defignation of the pe- 
 _culiar dignity of Chrift zs, that he is the Son of 
 “God. What was the reafon given by a voice 
 from Heaven, why men fhould pay attention 
 ‘to Chrift? ‘ This is my beloved Son, in whom 1 
 | am well pleafed, hear ye him.” And what is 
 the great reafon urged by the writer to the He- 
 | brews, why Chrift fhould be regarded above all 
 ) Others, by whom God has fpoken to mankind? 
 *God, who at fundry times and in divers man- 
 ‘ners fpake in time paft unto the fathers by the 
 Prophets, hath in thefe laft days fpoken unto us 
 ‘by nis Son, whom he hath appointed heir of 
 ‘all things, by whom alfo he made the worlds, 
 
 a 
 
 eS 
 
 H 
 
16 
 the 
 
 who being the brightnefs of his J apie 
 all 
 had 
 
 - exprefs image of his perfon, and u 
 things by the word of his power, when 1 he 
 _ by himfelf purged our fins, fat down on the 
 tight hand of the majefty on high ; ; bei ing | made 
 So much better than the angels, as be ba by i inher 
 itance a more excellent name than rar ba into 
 which of the angels faid he at any t pol 
 art my Son, this day have I begotten | thee = 
 
 The obvious defign of all this is to ae 
 the peculiar dignity of Chrift above ail others, 
 whether men or angels,by whom God has fpoken. 
 And what is that in which his peculiar dignity 
 is here ftated to confift? It is only this, He is 
 THE SON oF Gop. This name he has’ not by 
 ~ ereation, riot by adoption, not as an. honorary, 
 official, or allegorical title, but hie hath it by ins 
 heritance, by original, natural, inherent right. 
 is the only being i in the univerfe unio hom God 
 could at any time fay, ‘THOU ART MY 
 THIS DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN : 
 is what exclufively defignates his Bi eg : 
 ority to the angels: ‘So much better than the 
 angels, fays the apoftle, ‘as he hath by inher 
 itance a more excellent name than they fi hus” 
 definite is infpiration in refpe€& to the perfonal 
 dignity of our Lord Jefus. It oer , of th n 
 angels *fo much’ as his name, THE SON OF 
 Gop, imports more than their name. ” cee 
 
 But to what purpofe is this remarkably defini 
 defignation, if, after all, Chrift is not to be own 
 ed as the proper Son of God, in his higheft pei 
 
1 
 
 fonal dignity? And if any allegorical, or any 
 other than the firft and proper meaning, is to bé 
 affixed to the word Son, where is the pertinency 
 _and the force of this inference, (which is ground- 
 ed on his Sonfhip, as exprefling his fuperiority 
 to all others by whom God has fpoken to man= 
 kind) ‘ Therefore we ought to give the more 
 earneft heed to the things we have heard, left at 
 any time we fhould let them flip.’ 
 
 . In a like définite manner, we aré alf6 
 taught, that to fee the peculiar glory of Chrift, 
 as the WorD in the beginning with God, is to 
 fee his glory as the only begotten of ihe Father. 
 In the frft chapter of John’s Gofpel we read, 
 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word 
 was with God, and the Word was God. The 
 famé was in the beginning with God. All 
 things were made by him ; and without him was 
 not any thing made, that was made. And the 
 Word was made flefh, and dwelt among us, and 
 we beheld his glory, ihe glory as of the only bem 
 gotten of the Father” John wasone of the moft 
 favored in beholding the glory of Chrift, being 
 
 _ one of the eye-witnefles of his transfiguration, 
 when Mofes and Elias appeared and talked with 
 him, and a voice was heard, faying, This is my 
 beloved Son. We, fays this Evangelift, bebeld 
 his glory. Whole glory? The glory of the 
 ‘WorD, who waz, in the begiiining, who was 
 with God, whd was God, and by whom all 
 things were made. This Worp was made flefh, 
 "and we, fays John, beheld bis glory. And how 
 ¢ 
 
18 
 doés he define thi¢ glory? ¢ The seid "y ‘pa oft C 
 only begotten of the Father.’ Is it not the oP ’ 
 import of this very definite Tanguage, tha t, to 
 {ee the peculiar glory of the Word who was 
 in the beginning with God, is nothing a 
 nor lefs than to fee the glory of Chri rift as the ¢ 
 ly begotten of the Father? In thort 8 itn 
 the plaineft import of almoft all the Bi Bible ea 
 concerning Chrift, that he is, in “all 'the heig t 
 of his diftiné perfonality, the proper Son of 
 God? And is there one paflage of feeming i im- 
 port that he is the fetf- exiftent God, which may 
 not, without violence, be otherw iff underftood, 
 conlidering that it hath pleafed the Father that 
 in him fhould dwell all the fulnefs of the God- 
 head, that he fhould bear the higheft names and ; 
 titles, and receive the higheft honors ? | coe 
 
 ae Linde us confider, why it fhould be deem. 
 ed the principal article of the Chriftian ada 
 Jefus Chrift j is the Son of God. aad 
 
 “is ‘This is the great thing concerning ‘Chrift, 
 which was repeatedly teftified by a voice from 
 Heaven. «Jefus, when he was baptized, went up 
 flraightway out of the water : and lo the heavens 
 were opened unto him, and he faw the Spirit 
 of God defcending like a dove, and re up- 
 on him ; and lo a voice from heaven, fay | 
 This is my beloved Son, in whom Lam well Pri | 
 Alfo at the time of his transfiguration, ‘Behold 
 a voice out of the cloud, which faid, This is mj 
 beloved Son, in whom am well pleafed ; hear ye 
 
: 
 
 19 
 bim? We have no account that any thing dife 
 concerning Chrift was teftified in this extraordi- 
 
 nary manner. ‘Then fhould not this be deem- 
 ed the principal! article of Chriftian faith ? | 
 
 2. There is evidence that it was fo saab Ade 
 ed by Chrift. Ona time, he thus interrogated 
 his difciples, ‘ Whom do men fay that I the Son 
 of manam? They faid, Some fay, thou art 
 John the Baptift, fome Elias, and others Jere- 
 mias, or one of the prophets. He faith unto 
 them, But whom fay ye that] am? And Si- 
 mon Peter anfwered, Tou art the Chrift, the Son 
 of the living God. Chrift then bleffed him and 
 faid, * Flefh and blood has not revealed this un- 
 to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.’ And 
 according to the fignificancy of Peter’s name, in 
 reference to the Truth confefled by him, Chrift 
 faid, ‘On this Rock will I build my Church, 
 and the gates of hell fhall not prevail againft it.’ 
 Is there any other point of doGtrine fo emphat- 
 ically defignated by Chrift as the fundamental 
 article on which his Church fhould be built and 
 ftand forever ? 
 
 3. . There is evidence that it was fo confider- 
 ed by the apoftles. Philip admitted the Ethio- 
 pian eunuch to Chriftian baptifm on the confef- 
 fion of that very point of doétrine, in refpeé to 
 which Chrift had faid, ‘ On this Rock will T 
 
 build my Church.’ This was alfo the very con- 
 
  feffion with which Saul (afterwards Paul) began 
 
 M4 Ris miniftry. Being converted, and authorized 
 
20 
 
 for the aie ‘ ftraightway he preached ong 
 in the fynagogues, that he is the Son of God. 
 One, who had doubtlefs examined with care, 
 fays that the apoftle John has mentioned Chrift 
 as the Son of God fifty times—and the Father. 
 of Jefus Chrift the Son, more than one hundred 
 and thirty times, in his Gofpel and Epiftles, 
 And this apoftle fays exprefsly, ‘ Who i is he that 
 overcometh the world,but he who believeth that 
 Jefus Chrift is the’ Son of God ? Moreover, he 
 gives his reafon for writing his Gofpel, in ‘thefe 
 words, ‘ That ye might believe that Jefus.is the 
 Chrift, the Son of God.’ Can fuch evidence 
 be produced to thew that any thing elfe i is of 
 firft importance as an article of faith?” 
 
 4. ‘To believe that Jefus Chrift is the proper. 
 Son of God, may appear to be of firft confe- 
 quence, if we confider how needful this is to a 
 difcoyery of the moft affecting reality i in his hu- 
 miliation, fuffering, and death. If we view him 
 
 as only a created being, of exiftence lefs than for- 
 ty years before his death, then how can we find 
 any thing in his birth, fafferings, and death, fo. | 
 yery extraordinary and humiliating as the Scrip- ‘| 
 tures represent ? ? Have not many others been 
 born i in a condition as low, and, to human view, 
 fuffered as much or more, and. all with great pa- 
 tience and refignation ? Or if we, view Chritt 3 
 as God in fuch a fenfe that he could not fuffer in P| 
 any other than human nature, then in his birth, # 
 life, and death, how much more of real humili- 
 ation and fuffering can we find, than if he "hal - 
 
at 
 
 been only aman? Butif we view him as the 
 
 roper Son of God, ‘ fet up from everlafting, or 
 Rice the earth was,’ brought up’with the Father, 
 and ‘daily his delight,’ * by whom alfo God 
 made the worlds,’ then may we not fee rea/ and 
 very affecting humiliation in his taking the body 
 prepared for him, thus becoming poor for our 
 fakes, enduring the contradi€tion of finners 
 againft himfelf, obedient unto death, even the 
 death of the crofs? Isit not, my brethren; on- 
 ly in this view that we can fee in Jefus Chrift 
 real condefcenfion, humiliation, and fuffering, 
 | anfwerable to the natural import of Scripture 
 _Yeprefentations ?* 
 
 5. The high importance of this article of 
 faith may farther appear, by confidering how 
 needful it is to a difcovery of the great evil of fin 
 as declared by the fufferings and death endured 
 to make atonement. If we view the real fuffer- 
 er on the crofs as only a created being, or as one 
 ‘fuffering only in human nature, how far muft 
 our apprehenfions of the evil of fin thence re- 
 fulting, fall fhort of what muft refult from a 
 view of the proper Son of God, the exprefs i im- 
 age of his perfon, bearing our fins in his own 
 body on the tree? Is it not evident that from 
 i looking on him whom we have pierced, view- 
 
 + * Itis objected, that if Christ i is the proper Son of God: 
 in the high sense which has been given, he could, as such, 
 “Bo more suffer than the self-existent God. But is not this 
 * objection of man’s wisdom, and vain philosophy? Ta 
 y mind, the evidence is conclusive, that Christ is the 
 oper Son of God, and that “ though he were a Son, he 
 dearned obedience by the things which he st fered, t 
 
 ii! 
 ) 
 
22 
 
 ing him as God’s own and only Sor ing o 
 9 crofs the iniquities of us all, muft ef ‘hich 
 a fenfe of our own guilt and ill defert, as cannot 
 arife from any view of Chrift, as fuffering only 
 asaman? Hence, 1 epee Ls Side 
 6. How needful is this view of th Sayior, 
 to the cleareft difcovery of divine love and afton- 
 ifhing grace in our redemption! Con ider the | 
 Gofpel reprefentations of this— God fo loved 
 the world, that he gave his only begotten Son’—- 
 * Gave him to be the propitiation for our fins —— 
 * Spared not his own Son’—and the like. Now 
 if in our view of him who was given and died 
 for us, we leaye out the proper Son of God, and | 
 fubftitute only a human foul in his place, how 
 can we underftandingly, and in the oft is | 
 ing fenfe, ‘behold what manner o love t en 
 Father hath beftowed on us? _ An apofll 
 
 / 
 pa 
 
 tk wo 
 rhe 
 
 €, hag 
 
 faid, ‘ Ye know the grace of our Lord Jeft i 
 Chrift, that though he was rich, yet for your 
 
 fakes he became poor, that ye, through hs pov- 
 erty, might be rich.’ But how can we know, 
 or have any adequate idea of this grace, without) 
 believing that the proper Son of God, who he 
 glory with the Father before the world was, did 
 really become poor for’ our fakes, in taking on 
 him the form of a fervant, in which he learned) 
 as a child, felt all the infirmities, wants and fors) 
 rows of our nature, and was obedient unto death, 
 even the death of the crofs? Can we, my 
 brethren, can we poffibly fee the precious, the. 
 invaluable nature of that blood by which we 
 
23 
 have been redeemed, without viewing it as thé 
 | blood of God's own and only Son? 
 
 7. Confider how needful it is to have this 
 _ view of Chrift, that we may have the moft clear 
 and comforting difcovery of him as Mediator. 
 In what other view of Chrift can fuch real and 
 adequate mediatorial qualifications be contained ? 
 Certainly not in any view of him as a mere cre- 
 ated being. And when he is viewed as the felf- 
 exiftent God, {his human nature only excepted) 
 is it poffible to have any other than a very con- 
 _ fufed idea of him as Mediator? In fhort, in this 
 view, can any real Mediator be found? Is not 
 a Mediator one diftinét being between two par-~ 
 ties? But if Chrift and God are the es 
 where then ‘iis the Mediator between God and men? 
 
 Ys he found in fuch humanity of Chrift as has 
 no diftin@ perfonality? Of the fentiment, that 
 God and Chrift are one being, is it too much to 
 fay, it takes away our Mediator fo that we can- 
 | not find him? It is not thus when Chrift is 
 viewed as the proper Son of God. In this view 
 | is contained a real Mediator, pre-eminently qual- 
 “ified for all the purpofes of this high office. In 
 | the Son of God we have a diftinét being between 
 | God and mankind; one who is really of divine 
 dignity, and yet our brother as a partaker of 
 flefh and blood; one deeply interefted for the 
 “honor of God, and yet naturally concerned for 
 ur welfare, and touched with the feeling of our 
 infirmities; one in whom is every thing which 
 ‘could in any reafon be defired in a Mediator. 
 “Flere is one who cow/d, as a diftin® party, co- 
 
 a 
 
24 
 
 venant with God in refpect to our red smptior 
 who could fay, ‘Lo I come th . 
 God;’ who could receive a promife O 
 ferve him as the reward of his m ediatori; 
 and one who is ‘ a merciful and faithf 
 
 Prieft in things pertaining to God, to mal 
 conciliation for the fins of the people; 1 m1 
 that he himfelf hath fuffered, being tempted,.he 
 is able to fuccor them that are ener Ii, 
 
 8. Without believing that Jef tus fas Chrift $s tru- 
 iy the proper Son of God, how can we -under- | 
 -ftand the Scriptures in refpect to his exaltation, 
 and confefs that he is Lord to the glory | of God 
 the Father? Can we rationally believe, t that any 
 mere creature is exalted as the Scriptures teftify 
 concerning Chrift? Or can we poffibly under-_ 
 ftand what is faid, and all that is faic h of his 
 exaltation, as having refpe&t only to his human 
 nature? This certainly muft be all o! ‘him, that | 
 can be exalted, if in his divine perfon he i is ‘the 
 felf-exiftent God. That God who is felf-exiftent 
 changes not. He is above recetving a name whichl 
 is above every name, above being made both Lord 
 and Chrift, above having all power given unto 
 him in heaven and earth.’ One ie the fe | 
 being cannot confiftently {peak of exalting h 1im=_ 
 felf at his own right hand. And can thefe things: 
 all be fpoken exclufively of fuch human nature 
 of Chrift as has no diftin& pete Is this” 
 the recipient of all power? Ofa OV 
 every name? And the conftituted I he 
 univerfe ? This certainly feems too ) much t to bes 
 lieve without fuch warrant as is not found in the 
 
25 
 i | Bible. But viewing Chrift as the propet Son of 
 ‘God in his whole perfon, no fuch difficulty is 
 found in regard to his exaltation. In this view 
 __we fee not a being created out of nothing, but 
 . ' one who proceeded and came forth from God; 
 _. his exprefs image, and therefore one whom the 
 Father may well delight to honor, and whom 
 forus to honor is to honor the Father alfo.— 
 Viewing Chrift asthe proper Son of God, it is 
 as eafy to fee how he could be exalted by the © 
 pleafure of the Father, as it is to fee how the 
 pleafure of David could advance his fon Solomon. 
 to the kingdom. And as we can hardly fee 
 how the fubjeéts of David could have honored 
 him more than they did in receiving, at his com- 
 mand, Solomon for their king; likewife may 
 we not {ee that there is no way in which we 
 can more honor the only true God, than in re~ 
 ceiving, as our Lord and Savior, his beloved 
 Son, who bears his ewn image, and all the ful- 
 nefs of the Godhead ? 
 
 IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 | 1. IS it not lamentable, that the beft men; 
 ' and moft evangelical writers, fhould depart fo 
 | much from Goipel fimplicity in fome language 
 i they ufe concerning our Lord Jefus Chrift ?-— 
 )) The language had in view is not that in moft 
 |) common ufe among Chriftians of any denomi- 
 |Ynation. The Bible abounds fo much in expref- 
 |, fions importing that God and Chrift are proper- 
 ily Father and Son, that the common language 
 i D 
 
fabjeats, is fii in the fend 
 
 that expreffions of contrary in 
 prayer, converfation, or preachit 
 ufed with defign to bear againft { 
 pofed error. When Chriftians hat . 
 out of mind, they generally pray, and talk, a 
 write, as though they really believ | God’ 
 Chrift to be Father and Son united in 
 
 things | of our falvation, and yet diftina 
 But in oppofing what they confider « 
 cerning Chrift, it is common for the m 
 gelical Leachees and writers to fpeak « ° 
 felf-exiftent, as a fecond co-eternal pe 
 Godhead, as the God befide whom t 
 other, the felf-fame being as the Father; 
 words of fimilar import. Now it muft bea 
 that fuch expreffions are not only againft 
 natural i import of the words Father an 
 much ufed in refpe& to God and Chrift, 
 fo againft the moft natural import of much of 
 Scripture language, fuch as this, ‘ There is ane’ 
 God, and one Mediator between Gadpmdunss:: 
 
 Lord Jefus Chrift’—* The God bis our I Tow 
 fus Chrift.’ ‘God, who brought again from 
 
 dead our Lord Jefas.” ‘God hath highly ex 
 alted him,’ ‘The throne of God and 
 Is not all this and much other Bible lar 
 parted from? Yea, is it not in its mof 
 import, contradicted by fuch vai, ex 
 as are often ufed in alae in refpe 
 
27 
 
 mot only a departure from the moft natural im- 
 i pore of Bible language in general, but alfo from 
 the language of the Chriftian fathers in the firft 
 centuries. A late celebrated church hiftorian, 
 fond enough of fuch expreflions as are had in 
 view, feems to have been unable to preduce a 
 fingle inftance of any ufe of them till more than 
 three hundred years after Chrift. He exhibits 
 the language of a number of the moft eminent 
 writers of thofe days, in refpe@ to the Father, 
 Son, and Holy Spirit ; but it is according to Bi- 
 ble fimplicity, without any expreffion like that of 
 felf-exiftent, or co-eternal Son, or any other of 
 the import that God and Chrift are one being.* 
 No expreffion of this fort feems to have been 
 brought into ufe in the Church, till the contro- 
 verfies of the fourth century had tifen fo high as 
 to produce one general council after another. 
 One of which adopted and fan@ioned that kind 
 of Trinitarian language which yet continues in 
 
 general ufe.T 
 
 ‘ * Mr. Milner has evidently made it an object in his 
 _ History of the Church of Christ,” to strengthen the 
 Trinitarianism of the present day. It may therefore be 
 presumed, that he could find no language of the ancient 
 fathers more to this purpose than he has given. 
 
 ~ + Dr. Mosheim, speaking of a council at Constantino- 
 ple, in the year 381, says, “ An hundred and fifty bishops, 
 vho were present at this council, gave the finishing touch 
 to what the council of Nice had left imperfect, and fixed 
 | a full and determinate manner the doctrine of Three 
 RSONs in onE Gop.”—Mr. Milner, in his “ History of 
 he Church of Christ,” vol. 2, pages 184 and 185, speak- 
 
28 
 Thus it appears, that the heat of c roverly, 
 
 in.a degenerate ftate- of the Chrif 
 gave rife to fuch expreflions as aferibe 
 co-eternity as a diftiné perfon, and ut 
 ing with the Father. And what, my bre 
 is gained by receiving the full import of : 
 language concerning Chrift?) Is there ‘any ‘real 
 gain in refpect to the dignity of his charaéter, and } 
 his fufficiency for our falvation ? ” Is there not | 
 as much fufficiency in all the fulnefs 
 
 t idib ey 
 
 Geecsterevecesssose ; sa hia tie hls a 
 ing of the same council, says, “ it was very ‘he 
 disorderly, greatly inferior, in piety and wee mo ) 
 Nice.” A little further on, he says, “ TAR. w oer 
 and charity was low at this time.” And yet on the same 
 page he says, “‘ This council very accurately defined'the 
 doctrine of the Trinity ; and, enlarging a little the Nicene, _ 
 creed, they deliv fered it as we now haye 1 it in our ee & 
 munion service.” In vol. 2, page 93, 5} eaking 
 Flavian, Mr. Milner says, « This same he bene ; 
 first who invented the Doxology, Glory de medeiiele 
 the Son, and the Holy Ghost.”’” How long a. @ 
 ventions of aday, acknowledgedly degenerate, De treated 
 as more sacred than words of Holy Writ, or be 
 ciously kept in use in preference to the language Inspi- { 
 ration! A complaint of novelty and innovation has been _ 
 made against the views these pages contain ; but ba 
 innovation of a council “ greatly inferior in piety a1 ; 
 dom,” and in which “ faction was high and ch ri 
 low,” has been more or less followed by almost atin oe 
 Christian world, for more than fourteen hundre years, F 
 ask seriously, is it not time to return back to ry igaes a 
 of a purer state of the church?, A feebie ort a little, 
 contributary to this, I should contemplate with pleas e 
 as the last public act of my precarious life.—By another 
 hand,~a more full view of historical evidence, in regard tO 
 this matter, is in forwardness for publication, aor will 
 probably soon appear. \ » oe ate ; 
 
ia 
 he 29 
 ; , which dwells in the Son, as any imagina+ 
 tion can aferibe to a fecond co-eternal’ perfon of 
 ‘the fame being ? Rather, is there not much lof 
 by receiving the full impart of fuch exprefiions ? 
 _ Does it not go to exclude the proper Son of God 
 . from our Redeemer, and fubftitute only a buman 
 pul i in his place ? Doesit not oblige us to under= 
 _ ftand the words Father and Son, sti a great ma- 
 ny other things concerning God and Chrift, in 
 fome allegorical or myftical fenfe? Or rather, 
 does it not make a great part of Bible language 
 without meaning to our underftandings ? Does 
 it not carry us beyond a poflibility of finding the 
 Son given to be a propitiation for our fins? The 
 own Son whom God fared not? The Son whom 
 God raifed from the dead ? ‘The Son whom God 
 hath exalted with his own right hand? The Soz 
 unto whom all judgment is committed? And 
 the Son who will come in all the glory of the 
 Father, with the holy angels? And feeing it ad- 
 mits only that the human nature of Chrift fuffer- 
 ed, does'it not exceedingly diminifh the atone- 
 “ment, and depreciate the grace of our falvation ? 
 Dees it not alfo very much darken the whole 
 fabje& of revealed religion, and help its enemies 
 in their warfare againft the truth as it is in Jefus? 
 : s it not then to be greatly lamented that fuch lan- 
 guage fhould be kept in ufe fo much, and be 
 deemed fo facred as it is, by fo many "worthies 
 who are fet for the defence of the Gofpel ? 
 
 | i 2. Should not the article that Jefus Chrift is 
 the Son of God be moft explicitly and very 
 
guatdedly contained in aie 
 and ey uled Mie 
 
 pi eu it rene inetd ig 
 contain, the cai of r 
 
 and the fob, corner. ire oft 
 fhould it not be contained a 
 
 * int have a natural i pc 
 the minds of men in refpe& to Bible doé r% ne. 
 It is therefore obvious that they thould be f 
 formed as to give the ftrongeft prepofleffions in 
 refpeé to thofe things of moft importance. ‘Great ' 
 care fhould be taken that evety expreffion be fach — 
 as may help to aright underftanding of thes 
 
 tures, and nat lead to any mifaj 
 And as the article, that Jefus Chrift i 
 
 of God, is fo evidently the Saint 
 
 on which the true ce is boca care fi 
 
 the moft facred refpe& to the langua 
 Holy Spirit. And had fuch care b 
 all the writers of creeds and catechifm , itis k 
 lieved much unhappy controverfy in heChrift 
 church, and much darknefs and confufio 
 humble minds, would haye been prev : 
 
 ‘ ihe 
 “y) ae 
 eee sooee Beortecerceene 2s 
 
 * Sip ieee, the instead of the 6th ey. 
 in the Shorter Catechism, we had this,  F 
 
BA. ih iiilied ‘ 
 a 
 
 3t 
 
 i ' 
 
 3. What elfe fhould be fo much made a teft 
 of orthodoxy as this article, that Jefus Chrift is 
 the Son of God? What elfe has been fo em- 
 phatically announced by a voice from heaven? 
 What elfe was treated by Chrift and by his apof. 
 tles as of fo much importance? What elfe is fo. 
 much a pre-requifite to the moft affeting appre- 
 henfions of what has been done for our redemp= 
 tion, to the moft comforting views of the Medi- 
 ator between God and man, and to the cleareft 
 conceptions of the exaltation of Chrift as Lord 
 of all? In a word, what elfe is fo much the 
 Rock on which Chrift faid he would build his 
 ehurch? Then is not this the main point of 
 semanas on which Chriftians fhould receive and 
 
 ‘VeooescosssooeresssuveD 
 
 oat true God revealed himself to us?” “ The only true 
 God has revealed himself to us thro’ his Son Jesus Christ, 
 unto whom he has given his Spirit without measure.” — 
 And suppose the 21st and 22d answers were in this form, 
 “The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus 
 rist, who, being the only begotten Son of God, became 
 7 and has now two distinct natures in one person for- 
 — Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking 
 aself a true body, being conceived by the power of 
 oly Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, and 
 born of her, yet without sin.” Would notall this be per- 
 
 line nt, and exactly accord witli Scripture representations ? 
 hd if the Catechism, in such gospel simplicity, had been" 
 ich used as in its présent form, where is the humble 
 mn who would now have felt any difficulty in respect 
 vhat is contained in the foregoing pages? But having 
 ‘Tead the Bible, supposing its meaning must all agree 
 1a few words in the Catechism, which should have 
 ‘Omitted, many wil! probably feel, in respect to what 
 w before them, as otherwise they never would have 
 
 i 
 
a 
 
 bree fellowfhip one with, anot 
 man believe that Jefus Chrift 
 according to the moft properi 
 Father and Son, by what autl 
 denounced as an heretic for this Or 
 not believing that the Father an Son are 
 
 one and the fame being ? *—Has he far more 
 
 not 
 ground to charge herefy againft ‘thofe it “i 
 much depart from the fimplicity of G 
 
 guage in ref{pe&t to our Lord Jefus? if "Bet be 
 
 jap aba aol 
 cdecedcarccasceceeeese 1 5 .. a / : 
 
 * Ask those who are most ready to charge heresy in 
 this case, what they mean by “ three co-eternal persons 
 in one God,” and one will say he means threé distinct. 
 #pents in one being; another will say he has no idea of | 
 any thing more than the three principal attributes of God, 
 power, wisdom, and goodness, personified ; another wil t 
 say, he has no idea of any thing more than of ; one being 
 acting in three distinct offices ; and another 1 is 
 all a mystery, about which he can give no account. "aed 
 them also why Christ is called the Son of God; cen one” 
 will say, he is so called principally in respect toz 4 
 
 eneration of his divine nature ; and anothet ? h 
 he j is so called exclusively in respect to : 
 conception of his human nature. Now why. 1 not 1 
 charge heresy one against another? Are they 0 
 vented only by all agreeing to use, with ve ery 
 meanings, or without any meaning, the ter 
 in three persons, the same in substance?” is 
 another reason, is it not this, that the mos ' 
 language in a formal manner, rarely, i : oH 
 what they mean by it? Now is it not worthy of ous 
 inquiry, whether there be not a radical defect in d to. 
 this matter? And whether it be not expedie ent to ee on- 
 tinue the use of such Trinitarian terms @s area und 7 
 the Bible, until learned divines, of the same 
 thodoxy, can unite in using them with some defi 
 avowed meaning ? 
 
 | 
 
. 
 it from me to charge fch brethren with here, 
 > long by their more common language i in 
 
 tal A and preaching, they give 
 idence that their hearts embrace and reft on 
 the precious truth, that God gave hisSon to be 
 the propitiation for our fins. Ms 
 
 i? 
 
 aa Should any man be timid or rab in 
 refpea to ferious inquiry on the fubject before 
 us?* Whether the true fenfe and meaning ‘of 
 Scripture, in refpe& to Chrift, has now been 
 given or not; yet it muft be allowed by all, who 
 
 - pay any deference to the Bible, that to believe, 
 in fome fenfe, that Jefus Chrift is the Son of God, 
 
 _is a principal thing. Certainly then it is of im- 
 
 * Ts there not, at the present + much fear, too much 
 like that of those who did not confess Christ, lest they 
 should be put out of the synagogues? * Do not too many~ 
 appear afraid fo look at thé subject of Christ’s divinity 
 with any new inquiry, or with careful attention to any 
 _ sentiments and arguments out of the common track, lest 
 
 ‘they should be suspected of a departure from some popular 
 Berit of orthodoxy, and fall under such anathemas as 
 ) Many are ready to pour forth?—-What was the accu- 
 ation urged by the Jews, before Pilate, against Christ ? 
 Did they say he called himse'f the self-existent God, or a 
 econd co-eternal person of the only true God? No—but 
 hey said, “ he cvght to die, beeause he made Aimself the 
 fon of God.” '—If the divine Sonship of Christ, in the sense 
 given, be not proved in the foregoing pages, how is it 
 bossible to prove any thing by the Bible? For if the nat- 
 
 ral import of Scripture testimony, so abundant in respect 
 D this point, may be set aside, why may we not getaway . 
 rom all Bible testimony, in respect to human depravity, 
 redestination, regeneration, future punishment, and ev- 
 ry thing else? : 
 
34 
 
 portance to learn in qwhat Sinfe this thou 
 believed: and all timidity and back wardnefs 
 refpect to looking i into the fubje@, mutt be rep+ 
 rehenfible.—Let it be confidered. , that the time 
 thas been, when, to confefs Chrift as the Son of 
 God, was to fet at defiance all the terrors of per-_ 
 fecutién unto death, ‘Let (eaNae eonfi ered, 
 that the Son of.God has. faid, ‘ He that confeff- 
 eth me before men, him alfo will I confefs before 
 my Father who is in heaven;’ and that he has 
 alfo faid, ‘ Whofoever fhall be afhamed of me 
 "and of my words, of him alfo fhall the Son of . 
 man be afhamed when he fhall come in the-glo- 
 ry of the Father with the holy angels,’ , Be then 
 of a ready mind to receive the truth as it is in 
 Jefus—Be ready as the eunuch was, to receive — 
 help in, fearching the Scriptures, which-teftify of 
 Chrift; and let nothing deter you from receiv- — 
 ing sid acknowledging their plaineft PA 
 concerning him. ‘ 
 
 s. Let all be fenfible, that it is not enough | 
 to affent with the underftanding to the truth as 
 it isin Jefus. The eunuch believed with all hig 4 
 heart; he had faith immediately productive of of 
 obedience to Chritt believing that he was the” 
 Son of God, he gratefully accepted his falvation P | 
 fubmitted to his authority, confeffed. hit = 
 men, was baptized in his name, and vem a 
 his way rejoicing. - Have you, my hearers, fuch 
 hearty, fuch obedient! faith in the Lord Jeli ish 
 Such as have, may well be joyful in your King, 
 in your sti ac in ssi — " your fal. 
 
35 
 
 wation.. He ‘is the Son of God, and .yet your 
 brother.as the Son of man, made perfect through 
 fufferings, perfetly acquainted with all your in- 
 firmities, temptations, and forrows. His blood 
 -of atonement is of infinite value to cleanfe you 
 from all fin. He is a Son in whom the Father 
 is well pleafed, whom he heareth always, who 
 ‘is therefore a moft powerful Advocate and Inter- 
 ceflor for you. He has all power in heaven and 
 earth. He is indeed mighty to fave, able to 
 keep you from falling, and to prefent you fault- 
 lefs before the prefence of his glory with exceed- 
 
 ing joy. 
 
 But how many pees not yet believed with all 
 the heart! ‘You will, it is prefumed, allow that 
 jefus Chrift is the Son of God. But how far 
 are you from believing with the heart unto 
 righteoufnefs! How far are you from treating 
 Jefus according to his dignity, and accordingto 
 the love manifefted in his unfpeakable humili- 
 ation and fufferings forwur redemption! How 
 little do you think of Chrift, whofe Son he is, 
 
 sand how worthy to be rece ot confeffed, and. 
 beyed as your Savior! How little do you con- 
 der*your great need of a part in him, what 
 yrath muft come upon you if you do not foon 
 obtain redemption through his blood, even the 
 orgivenefs of fins, and what you would gain by 
 earing his voice to-day !—How can you be fo 
 iconfiderate in refpect to things fo inexpreflibly 
 important! How can you any longer turn away 
 | ftom the Son of God, whofe language is, ‘Come, 
 
* 
 
 I ae ile ive i 
 _by angels was ftedfaft, 
 and difobedience receiv 
 reward, peel 
 great falvation v 
 
 rea 
 Si 
 pe 
 ‘ger 
 : 
 ay 
 
 _ 
 a 
 me ies page 
 meitt Ply 
 -_ : 
 4j# ne? P 
 Cy dhe aad | 
 
 + ; oe bite ey, # 
 pe tie see parrbaress 
 
 ata he a 5) Y" hu) 6 ie 
 
 r all ante fe 
 
 ih 
 
 oa Be ¥e@ bl why) Ba Weis 
 ae gad het Bi Ak Me i ; a 
 
 ‘aN 
 
 hae 
 
 eer’ 
 he a 
 
A 
 
 SERMON, 
 
 DELIVERED IN 
 
 BOSTON, 
 - SEPTEMBER 18, 1814. 
 PUBLISHED 
 
 AT THE REQUEST OF THE HEARERS. 
 
 AS 
 
 BY WILLIAM ELLERY CHANNING, 
 Minister of the Church in Federal-Street 
 
 RES 
 
 BOSTON : 
 
 PUBLISHED BY HENRY CHANNINE, 
 No. 5, Marlborough-Street. 
 
 oe. 4 
 
 J, T. BUCKINGHAM, PRINTER, 
 1814, 
 
In the present state of our country, the author has not felt 
 himself at liberty to reject the urgency of those, who have re- 
 quested this discourse for the press. It is always with great re- 
 Juctance that he addresses the publick on political subjects. But 
 the moment has come, when private feelings are to be discarded, 
 
 ‘A good citizen owes himself to his country, and he will withhold 
 ‘no effort, however feeble, which may purify and elevate publick 
 sentiment, or in any manner contribute to publick safety. 
 
Ey sabes ies 4 he eo 
 i oe "i Odes 
 Be instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart %, 
 
 ~ from thee ; lest I make thee desolate. an 
 
 -" 44 
 
 Pes LA . - a 
 oT HESE words were addressed by God to his ancient = 
 people Israel, at a period of great national calamity, when 
 
 Ae destructive anes were ready to epee hee truss, 
 
 SO its. At Prag oo moment God sent his ee 3 
 prophets to wat 
 “to reflection 
 _ amendment would secure his favour. I have chosen these 
 } words as applicable to our present, calamitous oo 
 Be thou instructed,” is the language God | address- 
 es to this people, ‘lest I make thee desolate.” a 
 - At sucha moment as this, when every mind is fixing 
 igs ttention on n the state of the countr a fas im. phe 
 
 rn the people of their danger, to call them. 
 eng repentance, and to assure them that 
 
 o€s not Se him to separate bios from the coms 
 7 . , ae a . ¥ 
 
me nj -.. to forget that he i 1S a 
 4 ings of a man. The ‘religion 
 ‘thy catile publick spirit, and a strong a1 
 if all by whom he i is surrounded. He 
 his sacred fancttin, were he not to 
 
 ae é 
 
 als 
 
 sympathize with its prosperous and ac 
 and to WERE over its falling ois Th 
 
 tions, _ affords instructions ‘iad motives. 
 
 * ” "every Perdition whether of individuals or ¢ 
 
 sa * You will not then consider me as 
 4 eu of ‘religious teacher, if I speak to you of |  ¢ 
 x. claims of our country oe we! atinelooe aS ¢ 
 
 _and attempt to point out your duti 
 
 a 
 ane: 
 
 ‘emn period. x 
 - _ The present is indeed a solemn pala, 2 | The 
 7 * reverse which this country exhibits astoni 
 as depresses us. But a few ye 
 
 “the eminence bed aii “aah 
 
 - shor S, Ss. ba “ an ocean fide Solana eve gnc 
 
 to ore the a ae of her conflicts. Who « 
 
 f. ~.. haye anticipated the chan; e which a few years 
 made ? — ~And i is it indeed t ‘ue, that from this h 
 Me have sunk, so low, that our commerce Is sw 
 
 ocean, that industry has forsaken our cities, t 
 
 that our r confident is = lags fear, hia 
 
 pi? 
 
xf business has given Le to the din of arms, that some 
 of our citizens are perishing in foreign prisons, and others 
 "shedding their blood on a foreign soil, that hostile fleets 
 scatter terror through our coasts, and flames through our © 
 
 cities, that no man feels secure, that the thought of inva- 
 sion and slaughter mingles with the labours of the day, 
 
 "and disturbs the slumbers of the night, and that our . 
 ca 
 
 tional government, empoverished, and inefficient, 
 _afford us no protection from such imminent danger ? 
 Yes—this is true—we need no reasoning to convince us 
 of its truth. We sec it in the anxious countenance, in 
 the departing family, in the care which removes our 
 possessions, in the obstructions and perplexities of bu- 
 siness, and in the €vents which every day brings to our 
 ears. At such a moment, it becomes each man to ask 
 himself what are his duties, what the times demand 
 from him, in what manner he may contribute to the 
 
 | public safety. It is a time for seriousness, for consider- 
 ation. With prosperity, we should dismiss our levity. 
 |The period of duty may to many of us be short in- 
 | deed. Whilst it continues, let it be improved. 
 
 | I. The first remark I will make is, that it becomes eve- 
 
 een at this solemn moment, to reflect on his own 
 
 cter and life, to enquire what he has done to bring 
 the judgements of God on his country, to confess 
 a lament his sins, and to resolve on a thorough amend- 
 |ment and sincere obedience of God’s commands. We 
 t to remember that God is a moral governor. He 
 
 i a 
 
 | 
 
 s the character of communities as well as of indi- — 
 
 v 
 
 % 
 
 e 
 
e its Pins and a virtuous pation 
 4 pendence on God, and disposed ‘to: 
 4 assured of his protection. Every peop 
 ¥ be influenced in a measure by the : 
 _ world, by the changes and conflicts f other, 
 nities. When the ocean is in tumult, i 
 ‘feel the agitation, But a people hy willnev-_ 
 er be > forsaken. All history and experience teach. 
 
 ; us, at there is a direct and necaoaay endency in 
 national piety and virtue to national, sa s anc 
 
 - tion. ie But this is not all. A virtuous s people. may 
 * expect peculiar interpositions of providence for : 
 
 “ fence and prosperity. They may e xpect that Go wit 
 Mitsct events with a peculiar Mee to their welf 7 
 
 ier at are not windenth to anticipate miracles. _ ‘Fh  arel 
 
 ale heat ee a miracle : rts i 
 ‘ » “bis hand, ‘The elements of nature obey his word, 
 He has winds to scatter the proudest fleet, diseases t 
 prostrate the strongest army. Consider how . 
 events must conspire, | how ny secret springs : a 
 in concert, to accomplish > purposes of bo aia 1a 
 or the i of the warrior. Ao moles have 
 
 * preparations been defeated, the Broil alae of 
 ed victory been put t to shame, by what we call 
 
God Mee Aiide the defeat of an enemy and we need f 1ot 
 
 fear that means will be wanting. He sends terror, or ‘ 
 blindness, or mad presumption into the minds of leaders. sts 
 
 Heaven, earth, and sea, are arrayed to oppose their pro- 
 gress. An unconquerable spirit is breathed into the in- 
 waded; and the dreaded foe seeks his safety in dishon- ms) 
 vourable flight. . 
 
 My friends, if God be for us, no matter who is a- 
 eh us. Mere power ought not to intimidate us; 
 HE Can crush it in a moment. We live in a period 
 
 when God’s supremacy has been remarkably evinced, 
 ‘when he has signally confounded the powerful and de. 
 
 livered the oppressed and endangered. At his word, 
 
 ithe forged chain has been broken; mighty armies — 
 have been dispersed as chaff before the whirlwind ; co- 
 \Jossal thrones haye | been shivered like the brittle clay. 
 
 God is still wonderful in counsel and excellent in 
 working ;”” and if ur wills to deliver us, we cannot be 
 subdued. It is then most important that we seek God’s 
 favour. And how is his favour to be obtained? I ree 
 
 at it—God is a holy being, the friend of the right- 
 
 S, the enemy of the wicked ; and in proportion as 
 
 y; uprightness, temperance and christian virtue pre- 
 
 a among us, in that proportion we are assured of his 
 
 our and protection. A virtuous people, fightingin . ~ 
 lefence of their altars and firesides, may look to God 
 ith confidence. An_ invisible, but almighty arm 
 
BE yn 
 ro ands 
 as 
 
 and defence. 
 
 My friends, how far have we su: ai 
 
 of a pious and virtuous people ? © 
 compared with other nations ow 
 
 “Se a. 
 
 ure pure. But other nations are 
 it which we are to be judged. Wea = 
 ‘ “ancestors « of singular pice “— ha 
 
 a 4 oak nti ries, sei has arte ‘us by ‘thei oes. 
 Bo aeeially prospered and enriched'us, and c 
 with blessings. Never did a a Sea 
 
 dant means of instruction, or more Pa e 
 
 - gratitude and obedience ; and can we hopeit 
 exhibited ie Pie of omni that regard te 
 and blessings settee ? Itis nope tl ' 
 - Tighteous, many Christians. But have 
 “mult iplied with our blessings ? Does not ev 
 “feel, that | we deserve the judgements we ser? 
 seek by read aod imendment to pitt 
 
 im ‘Sion, and for sincere purposes of iture obe 
 a a divine emp: ae a 
 
e il. Having recommended penitence in general assuited 
 to the present moment, let me particularly recommend 
 ‘one branch of piety which the times demand of -us. 
 Let us each be instant and fervent in prayer. Let us 
 pray to God, that he will not forsake us in this dark 
 and menacing day; that he will remember the mercy 
 shown to our fathers; that he will crown with SUCCESS | 
 
 e c . = ty 
 our efforts in defence of our possessions, our dwellings, — 
 _and our temples; that he will breathe an invincible cour- _ 
 
 age into our soldiers; that he will guard and guide our 
 rulers; that he will turn the invader from our shores ; 
 or, if he shall otherwise appoint, that he will be our 
 shield in battle, and will send us deliverance. For 
 these blessings let us daily besiege the mercy seat of 
 God, deeply convinced that he controls the destinies 
 of armies and nations, that he gives or withholds suc- 
 ‘cess, and that without him all exertion is unavailing, 
 and all hope will sink into despair. By this, it is not 
 intended that we are to do nothing but pray; that 
 bre are to leave our shores without defence, or neglect 
 any means of security. God gives us powers that we 
 should exert them, weapons that we should wield them. 
 Weare to employ every resource which he grants US 5 
 gut, haying done this, we must remember that on God, 
 
 1 ot on ourselves, depends the result of our exertions. 
 ‘The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the 
 st rong. God gives victory, and to him let every eye 
 and heart be directed. You who have no other weap- 
 = contend with your prayers for your country. it 
 
 a 
 
 a¥ 
 
of waging offensive war, we gather 
 
 - braneh of piety ; and they who neglect ie 
 
 ‘the publick good. The claims of coun 
 
 | community to which we belong is commended: by 0 a 
 
 "in this limit we cannot too ardently attach ew 
 
 if si ; 
 ria: 
 aene’ 
 
 sy cay 
 | 2 
 
 will not be imagined from, these 
 portunity of prayer God can be bent 
 just cause. But when our - cause is s ju 
 
 shores for defence, we may be 
 prayer, united w ith sincere purposes Of obediencey 
 not be lost. Prayer is a proper and appoua : 
 edgement of our dependence, an esatelaal r 
 
 son to hope the protection, which they will not implore, ) 
 Let us then take heed, lest the tumult, of military prep- 
 aration make us forgetful of the Author of all ood, 
 in collecting armies and raising walls of de: e we. 
 forsake the footstool of the Almighty, the only gh giver | 
 victory. 
 
 Il. This is a time when we should all 
 and strongly to our minds our duties to our : 
 
 and should cherish a strong and ardent sate hi 
 and obeyed even in the rudest ages of 
 
 very nature to our affection and service, Christianity, 
 enjoining a disinterested and benevolent: spirit,. admit 
 and sanctions this sentiment of nature, this attachm on 
 
 to the land of our fathers, the jad of our nati ity. ‘ 
 
 the welfare of our country. Especially in its pe 
 
Lal ~ ae baa 0) rey 
 
 ye + ee 
 
 ir 
 
 ‘we should fly to its rescue with filial zeal and fac. * 
 
 ion, resolved to partake its sufferings, and prepared to 
 die i in its defence. The present moment, my friends, 
 éalls on us for this fervour of patriotism. ‘The ques- 
 ‘tion now is—not whether we will carry invasion, 
 
 ‘slaughter, and —9 into an unoffending province 
 
 -=not whether we will give our strength and wealth © 
 
 ‘quest—but whether we will defend our firesides and al- 
 tars—whether we will repel from our shores an hostile 
 army. On this question our duty is clear. However 
 | unjustifiable may have been the measures by which we 
 have been reduced to this mournful extremity, our 
 
 right to our soil and our possessions remains unimpair- 
 ed; the right of defence can never be wrested from us; 
 and never, whilst God gives means of resistance, ought 
 ‘we to resign our country to the clemency of a foe. Our 
 as patriots and Christians are clear. Whilst we 
 
 ‘ing on our Pit J we should resolve, that we will be true 
 | to our fathers, and to posterity—that we 
 bwill maintain the inheritance we have received—that 
 whilst God gives us power we will not receive law as a 
 | gonquered people. 
 
 i ¥ We should animate our pattiotisn’ at this moment of 
 | pinger; by reflecting that we have a country to contend 
 fo eh deserves every effort and sacrifice. As mem- 
 ))bers of this Commonwealth in particular, we have every 
 
 || motive to invigorate our hearts and hands. We have 
 
 es 
 
 ‘to the prosecution of unprincipled plans of con. 
 
 pt ames 
 PEG 
 wige Loi: 
 
. am, 
 
 ; , itl x a 
 the deeds of our fathers, then’ P 
 ‘solicitude for the rights a 
 
 t € a of he sei records. 
 
 chief glory of a state, many | 
 * citizer as, a chief “magistrate who w 
 try and any age, enlightened state 
 mee a 
 
 sind the devotion of our me 
 Sparta, Athens, and Rome, we shall find > | 
 stitutions of this Commonweal 
 . soe richer blessiggs; than yn se 
 amet | on. their citizens in “thei proudest day dz 7S. 
 ie sie and Rome, and Atheris’ inspired a a love: 
 than death. In the day of their danger, ever 
 offered his breast « as. a bulwark—every citizen fe 
 self the property of his country. This ele; 
 ment seemed to communicate to them a 
 
 man power, and the men who bled at T 
 calnesse 
 
 | It is. true, ci base alloy mingled with the p 
 “ Pe ‘and ie forbid that a sent 
 
 ; “hardly appear to possess the w 
 
 we 
 
 ve , rR, ey i 
 oa 
 
 a ae My le a 4 
 
15 
 pure should burn in our breasts. God forbid, that like 
 the Greek and the Roman, we should carry fire and 
 slaughter into other countries, ‘to build up a false fleet- 
 ing gloryathome. But whilst we take warning by their 
 excesses, let us catch a portion of their fervour, and learn 
 to live not for ourselves, but for that country, whose 
 honour and interests God has entrusted to our care. 
 
 IV. The times especially demand of us that we cherish | cu : 
 
 a spirit of fortitude, courage and resolution. The period 
 of danger is the time to arm the mind with all the force 
 and energy it can attain. In communities as in indi- 
 viduals there is a proneness to excessive fear. Espe- 
 cially when untried, unexperienced dangers approach, 
 imagination is prone to enlarge them; a panick spreads 
 like lightning from breast to breast ; and before a blow is 
 struck, a people are subdued by their fears. There is 
 a rational fear, which we ought to cherish, a fear which 
 views in all its dimensions approaching peril, and pre- 
 pares with ‘vigilance every means of defence. At the 
 present moment we ought not to shut our eyes on our 
 danger. Our enemy is formidable. A veteran army, 
 trained to war, accustomed to success, fresh from con- 
 pest, and led by experienced commanders, is not to 
 be despised, even if inferior in numbers, and even if it 
 have received a temporary check. But such an army 
 owes much of its formidableness to the fearless spirit 
 1 hi as habit = fostered; and the Lo ce under 
 
a 
 
 and by the principles of religiahe “Courage indeed is f 
 always invincible, and when God d | 
 bondage the valour of the hero i is 0 
 
 generally true, that a brave peopl 
 eet possess in ~ cone the 
 
 own undaunted desclutiail bbe us then cherish in our 4 
 selves and others, a firm and heroick spiri a su 
 to fear, a settled purpose to front every ¢ I 
 cause of our country. Let us fortify our intadd iy red 
 flecting on the justice of our cause, ‘that we are standing 
 on our own shores, and defending invaded ri its. 
 us remember what we owe to our elves ) tl 
 our of this commonwealth. Let tenner that our lov 2 
 of peace has not originated in basi and that th 
 spirit of our fathers still lives in thei 
 
 us call to the support of our resolution the 
 ciples of religion. .Devoting ourselves to Goa, « 
 engaging in this warfare from a sense’ of duty, I I 
 us feel that we are under nis protection, that in th 
 heat of battle he is near us, that life and death . 
 word, and that death in a service which he a 
 never untimely and is never to be shunned. » Let . 
 consider that life at best is short, and its blessings ' tr 
 sitory, that its great end is to train us to virtue and: 
 prepare us for heaven, and that we had far better resig 
 it at once than protract it by baseness of s 
 manly fear. Death awaits us all, and avait: . 
 meets: it in the discharge of duty. Most h P} - 
 
 + “<e 
 
 a ale 
 
 et 
 
ses 
 
 ‘most honoured of men is the martyr to religion, who 
 seals with his blood those truths, on which human vir- 
 tue, consolation and hope, depend—and next to him, 
 
 ; hs ppy isthe martyr to the cause of his country, who, in r 
 "obedience to God, opposes his breast to the sword of | 
 "her invaders, and repays with life the protection she 
 ng 
 V. Ihave thus, my friends, set before you your duties 
 to God and your country in this period of danger. Let = 
 | me close with offering a few remarks on your duties 
 
 to your enemies. You will remember that we profess 
 
 | a religion, which enjoins benevolence towards all man- 
 
 _ kind, even towards our personal and national foes. 
 
 ) Let not our patriotism be sullied with malignant pas- 
 
 _ sions. Whilst we defend, our shores with courage, let 
 
 ) usnot cherish hatred towards our invaders. We should 
 
 | not open our ear te every idle tale of their outrages, 
 
 } nor heap calumnies on their heads because they are ene- 
 
 | mies. The brave are generous. True courage needs 
 
 " not malignity to feed and inflame it. Especially when 
 
 | our foe is an illustrious nation, which for ages has de- 
 
 | fended and nurtured the interests of religion, science, 
 and humanity; a nation to which grateful Europe is 
 now offering acknowledgements for the protection she 
 hhas extended over the oppressed, and for the vigor 
 
 } with which she has cooperated in prostrating the bloody 
 and appalling power of the usurper ; when such a na- 
 tion is our foe, we should feel it unworthy and debasing 
 
 _ te encourage a rancorous and vindictive spirit. True, she 
 
 hee c 
 
r. 
 
 2 % 
 
 & 
 
 4 
 
 let usm meet them with that mag : 
 did and just even to its foes. Li 
 beasts, a4 phys to Ni revenge, | (6 
 
 oy 
 God forbid, 
 se pec fury to those bad passions gy K 
 
 well as by our valour. 
 
 ee es he eeabeaceret 2 om ne 
 
 ‘God give you grace to perform th mi 
 
 “My friends, I have placed before y< u 
 
 Pam: iG know not hie is before us; t 
 
 “a cause as ours, yo ffust, < prospetity aa V 
 granted ‘us by. ‘the almighty Disposer. B 
 npunicess or’ disaster await us, we muse that the 
 
. - 
 
 4 
 
 passing away, and that all of us will soon be placed 
 yond the reach of its changes. Let us not then be 
 
 elated or depressed ; but with a firm and equal mind, 
 
 E us acquit ourselves as men and Christians in our 
 
 several spheres, looking upward to heaven as our rest 
 
 and reward. 
 
vite be _ SERMON, 
 
 hae oe 
 
 om ED IN SEVERAL CONGREGATIONS, 
 
 ES tj 
 
 BY FRAC OR EOY 
 
 GF . 
 
 BY SAMUEL P. WILLIAMS, 
 a of the Gospel, Mansfield. 
 
 PIOUS YOUNG MEN. ~ 
 
 ; 
 HARTFORD: © - 
 
 weeeeseeess 
 
 1816. ont e 
 
i 
 
 THE only information necessary to render intelligible, and to justify te 
 the reader the plan and publication of the phd Discaymse, will be found 
 in the following facts : oh. 
 
 The Western Association of Windham County, desirous of animating 
 the Churches in the duties of their Christian vocation, extending the bles- 
 sings of ministerial and church fellowship, and rrutixe ve im themselves 
 and their brethren, rar THINGS THAT ARE WANTING, proposed at their last 
 meeting a Domestic Mission. 
 
 But deeming: it proper, for many reasons, that the Churches should howd | 
 a, voice in the project, the subject was referred to the Consociation, which” 
 4s composed, not like the Association of Pastors only, but of Delegates also. 
 from the Churches, having equal authority with the Pastors. That body 
 cordially approving the proposed design, made appointment of Pastors and 
 sent them out two and two, to spend a week in visiting and ministering to 
 the Churches in their connexion, and such others as should express a wis 
 or willingness to receive them. To fulfil one of the duties of such an a 
 pointment, the following Discourse was prepared,.and it is only in defer ers 
 ence to the judgment, and in answer to the earnest solicitation of Breth 
 whom he much respects, and who are confident of its tendency to do goo¢ 
 that the Author gives it to the Public. Who read it with self-applicatior 
 and prayer will judge most justly of their opinion.» The laa of ove 
 is of no consideration. 
 
 That all the pecuniary profits which can be mide of this nics, A 
 appropriated to a work of Evangelical Charity, is the Author’s apolo, 
 
 , particular friends for omitting the customary compliment of gratuitous di 
 tribution. He is happy in the belief that they are not unwilling beg 
 themselves, to promote an object so worthy of general se ana 
 
A SERMON. 
 
 ACTS XV. 36. 
 
 AND PAUL SAID UNTO BARNABAS, LET US GO AGAIN, 
 _ AND VISIT OUR BRETHREN, WHERE WE HAVE PREACH- 
 
 | ED THE WORD OF THE LORD, AND SEE HOW THEY DO. 
 
 Tue churches of Christ throughout the world are 
 one. ‘They have a common faith, a common rule 
 _of life, a common hope and calling. They must 
 be one therefore in their affections to Curist, and 
 jto each other. ’Tis for this they are called breth- 
 | ren, in distinction from the men of this world, who 
 have no permanent. bond of union, whose often 
 jclashing interests, produce envy, strife, confusion, 
 jand every evil work. 
 
 ie he ‘It ought not to seem strange to you therefore, 
 | that the Churches around you, greatly desirous of 
 i beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your 
 \faith in Christ, and zealous of promoting your 
 e “hee welfare, have in the ‘manner, and spirit 
 
 SL preached, and to see how they do. We have 
 “hone “S feelings of the great apostle of the 
 les, which forbade him to preach where Christ 
 
 m Be ieody named, lest he should build on an- 
 
 \ 
 
4 4: Pe er 
 
 he rejoiced that the Messiah was pi sached, ny al 
 most any instrument; from which he was influen- 
 ced to minister, no less to those who were already 
 saints, than to preach among the heathen the musearch- | 
 able riches of Christ. Mae i 
 Receive us therefore, Brethren, not as ban to 0 spy 
 out your liberty, to usurp dominion over your faith, 
 or to be censors of your unimportant differences ; 
 but as helpers of your joy. Nor on the supposition 
 that this Church is free from seandal, from luke- 
 warmness, from worldliness, and the numerous 
 train of evils which result from a state so criminal,’ 
 and unhappy, is ours an unnecessary labour. On) 
 the other hand, the apostle wrote the more boldly 
 to the church in Rome, when persuaded that they” 
 were full of goodness, filled mith all knonledge, able | 
 also to admonish one unother, as puting them i 
 mind, i pipen ob pe’ iv 
 Your spiritual state then, ‘Becton is the sub- 
 ject of our enquiry. Your spiritual health, the ob 
 ject we are now come hither to promote, minisi er 
 ing the gospel of God that your offerings may be a 
 cpa being sanctified by the Peis” 
 
 t 
 
 m rt 
 
 We do not ask whether your confession 
 is conformed to the word of God? * ame i 
 you could not. be considered as having ex the 
 form of a Christian church None vis ent | 
 
 the na and ah i Jesus Christ i 
 the chief corner stone. 
 
i) 
 
 ~ Put we enquire if you have the spirit of faith ? 
 {f the doctrines. to which you have subscribed, 
 have a constant operation upon your affections, 
 and habits—influencing you to fulfil the duties of 
 all your relations to God and man? There are no 
 doubt bundreds among you who can subscribe as 
 readily as you have done, to the truth of revelation, 
 to the articles of your confession. But is sucha 
 subseription the dividing line between the king- 
 dom of Christ, and the kingdoms of this world !— 
 To judge of your spiritual state, we must go deep- 
 er. We must enter your secret chambers; we 
 must see whether your belief leads you to fre- 
 quent communion with God, to secret, silat dai- 
 ly prayer. 
 To know whether those, holy doctrines which 
 | you believe are fixed in the heart, or only occasion- 
 ally floating in the head, we must follow you into 
 | your families, and examine whai you do there morc 
 | than others ; whether there is any appearance of a 
 | church in your house. Here it is we learn to what 
 kingdom you belong. Here we discover the bent 
 of your minds, and the influente of your belief. 
 | In amere survey of men in the house of God, 
 | we Know not who are devoutly worshipping the 
 true God, and who are ‘aired sacr Vice to devils ; 
 
 , come as his people, sit or rise as they do, 
 ar his words. But in our private dwellings 
 We are in our castles; we act without constraini, — 
 and, ‘i character of our faith discovers itself. The 
 | devils believe. Let us then enter into some private 
 i | Ageeosent let us overhear your early and late 
 
6 
 
 conversation, how, and of what eoneerie You peak 
 most earnestly to God, to your children, to your ij 
 domestics. Let us discover also the: spirit in which | 
 you habitually act, and without’ examining the 
 church records, we shall be able to judge to whosd | 
 kingdom you belong, and whether yours is the faith 
 of the operation of God. —But we cannot be admit-_ 
 ted there. Adinit yourselves therefore, Brethren, 
 to an audience of yourselves. Then judge wheth- 
 er you have any faith in that part of revelation 
 which renders it certain, that the curse of the Lord 
 is in the house of the micked—that he blesseth a 
 habitation of the just. Whether you believe, 7% 
 old things must be done away, and in order to Chris r 
 tian hope and a consistent Christian profession, we 
 behold all things are become new. Whether you be- 
 lieve that without Christ you can do nothing, through 
 his strength, all things—with all the other articles, 
 expressly, or implicitly acknowledged in yout 
 confession. For if you have a faith of any value 
 it will lead you to take your families daily to th 
 throne of grace ; it will constraim you to open th 
 word of life before their eyes, and cause them t 
 hear wondrous things out of God’s law. Tt will 
 you no less than it led the patriarch, by 
 norks was faith wade perfect, to speak of d 
 truth when lying down, and rising up, when 
 én the house, as well as when walking to 1 : 
 tuary. ohne) ia 
 W hat is the te ie of God, of which 
 
 is heard, but the spirit of Christ within ° 
 what is the faith so much insisted on in’ 
 of life, but an actuating ‘view, an efficae 
 
7 
 
 ception of religious truth? It is like the living 
 fountain which is for ever bubbling up from with- 
 in, and sending pure water in incessant streams a- 
 broad.—Here behold the grand difference between 
 the dead, and the living—the infidel, and the Chris- 
 lian. Here discern between the righteous and the 
 wicked—between him that serveth God, and him that 
 serveth not him, but the world and the flesh. The 
 nature and end, of our engagements, the spirit and 
 influence of our professed faith, characterize our 
 hearts. | 
 
 Poor indeed is that religion which has not its 
 spring, and fountain, like the vital fluid of the ani- 
 mal, in the heart—which does not run through all 
 relations, and invigorate all the members. From 
 the closet and the family, therefore, we must fol 
 Tow you, Brethren, into the public walks of life, to 
 complete the trial of your spiritual state. We must 
 go with you into the social circle, into your amuse- 
 ments, and businesses of every kind, to know what 
 ed of spirit you are of ; to determine whether 
 believe with the heart, that God is omnipres- 
 ent, that you are accountable for your actions, and 
 that, for every idle word that men shall speak, they 
 shall give account in the day of judgment. 
 We do not ask if he be a Christian professor, 
 hespirit of whose faith is made visible in external 
 
 the tenor of whose words and actions tell us 
 
 eves God sees, and watches over him, whe 
 very place where he lies down, a house of 
 Z0d, and a gate of heaven. 
 | The very spirit in which men perform their ne- 
 — business, conveys some tidings te 
 
 |e 
 
: it 
 LSI agen ‘ 
 8 oe 
 Tike 
 
 our ears, concerning the end and object for wi 
 ihey actually live. 
 . Who needs to ask whether Fr is yi os ust 
 ly, or acting from sincere regard to « either table: “t 
 the law, who is habitually griping; who though. he 
 keep within the bounds of civil statutes, is over- 
 reaching, or contending with his neighbour, _ . 
 asks if that man have mercy, who hides 
 from his own flesh, and passes by on the ot er st es 
 lest his conscience should bid him help. Who : 
 or hears that his brother in India, or on his | own 
 half-unenlightened land, hath need, and yet neglects. $ 
 from time to time to minister to his spiritual , r 
 temporal necessities, according to the ability 
 giveth. And where is the - difficulty of, de 
 that we are walking humbly with God, or wi 
 as he knows afar off, according to our habitua 
 obedience, or disobedience, to the law of Christ a 
 applicable only to sinners, in oppo to kw aW 
 of a carnal heart. | 
 What, my Brethren, is the conan course a ou 
 conversation, and the strain and burden. of 
 wishes, and labours, in our intercourse with. 
 kind? Do they who are of the world, leay 
 church, or do the several members of the 
 infuse,.or labour by all prudent and pre 
 means, to infuse the leaven of Christ 1 
 them? This is a serious enquiry. So 
 Asiatic churches found it so, perhaps 
 their salvation. ba 
 a a7 what is the asics state oft 
 
 . 
 
9 
 
 ‘he highest public censure of the church. Some. 
 there are of whom we could dell you even weeping, 
 who walk as enemies of the cross of Christ, and still 
 retain their standing in the church; whose end is 
 destruction, whose God is appetite, who glory in their 
 shame ; and who, instead of having their conversa- 
 tion in heaven, mind earthly things ; who, instead of 
 counting all things loss for Christ, treat every thing, 
 save the forms of religion, as enthusiasm or hy- 
 pocrisy, and call all else expended in his service, 
 waste. Weask, therefore, with no common concern, - 
 sinee such infatuation and blindness has happened to 
 
 | Israel in part, if the obligations of your covenant 
 
 engagements, to love God above all, to aim at his 
 glory in all, and to live in subjection to him only, 
 to him entirely, lies with sensible weight upon your 
 minds? Oh! professed brethren in Christ Jesus, ’ 
 | dear to us for his name’s sake, the solemnity of our 
 covenant engagements, compared with the little in- 
 fluence they appear to possess, over some profes- 
 
 ‘sors, ought to fill us with terror and grief. When 
 
 q anticipate the solemn trial on this point at the 
 
 last-day, my soul shrinks within me. I seem to see 
 
 ‘multitudes of faces pale with consternation, or 
 
 ck with conscious guilt. 
 
 is easy to enter into covenant, and to forget 
 
 we have done. The road which leadeih to de- 
 
 } is not. fenced out by the pale of the visible 
 
 . But though profession is easy, it will not 
 
 le so easy to answer the Judge of all the 
 
10 
 
 What have we promised? and ealled upon 
 and angels, and God himself to record. Not 
 less than to take up the cross ; not once, but da \ 
 and daily to follow Christ. But a uniform attend- 
 ance on the ordinances of the Sabbath, the sanetu- 
 ary, or the sacraments of the new covenant ; this is” 
 not the full meaning of our vows: and yet even” 
 this mere ceremonial duty, is by some very much 
 neglected, less faithfully observed than by some 
 others who make no pretensions to ype aera 
 poet who Know not God. ON 5 
 ' Brethren, obedience is of the heart; the body : 
 cannot obey God. It is the mere engine of the 
 soul. If the soul do not move it, according to the 
 precepts of Christ, whether it be in proper place; 
 and posture or not, where is cur self-denial? and 
 without the denial of ourselves and peer 
 what is our cross? What has the grace of God taugi 
 us ? What is our observance of covenant engage: e 
 ments ? and how are we distinguished from the 
 world, who follow the eben inclinations and tl 
 ~ deceitful lusts ? . aT 8 gol bial 
 Are you, then, feeding on the bread ot heaven 
 
 ofien as the word of God is preached to you), 
 your otek with the —— apd pig { 
 
 knowledge, and susie of the Christian: 
 tion, in separation fii ‘the worl in sta 
 
it 
 hope and-doctrinal faith, of inward peace, of holy 
 joey ; are you thus not conformed to this worid, bué 
 transformed into the divine image, and adorning 
 the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ? No- 
 thing less; no, nothing less answers our engages 
 ments to God. Nothing less comes into the ac- 
 count of your spiritual state, as a church of Christ, 
 
 and members in particular. 
 But we are in covenant not more with God than 
 with one one another ; and the duties of our cove- 
 nant, like the two tables of the law which enjoins 
 - them, are inseparable.—A ffection to God and man, 
 | from which the performance of these duties flows, 
 is like the two folding doors of the inner temple, 
 scarved with open flowers, and overlaid nith gold and 
 opened together—or like the two. books in the 
 
 ‘Apocalypse ; the existence, and opening of the 
 one, necessarily implying the existence, and conse- 
 | quent opening of the other. 
 
 _ Love is the essence of the Christian character as 
 ‘vegards man and God ; but in regard to man, love 
 especially to the household of faith. Though we 
 ve a peculiar relation to the whole visible church ; 
 yet, since we are separated by larger and lesser 
 impassible tracts, it becomes necessary, that we 
 lave local limitations of personal intercourse. 
 covenant, therefore, it -is admitted, does not 
 din the same duties and the same extent, to our 
 brethren, as those of the same congregation. 
 io are Christ’s we love out of a pure heart 
 ly, to the extent of our knowledge ; but 
 f the same community we are engaged per- 
 ly, to feed and clothe, and edify, assist, ad- 
 ish, console, reprove, instruct, and bless, ac- 
 
cording to their several obvious necessities, and our! 
 abilities, being mutual fellcw whelpeebiee the ai ‘dom 
 of glory. Here, therefore, those affections wisiesernie 
 a certain extent, may operate invisibly on the fami-_ 
 ly of Christ in general, are to have a ‘conspicuous 
 operation. We are to be seen forgiving injuries as 
 often as they are heaped upon us; meek 
 
 provocation, lowly in the estimation of ourselves, — 
 towards others courteous, full of gentleness and 
 truth, we are to lift up the hands that hang down, 
 and strengthen the feeble, io restore: them that are 
 tzrned out rig the ng to comfort ier secre) nyt y 
 
 in truth, thoes and ” iirebinnpiba bom gee obi y 7 
 
 * A-church without love, if the indiialaniane » 
 sdlecism, is but a synagogue of Satan. “See how 
 these Christians love one another!” would ‘be the 
 irresistible lenguage of our conduct, though the 
 enemy might still reproach, and hell despise, did we 
 fulfil toward each other the duties of the covenant, 
 did we fully own the bonds of ourrelation, © * 
 
 But with astonishment and sorrow have we lear, - 
 ed, that in some of our churches, small as'they are 
 the members are not even acquainted with eae 
 other; and how can we love a being whom we) 
 not know! Do we love upon presumption 
 we able to reprove, aid, pity,’ instruct, and 
 mune in love, with persons of whose chare 
 exercises, conditions, and conduct we ki 
 more than that they are professors of Chri 
 T beseech you brethren that ye know them 
 among you in the Lord! and that you | 
 some means, that they are equally w 
 yourselves, 6f your affection, being | 
 
18 
 
 God himself. Thus you will be followers, not of 
 those whom the world applaud, but whom God 
 commendeth. For they who in former times of de- 
 generacy feared the Lord, spoke often one to another, 
 and the Lord hearkened and heard, and kept for 
 them a book of rémembrance, promising to own them 
 as hisin the day when such an acknowledgment 
 will cover the face of the faithful with a lustre at 
 which stars and suns shall hide. 
 - Brethren, how do you do in this respect? Do 
 you know one another? Love each other’s compa- 
 ny, and deem it more pleasurable, more improv- 
 ‘ing, than the converse of the not many great, not 
 many wise, not many noble, or still uncalled of this 
 world.—tIs the welfare of each other, the interests 
 of Christ’s kingdom, when you meet, the subject of 
 ‘all others most courted, most refreshing? You 
 know who has said that to be carnally minded is 
 death, to be spiritually minded life and peace: Who 
 has said, it is the will of God if any man love God 
 that he love his brother also.—This is a criterion of 
 | character, easy of self application. 
 | Good men may differ about the best form, and 
 Place, of religious conference ; but J am bold in 
 Christ to say, good men cannot soberly differ, 
 jut the utility and pleasure, of religious confe- 
 e of some form. It is essential in our 
 of society, tu the nature and spirit of Chris- 
 | tianity, for out of the abundance of the heart the 
 mouth speaketh. Therefore, Brethren, whatsoever 
 ings are honest, whatsoever things are true, what- 
 ver things are just, whatsoever things are pure, 
 at socver things are lovely, whatsoever things are of 
 Sood repori among good men, think on ihese things. 
 
7 
 
 we!!) : 
 What is the capital ‘state oo 
 do not ask whether you were 
 when you first publicly joine selyi 
 ark and people of the Lord. We trust } 
 of our churchés have such terms o Aili rv jon; 
 as designedly to cherish men of a pity rte, 
 acter. But there are not a few, you ai e, 
 who, though at first apparently ibaa 
 for a while, and who, having no root: in themse. 
 afterwards fall away. But we scek as’ proof 
 Christ in you.’ Do you, like a friend: 
 Srow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord 
 Desks Christ ? It is not now the question pee ny 
 sermons you hear; how often you search the. 
 dures, or books which are composed in Christ 
 spirit, and relate to his kingdom; normhow mud 
 you walk mith the nise ; but how do you profit? Al | 
 means are to some end. Means of grace are ¢ 
 en us for the end of our growth in grace. ~ ‘Mes 
 of spiritual learning, for our increase in the « 
 knonledge which shall never vanish away. Yeu ry 
 the light of the world by professian, deal light 
 of Christian character, we tell you on undoubt 
 authority, shincth more and more wnto the 
 day. Do all your means of grace then prof 
 This is the test of your diseipleship o 
 for sinners use these means no legs tha 
 ‘they do not profit them, not being miwed n 
 They are dead ; Christians are alive 
 But what are the genuine and undow 
 life ? Are they not growth and activ? 
 
“15 
 
 ereated in Christ Jesus, ye were once but babes ix 
 Christ, and must not the babe grow or wither away? 
 It is contrary to nature to stand still, until the full 
 stature is attained. There must be progress, or 
 retrogression. To aid the Christian in his full 
 apprehension of Christ, means are given us, said 
 the Apostle, especially pastors and teachers, who, 
 it is to be remembered by us, and you, are not 
 merely set for the defence of the gospel—but em- 
 ployed for the perfecting of the saints for the edify- 
 ing of the body of Christ, till we all come from be- 
 ing children, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of 
 the stature of the fuliness of Christ. 
 . We have corrupt natures, if indeed renewed, 
 natures but partially purified. From a vicious 
 world, we have not only to separate by a pro- 
 fession, but to keep unspotted. Christ sought for 
 his disciples, not an assumption out of the world, 
 but a preservation from the evil. The race requires 
 }:to be won, the prize to be obtained, the victory to 
 ‘be achieved, after we have already run long, con- 
 ) flicted hard, and gained much, because God has giv- 
 ‘enusno place of rest this side Christ’s perfection, 
 ‘and Christ’s throne. . Therefore, a better than we, 
 jas left: us this example, and this record, Brethren, J 
 ount not myself to have apprehended, but forgetting 
 ethings which are behind, and reaching forth un- 
 e things which are before, I press toward the 
 k, so run not as unceriainiy—soq fight not as one 
 beateth the air—Yet even the things which 
 brother had then forgotten, were more and © 
 ter. probably. than. many, perhaps | most 
 Stians, with the additional advantages of his 
 imple have yet learned. How are you, Breth- 
 
i6 ie i 7 
 
 ren, in this resepct ? Lean, you ‘will answer, 
 haps, lean from day to day, though a king's 
 daughter ; but take care you do not by this show 
 of humble confession, think to atone for being 
 barren or unfruitful inthe work of the Lord. Th : 
 king's daughter is all glorious within, and her cloth = 
 ing is of wrought gold. Wrought gold, observe. 
 Works of righteousness, as well as faith in Christ's 
 righteousness are her proofs of royal descent ; ber 
 evidence of -a title to the heavenly inheritance. 
 But, do not mistake our object, nor if reprovesh 
 despond. We speak to you as your friends, a 
 Christ’s friends, not to reproach, but to conyinee 
 the conscience, that you may reform arin 4 
 and Christ be glorified in us together. God forbid, 
 that we should either still more bruise the reed, he 
 does not break, or extenuate the sins for Pie ee : 
 word offers no apology. . a FE a 
 Are you then as a church, or any of moth me 
 _ bers, infected with that moral consumption, whi 
 has spread so far, and wide, around Us ; the disease 
 at sight of which Christ. was sickened even to loath: 
 ing ; the disease described by the figure—luk 
 warm—netther cold nor hot? Then you need m 
 bo soothed, but alarmed—and restored to’ 
 right mind.—If lethargy in professors, is the 
 of the times, double watchfulness and pra 
 ness, and zeal, and labour, ought to be exe 
 those who watch for souls, by all who have 
 hitle. strength in Christ, and have not der 
 name—if happily his message by us may b 
 profitable for instruction, and correction in 
 NESS. were 
 Brethren, we come to you with no / 
 
7 
 
 tions. We say nothing of your state, which 
 gender unchristian heat, or sérife, or evil a 
 sings. The amount of our exhortation is—be not 
 slothful in the business of your Christian calling— 
 sleep not as do others. Be fervent in spirit, serving 
 the Lord ; compare not yourselves with other 
 thurches ; for if in any measure ignorant of your 
 own members—how can you know those at a dis- 
 |} tance. But if this were supposable they who com- 
 pore themselves thus, rather than with the king’s 
 commandment are not mine. — 
 
 _. Hear, Brethren! Oh, hear ! what the Spirit saith 
 | unto the churches. 
 _ II. To promote your spiritual health, next to an 
 | enquiry into your state, is the object of our hearts. 
 In attenipting this, we shall propose to you, Chris- 
 tians, what it is expedient you should studiously 
 avoid, and what, diligently pursue. 
 , Among the evils to be shunned, we would guard 
 you first, against being overcharged with worldly 
 business. Nothing so much strengthens the carnal 
 ections, and unfits the heart for the sublime du- 
 of the Christian calling, as immersion in tem- 
 concerns. Hence our faithful friend, and 
 loved Master, saidto his disciples, the cares of this 
 On d, by which he means mordinate concern even 
 
 ad of Heirs the lig hi_of anokeigs Ree. still on 
 nll, becomes a city broken down and without walls. 
 that every passer by, clapping the hand, wag- 
 g the head, and hissing at the daughter of Zion, 
 a 
 
18 Ny 
 
 exclaims, és this ihe city that men call cape 
 of beanay ; The. joy of the whole earth ? ? Br 
 
 ch AS Mie Put ye on yo te Ye 7 
 Jesus, and make no provision for fulfilling the lus. s 
 of the flesh. What ought to be thought of thi 
 professor of Christianity, who is making haste to be 
 rich ; who will forego an opportunity offered him, 
 to benefit his own soul, or to further the interests 
 of other souls, for the sake of adding another Di 
 to his fields! Our Lord well knew the donaerss 
 his disciples both from the world, and from what i 
 ‘properly called, a great show of wisdom in nill wi 1r~ 
 ship, and therefore cautioned us against both, by y 
 saying first, Lay not up for yourselves treasures on 
 earth—and next, He that provideth not for his onn ny 
 has denied the faith. By requiring on the one 
 hand, that ye love not the world, nor labour for the he 
 meat which perisheth, and by deciding on the other, 
 that 7f any would not work, neither should he eat, 
 W hat does he mean, but that his followers shoul 
 be without solicitude. Diligent in their propel 
 calling, but making provision for the present 
 a secondary object, casting our care apn, Him, 
 eause, He careih Sor US. 
 
 Christians are in the more danger of bein 
 charged with the cares of this life, becau 
 imagine their zeal sanctified by holy n 
 But is there no deceit ergy How sy 
 
 Ged, wile : acting in dined opposition to the | 
 cepts of Christ. After these things do the nati 
 the world seck. The str at and narrow fags sh 
 
19 
 ereediness and anxiety on the other. Let your mod- 
 eration be known unto all men. He who fed the ra- 
 wens, and elothes the lilies, will never leave to suf- 
 fer want, the industrious and frugal believer, 
 though he every day seck first the kingdom of God, 
 and his righteousness. Resolve your doubts on this 
 point, by two enquiries: Is the chief end of God 
 in sending us into the world, to provide a temporal 
 support for our families? Or has he taught us to 
 make our worldly care and bonour our chief end? 
 TE not, avoid as the pestilence, that immoderate 
 pursuit of all such objects as must impair religious 
 character and pleasure, or leave half done, any du- 
 _ ty essential to Christian improvement.—It.is time 
 the churches were awake on this subject, for when 
 | the children of this world answer our reproofs, by 
 telling us, the children of the kingdom are as anxious 
 as they, as hard, and penurious, as full of worldly 
 ares, as unready to alms giving as they; we can 
 never answer them to your glory, while we see you 
 | ‘reluctant to leaveyour farms and your merchandize, 
 ‘to do spiritual duties and obtain spiritual benefits. 
 You must be more engaged at all times in religious 
 duties than they, and less engaged in every thing 
 “else. You must make it appear that your Kindle, 
 is not of this world, and this can appear only by your 
 fruits. Go to Christ, and ask with Martha, when 
 too much hurried, to seize a favourable moment in . 
 _ divine providence, for honouring him. | Lord dost 
 0 mot care that my sister has left me to serve alone ? 
 Take the answer from his lips. Thou art careful 
 ¢ nd troubled about many things, but one thing is need- 
 j and preferring a seat at my feet is the better 
 i Your Father kaowelh what ye have need of — 
 
 i — 
 ss 
 
 ee 
 
20 
 
 Live not in. ee snepeeendl but b 
 supplication, let ;your requesis be , 
 Him ; for godliness mith cont tentment. is, “the yan 
 gain. Blessed are those servants, whom, Christ 
 has blessed! Them who provide Misa eahas Rae 
 not old, a treasure in the heavens. that fai leth 
 Whose loins are girl, whose lamps. noe de " ese 
 are the wise, these, the men who adorn their pro- 
 fession. These the. virgins, , who, however, sud- 
 denly the bridegroom cometh, are ready to open to — 
 him immediately.—On this head 1 will only add the | 
 solemn, too. little heeded warning of the, best. of 3 
 friends. Beware of covetousness ! What i is the vice 4 
 opposite to that. contentment, and liberality of q 
 heart, by which we stand, .which. make us rich in a 
 God’s estimation 2? Avarice. W hy, did | Demas for- ? 
 sake the church? He loved this present morld !— ae | 
 How, in ancient times, did professors make ship- i 
 wreck of, faith anda good: usp 2 piercing a 
 themselves through with many, sorrows! By ,co 
 eling money. What idolatrous attachinent exclude b 
 its, subject from heaven Conel onan i ee in- 
 Ct Now 
 
 Pee lus Ger bled. ; bello da pa be f 
 fy varice, Nees among the: Goddesses of a. S 
 
 eely that Ae the haste sort, 
 closet and the study, and less of ‘the pee 
 street and the Lae of concourse ; wou 
 
21 
 
 ties of a serious character ; the labours necessary 
 
 to provide for our families, and to enable us to- 
 . give to him that needeth, the devotions of the closet, 
 
 family and sanctuary. . The instruction of our 
 children, and the various duties of civil life, must 
 ecupy too mnch of our time to Jeave a single 
 hour ina day, to be thrown away, to be wasted 
 _and worse than dstgin political and religious jang- - 
 ling; in the levity of small talk at home, in listning 
 to slanders abroad. Such employments, which some- 
 dimes pass under the name of social pleasures, tend 
 to dissipate serious thought, unfit the mind, for coin- 
 munion with the family of God, which is the duty 
 of every day, and add nothing to the common 
 isteck of useful knowledge, or happiness. 
 
 _ Who that considers the shortness of life, the un- 
 | -certainty of to-morrow, and the eternal retributions 
 suspended onthe .present, can, promise himself 
 agreeable reflections, on hours and days, expended 
 _ in so frivolous, and, criminal pleasures—-We may 
 | not; indeed, avoid all intercourse with the wicked; 
 _ but wo to that man, the fruit of whose intercourse 
 | tends to make him worse, and them. no \better.— 
 The salt thus loses ifs savour and is fit for nothing 
 ‘but to be trodden under foot of men, and: thus it will 
 | be trodden, for they cat up the sin offering of my 
 
 “ous food—He who is in the way of his duty, is 
 able to say,f am a companion of all them that fear 
 “God. Let Christians keep out of the way of tempt- 
 ation, lest that, voice reach them which breaketh 
 a ve cedars, which spares no man departing from 
 
 d. Adam, where art thou? What dost thou here 
 
22 SS 
 Elijah ? We have still enough to do for the chu 
 and for the improvement of society, after takin ‘ 
 care of our own hearts, and homes, to fill ‘up the | 
 future, fo redeem the time which is lost. How can | 
 it appear in neglect of these duties, that the right 
 
 eous ts more excellent than his neigh : 
 he went much about, go onl, d ing good. « Con- 
 sider what I say, and the Lord give 9 you understand 
 -3. Thirdly, avoid a blind and oven grow par- | 
 tiality for this, and that preacher of the gos My 
 eoming the servaitts of men. Desiring the sincere 
 milk of the word that Ye may grow thereby, piel 
 remember, he that planteth and he that eatereth are 
 one—and neviher any thing, but _ who giveth eth ae 
 We naturally love to be prefered viet! so far as. 
 we are spiritual, we dread your fond partiality, both 
 us men-pleascr's; and draws your hearts away fro n 
 the substance, io ihe image. I detraets from the 
 preach ; from whom we receive our various: gift 
 and who ought to be the grand end of our min 
 fed up for one, against another, bit love us all 
 our work’s sake, and not merely as we. please ¢ 
 Lord. Your own minister’ is entitled 1 t 
 warmest affection, for he labours for’ you m 
 
 not followers of Christ? and did not cna’ ‘though — 
 ing in all things. sahmete as | 
 The church is often shaken to its centre by ‘be- f 
 not contend about the vessel that contains it ; but 
 increase. 
 on our own account, and yours. “Tt tends to make | 
 slory of Christ, whom, if his niinisters, we: all 
 and your faith, and charity.” Be not therefor 
 
 profit you. For now we live, if ye stand fa. 
 
 we all. Still it is not the instrument, ra ad 
 
23 
 
 Saviour, who makes any mana savor of life te 
 your souls. The people who contend to separa- 
 tion, to the neglect of the ordinances of the gos- 
 pel, about them who preach it, wrong not only 
 their own souls ; Christ is wounded, and his friends 
 sustain the injury. I speak only of faithful minis- 
 ters. Jf any man come to you and bring not the 
 doctrine of Christ, the fundamental principles of 
 the Christian redemption, receive him not inio your 
 house. Whatever be his endowments, professions 
 er promises-—you must not follow him ; for if you 
 give up such principles, from partiality to a man, 
 _: you are in danger of eternal loss. 
 
 Let heaven be in your eyes, and the Her of the 
 truth in your hearts, and every good minister of 
 Christ, with all his imperfections, will be an angel 
 of mercy to yoursouls. There is no one of them 
 _ who cannot teach you something you did not know 
 | before, or which you did not duly regard. There 
 | is no one of them who beside his own, has the ~ 
 | peculiar excellence of every other, and all are 
 | yours ; whether Paul, or Apollas, or Cephas, for 
 | all are Christ’s gifts to the church. They are tal- 
 | ents committed to you, not to trifle with, or to be 
 your amusement, but to be used, and accounted 
 for, to the Head of the church, who will not have 
 ‘the least of them despised. Make it never, then, 
 We beseech you, Brethren, your motive, for attend- . 
 
 ing on our ministry, that vou favourite preacher 
 
 ie Eiters is rude in i he or weak in bodily pres- 
 mce ; but wait on God in the hope to see Jesus and 
 | arn of him, for God often employs the weak things 
 D f the world to confound the wise, and things which 
 
oA 
 
 are desyised, to bring io nought thin that 
 no, flesh. should ie but in the Lord. Bu it Chris 
 tianity does not consist merely i in “negative: ‘goo de 
 ness. We are not mu to shun the evil, but love 
 the good. } é tt Es Balt Lite wes a3 
 Ww e are now ther fork to. propose to you, what. 
 you are diligently to pursue. This is the | kingdom 
 of heaven. BO tak) 
 ~ 1. To this end, first, spe your own sicehvake Breth- 
 ren; without. self-knowledge, man knows nothing as | 
 he ought to know ; neither his needs, nor his tune . 
 gers, his prospects, nor his Lord. Self-examina- 
 tion, if practised.at the close of every day, will 
 better fit us for the daily duties of prayer, praise, — 
 and the other Christian-avocations, even that of at- 
 tending on the ordinances of the sanctuary, than a ' 
 week devoted to study, pr actised seldom, and onl ria 
 preparatory ‘to the sacrament. Such is: the stru - 
 ture of the: mind that it can gain but little atatime, J 
 and only by close and gradual observation. That its 
 tle: gained every day, will amount to much. in'the” 
 course of a year, and if retained, in a series of 
 years make us tolerably acquainted. with ourselves. 
 We are to know ourselves in all points, and for this 
 to watch all our exercises, inspect, all our conduct 
 inthe variations of time, ath and circumstances 
 Thus we shall be most likely to detect our seen 
 sins, as well as those which do so easily beset us, an 
 to guard against the formation of such bad! 
 as in the neglect of this task, creep upon us’ 
 sibly, and ripen before we are aware. Such 
 habit of speaking truths injurious to our neigl 
 or Christian brother, when the good of 0 
 eur own vindication do not require it. 
 
Wy 
 
 i as 
 ; a 
 ( 
 
 habit of suffering the business of the week io: en- 
 i croach on the Sabbath at one end, or the other, to 
 the great scandal of the Christian name. Such is 
 the habit of peevishness, in the family, of excess 
 _ at the table, and of tarrying long at the wine, or the 
 tavern. But by adopting the mode recommended, 
 if we really want the testimony of Enoch, ihat we 
 have pleased God, we shall discover, in season to 
 correct our evil propensities, any abatement of our 
 love, fervor, heavenly mindedness, and assiduity 
 in the work given us to do ; thus also we may be pre- 
 served from the habit of palliating those vices, 
 which having become habitual, we are prone from 
 
 the love of consistency, first to extenuate, and next |. 
 
 to justify. Yes, Brethren, we must leave it to men 
 _ who have their portion in this life, to lie down day 
 by day, without a thought of what they have been 
 doing; without even a reflection on the nature of 
 their works, or the state of their hearts; without 
 knowing, in short, whether first waking in eternity, 
 they would begin the endless wailing of the repro- 
 | bate, or the anthem of the redeemed. 
 
 _. With the word of God in the one hand then, or 
 elling richly in the heart, and the feelings and 
 ions of the past day, in the other, let Christian 
 
 goes about ait Ds he may devour. 
 
 ‘ye : 
 
Ss 
 
 2. Secondly, Know one another. — 7 
 This may be effected, if there be. a ae ey 
 it, by free conversations, during the interval ol | 
 public worship on the Sabbath ; rotation i in | prayer 
 at. church conferences ; visits at one another’s 
 dwellings—especially in adverse ‘circumstances. 
 If there are besides these unexceptionable. “modes 
 of accomplishing this object, your own wis om 
 will suggest them for the purpose of effecting a | 
 reformation, promoting confidence, destroying 
 jealousy, and of breaking down the reserve ‘and 
 distance, which so much impedes the growth, and F 
 obstructs the charity of the church. Will you. 
 adopt any one of them ? Oh, let us be fellon j 
 helpers to the kingdom of glory. Let us be asha- 
 med, by neglecting it, to show ourselves ‘resc 2 
 ved to form our first acquaintance, at the bar of | 
 God, with those we have covenanted to bring for- a 
 ward on their way thither. Let us not turn our | 
 ‘backs on those with whom we have eaten bread “7 
 saying, merely because we have been at the | same 
 table, now in Christ we are one body. Ss 
 3. Thirdly, Know your minister. | 
 He is your steward, and how canhe provide, dis- 
 iribute, and give to every one a portion in due s 
 if you tell him neither what are your wants nor ef 
 joyments, when you were filled, nor what. ou 
 refresh you? He isa ruler in the church; but 10W 
 shall he be the minister of God to you ‘for , go , ' 
 you will not obey them who have the rule over ye 
 nor submit yourselves? He is your teacher 
 in vain does he labour to instruct those wi 
 either too wise to learn, or who, as the mavi ner of 
 some is, shun the place of instruction. ~ Wait on ny 
 
27 
 
 ministry ; ; teachable and Bree of reproof; ut- 
 bosom | yourselves to him, and on all religious top- 
 ics, treat him as a father and a friend. 
 
 Know your minister. 
 
 Hei is your pastor ; you must be acquainted with 
 his voice, and follow him, for he who despiseth such 
 ‘as Christ sends to hts sheep and to the lambs of his 
 fold, isin danger of becoming the prey of wolves. 
 There is no man who nill so naturally care for your 
 state as he, who must give account of you in the 
 day of Christ. He cannot but desire to do it with 
 joy, and not with grief, both for your sake, and his 
 ‘Master’s, as well as for his own.—Know your minis- 
 ter. He is your servant for Christ’s sake. The ser- 
 vant is not above his Lord. Like him he will stoop 
 : ‘to wash your feet. He will condescend to men of 
 Tow estate, in every work required of him, in the 
 name of Christ. For he seeks not yours, but you.— 
 He is a labourer in Christ’s vineyard. Know him 
 ‘in this relation, for the labourer is worthy of his 
 hire. Deserve not a rank among those men who 
 ‘either have not sufficient discernment to see, or 
 integrity to acknowledge, that it is the right of 
 every man authorized to preach the gospel, and yet 
 not his motive, fo live of the gospel ; neither think it 
 »conferring any favour on him, or his Master. Hath 
 tt the Lord ordained it? When you shall have 
 i lone 2 all that he has commanded you, it is the most 
 umphant language God will hear from both pas- 
 r and people, we have done that which tt was our 
 
 He is a soldier in common with all Christians. 
 é leads you. If yousee in him, the spirit of 
 
28 
 Christ, the ardor, the ratnoto entre ashi 
 
 becoming his office, follow and suppo 
 er, inthe only godlike war ; even to I 
 gibbet, or the cross. 
 
 He is a centinel. } fo 
 Know him in this character, and enco 
 be true. » Let him demand the counters a | 
 ry one of you; let him guard the lines ; Tet. im be 
 faithful to his captain, to his conscience, and: ve 1 
 though sometimes he wound, ey sometimes rer ' 
 port you. Le 
 
 Are such the relations of a iviniiets is his peo 
 Re You, ‘wi eee whom we esicem ars than 0 
 
 jiec. That you site up the aint that is tn ‘hen 
 you take heed to the ministry received of t 
 that you fulfil it. ab 
 
 Stevard ! Ruler! Teacher? Pastor | 
 Labourer! Soldier ! Centinel ! O my God! x 
 sufficient for these things!! The weight of 
 charge, as one of the fathers said, might make the 
 shoulder of an angel groan. But it is your happi- 
 ness to know, that weight comes not upon an | ange 1. 
 It is the arm of the mighty God wits sustains 
 and you. The government is on- hide S, 
 who, though a child born, a Son given, is “ 
 called—Geod with us—manifest in the flesh. i 
 his ambassadors, is the great Shepherd of 
 You can do ‘all ‘things, therefore, perta 
 vour office, through Christ strengthening > 
 have made thee a minister, is his langua 
 bear,. Lnill carry, I will deliver you. 
 you know the. way, in which he pall do this 
 
—— 
 
 29 
 
 _ we charge “ourselves and you in his name, keep 
 that way, turning neither to the right hand, nor the 
 left. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your 
 ways be established. 
 
 ‘3. Thirdly, pursue, Brethren, both as individu. 
 als and as a church, the advancement of the king- 
 dom of Christ, by persuading others to come in. 
 Though the household of faith be first, yet there 
 are, who are yet to be brought in. Toall such, on 
 evidence of their qualification, say, as Laban to 
 Eliezer, Come in, thou blessed of the Lord, why 
 ‘standest thou nithout. Among the many means 
 
 | which we are required, by the gospel, to use for 
 
 t ea end, I can now suggest but one. This is pray- 
 
 | ") By. which, I do not mean, a mere form of 
 
 ) ine words, addressed to God ; but the in- 
 
 | wrought, fervent, importunate desires ; of the heart, 
 
 _ offered in the name and strength of Christ. Have 
 
 we not heard that the Father gives ithe Holy Spirit 
 
 | to them who ask him? and do we want more? If 
 any, faithless, and weary, ask, what will prayer 
 do? I askin reply, what will it not do? What has 
 not, with corresponding exertions of Christian 
 ligence, already done ? Was it not by such 
 eans that the children of Israel were delivered 
 from their bondage ? Was it not by such means 
 ee plague was stayed, and the evils mitigated 
 
— 
 
 cities saved, and destroyed ; life lengthened, a an 
 cut off ; idols, and their worshippers overthrown ; 3 
 the deep made to give up its prey ; deathto re- _ 
 store its victims ; and the last loaf of penury to. 
 afford sustenance, while the rich died for want of © 
 bread ? What has not prayer effected? Paul calls — 
 upon his unseen Lord, and demons fly from — 
 the habitations, which long possession had made — 
 their own. Stephen calls upon God in behalf of 
 his murderers, and his thunder is withheld. The — 
 Apostles ask a blessing on the word, and three thou- ~ 
 sand souls hear, believe, and are saved. Whatever a 
 man asks in Christ’s name, believing, he receives. 
 Prayer is but another name for power with God, © 
 who has said, concerning my sons, and concerning the — 
 work of my hands, command ye me. Prayer opens 
 heaven. Prayer shuts up the clouds which threaten — 
 to deluge the earth ;—the caverns which yawn to Di 
 receive the prisoners of hope-—This raises “ mor- 
 tals to the skies”’....this draws “an angel down.” | 
 We well know, Christians, you do not wholly 
 neglect the throne of grace. But it is the spirit of 
 prayer which avails with God. It is her importu- | 
 nity and perseverance only, before which the bolis, — 
 and more than iron fetters of the householder 
 yield. Friend, lend me three loaves, does no mor 
 than awake him to repulse the unseasonable appli-) 
 cant. But I will not let ig sleep until my requ est, : 
 
 the ieisinlis Give him therefore no rest, yet t a 
 make mention of the Lord, till he establish, and i 
 he make Jerusalem a praise. thee 
 
al 
 
 We have been the longer, and more earnest, 
 Brethren, because we wish you to be impressed 
 with the importance of our errand. We confess 
 ourselves unwilling to lose our labour, and would 
 not leave you, without the confidence that it shall 
 not be invain. We have done. Only let your con- — 
 versation be as becometh the gospel of Christ, that 
 
 whether we come and see you again, or only hear of 
 your affairs, we may know that you stand fast, and 
 labour much in one spirit, with one mind striving to- 
 gether for the faith and honour of the gospel. Jf 
 _ there be therefore any consolation in Christ, any com- 
 fort of love, any fellowship of the Spirit, fulfil ye 
 this word, having the same mind which was in Christ, 
 | that ye may stand perfect and complete, in all the 
 : will of God. 
 
 t 
 
“a et: 
 importance of the Christian Ministry: * 
 ide Neegt t ny ty 
 
 e ‘i | 
 
 | oa 
 
 SERMON 
 
 | --« PREACHED BEFORE 
 
 j Sy ae Mea 
 ERICAN SOCIETY 
 FOR EDUCATING PIOUS 
 IR THE GOSPEL MINISTRY,’ — 
 ig a hed 
 THEIR THIRD ANNIVERSARY, BOSTON, 1 
 «: 
 SEPT. 30, 1818. 
 IEL DANA, D.D. 
 ‘A CHURCH IN NEWBUR¥PORT. 
 
 ag 
 » es 
 
We etl Catt ed 
 
 evi ew } 
 
 ‘ 
 
 "Ara meeting of the American Society for. 
 Gospel Ministry, at the Old South Me 
 ‘The Rev. Dr. A. Homes, Rev. Dr. 1 
 
 _L. Woops, were chosen a Committee tot ; 
 
 to the Rev. Dr. Dawa, of Newburgpor 
 
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3 > SERMON. 
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 MATTHEW vy. 13, 14. 
 YE ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH.—YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. 
 
 "Bee divine appointment of the Christian ministry, and 
 its intimate connection with the best interests of man, 
 e facts which Christians at large believe and acknowl- 
 
 e. The character, and the professed designs of the 
 ciety now convened in the temple of God, bear tes- 
 mony on the same subject. They indicate, that to per- 
 detuate the existence of the gospel ministry, and to ex- 
 ‘end its operations, are deemed by numbers in the com- 
 unity, objects of high and commanding interest. 
 
 ; by others, they are imperfectly believed, and still 
 ore imperfectly realized. And while with some, they 
 
 € escaped notice ; by others, perhaps, they have 
 a “so long remembered, they’re forgot.” Even the 
 ¢ mind, which has of late been considerably roused 
 subject, is insome danger of again slumbering 
 
 S an object which claims the exertions of every 
 of God and man. 
 
 t anniversary, I would lend a well-meant effort to 
 sreat cause. I[ would submit to the candour of my 
 
4 
 
 hearers, a few reflections Seeeatial the ‘sheila 
 of the Christian ministry ; happy if, in this way, T may 
 promote the design of this meeting, by stimulating to in- 
 creased and persevering exertion, those who have nobly 
 begun; and by awakening the zealand the energies of 
 others. vere he ae 
 The passage selected in aid of this dostgmed be 
 m the ever memorable Sermon on the mount. — The ¢ 
 clarations, Ye are the salt of the earth, and Ye are t 
 of the world, were addressed by the Savior to his - 
 ples. And they are applicable to all his genuine diset 
 ples in every age and clime. But. they apply, with pe 
 culiar emphasis, to his ministers. It was. ntonhiy witl 
 special reference to their future employment as mini $- 
 ters, that our Lord addressed his dntsunkeiiaaala 
 these animating terms. They were the salt of the 
 as their preaching, in connection with their | exampl 
 and their prayers, was calculated and destined to | 
 the minds of men with holiness, to check the preva ene 
 of sin, and to preserve the mass of society fro i 
 of moral putrefaction. They were the hight of 
 world, as, by reflecting light from their doearenly , Tez 
 er, the Sun oF ricHTeousness, they were to. i 
 the benighted souls of their idlooretares. 
 knowledge of God, and guide their e 
 path to heaven—And what vocal 
 deny, that precisely analogous to this, is th 
 ty, dignity and design of the gospel ‘ministry 
 age of the world. ‘+ he vecuagedy a 
 The instruction offered. by the t ‘ 
 this: that THe CurisTIAN MINISTRY Is THE \T 
 MENT OF ENLIGHTENING AND PURIFYING THE WORLD. 
 This proposition I shall now attempt to illustrate 
 
5 
 
 prove. Inthe course of the discussion, the following 
 points will be taken for granted: that mankind are nat- 
 urally without the knowledge of the true God, and of 
 the most interesting doctrmes of  religion—that this 
 knowledge has never been attained by the efforts of 
 reason, or the investigations of philosophy—that it is im- 
 parted by the hoehed Scriptures alone—that the gospel 
 finds all men, not only in a state of guilt, but of awful 
 moral deprayity—that while in this condition, it is im- 
 possible that they should acceptably serve a holy God, 
 or enjoy a holy heaven—that therefore a mere theoret- 
 ic belief of the gospel, though important, is utterly in- 
 suflicient—that in order to be saved by it, men must feel 
 its quickening power on their hearts, and its transform- 
 ing, sanctifying influence on their tempers and lives. 
 Each of these points might easily be established by the 
 most “unequivocal declarations of the word of God. But 
 4s it is impossible, in a single sermon, formally to prove 
 very thing which is advanced; as I address a Christian 
 XU dience; and as these pots are so many great scrip- 
 tural axioms, I shall consider them as truths ne 
 ble, and generally admitted. 
 i In illustration of the doctrinal proposition which has 
 een advanced, let me remark, 
 | First. It Sainesh to the Christian Minister, as a pri- 
 Ina y and most important duty, to explain the princi- 
 le and doctrines of the Bible. These truths, it is ad- 
 fitted, are generally neither recondite, nor perplexed. 
 perhaps most of them, require no other nterpre- 
 » than a plain understanding, united with a good heart. 
 be it remembered, these holy and humbling doe- 
 must ever encounter the opposition of human de- 
 y; and not unfrequently, the opposition of a thou- 
 
 . 
 
6 
 
 sand superadded prejudices. _ They need then to. De eX- 
 hibited in their most overpowering light, and for 
 their strongest evidence. This can be eke 
 tage by those only, who have devoted life to th 
 of the Scriptures: who have investigated their doc 
 with care, contemplated them frequently in their 
 nection, and by much meditation, rendered them fa 
 iar, in their nature, their evidence, their bearings, 
 importance, and their practical use. It is incumben 
 every minister to be mighty in the Scriptures ; to pus 
 his researches far into the sacred Oracles; to explore, 
 with unwearied assiduity, their unfathomable. mines 
 that thus, having aceumulated an portato reasur 
 of divine truth, he may scatter it with a gen 
 fusion around him. ‘ie ‘aioe eta 
 It deserves notice, likewise, that the coisas, ay 
 ing been written in ages and countries distant fro 
 own, abound with references to natural objects, to 
 ners and customs, and to facts, the knowledge of » 
 can be furnished by ancient history alone.‘ 
 guages in which they were composed, must t 
 at the expense of laborious study. In comm 
 other books embracing such a a of vieni 
 Scriptures require, in order to be accurately 
 some acquaintance with the whole salad 
 ences. How important, then, that they b 
 those who have devoted to their investigation 
 and persevering diligence ; and who, being seq 
 from other cares and pursuits, have leisure to 
 their sth, all ‘thai, extertor Light which. 
 mands. | ara 
 The Bible contains a penis of religi 
 but not in a systematic form. Its rich and vari 
 
 oe 
 
tor 
 é 
 
 tions are scattered here and there, with a magnificence | 
 worthy of its glorious Author. He has left it to his min- 
 isters, to range through his word, to gather up these 
 precious instructions, and reduce them to that order 
 which may render them most intelligible and impressive. 
 They must collect the scattered rays of heavenly truth 
 which beam from every page of the sacred volume ; and 
 pour them, in all their radiance and intensity, on the 
 minds of men. 
 
 Ina word; if the Scriptures were given to dispel 
 the darkness of the human mind, and of a world lying 
 in wickedness ; if all religious and saving knowledge flows 
 from that sacred source; if yet, thousands, with the Bi- 
 ble in their hands, are ready to say, with one of ancient 
 time, “How can I understand, except some one should 
 
 ide me;” it follows, that interpreters of this inspired 
 er needful and important. It is a blessing of no 
 common magnitude, that God has appointed a special - 
 rder of men to explain its meaning, to remove its ob- 
 rities, and to present its doctrines in all their force 
 | evidence, to the minds of their fellow-creatures. 
 Secondly. The gospel must be’ not only explained, but 
 nded. Objections against its divinity and its doc- 
 s must be refuted ; the mask of sophistry must be 
 ed from the brow of the infidel; and the ignorance 
 ish men put to silence. These are parts of the 
 r’s duty. He is “set for the defence of the gos- 
 He stands in the forefront of the battle ; and must 
 by the sacred shield of truth, the attackgxof error 
 idelity. Who doubts that in every Christian 
 
 , there are to be found those wretched men 
 
3. 
 
 tianity from the earth ? Such bla ; Heaven de 
 feats, principally through’ the medium of sm : 
 While they maintain their loyalt ourage. 
 will ordinarily be kept in check, a 
 treat to its lurking-places. And Hn w 
 the importance that ministers be» men 
 learning, as well as goodness. - In the 
 ble mmistry, the gospel is dishonored, + 
 graded. It was a favorite object vised 
 tate, to debar the Christian ps : 
 advantages of education. By this de 
 hoped to deprive the Church of a - 
 and to” bring the religion of Jesus shania cor 
 tempt. From this malignant foe of Chri ; 
 friends receive a lesson. And let them 
 weak and ignorant ministry, as, ‘next toa. 
 the most tremendous calamity which can afl 
 Church of God. enn lanai 
 Thirdly. Gospel ministers diffuse light 
 in the world, by faithfully inculcating 
 tions and precepts. They are to stai 
 ’ fellow-men, and in the name of the g 
 claim his high demands on their he 
 Having charged and proved upon th 
 bellion against the Majesty of heaven, t 
 them to repent, to throw themselves at 
 offended Sovereign, and with broken | 
 pardoning mercy. They are likewise 
 a life of mew obedience ; an obedience 
 holy love to God, and tender gratitude to th 
 deemer. And they must press these things 
 fellow-men, with the utmost tenderness, 
 solemnity—commanding, beseeching, ec 
 
9 
 
 ‘ouse from fatal slumber, to obey the voice of Heaven, 
 ‘0 have mercy on their own souls. They must repeat, 
 nd re+repeat in their ears, those unwelcome, despised, 
 1eglected truths, that they must be born again or never 
 mter the kingdom of God ; that they must repent, or per- 
 sh; must believe in Jesus, or be undone. They must as- 
 ail them with every argument calculated to excite their 
 lopes, or alarm their fears; to impress their conscienc- 
 5 or overcome their hearts. 
 
 ' Thus ministers perform their duty ; ; and thus shes 
 nay hope for success. Preaching of this character has 
 
 ver been effectual to convert and save mankind, when 
 y other effort has failed. Moralists have declaim- 
 ; philosophers have reasoned ; satyrists have ridicul- 
 , orators have persuaded. And what has been the 
 sequence ? Human depravity, strong in its mtrench- 
 nents, has laughed at such puny, powerless attacks. 
 Vhile the simple preaching of the gospel has made its 
 ay through all opposition, to the conscience, and the 
 “The weapons of our warfare,” says the great. 
 stian Preacher, “ are not carnal, but mighty through 
 to the pulling down of strong holds ; casting down 
 ations, and every high thing that exalteth itself 
 ‘the knowledge of God, and bringing into captiv- 
 ary thought ta the obedience of Christ.” 
 e persons, the professed friends of virtue, have 
 1 what are called the doctrines of grace, with a 
 ous eye. They have trembled lest the preach- 
 hese doctrines should interfere with the whole- 
 der of society, and put morality to flight. But 
 as are needless. ‘These very doctrines have 
 , in every age, the best supports and guardians 
 he. Seizing 2 the strongest principles of human 
 
 Zz 
 
10 
 
 nature, they have forcibly arrested, the ew 
 man depravity; and em h 
 solute conquest over the lusts an 
 have kept them in powerful check... Of 
 erly called piety, a very great pro portio 
 origin to the preaching of these su 
 They constitute the cipoalaa 0 t relig 
 which assimilates the soul ink orepares it. f 
 heaven. = sera 
 
 Fourthly. It is an iimtaal duty oft 
 minister, to bear a faithful testimony agai 
 ness and vice. To him it belongs, to er 
 spare; to lift up his voice like a impel ad show 
 men their transgressions and their sins. To: hi ) 
 longs, to level the artillery of heaven 
 est and most imposing forms of, wick 
 belongs, to arraign the bold transgr 
 conscience, and constrain him to hea 
 cusations. To him it belongs, to deno 
 Heaven against all ungodliness and un 
 men; to point them toa judgment 
 them to the awful, unknown, retrib 
 By these methods, more than by all. 
 iniquity is discountenanced and, repr 
 with these, all the restraints of law 
 the penal code, are feeble and ine 
 that with all the advantages of 
 and warning, there will still remam, 
 community, a deplorable amount o 
 centiousness. But this proves only the 
 disease ; not the meflicacy of the re 
 which, while it is held out. to all, is by 
 ed and spurned. At the same time, : 
 
il 
 
 ye the horrid, loathsome condition of a community, with- 
 ut the gospel, and its mimistrations—the whole head 
 ick, and the whole heart font ; from the sole of the foot. 
 ven to the head, having no soundness ; but wounds, and 
 ruises, and putrifying sores ; not closed, nor bound wp, nor 
 pollified with ointment.—Let us now consider, 
 » Fifthly. The important effect which a good minis- 
 er’s fidelity and tenderness are calculated to produce on 
 hose around him; especially on those committed to his 
 are. I might remark, indeed, that the ver y institution 
 f the gospel ministry might naturally be expected to 
 Ouse a | slumbering world, which is so prone to neglect 
 he soul ; to treat present objects as though they were 
 very thing ; and eternal realities as though they were 
 wt In this appointment, the slumberers may per- 
 eve that He who formed their souls, and knows their 
 yorth, regards them as most interesting things ; and that 
 aving ; exhausted the treasures of heaven for their re- 
 7 aption, He has separated, on earth, an order of men, 
 pr the sole purpose of watching over their interests, 
 nt a their salvation. What pungent, yet com- 
 lass ionate reproof do these divine arrangements speak 
 _ =) a immortal! And when men behold 
 ' ter of Jesus, approaching them in the very spirit 
 1eav pdiipicelicitiide and compassion; when they be- 
 old him assuming the charge of their souls ; watching 
 wine hem, as one that must give account ; instant in sea- 
 i 
 
 hs 
 e 
 
 1 out of season ; warning every man, and teaching 
 y man, that he may present every man perfect in Christ ; 
 ag out life in anxious efforts to do them good : 
 n, in addition, they reflect, that these privileges will 
 ‘enter into their last account, and that they must meet 
 ir minister before the bar of heaven; they must be 
 
 Se 
 
 . 
 
y 
 
 2 12 2 
 
 insensible indeed, not to feel. pee 
 
 tle doubt that, in this way, the. fz 
 are actually broken. Fascinated b 
 the world, or immersed im its snealinl nen ordine 
 get their depravity, their guilt, and: their) destin 
 They walk thoughtless on the: of mterminabl 
 wo; and can scarce admit the idea of ¢ anger: — 
 when they see one in whose sincerity ‘gues ‘mel 
 they confide, filled with aire d distre 
 for their condition, their unbelief gorahiangs hey be 
 come themselves alarmed; and thi 
 quently eventuates in their ‘escape from the impe: 
 ing ruin. - » nal sovmssinaliat tie 
 Ministers of the ai are under cule 
 tages to gain access to the minds of th 
 acquire an influence over unin ‘and hy 
 divine blessing, to form and mould their chara 
 day in every week, they statedly a 
 communicate the results of their ov 
 Heavenly Oracle. At other sea: 
 sional, they dispense instruction, cc 
 Deeply interested in the success: of t 
 watch the first symptoms of tende 
 dawn of ‘conviction, in individual mir 
 redouble their faithful exertions. 
 ple of their care in times of sorrow, of » 
 reavement, These are per ly 
 sons of address”—precious moments 
 the human heart dissolves; dill 
 deceitful mask, and eternal: veiled 
 indeed. O my hearers! Jt is by dosi 
 these inestimable seasons, that the g 
 their souls! And it is by anxiously la 
 
43 
 
 eecasions; “by cherishing symptoms of conviction; by 
 pouring truth into the opening mind; by leading the dis- 
 quieted soul to rest in the Savior, that the good minis- 
 ter co-operates with the gracious Spirit of God, and van 
 parts immortal blessings to his people. 
 » Ayain; In estimating the benign effects of the gos- 
 pel ministry, we must not overlook the power of ea- 
 ymple. It cannot, indeed, be asserted (would to Heavy- 
 on it could!) that every minister is, in this regard, 
 what he should be. Nor may it be forgotten that an - 
 wnholy, unexemplary minister is one of the most guilty 
 ind wretched of human beings. His very office implies 
 i peculiar devotion to God. To undertake it, then, 
 without serious piety, indicates a callousness of heart, 
 which, awful as it is, will too probably be but increas- 
 id’ by the course of his subsequent employments. It 
 equally true, on the other hand, that to the sincere 
 minister, the duties in which he is habitually occupied, 
 lecome a perennial source of pious affections. He is 
 alled to meditate familiarly on the glories of the Hicx 
 ap Lorry Ove; on his works of creation and provi- 
 lence ; on the sublime discoveries of his word; on the 
 fur ity and goodness of his law; on the transcendent 
 hysteries of redemption; on the spotless example of 
 ie Savior; on the evil of sim; on the worth of the 
 Dt 1; on the joys and woes which never end. On these 
 finitely momentous subjects, he is frequently called 
 address his people. He conveys their sins and sor- 
 ws, their humiliations, prayers and ,praises to the 
 hrone of God. He dispenses the memorials of a Sa- 
 \or’s. leeding love. He stands by the bed of death, 
 ad witnesses the believer’s peace, or transport; the 
 upidity, or the agony of the impenitent sinner. He 
 
14 
 
 follows to the silent tomb, pM pee 
 ny may have been stamped by his: fideli 0 
 
 Of all men in the world, surely the ‘minister has t 
 strongest motives and aids to active, mdefatigable, e: 
 emplary piety. And if the effect is corre 
 love to God, and love to men burn intense! 
 
 to every eye. mess, 
 stand confessed. Infidelity is jerrasete died 
 ed. The thoughtless around him te oo 
 the insensible to feel. Men see what genuir oc 
 is, and what they themselves must fpediibedisiedi 
 hibited to view, which all are imvited to i 
 which none can imitate. without adyantage. — 
 _ Again; the connection of, the Chri 
 with the maintenance of the Sabbath, 
 worship, claims an emphatic notice. .Th 
 of these institutions; their benign aspect o 
 interests of society, and of individuals, 
 illustrated at large. Indeed, a volume ec 
 tain the detail. One thing, however, is cl 
 controversy. Their prosperity, their very 
 depends onthe existence of the gospel m 
 stroy this ministry; and the songs of Zior 
 notes of praise or prayer resound thr 
 tian temple. No sacrifice is presented 
 Oracle utters no response. No y¥ 
 its gates to seek instruction, to bring 
 sorrows toa compassionate. Gop,. or to 
 the work of heaven. Destroy the 
 destroy the Sabbath itself. _ The day 
 becomes a day of toil; or what i 1s worse, of 
 shes 
 
15 
 
 sss merriment ; of brutal indulgence and riot, degrading 
 mare and insulting to God. A Christian nation be- 
 omes heathen; and worse than pagan abominations over- 
 pread the land, once honored as the residence of reid 
 oly Jehovah. 
 _ In confirmation of all which has been said respect- 
 ag the aspects and tendencies of the Christian mimstry, 
 ye might make amore direct, and pomted appeal to 
 acts. What have been the actual effects of this mimis- 
 ry; from its first institution to the present time? Let 
 he history of the Church and world declare. How 
 yas it, that in the earliest ages of Christianity, such sur- 
 ising revolutions were suddenly wrought in the senti- 
 nents and manners of men? How wasit, that the tem- 
 les of the heathen were abandoned, their idols des- 
 neon superstitions demolished, their prejudices, 
 heir passions and vices subdued ? To what cause is it 
 ge ascribed, that high and low, the learned and the 
 orant, nobles and kings, states and empires, bowed to 
 = sceptre of Jesus? These effects were accomplish- 
 j, not by the diffusion of the written word, but by the 
 spel preached. . “ After that, in the wisdom of God,” 
 ays Paul, « theworld by wisdom knew not God, it pleas- 
 d God by the foolishness of preaching to save them 
 at elieve.”—It is true, that when Christianity had 
 ned the ascendency ; when it had become the reli- 
 h of the world, it was corrupted and tarnished. And 
 lpw? By the corruption of its own teachers; by their 
 imgling with its truths the subtilties of false philoso- 
 py; and by their preaching doctrines directly subyer- 
 the gospel. Then it was, that, in the language 
 
 s, “ the salt lost its savor,” and the mass which it 
 \ ulc have seasoned, became corrupt. Then it was, 
 i ‘the a of the world became darkness. And O, 
 
16 
 
 how great was that darkness! How wofully protra 
 too! Yet, amid the ignorance, superstition : 
 which, for more than a thousand years, envel 
 Christian world, there appeared, b 
 ful teacher, like some solitary star, da 
 gloom of midnight a perceptible, thoug’ ectua 
 And when, at length, the Reformation dawned u 
 world, that grand event was accomplished by t} 
 mentality of a few faithful and courageous F 
 the pure gospel. It is likewise an incontestible — 
 that in whatever part of Europe, or or of ‘the world, i 
 isters of this stamp have lived and ta ught, something something it 
 portant has been done to diffuse int lal i 10 
 light ; to refine the sentiments, and ref he 
 of men; to promote a spirit of eet eerierd 
 cence; and to arrest the grosser forms of im 
 profligacy. While these effects have r 
 selves visible to every eye, and. have bee 
 every man of candor and oat ek 
 still superior importance, but in their na 
 secret, have been accomplished. Slun 
 ces have been roused; obdurate hearts | 
 ed; and souls, long dead in trespas SES a 
 quickened into spiritual and ima 
 be supposed 1 that the gospel, when fi 
 fails to be followed by some such 1 
 The great Jehovah has declared; “As 
 down, and the snow, from heaven, a 
 thither, but watereth the earth, and 
 forth and bud, that it may give seed to | 
 bread to the eater; so shall my word | 
 forth out of my mouth; it shall not ret 
 but it shall accomplish that which I please, 
 prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” ~~ 
 
17 
 
 . Pass through the land in which we dwell, and fasten 
 your eyes on those spots which have not been visited by 
 he preached gospel, or from which it has taken its 
 t. What do you behold, but a moral waste, where 
 a salutary plant takes root; no verdure quickens.” 
 You see, perhaps, the worst vices of civilized life, with- 
 mut its virtues ; and all the ferocity of the savage state, 
 without its simplicity. But you turn away, disgusted 
 and sickening, from the scene. Contemplate then its 
 reverse. Observe those districts and states which are 
 papPhied with faithful Christian teachers. Is it not here 
 at men and women rise to the dignity of rational be- 
 and liye like heirs of immortality? Is it not here 
 “4 the great God is feared, and worshipped, and obey- 
 : : And is it not here that all the virtues that sweeten 
 e, and adorn society, find their proper soil and all- 
 —With confidence it may be asserted, that there 
 not a yillage in the land, blessed with gospel instruc- 
 ) which does not exhibit something of its benign and 
 ary effects. Nor is there a spot upon the globe, 
 re he feet of the heralds of salvation have trodden, 
 
 In tempi this illustration of ty proper Asi 
 
 as "viewed i in Be cone with the speaker, has 
 a felt. But I have not deemed it warrantable, on 
 
 3 
 
18 
 sign and the magnitude of his office ; and views, « fi 
 
 same time, his own insufficiency, and 1 
 defects; will find little ground. for self-cor a 
 but a thousand pressing motives for. humiliation . nd 
 grief. Nor let it be forgotten, that all the beneficial of 
 feist, which have ever been produced. in our w world; by 
 the gospel ministry, are to be traced simpy 1 1m « 
 vine appointment, and the divine blessing. The 
 treasure is committed to earthen vessels, that the excellem 
 cy of the power may be manifestly of God, and not ine n ¥ 
 To Gop then; to Gop ALONE AND FOR EVER, be ai 
 
 all the glory. | fo ye rea 
 - . If, my hearers, it is a fact, that the Chri i 
 is sy thie chosen instrument of Heaven, for en 
 purifying the world ; it is a fact of the most in 
 nature. It draws after it a long train of mom 7 
 consequences. It pours into the thoughtfal. mina 2 tidy 
 ef overwhelming reflections. What, in this 
 things, is the condition of our world? And w 
 prospects? Is this grand engine of reforr 
 
 obedience to his solemn command; Go—teach all nai 
 —preach the gospel to every creature? i ad 
 of the cross been unfurled on every mountain 
 globe? Have the heralds of salvation, k 
 wings of benevolence, visited every benighte 
 barous clime P—Alas! The fact is deplorabl 
 wise. Eighteen centuries have rolled me J 
 fourths of the fallen human family are, a 
 as ignorant of the Savior, as if no Santee 
 man. Yes: the Christian world has slumbe 
 and centuries, over the miseries of the | 
 now, when it has somewhat roused, a few h 
 sionaries, a very few, are all it sends forth to ¢ 
 
> 19 
 
 ‘7K HUNDRED MILLions of pagans! The thought must 
 penetrate every heart which is not steeled mee hu- 
 ‘man misery in its most appalling form. 
 ~ But let us contract the sphere of our reflections. 
 us cast a momentary glance on our own country. 
 We shall find, that in this land, in which our fathers 
 sought and found an asylum for religion; and which 
 ‘was, for a long time, richly furnished with the means of 
 divine instruction, there is now a most deplorable defi- 
 ciency of gospel ministers. While, by reason of the 
 rapid population of our country, and the constant multi- 
 plication of new settlements, the demand for gospel in- 
 truction has been fast increasing, the proportion of our 
 9e erally educated youth, who devote themselves to the 
 ministry, has been regularly diminishing. ‘The conse- 
 ‘quence is, that in those regions which are best supplied 
 ith the means of instruction, the proportion of qualified 
 gospel ministers. is now reduced more than one half. 
 | regions, the case is incomparably more distress- 
 Ig. Ww hole districts of country, embracing thousands, 
 land tens of thousands of inhabitants, are absolutely des- 
 itute of religious instruction, and but little removed 
 
 from a state of heathenism. In other instances, hun- 
 
 reds of congregations, regularly organized, and anxious 
 to obtain and support gospel ministers, stretch out their 
 upplicating arms in vain. In short, there is reason to 
 ye that nearly three fourths of the inhabitants of 
 
 » United States are destitute of competent and 
 eligious instruction; and that no small portion of 
 are sunk to the lowest condition of ignorance and — 
 
 liest emotions of grief and compassion? It was dime, 
 iy Christian Brethren, to awake to new and unparallel- 
 
20 4 
 
 ed exertions, to alleviate mineriou tga leeiaiibiaian T 
 design of the American Society FOR EDUCATING PIOUS 
 YOUTH FOR THE GOSPEL MINISTRY, Carries in itt ne si 
 est appeal to the heart of benevolence. It urges 
 most imperious claims on the active patronage, the li 
 ral support, the fervent prayers, of all ohsapaetn: th 
 sensibilities of Christians, or of men, 
 ~ The prominent design of this Institution is to 
 the number of qualified gospel ministers. And this, 
 all who think and feel, must be pronounced an obj 
 not only of high importance, but of absolute, pi 
 necessity. It has now become a fact ineontestible, th 
 the number of youth in our country, who, in the o 
 ry course of things, devote themselves to the x 
 is far, very far, too small to meet. the demands of 
 vacant churches, and new settlements. . The evil, w 
 has been accumulating for years, has maconarhges 
 so great, that we seem threatened, as a nation 
 Samine of the word; a total dereliction of. 
 and its sacred ordinances. Hence the ne 
 ing out,. wherever they can be found, young 
 sessing the first requisite, piety; and. cnc : 
 gratuitous instruction, for the service of the sanctuar 
 These measures, while they promise - Tange. og 
 sion to the number of Christian preachers, are caleul 
 to elevate the standard of nunsterial g 
 Society has it in its power to draw neg’ 
 from its obscurity, and enlist the best 
 youth in the Redeemer’s service. It pro 
 to introduce none to the mmistry, without 
 competent education. These, are cirew 
 reflecting minds will readily appreniniin ei 
 ability and learning are important to the Ch 
 Jstry, they saceuniby even indispensable a 
 
21 
 
 other professions are respectably filled; when informa- 
 tion is generally diffused; and when, in many instances, 
 able champions are found in the ranks of oe and 
 infidelity. 
 & May it not be hoped that this Society will be instru- 
 mental to raise up a ministry which shall be distinguish- 
 ed for fervent, active piety—that best pledge of ministe- 
 vial usefulness and success? This is a prominent, and a 
 precious part of its design. And who can doubt that 
 the spirit of fervent piety—that hearts glowing with 
 the purest love to God and man, are frequently to be 
 nd in the retreats of obscurity and indigence? How 
 ightful, to penetrate these hallowed recesses ; to lead 
 the youth, panting to serve his Redeemer’s cause ; 
 ‘and, after due preparation, to place him in a sphere 
 where all the energies of his mind, and the ardors of 
 his heart, will have full scope for their exercise! — 
 \ True; appearances may sometimes deceise us; and 
 r most sanguine hopes may prove abortive. From 
 ‘other motives than those of piety, our patronage may 
 ye'sought. And it will ever require much sagacity and 
 judgment, to discriminate, among a variety of applicants, 
 the proper objects of preference. Avarice, selfishness, 
 \wice itself, may assume the fairest pretexts. Young 
 |men, preferring every thing else to labor, may scek a 
 Gratuitous support, and even the ministry itself, asa 
 inctu ary for indolence. At this period, when religion 
 excites an increased. attention; when piety is, in some 
 reles, fashionable ; and when many species of Chris- 
 jian-exertion, necessarily public, attract notice, and con- 
 istinction, there is danger lest, from motives of pure 
 bition, some intrude themselves mto the ministry. 
 @ainst such applicants, our doors must, if possible, be 
 
22 J 
 closed. While humble, unassuming ‘Piety—the p ty 
 
 whichis r j oly cnctl oem orga 
 ¢ Not prac not hide Ce ee 
 
 must be assiduously sought out, and accel under 0 
 fostering care. ee 
 Already, my beloved Anwuiaana in this great desig | 
 has the God of heaven signally smiled on cand rts 
 Who would have thought that mm less than three ye 
 from the organization of this Society, it would have im) 
 parted its bounty to one hundred and forty-sia pensioners | 
 Yet such is the animating fact. Of these pensioner 
 several have already completed their ecneediein my are 
 now engaged in preaching the word of eternal life. — 
 But far the greater part remain, They claim yout 
 support. ‘They must be supported. Theshonotiref dl 
 Society, and (may I not add?) the honour of our 001 
 mon Christianity, 1s pledged for their support. Oth 
 young men, with hearts panting for the holy minist 
 will doubtless soon appear as candidates for your cliath 
 ty?. Shall they supplicate in vain? | Shall the C 
 es of Christ; shall destitute. and npralineys millions si 
 plicate, through them, in vam? 
 The members of this Seeks idiaids and all 
 friends, are imperiously called to unremitted, p se 
 ing, and augmented exertion. The cause of 
 mands it. The best interests-of man demand 
 own consistency and honor demand it. The con dit 
 and exigencies of millions, in our own and —_ 
 who may be saved by our compassionate effor 
 ish through our neglect, loudly. demand it, tal! 
 Do we believe, my dear Brethren, that the gospel 
 istry is the great instrument which all_gracious Hear 
 has appointed, has blessed, and determines still to | 
 for the diffusion of light, and holiness, and jo 
 
23 
 
 vation through the world? Do we believe that in the 
 progress, the extension, and perpetuation of this holy 
 ministry, are involved the dearest interests of individu- 
 als, of families, of communities, of mankind at large >— 
 Do we shed the tear of pity over the countless millions 
 of immortal beings, strangers to the only name under 
 heaven by which they can be saved? Do we ardently 
 desire, and expect, and supplicate the arrival of a period 
 when the heralds of the cross shall find their way into 
 every benighted clime, and preach the gospel to every _ 
 creature ? Let us be consistent. Let not our convic- 
 tions, our wishes, and our very prayers reproachus. Let us 
 vive ourselves no rest ; let us give our friends and neigh- 
 pors no rest, till a host of faithful labourers be sent forth 
 nto the immense gospel field ; nor till provision be made 
 or supplying a long succession of such hosts; and for 
 winging the whole world to bow before the cross of its 
 Sbdsemer. 
 . ols it not time for the churches through our land to 
 wake to'this momentous object? Can it be thought 
 o much for every such Church of the Redeemer—pur- 
 sed as it is by his blood—protected by his care— 
 jpasted at his table—to charge itself with the constant 
 ang successive support of at least one pious youth, des- 
 ned to preach to its destitute fellow-beings, that gospel 
 which it owes all its most valued blessings, and all its 
 st hopes ! - 
 it this is an individual, and a universal concern. 
 le are excused from regardmg the object with the 
 erest interest. None are precluded from its active 
 jotion. Here the pious, if they want not the dispo- 
 n 5 may do something ; ; and here the rich, if they have 
 arts for it, may enjoy the luxury of doing much. Has 
 fe enough, and too much, been sacrificed by almost all. 
 
 1 
 
to ease, to self-indulgence, to fashion, to’ 
 ly aggrandizement; and is it not time that'ithes f 
 be themselves sacrificed on the aliar of Chasey ben 
 olence ? 
 
 This Assembly will now have che pill reach 
 ing forth its hand, to help forward this great desig 
 And permit me, my respected hearers, to bide ha 
 there are few cases, if any, in which your benevolent. 
 ferings can be attended with a brighter hope of effect 
 ing an almost incalculable amount of good, Perhap 
 what you give this day, may assist im the’ education 
 some future Bucnanan, by whose enlightened, and ir 
 fatigable zeal, the world may be setinm motion, arid: Chi 
 tianity accelerated in’ its flight through the earth,” 
 may assist im raising up some Baxren, whose name a 
 writings shall receive the affectionate: blessings of 1] 
 sands yet unborn. It may aid’ m kindling» up 
 which, after having shone, for a while, in our beni 
 world, shall diffuse its radiance in distant worlds, 
 all the luminaries of heaven shall be onmuntid 
 that are wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firman 
 and they that turn many to ici as the stars 
 ever and ever. sid 
 
 One thmg more. When you ene needa 
 to the treasury of the Lord, imagine FI ces 
 
 against the treasury, observing the offerers 
 silts Doubt not that that same Jesus i Is he 
 
 to his idee will be unnoticed by him ade 
 warded in the great day. Gracious Savior ! 
 us all, thy presence ; and pour into every h 
 of ts own generous, compassionate, self- 
 
DELIVERED AT HINGHAM, 
 
 LORD’S-DAY, MAY 5, 1805. * we * 
 | A 7 " ~ Pea ¥ 
 Te: oie, 
 
 ilag 4 A he eine 
 “sy HENRY WARE, a.m. se 
 se | ee a * ; ‘4 
 7 , ® ‘ 
 i . ¢ 
 4 ¥ i 
 x a 
 
 by Dissolution of his Pastoral) Relation _ 
 Church of Christ in Bipehar, sts Re- 
 
 A 
 
 in the University at Cambridge. 
 
 “‘— am Sy lino 
 
 , 
 as * © TOGETHER WITH 
 ae Sy 
 
 ADDRESS FROM THE CHURCH ON THE aca § 
 Bin" AND HIS ANSWER. 
 
 whole printed ‘by the general Request of the Society. 
 : a] 
 
 __ ¥ ‘ a” 
 ‘ Boston: : . - # aM 
 _ PRINTED BY E. LINCOLN, WATER-STREET. | 
 
Ayes iF 
 
 Ss ae 
 
 >. 
 
, pe oF, " Ah " r : r ' 
 VALEDICTORY DISCOURSE. 
 ey seh Pe 
 
 | id | — ‘: 
 
 Ary. “ee | 
 
 ween Aonc the trials to which we are called ik 
 in life, one"of the most painful is the separation of . 
 those, whom the ties of nature, interest or duty have ~ 
 | long united, or whom the constant intercourse of : 
 ie friendship in some important relation has strongly gt. , 
 » tached together. ‘To trials of this kind we are all in, 
 the course of providence fyequently called. Besides, | 
 | what takes Place in the’ operation of that great law of ad 
 
 ‘pourmatur * which our most important and valued .” © 
 ' Connexions are, one after another, dissolved ; it fre- 
 quently happens, that the dearest friendsyjand even 
 |" members of the same family, are called in — eS 
 | to separate from each other, and to discontinue, though = © > 
 with bleeding hearts, a pleasant connexion. . 2 
 . The Telation of a Christian’ minister to the seople = 
 ‘his chargey and the intercourse to which it gives 1 
 are of such aynature, as can hardly fail of produ- ai, sinh 
 2 tender and very strong attachment. W henever- be , * 
 thidissolves this relationy or ahy circumstances seem 
 Oint out'the propriety and duty of a voluntary re- 
 
= 2 
 F 
 a 
 = 
 me 
 
 to the conviciel of duty, and tna r ea ei . 
 
 - 
 
 to the higher authority. When ‘hen sucha separation how. 4 
 
 ever takes place, it must be with mutual anxi 
 concern ; and the mind, lingering, reluctant, and 
 willing, will still look ball and takea deep 2 
 
 interest in that destiny, it is no lo 0 ) share... eg 
 
 It is with such impressions, that I have been led, in 
 view of the separation soon ‘ba rar i es me ; 
 and this Christian socie to adopt words. : 
 Paul to the ¥ * 3 *) 
 
 « Philippians, chap. i. Ver, 27. 
 . “onNLY LET YOUR CONVERSATION BE AS IT Br. ‘ 
 @) COMETH |THE ie OF CHRIST ° THAT | 
 
 ” WHETHER I COME AND SEE YOU, ELSE Er 
 ri ABSENT, I MAY HEAR OF YOUR A 188, THAT 
 
 YE STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT, WITH ONE 
 MINDs§STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE PATTEM 
 THE GOSPEL.” 
 WITH a solicitude like that, which the Ape 
 a tle here expresses for his Philippian 
 forward. thigday to the future character, sae 
 
 condition m this society. 
 shite oneal 
 
 This interest in your well-b 
 for me not to feel, after having spent so large a 
 ‘tion of my life so pleasantly among yous in the pg 
 relation. For all my interests; my prospects, - 
 
 happiness have been thus ae united to By, 0 
 dependent upon them. , ith : 
 a 
 
 ejoiced in all your prosperity and mourned in 
 | is and, th every vicissit cod wl 
 "ten “5 never ceased to ehe 
 yo jur kindness inspire d 
 
i. aa .  % 
 i * * @ 2 Sy 
 Cty Sa ae 5 + Siete) 
 “ae yng F 
 Ja sale) among the firstvof my wish- 
 
 ts 95," rt ieee ‘rvent of my prayers. 
 ‘sy » from the\nature of the services it has been 
 ¢ “my uted duty to pe\form among you, it cae hard- 
 by be otherwise. 
 
 i To a. be om wee to week the dectines 
 
 of our lily religion, |and urge upon you its duties, © 
 ‘ under the conviction, /hat they are intimately connect- _ @ 
 ed with your salvatio/1: to w to you the truths of j 
 ry y 4 
 
 the Gospel, i in the full persuasion, that they are “the 
 _ words of eternal /ife ;”? to meet you statedly in this 
 _ house consecrate/{ to the holy offices of religion, for | 
 liting in acts of homage to him rom °, 
 * whom all our bl/ssings flow, and to implore his"ben- ~ a 
 and your familiés ; to meet you, as I 
 re ntly called to do, in scenes of sick- 
 : “ness, afiliction, and suffering, in order toymingle my 
 Be ox tears ‘and my prayers with yours: to perform, in fine, 
 
 the whole round of ministerial duties, and to d . 
 this under the deep impression that I must be called to. 3 ‘ 
 ahswer at the bar of the Judge of all at last, for the 
 
 purity” of motive and. eo with which it was cong 
 
 ould not fail il to connect re whole "ie most close- 
 
 | ¥ with a 
 
 | The event the ete, wi ich —. 3 me “Grom. 
 "ar g You, though i it 7 ves this connexion, and 
 ha epal t interests in future, can never destroy ale 
 ¢ remembr ce of it, noPimake mé cease to) feel a 
 and strong ime whatever shall hereafter 
 
 society, or you as indi- 
 
 ep 
 a) ou ee 
 
 t Ie fe eel for you, what the apostle express- . 
 Pbrethrae, an anxious: tha 
 itu ue ¢ satisfaction of f see 
 
ing from you, that ‘you stand fast in on 
 
 ’ they proyide for the support 
 
 one mind, striving together for the faith o 
 That is, striving together to promote ‘the fi 
 
 der of the Gospel, ae thus to edpengg ti ate: 
 Christ in the world. HGH 
 
 * ‘That may have this ‘etiietiolt 
 sary that “‘your conversation be, as it} eth the 
 Gospel of Christ.” Ceti ag 
 
 $ 
 
 I will now endeavour to point out, in a few of the * 
 most obvious and important particulars, , what this - 
 plies. 
 
 For a society, as such, so to contigs. that i may — 
 with!'propriety | be said of it, that its conversation is be- i 
 coming the Gospel of Christ, it is requisite t art the 
 members of it attend to pe jak of thesGosp lythat — 
 continuance ofits insti- | 
 tutions, attend upon them and profit by them, and. pre. 3 
 serve among themselves thatgpeace and friendly interes 
 eats, which the Gospel inculcates, and Which it deems 
 mands of@ose, who live under 18 light, bit its ig 
 Ya and protess its iaith. Ph 
 
 ‘A minister of the GoBpel cant feelno . 
 agement to,faithful igh ete . } 
 cation in them, than to 
 he is confiected, regularly 
 bours, and appearing to okt by thei 
 eral préyalence'@f piety, temperance, “aiid 
 manners ; by transacting a the concerns 
 
 ety in a y ae temper, that 
 
 condesce n, and moderation, 
 tcaches, maintaining the 
 bonds, of ] Dail ad while 
 
 or the ih othe 
 
Mm ns 6 wiih one si and. th howiha’ a “ay bias 
 ” same time manifesting, that they are heartily engaged 
 in the cause of Christ, not only by an exemplary 
 al ‘deportment, but by holding the faith of the Gospel, 
 lo-agak, Sit Ad Christ before men, and observing — | 
 _ the ordinances of the Gospel as becomes his disci. . 
 ples.» . is ; 
 Tt gives a peculiar encouragement to his studies, 
 seit energy to his laBours to be able to see, ‘that his 
 Jabour is not in vain; that he does not spend his 
 strength for nought ;” to see, that the fruit of his la- @- 
 bour is to reclaim the vicious, to comfort and edify the 
 godly, and to multiply the number of those, who from 
 __ a firm conviction of the truth of the Gospel, a clear 
 | in understanding of its doctrines, and a steady resolution 
 * to live by its rules, publicly enlist under the banner of | 
 ‘Christ, and piously walk in the order of the Gospel, 
 - by attending Gospel Ordinances. ay ai * 
 
 But in proportion as he derives cheourmeement fron 
 such indications of success, his mind is, on the othe 
 hand, depressed by the want ‘of it. 
 
 The ardour of his zeal is damped, when he finds it to, 
 purpose; and the vigour of his exertion is checked, 
 hen he perceives its end defeated. He loses that 
 , which is inspired by the fair prospect of suc- 
 1 exertion, when he has the mortification, not- 
 nithstanding all his labours, to see piety decay and 
 a of manners prevail, religious principles 
 Christian faith lose ‘their hold on the consciences ® 
 men, Christian ordinances sink into neglect, and. 2 
 iy. of i who take the seal of the covenant ? 
 
Py ” Week for Palla faith of the Gospel ; ;” and to! 
 
 , 
 , 
 
 oe 
 
 “es 
 
 ‘ples, he has been employed in inculeating a 
 
 _those institutions, in which he hes it no long | 
 
 Meas it becometh the Gospel of Christ.” 
 
 * 
 
 + " & 
 
 And when a minister is remov. 
 a flock, with which he has been lo 
 pastoral relation, to which he feelsa_ 
 and in whose welfare he has a lively 
 be more gratefull and satisfactory to hi 
 that they adhere firmly to those doe: 
 
 them ; that they continue to attend and to | 
 
 power to jointhem; thataspiritof piety and 
 pure Christianity prevails and increases among 
 and that numbers are frequently waded tone “ * who ‘ 
 are not ashamed of the i Mea who name x name i 
 
 of Christ, and walk worthy of iy ‘ 
 which they are ie 3 
 
 sionally in person, or else is absent Pak Pity it wi 
 not fail to be one of the most grateful cireumstances oi 
 es ; life “to Hear of their affairs, ghat they thus stand) 
 
 spirit, and with one mind, sty : 
 
 ye Sayin 
 
 as a society their conversation is, in all 
 
 But besides what is required i in a society, as | 
 and in each individual, as a member of it, a 
 tion becoming the Gospel of Chrees 
 that personal egard to the duties of a! 
 is inculcated in the Gospel, and required ¢ 
 sors. It implies, that each member of the fe 
 dy, while he treats with respect ahd egularl 
 the public institutions of religion, and per: 
 duties of the social state, be, governed, at . 
 
 ae in every act of ¥ life, in which 5 
 
: a. It implies, that he conform in the whole 
 j of his te temper, conversation and. practice to the rules 
 of the Gospel, from fixed principles of Christian faith, 
 and a deep and impressive sense of religious duty, 
 with a view to ensure to himself, not the approbation 
 of men, who regard only the outward actions, but of 
 | “God, who searcheth the heart.” It implies, that’ 
 men carefully cultivate and maintain purity of heart, 
 and in their practice adhere. to truth and righteousness ; 
 and. while, as members of socicty, they study the 
 
 ae 
 
 things which make for peace, as members of families: 
 
 they perform faithfully all domestic duties, and as in- 
 dividuals be distinguished by that entire self com- 
 | mand, which is displayed in uniform temperance, hu- 
 nility, meekness, and moderation. It implies again 
 | ‘a conduct correspondent to the respective stations and 
 | conditions of men. That the rich be not high mind- 
 ‘ed, nor oppressive, nor trust in uncertain riches ; but 
 | that they do good with their wealth, as they have op- 
 | portunity, and employ it to the Bepevelne purposes 
 | designed by that merciful Being, who bestowed’ i it; 
 _ and that the poor be patient, honest, and resigned to 
 | the divine allotments. That rulers keep in view 
 end of their appointment, and make a just use of 
 he power committed to them, and that subjects sub- 
 it quietly to rightful authority, and lead peaceable 
 A That parents be faithful, in bringing up their 
 Offspring, to give thei that instruction and discipline, 
 which will qualify them for the part they are to act in 
 and the place they are to fill in society, and es- 
 
 ially to Rene them those Sa ieuath which Telate 
 
 ie 
 ‘ee 
 
 % 
 
% 
 + 
 
 be obedient to their parents and 
 for parental fidelity. That the yo 
 ed; that the middle-aged be pior 
 and enterprizing ; attentive to the 
 well, as to present concerns; and se 
 on things above, not on things ¢ 
 first the kingdom of God. and his 
 
 \}" ae ) BE 
 prety... ths 
 2 } 
 
 Gospel of Christ. 
 
 £ ~ POM 
 Wen cunversa 
 
 5 
 
 Al this Moment of my approaciumg remove 
 
 among you, after so pleasant an i 
 
 many years in all the duties of the pastoral ele 
 and all the offices of personal friendship, I cai 
 but look forward with deep solicitude and 
 cern, and you will allow me to express’ my 
 that I may hereafter have the satisfacti 
 from you, of the prevalence of such 2 
 versation as has been described. I can 
 to take a most lively interest‘in your welfare 
 your religious character and state. My so 
 you, however, is not accompanied with 
 doubts and strong fears. That holy Provid 
 which we have shared so many and impoi 
 fs 
 
 ia 
 ‘ * 
 - 
 
; eS. 
 : i id 
 
 ogether, w will not forsake us, when, in obedience to its 
 separated from each other. And when I 
 
 ect o1 ae regular habits, sober attention, to the in- 
 "stitutions and duties of religion, and peaceful: spirit, by 
 ch the inhabitants of this place in general have 
 aS always distinguished, I am encouraged to enter- 
 
 tel 
 
 in the confident hope, that after my departure, L, 
 shall often have the heart-felt pleasure of “‘ hearing of 
 
 your affairs, that you continue to stand fast in one 
 spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith 
 of the Gospel ; and that your conversation is, as it be- 
 cometh the Gospel of Christ.” 
 
 if will not allow myself to indulge a doubt of your 
 remaining steadfast in the faith of the Son of God, and 
 the pure doctrines of his Gospel ; and united in faith- 
 
 _ ful endeavours to maintain the regular observance of 
 7 “those institutions, which are intended to promote the 
 knowledge and the practice of true religion. I will 
 - eherish the pleasing hope of hearing, that a spiritof-ps 
 ous attention to the concerns of religion, and the in- 
 terests of futurity, instead of sinking into decay, is re- 
 -_iving and prevailing ; that you harmoniously co-op- 
 erate in the means of keeping up a regular attention 
 
 Kt 
 
 othe ordinances of Christianity ; and that when I 
 
 - shall see this holy temple filled with attentive wor- 
 ppers of God, and shall have the peculiar gratifica- 
 lion of meeting at the table of our Lord, many, whom 
 ) vk with a pain and grief, I have not words to 
 for so many years\turning from us, and retir- 
 th cold neglect from that haly ordinance. » Per- 
 
 , , whose regular course of life, and serious yee 
 
 e and see you, as I hope occasionally to do, I - 
 
 FA 
 
"spirit, and whose conduct has, « 
 
 ee 
 
 possessing both the faith of the 
 
 the greater disappointment and 
 withholding from the Christian 
 seem otherwise to yenerate, and 
 that support it would derive fgom the 
 ing the name of Christ, and attending th 
 dinances of his religion; especially at at 
 present, when a spirit, so — from. that of the | 
 Gospel, is abroad in the world. © wien! ) 
 This day is to me an occasion of deep c | 
 solemn inquiry. I desire this day to’ 
 ministerial life among you with that fa} 
 and €ritical self-examination, \ is prompted 
 view to the-account I must one day tanngen to the 
 Judge of all, of the manner in which it h _con- 
 ducted, the fidelity with which its duties have 
 performed, and the motives from which) it as 
 {yOURt t6 G close. , Would:to God -that im all th 
 respects, and in e very other, I could, withventire : 
 fidence adopt the appeal of the Apostle to th 
 of Ephesus, ‘ I am»pure from ‘ailoniaete 
 for I have not shunned to declare unto y: he whe 
 counsel of God !” . ow Babies J per: " 
 But though I am not conscious ¢ rort : 
 nor that'thrétgh criminal neglige ' -T have 
 faithful to the awful trust committed to'me, 
 to"God, to my Saviour, and to your's 
 deeply sensible of many#and great imperie 
 faults. I look back with “unfeigned regr 
 ciences I can perceive myself in the p 
 my Christian and pastoral, a8 well as sc 
 which you must have more clearly seen; a 
 although’ you have had the candour to | 
 
- : > 
 - # 
 4 s 
 ess to excuse them, have cost me,jand must ‘ « 
 st me in retrospect, mgny painful reflections. 
 
 , however, with great confidence appeal to the 
 €ctitude of the principles, by which the general con- 
 duct of my life has been regulated, and the motives _ 
 L 1ich all its important transactions have been gov- E 
 ‘erned. From my early days, ‘“‘I have placed 
 Taatnays before me.” I have sincerely wished 
 know and to do his will, and have endeavoured in all 
 cases to follow the instructions of his word, and the 
 ‘guidance of his providence, always acting ina firm be- 
 lief, which has never for a moment forsaken me, that ‘ 
 I am to render an account at last to the Judge ofall, © 
 both of the uprightness of my a and the rectitude 
 _ of my conduct. 
 _In directing my inquiries into the doctrines and du- 
 es,of Christianity, which I was to deliver to you in 
 my preaching, I have been sincerely anxious to avoid __ 
 | _ error, and to find out and to inculcate only “ the truth 
 | asiit is in Jesus#? ,To this end I have endeavoured 
 
 fai y to employ the faculties God has given me, and 
 yall the means he has put in my power to attain the , 
 
 nderstanding of the sacred oracles, humbly Seeking . 
 direction and blessing of iim, who is the Fathers 
 f lights, and fountain of all instruction, that I might 
 nus be pr to communicate to you, not the un- 
 ain opinions of men, but the pure truths of the 
 
 spel of Christ. In my public preaching I have 
 ycerely meant to deliver to. you ‘‘ the whole counsel + | 
 f God,” Baad have intentionally “ kept back nothing * 
 ‘that was profitable to you.” Nor am I now sensible 
 of having ever delivered to you religious opinions, 
 which I do not still believe most firmly to be Gospel 
 
 - ‘4 5 , s + 
 pie .* e 
 ; a ° 
 t - ; > 
 gas “ 
 * 
 . 
 
 « 3 
 
 SI 
 
 a. 
 
 ne - 
 
14. * . 
 —= 
 truths, nor to have kept back any s 
 think to be important for you to know and 
 I have indeed” seldom called ir 
 
 thought that both my attention and mass | yemore © 
 profitably employed on those clear’ doctrines pan : 
 duties of the Gospel, which are of essential i impor- 
 tance, which take hold of the conscience, and: are of i 
 constant use in the conduct of life. © = 
 
 And while it has thus been my endeavour, sincerely, 
 though feebly, to promote your edification, I have 
 had great cause to acknowledge with gratitude your 
 general attention to the public services of religion. ; 
 Let me express the earnest hope, that you will not in — 
 future be less attentive to those services than in times” 
 past; that you will not forsake the assembling of your- 
 selves together for worship on the Lord’s«day, 
 Wilraiways account those services a delight} and; § 
 your uniform attendance on themijyseek to Tends 
 them profitables and rtm) winie you, grow in gi ie 
 and in the knowledge of Christ yourselves, by you 
 example call forth the attention, interest the feelings 
 and influence the practice of others. oe 
 
 I would avail myself of this opportunity, atthe slo 
 of my ministerial life in this place, you my ut 
 feigned acknowledgments for the man | 
 tions I have received from this society and fr 
 dividuals in it, during the whole course of ‘my 
 dence here, and for the numerous acts of sut 
 kindness, which have contributed to render my 
 among you comfortable and pleasant. These 
 sions of your benevolence and proofs of your afi 
 
15 4 
 
 ty, haxe: <a held most precious. I hath fin cher- 
 f ish ‘the grateful remembrance of them, and carry it 
 with me to the last moment of life. With the feel- 
 _ ings they inspire I will not cease to bear you in my 
 _ heart to the throne of grace, and. it shall be my fervent 
 prayer to the Author of good, that all your Kindness 
 and friendship to me and mine may return in double. 
 blessings to pope ss and your families. o 
 
 would fain dwell on these pleasing recollections, 
 and prolong the feelings they revive, and the senti- 
 ments they inspire. ButI must hasten to change the 
 
 Ni Scene: 
 
 i From looking back on the past, we will cast our 
 - view for a moment to the future ; though with much 
 _ solicitude, not without humble and cheerful hope. 
 
 The portion of my life, destined in Providence to 
 | he Spent in your service, has now elapsed; the time 
 _ for my leaving this pleasant scene of action approach- 
 €s; and I go hence bound in the spirit, not knowing 
 _ the things which’shall befal me. I go, as Ihave been 
 _ Ted to believe, at the call of Providence, to enter on'a 
 ‘Wew and untried scene, where new duties await me, 
 | and new trials must attend me. But I trust in the 
 
 idance and blessing of that holy Providence, whose 
 ‘ protection I have so largely shared, and in whose care. 
 
 I have hitherto had so much reason to confide. En- 
 | deavouring faithfully to follow its notices, I feel a firm 
 Conviction, that it will never conduct me wrong, nor 
 | “forsake me, while I follow its conduct.  — 
 
 | _ The same confidence in the divine protection, and 
 | the same assurance of its support and safe guidance, 
 which I have now expressed, I would encourage you 
 also to entertain. It is most reasonable and just that 
 
 gee 
 
you should cheerfully do it. Nor s 
 fer up my fervent prayers to that A A 
 whose hand is the lot of all, and at 
 
 all your concerns, that he will be hal 
 
 you in peace, to guide you in the right a 
 andto bless you with an able and faithful 
 instructed in the things, which peated e the < 
 of God. at 
 
 tant and interesting relation. Hut it be: 
 while. The period at which this dis | 
 haye taken place in the course of nature Gad vba it 
 little anticipated by the separation to which we 3 are | 
 now to submit. This separation too relates only t¢ 
 bodily presence. It is a consolation to know, that we 
 are not divided in affection, esteem and 
 and that we part under circumstances, which w 
 make it always grateful to us to meet agen, in t 
 world, 
 
 We part ;. but the separation, we Wrist ts not fii 
 
 5 we have long lived, in the interchange of end 
 ing offices of Chiistiari friendship, we hope 
 again in that world, where all our intercourse 
 more pure, and holy, and» affectionate, and he 
 there shall be no more separation. Or 
 
 *¢ And now, brethren, I commer d- 
 to the word of his grace, which is able 
 up, and to give you an inheritance a 
 which afe sanctified. Only Jet your ¢ 
 as it becometh the Gospel of Christ, 
 come and see you, or else be absent, 
 your affairs, that ye stand fast in one s 
 mind, striving together for the faith oft he 
 
 =D ter 
 
# 
 ~~ AN ADDRESS 
 
 ‘FROM: THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN HINGHAM 
 # OF THE REV. HENRY WARE, ON THE DISSOLUTION 
 OF HIS PASTORAL CONNEXION WITH THEM. 
 
 sh ‘i 
 
 5 Sir, 
 
 I MPRESSED with the fullest convic- 
 tion that all the ways of God are established in wis- 
 apr? -and righteousness, and are directed with a view 
 
 greatest good of all his creatures, the First 
 Chace of Christ in Hingham take this opportunity 
 to address you, Rev. and dear Sir, on that dispensa- 
 tion of his providence which has separated you from 
 your pastoral relation with this church and people ; 
 and to assure you, that, notwithstanding the apparent 
 _ Teadiness with which we have yielded our assent to 
 ur request, no event has ever excited in us a more 
 ely regret, or could have filled us with more pain- 
 fl sensations, than the dissolution.of.3.. connexion, 
 . haath has ever heen most pleasant and dear to us, 
 
 a 
 
 Saree we trust, euded us im our Beit 
 | fu for spiritual cher: and disposed you to 
 ‘accept of our invitation ; and we feel grateful, that he 
 has continued us so long“in the 5 lar of your la- 
 Dours of love. 
 
 Permit us to say, Rev. Sir, that nothing short of an 
 sssive sense of our duty to God, “who, in his 
 oyidence has called, and to the public, who have in- 
 ted you to fill a station, in which the sphere of 
 
 our usefulness may be greatly enlarged, c a 
 | induced us voluntarily to surrender whatiwe consider 
 | one of the test earthly blessings, a a 
 mar minister ; a man ‘who, during more 
 een eg residence among ae we have. the 
 
 “4 
 
 s oie 
 
18 | 
 
 fullest reason to believe, nage ror: 
 of the man and the Christian ;. 
 sincerity of his faith in the r 
 
 life conformable to its require: 
 the bright example of his Lord 
 a minister, has simply, clearly, and cor 
 us the religion of Jesus Christ,"as con 
 
 Bible, and faithfully See all_ his 
 toral duties. 
 
 We implore the best of Heaven 
 you, in making you eminently useful 
 in disseminating the true knowledge 
 religion of our Lord and Saviour, © 
 simplicity, into the minds of the § : 
 University ; and in building up 
 kingdom in the world. 
 
 We entreat your fervent pera for us at 
 of Grace, that it may please A 
 of Peace, to preserve us in har 
 love, and to grant that no root ea 
 tp ofnong us; and that, in due time, he’ 
 us anoths: pe sic? after his own heart, who hi: 
 us with the bread of knowledge, and train us bp 
 inheritors, with you, Of those heavenly lansic 
 wiich our ssedditin Lord is gone to P 
 who love him. 
 
 That the choicest temporal ble: 
 showered upon you, Rey. and d 
 wish of the members of the First Chur 
 Hingham. 
 
 Signed by desire and in behalf of 
 
 Natuan Rice, 
 Samuet Norton, ~ 
 BEnyJAMIN CUSHING, 
 Levi Lincoty, 
 Davip Lincotn, jun. 
 
 wy 
 
 HINGHAM, Aprri 23, 1805. 
 
On, 
 
 x Mell 
 
 any part of that friendship and attachment, you have in 
 -so feeling % manner expressed to me in the address 
 ea i to me by your committee, could I have 
 suffered my pastoral relation to you to be dissolved 
 without the most painful and reluctant sensations. — It 
 was not without a severe conflict between. sense of du- 
 and a strong attachment to this church and people, 
 that I consented to accept an appointment, which re- 
 pi my removal from a socicty, justly endeared to 
 me by acts of uniform kindness and friendship, anda 
 _ church, with which I have so often, and with so much 
 satisfaction, met in the solemn and delightful offices 
 J f our holy religion. 
 » Tt will ever be a subject of most grateful recollection 
 ia, that, when I first engaged in the work of the 
 , Divine Providence was pleased to cast my 
 
 kind a people ; where my services ‘have been in gen- 
 so acceptable, and where so much indulgence has 
 yee exercised toward the many faults and neglects, 
 | the great imperfections, which have attended them. 
 it is impossible for me adequately to express the 
 se I entertain of the disinterestedness an as 
 ‘himity you have displayed on this interesting. iy i 
 of my separation from you; and of your candour 
 indness in the strong terms in which you are pleased 
 
 : 
 
 I Fire, as a man, as a Christian, and as your minister, 
 _ It has indeed been my wish, my most fervent wish, 
 . to give, clear evidence of the sincerity of my Christian 
 faith by my “manner of life; to display the power of re. 
 | ligious principles by their influence on my general con- 
 duct; to shun carefully in my practice whatever might 
 tend to dishonour the Christian name ; and to promote 
 
 ,* 
 
 ae 
 
 is. Brethren and:very dear se ae - 
 
 iI SHOULD have been unworthy of 
 
 jot in so ) pleasant a place, and among so agreeable and” 
 
 express your entire ‘satisfaction in my conduct among, 
 
to the utmost of my ability the f fa 
 _the practice of pure religion in oth 
 among the people of my charge, by 
 doctrines, and affectionately enforci 
 preaching, and by faithfully perform 
 toral duties. tee 
 But I have fallen very far 00 of the: 
 intentions I had formed. So h 
 
 been from doing all’ I might have dot 
 ous improvement and Christian comfort, © 
 viewing my past services and ministerial 
 myself feel but imperfectly that satisfactior 
 your candour and benevolence haye le 
 I implore a merciful God to pardon 
 abundantly to reward your candour and 
 While I offer you my unfeigned 
 “ friendly wishes you express for my future 
 Y and your prayers for the Divine 
 the new and arduous station to which 
 beg you to be assured of mv mnceasin= aves fory 
 mreturn,.thet (aed will be pleasodeigs 2 
 | fours éspechit dairies ia his hely keeping; at hi 
 J weal preserve you from unhappy divisions § keep 4 
 
 united togethcr in the bonds of peaceuaneaamatin 
 y. eae and soon bless you with an‘al 1 
 minister of Jesus Christ; who, with 
 », _ tion equally sound and correct, _ 
 _ Christian improvement equally stro 
 ** — tions’equally pure, shall be hig i 
 late pastor has been, in acting fi 
 ples, more diligent in seeking na m 
 good, and more successful in building 
 wi er’s kingdom among you. Sy 
 ‘i And now, brethren, beloved in the Lord, 
 my affectionate farewel. ‘“‘ Be perfect, be. 
 
 comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and 
 of love and peace shall be with your? ou" rw 
 
 HENRY 
 
 APRIL 25, 1805. 
 
_ SERMON 
 
 PREACHED BEFORE 
 
 Pa 
 
 TH FOR 1 THE GOSPEL MINISTRY. 
 
 agit 
 
 _ SEPT. 30, 1818. 
 
 - BY DANIEL DANA, D.D. 
 
 _ PASTOR OF A CHURCH IN NEWBURYPORT. 
 
 ANDOVER: | 
 
 PRINTED BY FLAGG AND GOULD, 
 
 ’ 
 
 1818. 
 
Boston, Serr. 30, 1818. 4 
 
 Ar a meeting of the American Society for Educating Pious Youth for 
 Gospel Ministry, at the Old South Meeting house, 
 
 The Rev. Dr. A. Houmers, Rev. Dr. E. Porter, and Rev. Dr.) 
 
 L. Woops, were chosen a Committee to tender the thanks of this Society, 
 to the Rev. Dr. DANA, of Newburyport, for his Sermon, and request a) 
 copy for the press. 
 H. HOLMES. Clerk, pro te 
 
| SERMON. 
 
 2D 4+e— 
 
 MATTHEW v. 13, 14. . 
 YE ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH.—YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. 
 
 Tu divine appointment of the Christian ministry, and 
 ts intimate connection with ‘the best interests of man, 
 are facts which Christians at large believe and acknowl- 
 i. The character, and the professed designs of the 
 Society now convened in the temple of God, bear tes- 
 timony on the same subject. They indicate, that to per- 
 petuate the existence of the gospel ministry, and to ex- 
 tend its operations, are deemed by numbers in the com- 
 munity, objects of high and commanding interest. 
 | Still, these things have been but too inadequately 
 weighed. While by some, they are denied, or doubt- 
 fa by others, they are imperfectly believed, and still 
 more imperfectly realized. And while with some, they 
 have escaped notice ; by others, perhaps, they have 
 been “so long remembered, they’re forgot.” Even the 
 blic mind, which has of late been considerably roused. 
 to the subject, is insome danger of again slumbering 
 ‘over it—To prevent an issue so much to be deprecat- 
 ed, is an object which claims the exertions of every 
 friend of God and man. 
 Called to address this Society and Audience on the 
 ‘present anniversary, I would lend a well-meant effort to 
 ‘this great cause. I would submit to the candour of my 
 
 \ 
 | 
 | 
 t 
 ) 
 
4 
 
 hearers, a few reflections illustrative of the importanes 
 of the Christian ministry ; happy if, in this way, I may 
 promote the design of this meeting, by stimulating tom 
 creased and persevering exertion, those who have obh 
 begun; and by awakening the zeal, and the cninonal 
 others. 
 The passage paleiheel in aid of sds sdibenis fou 
 in the ever memorable Sermon on the mount. — Thed 
 clarations, Ye are the salt of the earth, and Ye are the ligh 
 of the world, were addressed by the Savior to his disei 
 ples. And they are applicable to all. his genuine d 
 ples in every age and clime. But they apply, wang 
 culiar emphasis, to his mmisters. It was probably w 
 special reference to their future employment as mi 
 ters, that our Lord addressed his original disciples) 
 these animating terms. They were the salt of the ear 
 as their preaching, in connection with their example 
 and their prayers, was calculated and destined to seas 
 the minds of men with holmess, to check Po 
 of sin, and to preserve the mass of raph nie uee: 
 of moral putrefaction. They were: the light 9 
 world, as, by reflecting light from their heavenly 
 er, the Sun oF ricuTEousness, they! were: to irradi 
 the benighted souls of their fellow-creatures with" 
 bhandedes of God, and guide Mearns Pe m 
 path to heaven.—And what person: of refle 
 deny, that precisely analogous to this, is the» pr 
 ty, dignity and design of the gospel ministry, in e 
 age of the world. Time tas 
 The instruction offered by the text, is th 
 this: that rHe CurisTiaN MINISTRY ISTHE: oxtehtla 
 MENT OF ENLIGHTENING AND PURIFYING THE WORLD. 7) 
 This proposition J shall now attempt to illustrate and 
 
5 
 
 prove. In the course of the discussion, the following 
 points will be taken for granted: that mankind are nat- 
 irally without the knowledge of the true God, and of 
 he most interesting doctrines of religion—that this 
 mowledge has never been attained by the efforts of 
 ‘eason, or the investigations of philosophy—that it is im- 
 parted by the sacred Scriptures alone—that the gospel 
 inds all men, not only in a state of -guilt, but of awful 
 noral depravity—that while in this condition, it is im- 
 vossible that they should acceptably serve a holy God, 
 r enjoy a holy heayen—that therefore a mere theoret- 
 > belief of the gospel, though important, is utterly in- 
 fficient—that in order to be saved by it, men must feel 
 ts quickening power on their hearts, and its transform- 
 ig, sanctifymg influence on their tempers and lives. 
 Jach of these points might easily be established by the 
 0 ost unequivocal declarations of the word of God. But 
 s it is impossible, in a single sermon, formally to prove 
 very thing which is advanced ; as I address a Christian 
 
 jence; and’ as these points are so many great scrip- 
 
 l axioms, 1 shall consider them as truths indisputa- 
 le, and generally admitted. 
 
 ‘In illustration of the doctrinal proposition which has 
 
 en advanced, let me remark, 
 
 » First. It belongs to the Christian Minister, as a pr 
 jary and:most important duty, to explain the prinei- 
 lesand doctrines of the Bible. These truths, it is ad-. 
 utted; are generally neither recondite, nor perplexed. 
 | any, nar most of them, require no other wera 
 
 pe be it remembered, these holy and ilies Milind dae: 
 rimes must ever encounter the opposition ef human de- 
 
 fein and not unfrequently, the opposition of a thou. 
 
6 
 
 sand superadded prejudices. They. then t 
 hibited in their most overpowering light, and fortifie 
 their strongest evidence. Thiseabaieediaeain > advan. 
 tage by those only, who have devoted life to the stuc 
 of the Scriptures: who have investigated their d 
 with care, contemplated them frequently in their 
 nection, and by much meditation, rendered them fan 
 Jar, in their nature, their evidence, their bearings, theit 
 importance, and their practical use. It is incumbent of 
 every minister to be mighty in the Scriptures ; to pus | 
 his researches far into the sacred Oracles; to explo: 
 with unwearied assiduity, their unfathomable mir 
 that thus, having accumulated an exhaustless trea 
 of divine truth, he may scatter it with a generous»pr 
 fusion around him. oe ee 
 It deserves notice, likewise, qT Si ha 
 ing been written in ages and countries distant. from 
 own, abound with references to natural objects, tom 
 ners and customs, and to facts, the knowledge of w 
 can be furnished by ancient history alone. The 
 guages in which they were composed, must be acquil 
 at the expense of laborious study. In common 
 other books embracing such a variety of subje 
 Scriptures require, in order to be accurately un 
 some acquaintance with the whole cirele of arts 
 ences. How important, then, that they be ex 
 those who have devoted to their siventionhinalial 
 and persevering diligence ; and who, being seque' - 
 from other cares and pursuits, have leisure to bring 
 their study, all those exterior lights which the 
 mands. ae 
 The Bible contains a plenitude of religic 
 but not in a systematic form. Hts rich and va 
 
7 
 
 ons are scattered here and there, with a magnificence 
 orthy of its glorious Author. He has left it to his min- 
 ters, to range through his word, to gather up these 
 recious ‘instructions, and reduce them to that order 
 Ahich:may render them most intelligible and impressive. 
 ‘hey must collect the scattered rays of heavenly truth 
 yhich beam from every page of the sacred volume ; and 
 our them, in all their radiance and intensity, on the 
 uinds of men. 
 
 » Ina word; if the Scriptures were given to dispel 
 he darkness of the human mind, and of a world lying 
 » wickedness ; if all religious and saving knowledge flows 
 “om that sacred source; if yet, thousands, with the Bi- 
 le in their hands, are ready to say, with one of ancient 
 me, “How can I understand, except some one should 
 aide me;” it follows, that interpreters of this spired 
 ook are needful and important. It is a blessing of no 
 pmmon magnitude, that God has appointed a special 
 rder of men to explain its meaning, to remove its ob- 
 surities, and to present its doctrines im all their force 
 lad evidence, to the’ minds of their fellow-creatures. 
 as ly. The gospel must be not only explained, but 
 sfended. Objections against its divimty and its doc- 
 lines must be refuted ; the mask of sophistry must be 
 wucked from the brow of the infidel; and the ignorance 
 foolish men put to silence. These are parts of the 
 inister’s duty. He is “set for the defence of the gos- 
 1” He stands in the forefront of the battle ; and must 
 ypel, by the sacred shield of truth, the attacks of error 
 ad infidelity. Who doubts that in every Christian 
 juntry, there are to be found those wretched men 
 
 20, could they accomplish their favourite wish, would 
 
 <tinemiek every ray of gospel light. and banish Chris- 
 
{ 
 4 
 1 
 : 
 | 
 
 tianity from the ‘earth ? Such bla 
 feats, principally through ' the 
 While they maintain ‘their lo 
 will ordinarily be kept in eh 
 treat to its lurking-places. | And here 
 the importance that ministers be 
 learnng, as well as goodness. In 
 ble ministry, the gospel is dish 
 graded. It was a favorite objee h 
 tates , to debar the Chri youth ohinempie 
 advantages of education. By this deep-laid 
 hoped to deprive the Churchyof arn 
 and to bring the religion of Jesus»into 
 tempt. From this’ ‘malignantdos of ct 
 friends receive a deaigh 
 weak and ignorant ministry, as, 
 the most tremendous calamity Ww! 
 Church oftGod.") ast Gaaretip 7 
 Thirdly. Gospel ministers diffuse lig ht and. holin 
 in the world, by faithfully incule: n 
 tions and precepts. They are tos 
 fellow-men, and in the name of the 
 claim his high demands on their homa; 
 Having charged and proved upon the 
 bellion against the Majesty of heavy: 
 them to repent, to throw themselve 
 offended Sovereign, and with hk 
 pardoning mercy. They are lik 
 a life of new obedience ; an obe 
 holy love to God, and tender gratitude to 
 deemer. - And they must press these. tl 
 - fellow-men, with the utmost tenderness 
 solemnity—commanding, beseeching, ¢ 
 
9 
 
 se from fatal slumber, to obey the voice of Heaven, 
 have mercy on their own souls. They must repeat, 
 \d re-repeat-in their ears, those unwelcome, despised, 
 iglected truths, that they must be born agan or never 
 ter the kingdom of God ; that they must repent, or per- 
 %; must believe in Jesus, or be undone. They must as- 
 il them with every argument calculated to excite their 
 : pes, or alarm their fears; to impress their conscienc- 
 or overcome their hearts. 
 
 Thus ministers perform their duty ; and thus they 
 ay hope for success. Preaching of this character has 
 er been effectual to convert and save mankind, when 
 gery other effort has failed. Mboralists have declaim- 
 1; philosophers have reasoned ; satyrists have ridicul- 
 
 (l; orators have persuaded. And what has been the 
 
 ‘hile the simple preaching of the gospel has made its 
 ay through all opposition, to the conscience, and the 
 part. “'The weapons of our warfare,” says the great 
 istian Preacher, “ are not carnal, but mighty through 
 
 haginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself 
 gainst the knowledge of God, and bringing into captiv- 
 ly every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 
 
 Some persons, the professed friends of virtue, have 
 garded what are called the doctrines of grace, with a 
 fsuspicious eye. ‘They have trembled lest the preach- 
 iz of these doctrines should interfere with the whole- 
 me order of society, and put morality to flight. But 
 eir alarms are needless. These very doctrines have 
 oved, nm every age, the best supports and guardians 
 | virtue. Seizing on the strongest principles of human 
 : 5 2 
 
 _ 
 
a) ss 
 
 nature, they have forcibly arrested the current of | 
 man depravity ; and when they have not effected anal 
 solute conquest over the lusts and passions of men, the 
 have kept them in powerful check. Of what is pro 
 erly called piety, a very great proportion has owed 
 origin to the preaching of these suspected doctrine 
 They. constitute the proper aliment of that religig 
 which assimilates the soul to God, and 2arwee it ft 
 heaven. | 
 Fourthly. It is an important duty of the Chris 1 
 minister, to bear a faithful testimony against licentio 
 ness and vice. To him it belongs, to ery aloud, and 
 spare; to lift up his voice lke a trumpet, and show. 
 men their transgressions and their sins. ‘To him it B 
 longs, to level the artillery of heaven against the pre 
 est and most imposing forms of wickedness. ‘To hin 
 belongs, to arraign the bold transgressor at the bar 
 conscience, and constrain him to hear its tremendous’ 
 cusations. To him it belongs, to denounce the wrath 
 Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness 
 men; to point them toa judgment day, and’ sumi 
 them to the awful, unknown retributions of etern 
 By these methods, more than by all others, high-hat 
 iniquity is discountenanced and repressed. Co 
 with these, all the restraints of law, all the infl 
 the penal code, are feeble and inefficacious. — 
 that with all the advantages of ministerial 
 and warning, there will still remaim, in almost ej 
 community, a deplorable amount of immorality and} 
 centiousness. But this proves only the malignity of 
 disease ; not the inefficacy of the remedy; 
 which, while it is held out to all, is by thousan 
 ed and spurned. At the same time, it shows wh 
 
. il 
 
 > the horrid, loathsome condition of a community, with- 
 ut the gospel, and its miistrations—the whole head 
 ck, and the whole heart faint ; from the sole of the foot 
 en to the head, having no soundness; but wounds, and 
 ises, and putrifying sores ; not closed, nor bound up, nor 
 ollified with ointment.—Let us now consider, 
 | Fifthly. The important effect which a good minis- 
 r’s fidelity and tenderness are calculated to produce on 
 pose around him; especially on those committed to his 
 are. I might remark, ndeed, that the very institution 
 f the gospel ministry might naturally be expected to 
 use a slumbering world, which is so prone to neglect 
 e soul ; to treat present objects as though they were 
 ery thing ; and eternal realities as though they were 
 thing. In this appointment, the slumberers may per- 
 eve that He who formed their souls, and knows their 
 vorth, regards them as most interesting things ; and that 
 aving exhausted the treasures of heaven for their re- 
 emption, He has separated, on earth, an order of men, 
 r the sole purpose of watching over their interests, 
 d promoting their salvation. What pungent, yet com- 
 ssionate reproof do these divine arrangements speak 
 every thoughtless immortal! And when men behold 
 minister of Jesus, approaching them in the very spirit 
 heavenly solicitude and compassion; when they be- 
 ld him assuming the charge of their souls ; watching 
 er them, as one that must give account ; instant i sea- 
 labend out of season ; warmng every man, and teaching 
 man, that he may present every man perfect in Ciucet ; 
 wearing out life in anxious efforts to do them good : 
 when, in addition, they reflect, that these privileges will 
 all enter into their last account, and that they must meet 
 ‘heir minister before the bar of heaven; they must be 
 
12 aie 
 
 insensible indeed, not to feel. | Indeed, there can be |i 
 tle doubt that, in this way, the fatal slumbers of man 
 are actually broken. Fascinated by the allurements « 
 the world, or immersed in its cares, men ordinarily fol 
 get their depravity, their guilt, and their destinatia 
 They walk thoughtless on the brink of intermina al 
 wo; and can scarce admit the idea of danger. Bi 
 when they see one in whose sincerity and judgmet 
 they confide, filled with apparent alarm and distre$ 
 for their condition, their unbelief gives way ; they be 
 come themselves alarmed; and this alarm not unfre 
 quently eventuates in their escape from the impend 
 ing ruin. of 
 Ministers of the gospel are under sdiediaideal va 
 tages to gain access to the minds of their people; 
 acquire an influence over them; and thus, under t 
 divine blessing, to form and mould their characters. Ont 
 day in every week, they statedly address them, a 
 communicate the results of their own inquiries at t 
 Heavenly Oracle. At other seasons, stated or oc 
 sional, they dispense instruction, counsel and warnil : 
 Deeply interested in the success of their efforts, t 
 watch the first symptoms of tenderness, the earliest 
 dawn of conviction, in individual minds, that they m 
 redouble their faithful exertions. They visit the p 
 ple of their care in times of sorrow, of sickness, of 
 reavement. ‘These are emphatically the “ sc 
 sons of address”—precious moments, when the 
 the human heart dissolves; when the world d 
 deceitful mask, and eternal realities appear 1 
 indeed. O my hearers! It is by losing these 
 these inestimable seasons, that the generality of men 
 their souls! And it is. by ‘ante laying oid of sacb 
 
, 13 
 
 jecasions; by cherishmg symptoms of conviction; by 
 jouring truth into the opening mind; by leading the dis- 
 ‘uieted soul to rest in the Savior, that the good minis- 
 or co-operates with the gracious Spirit of God, and im- 
 arts immortal blessings to his people. 
 
 Agam; In estimating the benign effects of the gos- 
 ‘el mmistry, we must not overlook the power of ex- 
 mple. It cannot, indeed, be asserted (would to Heav- 
 n it could!) that every minister is, in this regard, 
 ‘hat he should be. Nor may it be forgotten that an 
 nholy, unexemplary mmister is one of the most guilty 
 ad wretched of human beings. His very office implies 
 ‘ peculiar devotion to God. To undertake it, then, 
 “ithout serious piety, indicates a callousness of heart, 
 re awful as it is, will too probably be but increas- 
 1 by the course of his subsequent employments. It 
 | equally true, on the other hand, that to the sincere 
 jinister, the duties in which he is habitually occupied, 
 Pcome a perennial source of pious affections. He is 
 alled to meditate familiarly on the glories of the Hicu 
 4p Lorry Ove; on his works of creation and provi- 
 *nce ; on the sublime discoweries of his word; on the 
 jirity and goodness of his law; on the transcendent 
 ystexies of redemption; on the spotless example of 
 be Savior; on the evil of sin; on the worth of the 
 pul ; on the joys and woes which never end. On these 
 ini ely momentous subjects, he is frequently called 
 H address his people. He conveys their sins and sor- 
 ws, their humiliations, prayers and praises to the 
 one of God. He dispenses the memorials of a Sa- 
 os bleeding love. He stands by the bed of death, 
 
14 ° 
 
 follows to the silent tomb, those whose eternal dests 
 ny may have been stamped by his fidelity, or neglec t 
 Of all men in the world, surely the minister has + he 
 strongest motives and aids to active, mdefatigable, ex 
 emplary piety. And if the effect is correspondent ; i] 
 love to God, and love to men burn intensely m his b 
 som, and shine out in his habitual deportment, he b 
 comes a blessing indeed. Religion is rendered visibl} 
 to every eye. Its reality, its loveliness, its majest] 
 stand confessed. Infidelity is silenced, and vice abash 
 ed. The thoughtless around him begin to reflect, ani 
 the insensible to feel. Men see what genuine goodne 
 is, and what they themselves must be. A model is « 
 hibited to view, which all are invited to imitate, ¢ 
 which none can imitate without advantage. __ 
 Again; the connection of the Christian mini 
 with the maintenance of the Sabbath, and of pul 
 worship, claims an emphatic notice. The importa 
 of these institutions ; their benign aspect on the dear 
 interests of society, and of dividuals, cannot noy 
 illustrated at large. Indeed, a volume could not « 
 tain the detail. One thing, however, is clear bey 
 controversy. Their prosperity, their very existe 
 depends onthe existence of the gospel ministry. 
 stroy this ministry ; and the songs of Zion cease. 
 notes of praise or prayer resound through t 
 tian temple. No sacrifice is presented on its 2 
 Oracle utters no response. No worshippe 
 its gates to seek instruction, to bring thei 
 sorrows to a compassionate Gop, or to begin” 
 the work of heaven. Destroy the ministry 
 destroy the Sabbath itself. The day of sacred re 
 becomes a day of toil; or what is worse, of though 
 th 
 
. 15 
 
 ss merriment ; of brutal indulgence and riot, degrading’ 
 man, and insulting to God. A Christian nation be- 
 mes heathen; and worse than pagan abominations over- 
 ead the land, once honored as the residence of the 
 ly Jehovah. 
 In confirmation of all which has been said respect- 
 ‘the aspects and tendencies of the Christian ministry, 
 » might make a more direct, and pointed appeal to 
 e What have been the actual effects of this minis- 
 from its first mstitution to the present time? Let 
 history of the Church and world declare. How 
 “ it, that in the earliest ages of Christianity, such sur- 
 sing revolutions were suddenly wrought in the senti- 
 nts and manners of men? How wasit, that the tem- 
 C of the heathen were abandoned, their idols des- 
 eon their superstitions demolished, their prejudices, 
 ro passions and vices subdued? ‘To what cause is it 
 be ascribed, that high and low, the learned and the 
 gorant, nobles and kings, states and empires, bowed to 
 lb sceptre of Jesus? These effects were accomplish- 
 not by the diffusion of the written word, but by the 
 pel preached. “ After that, in the wisdom of God,” 
 @s Paul, “ the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleas- 
 God by the foolishness of preaching to save them 
 nt believe.”—It is true, that when Christianity had 
 ned the ascendency ; when it had become the reli- 
 n of the world, it was corrupted and tarnished. And 
 Nn ? By the corruption of its own teachers; by their 
 tagling with its truths the subtilties of false philoso- 
 Ys and by their preaching doctrines directly subver- 
 e of the gospel. Then it was, that, in the language 
 Jesus, “ the salt lost its savor,” and the mass which it 
 i have seasoned, became cor rupt. Then it was, 
 t the lights of the world became darkness. And oO. 
 
lo : 
 
 how great was that darkness! How wofully prot 
 too! Yet, amid the ignorance, superstition and del 
 which, for more than a thousand years, enveloped 
 Christian world, there appeared, here and there, a fa 
 ful teacher, like some solitary star, darting through 
 gloom of midnight a perceptible, though ‘ineffectual li 
 And when, at length, the Reformation dawned upon 
 world, that grand event was accomplished by the i 
 mentality of a few faithful and courageous preache 
 the pure gospel. It is likewise an incontestible f 
 that in whatever part of Europe, or of the world, 
 isters of this stamp have lived and taught, something 
 portant has been done to diffuse intellectual and mt 
 light ; to refine the sentiments, and reform the mam 
 of men; to promote a spirit of benevolence and ber 
 cence; and to arrest the grosser forms of impiety 
 profligacy. While these effects have rendered the 
 selves visible to every eye, and have been recognized 
 every man of candor and observation, other effec ts 
 still superior importance, but mn their nature silent 
 secret, have been accomplished. Slumbermg cons 
 ces have been roused; obdurate hearts have been1 
 ed; and souls, long dead in trespasses and sins, ha re 
 quickened into Nicitual and immortal life. Let 
 be supposed that the gospel, when faithfully ¢ deliv 
 fails to be followed by some such miracles of mem 
 The great Jehovah has declared; “ As the rain 
 
 down, and the snow, from heaven, et ret me 
 
 forth and bud, that it may give snail to par: s fee 
 bread to the eater; so shall.my word be, th 
 forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me 
 but it shall accomplish that which I please, and. it sh 
 prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” 
 
7 
 
 Pass through the land in which we dwell, and. fasten 
 ur eyes on those spots which haye. not been visited by 
 e preached gospel, or from which. it has taken its 
 ght.. What do you behold, but a moral waste, where. 
 no salutary plant takes root; no verdure quickens.” 
 
 ou see, perhaps, the worst vices of civilized life, with- 
 it its virtues ; and all the ferocity of the savage state, 
 ithout its simplicity. But you turn away, disgusted 
 id sickening, from the scene. Contemplate then its 
 verse. Observe those districts and states which are 
 pplied with faithful Christian teachers. Is it not here 
 at men and women rise to the dignity of rational be- 
 rs, and live like heirs of immortality? Is it not here 
 at the great God is feared, and worshipped, and obey- 
 Le pgp is it not here that all the virtues that sweeten 
 e, and adorn society, find their proper soil and alti 
 ent ?>—With confidence it may be asserted, that there 
 not a . village in the land, blessed with gospel instruc- 
 Dy, which does not exhibit something of its benign and 
 lutary effects. Nor is there a spot upon the globe, 
 here the feet of the heralds of salvation have trodden, 
 Es out leaving some VEHERS, of moral improvement 
 
 ad effects of the Cin ministry, 1 have ee in 
 aplicity, and with freedom. The delicacy of the sub- 
 
 ai as viewed m connection with the speaker, has 
 
 a pralt the characters of men, but to exhibit, in 
 /eir genuine meaning and force, the declarations of our 
 re NE AND INFALLIBLE Tracuer, has been my aim. In- 
 
 the Christian minister, who duly ponders the de- 
 ri wae hi ; 3 ' 
 
sign and the magnitude of his office; and 
 same time, his own insufficiency, and. 
 defects; will find little ground for s 
 but a thousand pressimg motives. for h 
 grief. Nor let it be forgotten, that all the be 
 pees which haye ever been ai 
 the gospel ministry, are to be trace iat ot 
 pine appointment, and the divine blessing. Th 
 treasure is committed to earthen vessels, that e excel 
 cy of the power may be manifestly of Godan od of mi 
 To Gop then; to Gop aLonp aND bere matt cri 
 all the glory. err eee 
 
 If, my hearers, id 38.2 odes that the Christ cals 
 is the chosen instrument of Heaven, for en : 
 purifymg the world; it is a fact of the most 
 nature. It draws after it a long train of . 
 consequences. It pours into the thought fi 
 of overwhelming reflections. What, ix 
 things, is the condition of our world ?- ; 
 prospects! ? Is this grand engine of : 
 sally set in motion? Have the dis of Je 
 
 obedience to his solemn command ii Goan 
 —preach the gospel to every creature? Ha: 
 of the cross been unfurled on every 
 
 globe : ? Have the heralds of salyati 
 wings of benevolence, visited every b 
 barous clime ?—Alas! _ The fact is de e: ) 
 
 igi of the fallen ee family arey 1 
 as ignorant of the Savior, as if no Savi 
 man. Yes: the Christian world has slv 
 and centuries, over the miseries of - the 
 now, when it has somewhat roused; a 
 pinnae: a very few, are all it sends _ 
 
19 
 
 (X HUNDRED miLLions of pagans! The thought must 
 enetrate every heart which is not steeled against hu- 
 an misery in its most appalling form. . 
 » But let us contract the sphere of our reflections. 
 et us cast a momentary glance on our own country. 
 Ve shall find, that m this land, in which our fathers 
 ought and found an asylum for religion; and which 
 vas, for a long time, richly furnished with the means of 
 livine instruction, there is now a most deplorable defi- 
 iency of gospel ministers. While, by reason of the 
 apid population of our country, and the constant multi- 
 lication of new settlements, the demand for gospel. in- 
 ction has been fast increasing, the proportion of our 
 ally educated youth, who devote themselves to the 
 ainistry, has been regularly diminishing. The conse- 
 uence is, that in those regions which are best supplied 
 vith the means of instruction, the proportion of qualified 
 ospel ministers is now reduced more than one half. 
 n other regions, the case is incomparably more distress- 
 ng. Whole districts of country, embracing thousands, 
 
 jtute of religious instruction, and but little removed 
 om a state of heathenism. In other instances, hun- 
 reds of congregations, regularly organized, and anxious 
 » obtain and support gospel ministers, stretch ‘out their 
 Ipp icating arms in vain. In short, there is reason to 
 elieve that nearly three fourths of the inhabitants of 
 
 bikie. United States are destitute of competent and 
 
 ted religious instruction; and that no small portion of 
 
 dese are sunk to the lowest condition of ignorance and 
 
 WpIaIty. 
 | Who can contemplate these scenes, but with the 
 lveliest emotions of grief andcompassion? It was time, 
 y Christian Brethren, to awake to new and unparallel-. 
 
20 
 
 ed exertions, to alleviate miseries such as these: Ty 
 design of the American Society FoR EDUC! ou 
 YOUTH FOR THE GOSPEL MINISTRY, Carries in it the etre 
 est appeal to the heart of benevolence. It urges th 
 most imperious claims on the active patronage, the lit 
 val support, the fervent prayers, of all renee: 
 sensibilities of Christians, or of mens 
 The promment design of this Snsdititinms ill incred 
 the number of qualified gospel ministers. And this, 
 all who think and feel, must be pronounced an obje¢ 
 not only of high importance, but of absolute, »press 
 necessity. It has now become a fact incontestible, tha) 
 the number of youth in our country, who, m the orc di 
 ry course of things, devote themselves to the minis 
 is far, very far, too small to meet the pte ia 
 vacant churches, and new settlements. The’evil 
 has been accumulating for years, has become at ler t 
 so great, that we seem threatened, as a nation, Ww: 
 Jamane of the word; a total dereliction of the gosp 
 and its sacred ordinances. Hence the necessity of se 
 ing out, wherever they can be found, tricia 
 sessing the first requisite, piety; and training 
 gratuitous instruction, for the service of the sancti 
 These measures, while they promise a I: 
 sion to the number of Christian preachers, are’caleula 
 to elevate the standard of ministercal es T 
 Society has it in its power to draw neglected gi 
 from its obscurity, and enlist the best miele 
 youth in the Redeemer’sservice. It prop vist 
 to introduce none to the ministry, without a regular 4 
 competent education. These, are circums 
 reflecting minds will readily Baines ° ‘Tha 
 ability and learning are-important to 1 
 istry, they ‘Setar even ¢ndispensable eat’ an age \ 
 
21 
 
 he are respectably filled ; when informa- 
 is nidbatty diffused; and when, m many mstances, 
 
 dlc Je champion are ee in the ranks of a and 
 ~ May it not be hoped that this Society will be mstru- 
 aental to raise up a ministry which shall be distmguish- 
 
 a for fervent, active piety—that best pledge of muiniste- 
 ial usefulness and success? This is a promment, and a 
 yrecious part of its design. And who can doubt that 
 he Spirit of fervent piety—that hearts glowing with 
 : he purest love to God and man, are frequently to be 
 sund in the retreats of obscurity and indigence? How 
 elightful, to penetrate these hallowed recesses ; to lead 
 prth the youth, panting to serve his Redeemer’s cause : 
 ind, after due preparation, to place him in a sphere 
 he e all the energies of his mind, and the ardors of 
 iis heart, will have full scope for their exercise! : 
 “True; appearances may sometimes deceive us; and 
 —— sanguine hopes may prove abortive. From 
 I ver motives than those of piety, our patronage may 
 sought And it will ever require much sagacity and 
 ie ment, to discriminate, among a variety of applicants, 
 | he proper objects of preference. Avarice, selfishness, 
 lk ce itself, may assume the fairest pretexts. Young 
 nen preferring every thing else to labor, ' may seek a 
 
 i " tuitous support, and even the ministry itself, asa 
 anétuary for indolence. At this period, when religion 
 xcites an increased attention; when piety is, in some 
 fashionable ; and when many species of Chris- 
 
 ertion, necessarily public, attract notice, and con- 
 
 Pr gin there is danger lest, from motives of pure 
 
 , some imtrude themselves mto the mmustry. 
 eee ep our doors must, if. ‘possible, be 
 
ty. Shall they supplicate in vain? | Shall the Chu 
 
 — oe 
 
 22 
 closed. While humble, eR  piety—the | 
 
 whichis ee ee ant 
 * Not Hiren not obtrusive, but napicld ht hideriroye Aap 
 
 must be assiduously sought out, and received under 
 fostering care. diy avaibaileh: ancl we 
 Already, my beloved somal in this great desi 
 has the God of heaven signally smiled on our efft 
 Who would have thought that a Wienges Bf 
 from the organization of this Society, it would have ii 
 parted its bounty to one hundred and forty-six pensioner 
 Yet such is the animating fact. Of these pensione 
 several have already completed their education, andé 
 now engaged in preaching the word of eternal life. > 
 But far the greater part remam. They claim 
 support. They must be supported. The honour of 
 Society, and (may I not add?) the honour of ) our 
 mon Christianity, is pledged for their support. Of] 
 young men, with hearts panting for the oly 
 will doubtless soon appear as candidates for your ch 
 
 es of Christ ; shall destitute and perishing millions: 
 plicate, through them, in vam? 
 The members of this Society, then, a all at 
 friends, are imperiously called ‘to unremitted, pers 
 ing, and augmented exertion. The cause of ( 
 mands it. The best interests of man d len 
 own consistency and honor demand it. _ 
 and exigencies of millions,, in our own and 
 who may be saved by our compassiona' 
 ish through our neglect, loudly demand it, 
 Do we believe, my dear Brethren, that the 
 istry is the great mstrument which all-gra 
 has appointed, has blessed, and determi 
 for the diffusion of light, and holiness, a 
 
23 
 
 ration through the world? Do we believe that in thie 
 ogress, the extension, and perpetuation of this holy 
 ninistry, are involved the dearest interests of individu- 
 ls, of families, of communities, of mankind at large >— 
 Jo we shed the tear of pity over the countless millions 
 f immortal beings, strangers to the only name under 
 yeaven by which they can be saved? Do we ardently 
 lesire, and expect, and supplicate the arrival of a period 
 when the heralds of the cross shall find their way mto 
 wery benighted clime, and preach the gospel to every 
 reature? Let us be consistent. Let not our convic- 
 ions, our wishes, and our very prayers'reproachus. Let us 
 ‘ive ourselves no rest ; let us give our friends and neigh- 
 rs no rest, till a host of faithful labourers be sent forth 
 yto the immense gospel field ; nor till provision be made 
 
 r supplying along succession of such hosts; and for 
 ringing the whole world to bow before the’ cross of its 
 edeemer. 
 
 Is it not time for the churches through our land to 
 ke to this momentous object? Can it be thought _ 
 »0 much for every such Church of the Redeemer—pur- 
 nased as it is by his blood—protected by his care— 
 2asted at his table—to charge itself with the constant 
 
 nd successive support of at least one pious youth, des- 
 ned to preach to its destitute fellow-beings, that gospel 
 
 ) which it owes all its most valued blessings, and all its 
 
 earest hopes § ? 
 
 But this is an individual, and a universal concern. 
 be are excused from regarding the object with the 
 nderest interest. None are precluded from its active 
 romotion. Here the pious, if they want not the dispo- 
 tion, may do something ; and here the rich, if they have 
 earts for it, may enjoy the luxury of doing much. Has 
 t enough, and too much, been sacrificed by almost all, 
 
24 
 
 to ease, to self-indulgence; to fashion, to pride, to we 
 ly aggrandizement; and is it not time that. ial 
 be themselves sacrificed on the altar. of Christian b b ke 
 olence ? chan den er pelea ite 
 This Assembly will now igi the sepia om 
 ing forth its hand, to help. forward this great des 
 And permit me, my -anpoce diag acne th 
 there are few cases, if any, in whichyour. benevolent « 
 ferings can be attended with a brighter hope of -effe 
 ing an almost incalculable amount of good. Perh 
 what you give this day, may assist in the’ education 
 some future BucHanay, by whose. enlightened and in 
 fatigable zeal, the world may be'set etetivadadica 
 tianity accelerated in its flight. through the earth. . 
 may assist in raising up some Baxwrer, whose name a 
 writings shall receive the affectionate blessings of th 
 sands yet unborn, It may, aid im kindling up: ali 
 which, after having shone, for a while, in our benight 
 world, ‘shall diffuse its radiance in distant worlds, y ih 
 all the luminaries, of heaven shall be extinct, Ford 
 that are wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmam 
 and they. that turn many to righteouansge as Lies 
 ever and. ever. 4 Yr 
 One thing more. When you. aaa pt 
 to the treasury of the Lord, imagine you. see—wha 
 once actually witnessed in Judea—Jzsus ining 
 against the treasury, observing the offerers, and 
 gifts. Doubt not that that same Jesus is here tl us 
 ternoon; nor suspect that any offering, sincerely dey 
 to his cause, will be unnoticed by him now, 
 warded in the great day. Gracious Savior! 
 us all, thy presence ; and pour into every Soo, a 
 of sya own sipecsge cone self-< *nyir 
 
A 
 
 MASONIC EULOGY, 
 
 © 
 
 M4 =p Se ‘ 
 
 > ON THE LIFE 
 4 ald 
 . 
 
 $2 OF THE ILLUSTRIOUS 
 Brother George CAashington, 
 PRONOUNCED 
 
 ¢ 
 EFORE THE BRETHREN OF St. JOHN’s LODGE, 
 ON THE EVENING OF THE 4th FEB. 5800. 
 
 At their particular Request. 
 
 (oS 
 BY BROTHER George Blake. 
 
 * Description cannot suit itself in words, 
 = "fo demonstrate the life of such a man.” 
 
 Shakspere. 
 
 BOSTON, 
 PRINTED BY BROTHER JOHN RUSSELL. 
 5800. 
 
 Ay, 
 
St. John’s Lodge, Concert-Hall, 
 Feb. 4, 5800. i 
 
 ¥. VOTED UNANIMOUSLY, 
 THAT the Most Worshipful Samur. Dene. 
 Right Worshipful Tuomas Dennis, and Right 
 Worshipful SamurL Parkman, Esq’rs, be re- 
 quested, in committee, to wait on brother GEORGE 
 BLAKE, Esq. thank him for the classical, pathet- 
 _ ic, and truly masonic Eulogy, by him in Lodge pro- 
 nounced on the sublime virtues and perfect charac- 
 _ ter of their deceased patron, ornament, and enlight- 
 _ ened Brother GEORGE WASHINGTON, and 
 _ request a copy for the press. 
 
 | A true copy of Record, 
 
 WILLIAM ALLINE, Sec’y. 
 
 | TO the charity of my Brothers, which will 
 _ forgive the errors, and supply the defects of a very 
 | hasty and inaccurate performance, the Eulogy re- 
 
 quested is humbly submitted, by their most obedient, 
 and very affectionate Braver, 
 
 GEORGE BLAKE. 
 
 Franklin-Place, Boston, 
 Feb. 5 5800. i 
 
 | 
 
the black symbols of stately promotion. 
 the East, where gay light once had domin- . 
 ion, there shalt thou sit enthtoned ¢ on clouds | 
 and darkness :—In the West thy faith ul I 
 Wardens are Sadness and Sympathy; and as | 
 the sun sitteth in the West, to close the day, 
 so do they sit there to draw thy cloudy man- | 
 tle over this Lodge. Dressed in thy most — 
 dismal attire, we hail thee, Grief, as the 4 
 master of this meeting ;—for thy Truncheon, © 
 we give thee the Grave-man’s Mattock :—on 7) 
 thy bosom will we fasten a beamless Fewel 
 that is covered by the sable. vestment of 
 night ;—for thy Girdle, thou shalt wear ; 
 wandering moon beam, whose glimmering light, 
 shall serve to make more visible the darkness. 
 of thy form.—The Tomb-Stone is thy Trussell 
 Board, and thy Tow Line shall be twisted. 
 from the finest chords of Mason’s hearts.— 
 Here then, Grief, we await thy commands # 
 our /earts, and not our hands, will perform 
 the joyless labours of the night. Our re 
 freshment shall be the cup of bitterness, ani 
 when we have drunken it to the dregs ou 
 bosoms, with three times three thousand pu 
 sations, shall give the signal of our sin 
 ity and unison. , 
 
” 7 
 
 | BuT whence my Brothers and wherefore 
 is all this gloom and stillness? Why is the 
 noise of the busy hammer suspended, and our 
 ears greeted only by the slow beatings of 
 kindred bosoms. Why has our noon tide 
 _ Sun retired, so soon to the dark chambers of 
 the West 2? Our Lodge, which has so often re- 
 sounded with the voice of industry and mirth, 
 is now silent as the mansion of death ;—those 
 dazzling luminaries, which have been wont 
 to enlighten our labours, why are they ex- 
 tinguished ;—why do they now refuse their 
 accustomed radiance? The Compass, the 
 Square, the Level, the Plumb, and all those 
 sparkling Yewels, once the pride and the or- 
 nament of Masons, are now concealed by a 
 veil of blackness ; the cheerful song, which 
 has so often welcomed the eve of labour, has 
 ceased to undulate—I hear nothing but the 
 doleful melody of sighs and groans—where 
 fave once seen the sprightly features of 
 ease and contentment—where I have often 
 beheld the expanded countenance of gladness 
 ,and hilarity—through this dubious quiver- 
 | ing light, I can now discern naught but the 
 Pale sickly visage of melancholy and sorrow. 
 
 Need I ask, my Brothers, whence this awful 
 change ? ®? Of our respected Master shall I in- 
 quire, why stands a tear trembling in his eye, 
 
or of you, my friends, ni every by 
 seems to travel from the lungs i in Lia 
 why this dismal night shade is more ‘sul 
 to the present “ habit of your souls? ‘ha 
 jocund aspect of day ?—No! my ath hea 
 
 my Brothers, resolves the myste - 
 WASHINGTOM ! OH WASHINGTON! 
 OUR MASTER, OUR BROTHER, OUR 
 FATHER, OUR FRIEND, WASHINGTON 
 IS NO MORE !—He, who was greater thai 
 Hiram, better and more beloved than Solo 
 he whose virtues have been so long the ex 
 ample, the boast of our fraternity; whos 
 countenance diffused splendour and ~ bright 
 ness through the wide arch of Masonry, hi 
 gone down in the West, has descended to t 
 silent mansions of the dead. That perfe 
 Ashler which stood at the East corner o ou 
 Temple, that Stone which the Builders s le 
 ed, which was wrought and ere oF t 
 hand of GOD himself, that on which - 
 the main pillar of our Fabric is torn awa: 
 removed by the resistless arm of Bae 
 
 strength of our building is decayed ; its b 
 ty and ornament are obliterated f 
 Grand Archite# in heaven has r 
 his embassy, a being, who was ‘ 
 a light to our designs, a model for ou. 
 Pure Spirit of Masonry ! thy loss i is 
 
9 
 
 ble. Well mayest thou now make the “ dust 
 thy paper and with rainy tears write sorroav 
 onthe bosom of the earth.” —The fairest column 
 of thy earthly zemple is broken, the column on 
 which the brightest features of thy character 
 wére engraven, is demolished, and in the 
 quarries of heaven alone is there a precious 
 stone to Supply its place. 
 
 'pHINK not, my Brothers, that I have ‘felt 
 it my duty, on the present occasion, to as- 
 sist you in estimating the magnitude of your 
 los#, by an attempt to display all the virtues 
 of the wonderful man, whose death we com- 
 memorate. Forgive me, if I touch lightly 
 on a few lineaments of a character, whose ag- 
 greyate is not only far beyond my powers to 
 destribe ; but as far beyond my faculties to 
 eibipipcteenclt A few days only have elapsed 
 since I was first invited by my brethren to 
 assist in this solemn offering of grief. In this * 
 busy, thoughtless, tumultuous world, I leave 
 | you to consider; what a small, very smalf 
 portion of our reflection is fit to be dedicated 
 to a subje& so interesting, so sublimely af- 
 feGing.—For myself, I can hardly contem- 
 plate the death of WasntncTon without 2 
 feeling of piety and devotion ; I dared not 
 think ofthe event, until I had purified my 
 
 os 
 Fae 
 
 BR 
 
19 
 
 aoe 
 SS 
 
 mind from every sentiment relating to the 
 stale concerns of ordinary life; and to speak 
 of him, in this solemn Lodge, I should con- 
 sider as nearly allied to blasphemy, had I not 
 first cleansed my tongue from all the frivo- 
 lous language to which itis accustomed. | ~ 
 hi 
 
 WITH these impressions on my mind, few 
 indeed must have been the moments I have 
 had to prepare for this solemnity ; nat} I 
 complain not of their brevity, for Time him- 
 self could not lend me hours enough to cam- 
 plete the task—Had every minute of my 
 leisure been protracted to months—had evye- 
 ry monthbeen prolonged to years, still should 
 I have been but at the beginning of a duty, 
 so stupendous as that of recording the vir- 
 tues of our illustrious deceased. Were the 
 fight of my fancy swift as a sun-beam 3} 3 Were 
 the vision of my mind sharp as oslo in @ 
 . the “ collied night,” yet would they be slow — 
 in their progress, still must they loiter in/the: 
 rear of his glory and renown. What then, ~ 
 my 8 gah be expected of m6 ‘a | 
 
 his faithful affe@ionate and spams 7 
 men. Compared to his: virtues, a 
 
BL 
 
 = 
 =——_—_—_— 
 
 world’s sorrow for his death, all the little 
 praise in my power to bestow, is but as the 
 transient night fly’s twinkle to the steadyluss 
 tre of the pole star—my voice as a sigh to, 
 the whirlwind—and our united sympathy 
 but as a single tear drop on the billows of | 
 ocean. 
 
 WERE we contemplating the character of 
 other heroes and statesmen, whom history 
 hath celebrated, well indeed might it be sus- 
 pected that hypocrisy had put on for a while 
 the vizard of grief, that cold senseless duty 
 has been blowing its studied praises thro’ the 
 trump of hollow adulation ; but on a theme 
 like the present, language loses the power to 
 exaggerate,andeven dissimulation itself could. 
 hardly conjure up a pretence, that would reach 
 in semblance to the height of reality. The 
 character of WASHINGTON stoodsingle anc. 
 alone. Inhim all the qualities which consti- 
 tute the excellence of man, however contrary 
 in nature or repugnant in principle, were al- 
 most miraculously united and reconciled ;— 
 with the ardor of his youth, was associated 
 the temperance of age; imagination was 
 _ instructed by prudence, without being tram- 
 _ telled by timidity ; caution guided the steps 
 _ of rashness, but fear did not retard the celeri- 
 ty of courage. : 
 
‘ 
 —- 
 ot Ae 
 i, 
 ae 
 
 12 
 
 —— oy 
 —_—— 
 
 His first achievement in war, was: but 
 the experiment of youth, and yet on the field 
 of Braddock, his success seemed to have re- 
 sulted alone, from the ripened experience of 
 manhood. He was then little more than a 
 beardless stripling, the leader of an undisci- 
 
 ‘plined militia, “ disdainfully thrown in the 
 rear” of a veteran soldiery; but on that 
 
 memorable day, when victory had already 
 pronounced a decision on the conflict, when 
 death, furious and inclement, had reached to 
 the very middle of his ranks, and with hide- 
 
 ous yell, was in swift pursuit of a disordered 
 
 and affrighted army, there did we behold our 
 
 youthful hero, with calmness and serenity on 
 
 his front, colleéted in the midst of carnage, 
 and undismayed by the horrors that sur-_ 
 rounded him. Awed by his presence, desti- 
 
 ny forgot its resolves, and even death him- 
 self, as if outgeneralled by his management, 
 abandoned in despair his half completed re 
 pose of desolation. 
 
 cS 
 
 Bur the presages of his yoush, bold ee 
 promising as they were, have been more. than 4 
 
 consummated. At an early period of life, 
 the great, properties of his mind were to 
 resplendent to need an interpretation fro: 
 scrutiny, and their tendency, too perspicu 
 
 an 
 
*3 
 
 to require an assurance from apne tongue of 
 er 
 
  ouR country was menaced i oppression ! 
 Bellona’s scourge had already been tinged 
 with the blood of our countrymen ; our 
 shores were shadowed by the floating messen- 
 gers of destruction, and the very air we 
 breathe thickened by the smoak of our con- 
 flagrated villages; when the voice of mill- 
 ions, almost at the same moment, with a 
 kind of instinétive confidence, appealed for 
 protection to the heroism of a WASHING- 
 TON. At this perilous crisis, the heart of 
 every American, like the trembling needle at 
 the pole, rested on him as the last, point of 
 its dependence. Influenced. by no other ex- 
 citement than the purest love of his country, 
 aided by few other resources, than the ¢x- 
 haustless arsenal of his own great mind, at a 
 time when bravery might have faltered, and 
 despair itself been disarmed of its resolution, 
 did he become the bold decided champion of 
 American liberty. — 
 
 r 
 
 WITE! what unshaken firmness, with what 
 unerring: fidelity, he executed the fearfull 
 duties of |his station it is thy business, History / 
 to prongunce to future generations ; thy 
 
14 
 
 Cataenanated 
 
 work is already begun, and when the story is 
 complete, it will be the largest, and the most. 
 instructive volume in thy Archives. In vain 
 may thy Plutarch and Polibius vaunt their 
 Alexanders their Hannibals, the Scipios and Ca- 
 sars, all their boastedvirtueswould but serve 
 as an appendix to the biography of our WasH- 
 INGTON. Faithful Cio, thou who _presidest— 
 in the registry of human transaétions, thy j 
 book and»thy trumpet, which have been — 
 wont to report the deeds of heroic murderers, 
 are now required for a new and more grate- 
 ful employment ; before thou writest the 
 name of WASHINGTON, well mayest thou 
 tear from thy records, the pages on whieh 
 are inscribed the inevitable follies and crimes 
 of mankind—well mayest thou now , exu ty 
 
 there has once lived a man, who had power 
 without ambition, glory without arrogance, 
 fame without infatuation ; 2 man who uni- 
 ted the meekness of a christian, with the in- 
 fluence of a despot ; a man whose heart did — 
 not sink by misfortune, and whose head. be- 
 came more steady by elevation ; a man who — 
 saved a country by his valour, and ¢ uld ‘Te- F 
 
 ceive its praises without assumption. = 
 : ‘ : ie 
 
"i 
 
 vantages confer more power of doing evil 
 than good.” Tothis opinion, founded on 
 the degeneracy of cur nature, common ex- 
 perience had given almost the authority of 
 maxim ; but the degrading principle, like al- 
 most every other, deduced from the frailty, 
 the imbecility of man, was precisely reversed 
 ‘in the character of WASHINGTON. All 
 his advantages, all his powers, extensive as 
 they were, and in other hands, destructive as 
 they might have been, by a kind of superna- 
 tural agency, seemed to have been dire¢ted to 
 but one and the best of purposes, the wel- 
 fare of his country and the glory of his God. 
 
 THERE was a time, when, had the ambi- 
 tion of a Sy//a, been united to the power of 
 a WASHINGTON, this fair country, which 
 we inhabit ; this favored residence of liberty 
 and peace, might perhaps have been prostrate 
 at the foot of an imperious tyrant. Instead 
 of greeting our illustrious Brother in the 
 streets, with love and the familiarity of his 
 equals, we might have commixed with an 
 _ obsequious rabble, and followed in the rear 
 _ of a conqueror in triumph ; instead of 
 _ Weeping at his grave in all the sincerity of 
 _ grief, we might-now have been engaged in a 
 ) i solemnity, a cold unfeeling slavish 
 
16 
 
 ceremonial. Was elise ne not a time, my Broth. 
 ers, when he might perhaps have decimated 
 our councils, like a Cromwell, garbled “out 
 parliament, and trampled with impunity, on 
 the freedom he was commissioned and affec- 
 ted to prote& ? When with a “devoted, un- 
 satisfied army at command, he could have 
 spoken to us in the name of liberty, and his 
 vacant pretensions, been received as the mid 
 pledge of our rights ? 
 
 BUT praises be to heaven, our “WASTE 
 INGTON was incorruptible by the possession 
 of glory, as he had been magnanimous in 
 pursuit of his nation’s independence ; his ex { 
 alted soul would have disdained to _com- 
 mand, when duty and honor enjoined gat, 
 to obey ; his valor which had done every | 
 thing for others, had nothing to perform for — 
 the aggrandizement of himself. America. 
 Vitorious, her freedom secured, the com. 
 manding attitude of a General, the renown- 
 ed conquering General, was in an instar 7 
 converted to the humble demeanor of an o. 
 bedient, unaspiring citizen. At the alta: 
 
 liberty, when he presented the. c charter 
 independence, he also laid down th s\ 
 by which it had been rescued. i 
 
— 
 
 iy 
 
 =e 
 
 act, the vaunting predictions of his enemies 
 were, in a moment, blasted, and the fondest 
 hopes of his countrymen confirmed. He 
 who had conquered the proudest nation of 
 Europe, by a nobler achievement, had now 
 “conquered himself,’ had vanquished the 
 frailties and infirmities of nature. 
 
 FROM that period, nothing remained of 
 the soldier, the veteran, but the fruits of his 
 victory, and our imperishable remembrance 
 of the valor by which they were acquired. 
 For himself, solitude and retirement were the 
 only recompense he could ask for his servi- 
 ces; but even this recompense, little as it 
 seemed, was greater than his country had 
 power to bestow. Again was he wanted ; 
 his nation called—he could not refrain to 
 listen and obey——He who had been first in 
 the field, was now required to be first in the 
 councils of his country. In this elevated de- 
 partment ; if any thing could surpass the 
 
 | reétitude of his condué¢t, it was the facility 
 
 and moderation with which he afterwards re- 
 
 _ signed the authority of his office. Power, 
 | that delusive phantasm, which bewilders lit- 
 tle minds, had no charm for him ; but when 
 
 duty required its exercise for the happiness 
 
 Pe . 
 
18 . 
 ei ay. 
 
 of mankind—at 2 time, when the very mame_ 
 of WASHINGTON had in it the force of 
 ‘magic, when like a secret talisman, it could 
 harmonize the discord of passions, most hos- 
 tile, and reconcile the variance of principles 
 the most opposite, at.a time when the disso- 
 nant voices of confli@ing party would haye 
 melted into unison to proclaim him again 
 the leader of our Republic; at that very 
 time, when like Augustus, he could perhaps 
 have managed his fame, to perpetuate his au- 
 thority, did we behold the venerable Presi- 
 dent, as we had before seen the victorious 
 General, descending with complacence to the’ 
 humble occupation of an husbandman. 
 
 HIs labors completed, how much more : 
 than his duties performed, our illustrious he- _ 
 ro was once more permitted to enjoy in re- 
 tirement the luxury of his reflections. Re- © 
 tirement he might have, but-in the dreariest 4 
 wilds of our continent, there is not a covert, _ 
 most hidden and inscrutable, that could hold ~ 
 a being like him, a moment in obscurity ;— 
 Glory, like the pillar and the cloud, marked” 
 his progress by night and by day. As well — 
 might the sun conceal his disk behind the — 
 vapor of a dew drop—as well might -t oe 
 
 ¥ x) 
 
i 
 I 
 
 we] 
 
 e a 
 
 flaming meteor travel unnoticed through the 
 dark welkin of night, as thou, Oh WASH- 
 INGTON! couldst have lived in thy country, 
 unaccompanied by its regard and astonish- 
 ment. In thy own family, at the head of 
 thy domestics, thou wert not less conspicu- 
 ous than when leading to victory in the van 
 of thy armies. Inthe view of Americans 
 thou wert the same illustrious being, wheth- 
 er théy beheld you presiding in their coun- 
 cils, or an unassuming umpire in a village 
 disputation ;—in thy hands, the meanest im- 
 plement of a farmer was more graceful and 
 imposing than the sceptre of a monarch ;— 
 and in the loneliest vale of thy farm, thou 
 wert as high and elevated as if perched on 
 the summit of towering Alleghany ;—the 
 lustre of thy character was intrinsic, un- 
 changeable, it could neither be increased by 
 accident, nor diminished 2 the eSigh of 
 station. 
 
 BuT in his own view the duties of a pa- 
 triot were still unsatisfied. All the delights 
 of youth, the energies of manhood, the tran- 
 quility of age, which had been successively 
 devoted to his country, he considered but as 
 the interest of adebt which time should not 
 
 ° 
 
20° , 
 — % 
 
 limit nor even death itself annul—beyond 
 the very confines of the grave, when sense 
 should lose its faculty to discern, and a¢tion 
 its power to perform, it was his wish to con- 
 tinue in usefulness to mankind—his con- 
 templations, his reflections, (the very beggars 
 privilege) were believed by WASHINGTON 
 to be the property of his fellow-citizens—to 
 his country he bequeathed them—were the 
 inheritance divisible, and the whole world 
 the inheritors, each man’s portion of the gift, 
 would be of more value than the wealth of 
 Potosi, or the accumulated treasures of the 
 Indies—it is a treasure lasting as virtue, and 
 imperishable as his soul. 
 
 A FEw years only, my Brothers, have — 
 elapsed since, in this very metropolis, our 
 eyes, now weeping at his death, have gazed 
 with astonishment on this wonder, this prod- 
 igy of men. Never shall I forget the solem- 
 nity, the impressive solemnity, which his ~ 
 presence inspired. Age forgot its decrepi- 
 tude—youth forsook its amusements, and — 
 flew together to behold, in reality,a being 
 whom fame had hitherto presented, but as a 
 picture to the imagination. (He has often — 
 spoken of it himself as the most affecting 
 
21 
 
 —————} 
 _—) 
 
 scene of his life.) I have still in remembrance 
 the awe, the love and veneration that crowd- 
 ed together on my mind. The gratitude of 
 his countrymen was received with as much 
 modesty, “‘ as if he had been in the act of 
 apology for his offences’”—He could not 
 speak, for sensibility had choaked expression ; 
 but his countenance addressed us in a lan- 
 guage more than human, in a language, by 
 the tongue, unutterable ;—when he bowed, 
 every heart that surrounded him, as if it had 
 received the last salutation of a dying man, 
 sunk in sorrow and dejection. At a time 
 when joy should have rent the air with its 
 acclamations, when every eye would have 
 beamed with rapture, and every tongue 
 spoken in the accents of gladness, the scene 
 was silent and solemn, and seemed fearfully 
 to portend the fast approaching event which 
 we now commemorate. 
 
 I HAD read of triumphal entries, of con- 
 querors in cars, all the splendour of Roman 
 and Grecian celebrations, and the noisy 
 shouts of a nation of parasites, were familiar 
 to my conceptions ; but never tillthen, had 
 La sentiment of any thing so sublime as the 
 | attitude of such virtue, in such a triumph. 
 
22 
 
 suT, my friends, the circumstances of his 
 fife, stratice, surprising jndéed, were not 
 move remarkable than the scenes which have 
 followed his death. Moré than ‘five millions 
 of people on our own continent, and if the 
 tidings of death have flown on the rapid 
 wing of his living fame, more than ten times 
 give millions on other continents, dre, at this 
 wiomient lamenting the sane melancholy 
 event which we now golemiize. AMERI- 
 cans, though his nearest relations, have not 
 2 right to monopolize an exclusive -alliance 
 with WASHINGTON. He was 2 MAN, the 
 pest fiend of man, and every thing wearing 
 the fortn of feature of humanity, must feel a 
 pride in being called. his kinsman. © Vernon f 
 high and lofty as thou art; thou second Ars 
 rorét, on which the ‘Ark of American safety . 
 was lodged, every acre of our continent, as” 
 well as thy own proud hill, was rescued anc 
 protected by his arm, and has a right to con-— 
 test thy boasted pre-eminence ! id, 
 favoured spot of nis nativity, he was not 
 thine, thy sisters in the North and the South, 
 claim a portion 0 inher i 
 tance! Columbia, was 
 a descendant of Adam, and every son and 
 
 daughter of Adam, may exult that he 
 
25 
 
 ‘their friend and their brother. Earth, he was 
 not thine, he was the offspring of virtue, the 
 favourite of Heaven; to Heaven has he as- 
 
 cended—there is his cw, his last, his eternal 
 abode !! 
 
ORATION, 
 
 The DEATH of 
 
 General Washington, 
 
 BY GOUVERNEUR MORRIS. 
 eS 
 DELIVERED AT THE REQUEST OF THE CORPORATION OF 
 THE CITY OF NEW-YORK, ON THE 318T 
 DAY OF DECEMBER, 1799. 
 
 And joublisher bp their Request, 
 
 Sed quisnam merito divinas Carmine Laudes 
 Concipere, aut tanto par queat esse Viro ? A 
 Aurel. Brand. 
 
 a” _ New-York, printed by John Furman, opposite the City Hall. 
 ah: 
 Mi 
 
 1800. 
 
i “PAAR. wed: 2 
 | 
 eit OMAR ern Fig 
 
 ‘y 
 
 > ’ i eR a . E 
 We Oe RO! 
 * rn ' 
 
 RR: rrp sie” Pale 
 
 eae 
 
| ORATION, &c. 
 
 Americans, 
 
 A\ssemstep to pay the last dues 
 of filial piety to him who was the father of his 
 country, it is meet that we take one last look 
 
 at the man whom we have lost forever. 
 
 Born to high destinies, he was fashioned 
 for them by the hand of nature—His form was 
 noble—His port majestic—On his front were 
 enthroned the virtues which exalt, and those 
 which adorn the human character. So dignifi- 
 ed his deportment, no man could approach him 
 but with respe&t—None was great in his pre- 
 “sence. You all have feen him, and you all have 
 
 felt the reverence he inspired; it was fuch, 
 
 _ that to command, seemed in him but the exere 
 
y 4 A 
 fe 
 
 of an onion fundion, wh hile i 
 
 ie * ras 
 
 of civil Se or dhe » hailed a mi- 
 litary code) was imposed. by the high behelts of 
 
 nature. ak is om sels mr helt 
 
 oye ate why 
 
 Hie fad every title to BAe le a ‘ 
 
 i Beet alia gt rat, Gat 
 
 in giving him the higher qualities of the soul, — 
 ‘i ae ei gales | 
 
 had given also the tumultuous pa -whick 
 ads rt (cakes HF ae ee) 
 
 accompany greatness, and frequently tarnis 
 > POR 
 an With them was his first contest, 
 ; LET 
 
 his first vidtory was. over himself. 
 
 empire he had there acquired, : ‘ae 
 
 manner and of condué distinguished him th 
 
 jon. Tas too 
 
 ue for man 5. ee | 
 
 f 
 
 id) Soe oaae 
  Havine thus a perfedt comma 
 : Bites 
 
 he could rely on the full exertion, o 
 
 oF 
 
5 
 in whatever direction he might order them to ad. 
 He was therefore, clear, decided, and unembar- 
 rassed by any-consideration of himfelf. Such cons 
 sideration did not even dare to intrude on his rea 
 flections. Hence it was, that he beheld not only 
 the affairs that were passing around him, but those 
 also in which he was personally engaged, with the 
 coolness of an unconcerned spectator. They were, 
 to him as events historically recorded. His judg- 
 ment was always clear, because his, mind was 
 
 . pure. And. seldom, if ever, will a sound under-, 
 standing be met with in the company of’ a.cor- 
 
 rupt heart. 
 
 In the strength of judgment lay, indeed, one 
 chief excellence of his charaéter. Leaving to fee- 
 _ pler minds ‘that splendor of genius, which, while 
 
 ‘a enlightens- others, too often dazzles the pos- 
 
 oo knew how best to use the ee which 
 
6 
 = ; 
 So modest, he wished not to attract “atter- i 
 tion, but observed in silence, and saw deep into 
 the human heart. Of a thousand propositions. — 
 he knew to distinguish the best; and to select 
 among a thousand the man most fitted for his 
 purpose. If ever: he was deceived in his choice, 
 it was by circumstances of social feeling which 
 
 did honour to his heart. Should it, therefore, 
 
 > Satie ie ceetnas oR oc 
 
 in the review of his conduét, appear that he was f 
 
 merely not infallible, the few errors which fell i 
 
 to his lot, as a man will claim. the afedtions of 
 MG, RE 
 
 his fellow men. Pleased with the rare, but } 
 
 graceful weakness, they will admire fi pi 4 
 
 3 
 
 ~~ whe De 
 
 tion of ‘soul, which, superior to resentment, . 7. 
 
 gave honour and power, with liberal hand, to 
 those by whom he had been offended. Not * 
 to conciliate a regard, which, if it be vena 4 
 worth no price, but to draw forth in your 4a 
 service the exercise of talents which he could , 
 duly estimate, in spite of incidents by which | 
 weaker mind would have been thrown from its 
 
 bias, . e 
 
~ - 
 
 In him were the courage of a soldier, the 
 intrepidity of a chief, the fortitude of a hero, 
 He had given to the impulsions of bravery all 
 
 3 the calmness of his character, and, if in the 
 moment of danger, his manner was distinguish. 
 able from that of common life, it was by supe- 
 
 tior ease and grace. 
 
 To each desire he had taught the lessons 
 of moderation. Prudence became therefore the 
 companion of his life. Never in the public, 
 never in the private hour did she abandon him 
 even fora moment. And, if in the small circle, 
 where he might safely think aloud, she should 
 have slumbered amid convivial joy, his quick 
 sense of what was just, and decent, and fit, 
 | stood ever ready to awaken her at the slightest 
 
 alarm. 
 
 | . Knowine how to appreciate the world, its 
 gifts and glories, he was truly wise. Wise 
 
 | also in seleSting the objects of his pursuit. » And 
 
a 
 
 = in adopting just means to’ compass ‘Honor- 
 
 5 - | e . 
 able ends. | ee, sigte. NG 
 % 
 
 . | ie: 
 Bounp by the cuarhet ties of wedded love, 
 
 ~ his high example strengthened the tone of pub. 
 
 lic manners. Beloved, almost adored by the 
 amiable partner of his toils and dangers, who 
 
 shared with him the anxieties of public life, 
 
 and sweetened the shade of retirement, no fruit 
 
 was granted to their union. No child to catch 
 
 with pious tenderness the’ falling tear, and 
 
 soothe the anguish of connubial affeétion. No 
 
 living image remains to her of his virtues, and 
 
 she must seck them sorrowing in the grave: 
 - Who shall arraign, Oh GOD! thy high des” 
 
 cree? Was it in displeasure, that to the father 
 
 of his country thou hadst denied a son? Was 
 it in mercy, lest. the paternal virtues should 
 have triumphed (during some frail ‘moment) ins 
 the patriot bosom? AMERICANS! he had + 
 no child—BUT YOU—and HE WAS ALL — 4 
 
 YOUR OWN. “ : 
 
 LL): 
 
9 
 
 Let envy come forward if she diate 
 
 “ seek some darkened spot in this sun of our 
 glory. From the black catalogue of crimes 
 envy herself must speak him free. Had he (a 
 mortal) the failings attached to man ?—Was he 
 the slave of avarice? No. Wealth was an 
 object too mean for his regard. And yet ceco- 
 nomy presided over his domestic concerns ; 
 for his mind was too lofty to brook depend- 
 ence. Was he ambitious? No. His spirit 
 
 . soared beyond ambition’s reach. He saw a crown 
 high above all human ‘grandeur. He sought, 
 . he gained, and wore that crown.—But he had 
 indeed one frailty—the weakness of great minds. 
 He was fond of fame, and had reared a colossal 
 
 ; reputation—It stood on the rock of his virtue. 
 i This was dear to his heart. There was but one 
 iy thing dearer.—He loved glory, but still more 
 he loved his country. That was the master 
 
 ere y. ia . mr & ® ? 1 
 | passion, and, with resistless might, it ruled his 
 
 . every thought, and word, and deed. 
 aes s ¥ 
 
cradle, into the Bye Ps ghrr, and meriting 
 ti" 5) 
 the public bonfidentces at a Y Bet iod when oth others 
 
 too often consume in idleness ‘ moments ‘ead 
 
 for instruction, or (in pursuit of pleasure) waste 
 their moral energies. While yet Kis eye ok 
 
 covered with the down of youth, he had com- 
 
 aed 
 
 bined the character of an able negotiator with 
 that of a gallant soldier. Scarce had he given 
 this. early pledge of future service, when he 
 was called on for the quick performance— He 
 accompanies to the western wilds, Brappoc: K, | 
 _ who, bred in camps of European war, despis’ 
 the favage. But soon entrapped in the clos 
 ambush, military skill becomes of no avail, Tl 
 , leaders, selected by. unerring : im, first le 
 the troops lie thick in slaughtered heaps, 
 
 victims of an invisible foe, WASHIN( 
 whose warnings had been neglected, stil 
 the aid of salutary counsel to his ill fa tec 
 and urges it with all the grace of eloquence, aa 
 all the force of conviGtion, A form so manly 
 
11 
 draws the attention of the savage and is Joomla 
 to petish. The murdering instruments are le- 
 velled—the quick bolts fly winged with death, 
 and pierce his garments, but obedient to the 
 sovereign will, they dare not shed his blood. 
 Brappock falls at his feet; and the youthful 
 hero covers with his brave Virginians, the re- 
 treat of Britons, not less brave, but surprized 
 
 by unusual war. 
 
 Turse bands of brothers were soon to stand 
 |. in. hostile opposition. Such was the decree of 
 HIM to whom are present all the revolutions of 
 time and empire. When no hope remained but 
 in the field of blood, WASHINGTON was 
 
 called on by his country to lead her armies. In 
 
 . modest doubt of his own ability, he submitted 
 : with reluétance to the necessity of becoming 
 pe her. chief ; and took on him the weight, the 
 i care and the anguish of a civil ware Ambition 
 ‘tts would have tasted here the sweets of power, 
 and drunk deep of intoxicating draughts, but 
 
 to the Patriot, these sweets are bitterness, 
 
” 
 
 <4 
 
 a 
 
 ee ee 
 
 12 
 
 ge tenis TaxOU8, patient, perseveri he remain. | 
 ed at the head of citizens scarcely ged 5 5 and, 
 sparing of blood, by ‘kill, rather ‘than by force, | 
 compelled his foe to seek a more favorable 
 
 lost, America (by her declaration of indepen- 
 dence) cut the last slender thread of -connec- 
 tion. 
 
 theatre of war. And now all hope of: union : 
 
 SHE had ‘hitherto been successful ; but es -_ 
 soon shaken by adverse storms, The hsp! 
 of her Chief had been neglected. ‘His. army 
 
 had been raised by annual enlistment. we ‘The 
 
 Bas | 
 
 poor re mnant of accumulated. defeat, retreati ie ze 
 ° ‘ nabs ie eA ay q 
 before an enemy flushed with success, and con- 
 ° ; ° . ° a ° | ee iL ; 
 
 fident in all superiority, looked with impatience - | 
 
 ° ° bse ra ian 7 
 to the approaching term of service. The ie 
 
 Mab ol 
 
 thes) sought shelter from the "storm. 
 
 ‘though betrayed by fortune, his calm and : 
 
 mind remained true to itself, ‘winter 
 
 ad 
 
i 
 
 atl 
 
 closed the campaign. Solacing in the enjoyment 
 of what their arms had acquired, the viéors 
 
 tasted pleasure unalloyed by the dread of dan- 
 
 ger: “They were sheltered behind one of the 
 
 broad barriers of nature, and, safely housed, 
 beheld upon its farther shore, a feeble adver. 
 sary, exposed beneath the canopy of heaven to 
 ' the rigors of an unpitying season. It was ho- 
 ped that, their term of cui cit expired, the 
 
 American troops would disperse; and the Curgr 
 
 (in despair) throw up his command. Such 
 
 was the reasoning, and such reasoning would 
 (in ordinary cases) have been conclusive. But 
 that Cuier was WASHINGTON ! "He shews 
 
 to his gallant comrades the danger of their. 
 
 country, and afks the aid of patriotic service. 
 ' i. e Phila 
 At his voice their hearts beat high. In vain 
 
 the raging Delaware, vext with the wintry blast, 
 
 ! forbids their march. In vain he rolls along his. 
 
 _-Tocky bed, a frozen torrent whose ponderous 
 
 mass threatens to sweep the soldier from This 
 
 uncertain feotstep, and bear -him down the 
 
 -—- 
 
*,. 
 
 14, 
 
 flood | ! In vain, the beating stil, 
 dangerous ford a darkened horror 1 “Hy, Difficuls, 
 ties and dangers. Bee 2 the. brave. , “is little 
 band is arrived ; WASHINGTON is, _pithin, 
 the walls—the enemy is subdued ! soit 
 
 Foavene now smiles, but who eit trust 
 to that fallacious smile ? Preparations: are al- 
 ready made to punish the American LEaper 
 for his. adventrous hardihood. And now he 
 sees, stretched out before him in Wide array, @ 
 force so great that in the battle there is no 
 hope. Behind him the impassable stream cuts ‘ 
 off retreat. Already from his brazen throat j 
 
 the cannon gives loud summons to the field: — 
 
 But the setting sun leaves yet a dreary night to F 
 brood over approaching ruin. The earth is 
 shrouded in the veil of darkness; and now the ~ 
 illustrious Chief takes up his silent march, and i 
 in wide circuit leads his little band around 
 the unwary foe. At the dawn, his | 
 thunders tell them their reserve posted far ule 
 
Was hve 
 
 3 
 the rear, is in the pounces of ‘the skenetiea 
 ‘Eagle. They hasten i to ‘revenge ; “but he 
 has already secured his advantage, and (by a 
 well chosen position) confines them to ingloriots 
 repose. The armies now rest from their toil. 
 “But for him there is no rest. — His followers 
 claim the double right of returning to their 
 homes, and he stands almost alone. He dares 
 not afk for aid, lest the enemy, emboldened hy 
 the acknowledgment of weakness, should dis 
 sipate his shadow of an army. Nothing remains 
 ‘but to intimidate, by the appearance of -a force, 
 which does not exist; and hide from his-own 
 ‘troops their great inferiority. Both are effected 
 by Akill rarely. equalled—never excelled. _ 
 
 ‘Scarce hath the advancing season brought 
 ; eeeard a few recruits when he begins offensive 
 ~-eperations. ‘His enemy foiled in each atremipt 
 
 ‘to advance, is compelled to afk from the ocean 
 «ity 
 some safer road to conquest. The propitious 
 
 re 
 
 ‘deep receives on his broad bosom the invading 
 
nast :. and bids his obedient, bilomg, bear them 
 to some shore, where they may Joraythe, co 
 
 tage of surprize with those of, nei disci- 
 pline, and appointments. The hope. igv vain ! | 
 WASHINGTON had penetrated their views, 3 
 “and stands before them! He is unfortunate — ; 
 
 Defeated, not subdued—he leads on “again to : 
 “new attack.—The half-gained a snatched 
 from his grasp, at the head of an inferior, twice q 
 _ beaten army, he passes the long winter in an 
 
 open - field, within one day’s march of his foe. q 
 
 Here he was doomed to new dicate, j 
 and dangers unknown before. Faétion had 
 reared (in the American counsels) her accursed i 
 head, and laboured to remove him from the 
 command. That measure would at once fh 
 difbanded his affectionate troope-—the a 4 
 around them was exhausted. He had no means 
 to clothe or feed his army—none | to ch ange 
 
 ? 
 
 their position.—Many perished—each day the | 
 . ee 
 numbers were alarmingly diminished, and rei 
 
| : 17. 
 
 forcement was dangerous, because it might en- 
 crease the famine. - Under these circumstances, 
 a new system of organization and discipline was 
 to be formed, introduced, and enforced, while 
 the soldier could seldom obtain even his poor 
 
 pittance of depreciated paper.— 
 
 —* Who then hath seen 
 « The gallant leader of that ruined band, 
 “* Let him cry praise and glory on his head.” 
 
 It was in the solitary walk of night—it was in 
 the bosom of friendship, that he could alone 
 unburthen himself, of the vast woe which 
 weighed upon his heart—Here was indeed no 
 common nor vulgar care. Honour—Lizerty 
 —His Country, stood on the dangerous mar- 
 i gin of uncertain fate, and no human eye could 
 ‘pierce the datk cloud which hung upon futu- 
 tly, , 
 Pe ee | 
 a From this black night of gloomy apprehen- : 
 “ofion, broke forth the sun of golden, glorious. 
 
 Hope !—A mighty monarch had conneéted his | 
 . c 
 
18" 
 
 — a ee es 
 
 fortunes with those of America—In her i. 
 pid orth Ei 
 
 the flag of France was unfurled: and _gratitude 
 
 hailed the fixteenth Louis, proteétor OF the rights 
 
 bie 3) 
 of mankind. His powerful interference took off 
 
 from what remained of the war, all reasonable 
 
 doubt as to the final event. After a varied scene 
 
 of adverse and prosperous circumstances, that 
 
 event arrived, and a solemn treaty acknowledged - 
 
 your Independence. 
 
 GreaT was the joy and high” the general 
 expectation, for the political state of America 
 was not duly considered. Her band of federal 
 union had been woven by the hand of distrust. 
 
 The different states had been held together, in’ | 
 
 no small degree, by the external pressure of 
 
 i 
 i 
 
 war. That pressure removed, they might fall 4 
 
 asunder. There existed various causes of dis- 
 
 content, which the intrigues of European policy 
 
 might ripen into disgust. Those who gored in 
 the public counsels were filled, therefore, ith E 
 
 deep apprehension.—-The army, taught 2 years ay 
 
 \ 
 
Ep 
 
 of painful experience, became. a prey to. sinister 
 forebodings. Connected. by the endear ties 
 of soldierly brotherhood, these gallant ‘sons of 
 freedom anticipated with horror the moment 
 when they might be called on.to unsheathe their 
 
 fwords against each other: and pour, in impious 
 
 libation, the purest of their blood upon the altars 
 
 of civil war. Some of the more ardent spirits, 
 smarting from the past, and fearing for the fu- 
 ture, had formed a wish, that the army might 
 be kept together, and (by its appearance) acce- 
 lerate the -adoption of an efficient government. 
 The sentiment was patriotic—the plan of 
 doubtful complection—the success uncertain—but 
 the prospect was fair if the CHIEF could be 
 engaged. 
 
 He knew their wrongs! He knew their 
 ke worth! He felt their apprehensions !—They 
 had strong claims upon him,-and those claims 
 "were strongly urged. Supreme power, with 
 
 Meretricious charms, courted his embrace; and 
 
 * 
 ~- 
 \o 
 
a ‘to séduc® hint, in’ thet ses 6 
 ice. Tr thereford, aibiton had. ‘y ‘pone e 
 dingle cotnet of his heatt, Ne hight Rave 
 berated. “But he was ever "iia? Hevbid'a 
 Jast Adieu to the ‘companions of | his glory; and 
 Iaid all his lattels at he Feet GF his country? 
 
 sgh ) tb ORF Sabian ¢ a, 
 His fame was now complete, and & was per- 
 mitted him to hope for ease in dignific 1 retire- ‘ 
 ment. Vain hope! The defeats of the 2 Federal 
 - gompaét are soon too deeply felt not to be Be ’ 
 nerally acknowledged—America directs a revi- 
 sion by persons of her choice. i He. is, abeir) ) 
 President. It is a question, previous to ale 
 meeting, what course shall be, pursued. ne iy en 
 of decided temper, Pine devoted ea cy 
 
 aid new. But cautious tien?! wie 
 popularity was ‘an objett, deemed it’ fit to 
 sult and cémply with’ the wishes’ of th ‘ 
 AMERICANS'!lee tHe ‘opinion ‘then’ delivered 
 by the greatest and best of men, be ever ‘pre 
 
ax 
 to your femembrance. He was collected within 
 himself. His countenance had more than usual 
 solemnity—His eye was fixed, and seemed to 
 look into itt “It is (said he) too proba. 
 *€ ble that no plan we propose will be adopted. 
 * Perhaps another dreadful conflict is to be 
 *¢ sustained. If to please the people, we offer 
 *¢'what we ourselves disapprove, how cah we 
 "© afterwards defend our work? Let us raise 
 *« @ standard ‘to which the wise and the honest 
 “can repair. The event is in the hand of 
 “S God.”—This was thé patriot voice of WASH- 
 INGTON; and this the constant tenor of his 
 conduét. ‘Wiih this deep sense of duty, he gave 
 tO our constitution his cordial assent; and has 
 
 added the fame of a legislator to that of a hero. 
 
 | AGAIN, in the shade of retirement, he seeks 
 : ‘ répose ; but is called, by unanimous voice, to be 
 oe the first magistrate of the United States.—Scarce 
 "ate the wheels of government in motion, when 
 
 he 4s ‘struck by the.view of that enormous re- 
 
RENT a : Ly Ss ie ae as 
 
 » 
 . fren) Bae » 
 aS . 
 J 4 i. 
 
 ‘ if a 
 q hire 
 
 : 7 nd tervifen 
 - spread th 
 
 “earth. The Rathes of war were sprez Roe 
 
 ‘put Europe, and threatened to waste th 
 The delegated incendiaries found America lied 
 with inflamable matter. All ‘the bad passions, 
 with some that were good, stimulated her to 
 
 engage in the contest. But the President, still ; 
 calm, discerning, and true to your truest inter- i 
 : a 
 proclaimed, observed, and maintained | an “A 
 
 -exa&t neutrality. In vain’ was he assailed Hoar | , 
 abroad—In vain solicited, excited, urged, by ‘ 
 
 7 4 R “| F a ) ie cy 
 those around him. He stood immoveable ! — 
 
 Vain also were the clamors of mistaken Zeal, 'the’ 
 dark efforts of insidious’! faétion; and the foul 
 voice of mercenary slander. You have all lately 
 seen his firm administration, and all now enjoy 
 
 the rich result of his inflexible wisdom. 
 
 ‘ 
 
 TuoucH he still turned with fond 
 
 towards hic domestic shade, he never le 
 
— 
 that America might enjoy Pics,» Frerpom, 
 
 7. - 7 ‘ 
 
 and eames y—and then at last he claims the 
 right of age. A venerable veteran, in all ho-. 
 nourable service, having consecrated to his coun- 
 try the spirit of youth, the strength of manhood, 
 and the ripe experience of laborious years, he 
 alks repose. His body broken with toil must 
 
 He is called forth again— 
 
 rest. 
 | again must he gird on his sword and prepare. 
 for the battle!—And see! fresh in renewed vigor, 
 he decks his hoary head with nodding plumes 
 _ of war, and mounts the barbed steed —With coun- 
 ) tenance erect and firm, his eagle eye meafures the 
 lengthened file. Wonderful man ! a: feems im- 
 _mortal—Oh no—No—No, this. our pride, our 
 
 glory, is -gone—He is gone forever. | 
 
 | Bur yet his spirit liveth. Hail! happy 
 “shade The broad shield of death is thrown be-, 
 
 4 
 © 
 
 : “fore thy fame. Never shall the polluted breath» 
 
 ‘of slander blow upon thine ashes—We will watch, 
 
 with pious care the Jaurels which shade thy urn, 
 
’ a 
 
 24 
 es ' ahah 
 
 Hy 
 and wear thy name engraven on our 
 
 Oh! yet protect thy country !—Save ber ae 
 is an orphan—Her father is aningled | meh the 
 dust. 
 
 No! Hz LiveTH—ne ‘SHAMEN RIVED One: 
 ver!—And when the latest of your children’s 
 children, shall pronounce his dear, his sacred 
 name, their eyes shall be suffused with sie tear. 
 of cynic poe and LOVE. " 
 
 [DONE] 
 
 Errata. <, laacat 
 
 (ce In the eleventh line of the eighth nie for “ affe@ion,’ : 
 
 tread “ AFFLICTION.” 
 
 (ce Page twelve, fifth line from the bottom, in the ( ) aren= 
 
 thesis, read, ‘* (turning their halcyon BEAKS to fairer skies.”” ; 
 
 te. Page twenty-third, last line but one, read, * of deck 
 
 upon THINE ashes—We will watch, Se. 
 
Pi a fe 
 ac 
 \ 
 Pie 
 > ; 
 | “ih 
 ie Bt ¢ 
 “ab s 
 & oh ; 
 *, 
 - reid at Pi if a a 
 a 
 ™ y 
 
 i SE 
 “Tax following Sermon was not written with the 
 from the press; nor does the author think that it k 
 licity. By various local considerations, and the 
 been induced to consent to its publication. * Se far 
 true christian character, and destroy false 
 with sais, and accompanied with the blessing of G Got 
 
 10 
 
 e4 : 18 
 
Fe | SERMON. 
 
 “a 1 Jon ii, 3. 
 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth him- 
 self, even as he is pure. ; 
 
 ‘As the things of time bear no comparison in im-— 
 fbortance to the things of eternity, so in nothing 1 is the 
 folly of mankind more manifest, than in the avidity 
 with which they pursue earthly good. Are mankind 
 ountable to God? Is the present a state of proba- 
 jon? Is the favor of God to be obtained only in the 
 Present life? Is there a day of final account? How . 
 teresting then is the present condition of mankind. 
 a with what solicitude would a realizing sense of it 
 
 Perhaps, under the light of the Gospel, there are fev 
 who do not; a at aaa feel some fearful apprehensions 
 
 own hearts, and forward to a commg judgment. . 
 
 scape, every truly convinced sinner would be forced 
 
 ‘ 
 
 remedy. An atonement has been made, through which 
 God offers pardon. Hence the most of mankind flatter 
 themselves with the hope of salvation. Somie hope 
 
 ie 2 more they look within and around them, the more ae 
 policitude they feel. Were there no possibility of an ~ 
 
 0 yield to utter despair. But the gospel provides a an 
 
TT 
 
 _ from one consideration, and some from an 
 reasonable, therefore, to suppose, that th 
 lead to different consequences. "The Apostle, i 
 text and context, speaks of the hope of aifea ( 
 
 and its results. He considers roa: si 9 yf 
 
 to hope in the favor of God. tin what 
 of love the Father hath bestowed ‘upon us, that 
 should be called the sons of God! Therefore the ¥ or 
 knoweth us not because it knew hpsies: Belovec 
 
 appear, we shall nd like him; far! we 
 he is. And every man that hath thist 
 fieth himself, even as he is pure.” di ot 
 offers to our consideration the following imp 
 timent. Lea 
 “The hope of a real Christian leads & 
 In discussing this doctrine, I propose — 
 Lito contider come of tHe false 
 II. To describe the hope ofa real nla 
 JI. To shew that the hope of a real chri 
 to sanctification, — 
 I. Tam to describe | some of ‘the fal s 
 mankind, % * 
 The doctrine of a fattite state of sali nce 1 
 ally admitted. The evidence, from the li 
 and the word of God is so conclusive, 
 been able to shut their eyes wholly u 
 Hence, in proportion as mankind be 21 
 ofa future existence, will they be 
 some ground of evidence that it wil \ 
 ae | 
 
 via ~# * 
 
ay aie 5 
 
 Here let it be remarked, 
 ae 1. That some hope to be saved, merely iin the * 
 p consideration, that Christ died to make an atonement 
 for sin. 
 i There are few who do not indulge some kind of ex- 
 pectation, of a future well-bemg. But if you ask the 
 reason of such expectation, they will tell you it is by 
 Christ. ‘They have some indistinct idea that they are 
 sinners, and of course some sense of their need of a 
 _ Saviour; and hope, they can hardly tell why, that _ 
 _ Christ will save them. They read that he died for 
 sinners, and though they have no realizing sense of 
 their guilt, or of what is necessary in order to salvation; 
 yet, in some way or other, they believe that Christ 
 will save them from hell, and make them forever happy. 
 2. Some hope to be saved, because they have done 
 more good than evil. 
 A P They acknowledge that they have often craigs 
 ‘sed the law of God, but then they have often obeyed 
 - it. And through the selfishness of their hearts, they 
 -oyerrate the good which they have done, and lessen 
 the evil, and come to balance the account, it prepon- 
 derates in their favour, so they hope to be saved. 
 ~ Mankind are extremely unwilling to be convinced, that 
 God is under no obligation to reward them for the sup- 
 sed good they have done. ‘Though they are ready 
 acknowledge a deficiency in duty, yet they flatter 
 nselyes that they have done a great deal for God, 
 for their fellow-men. They have clothed the 
 naked, fed the hungry, visited the sick, attended public — 
 a worship, supported religious institutions, often prayed, 
 _ and have been very serious in religion; and are by no 
 means so bad as some others. One has been very pru- 
 
 4 
 
 SS 
 
6 # 
 
 than the ae Another is less alg hi 
 drunkard, and the drunkard has never committe 
 and the thief has never been guilty of murder. . ‘Thus 
 every sinner can easily find some one worse than hin - 
 self, and in himself some good things, on account of 
 which he hopes to be rewarded, ‘It is perfectly. 
 natural for men to compare themselves with others 
 that are worse than they; to place their ‘selfish moral- 
 ity in the scale with their open vices; and so to con- / 
 clude it will be well-with them, because they have done ; 
 
 more good, than they | have hurt. *. rie 
 3. There are others that feel secure on the ground 
 that all will be saved. 5 
 
 It seems astonishing, im one view, thabety should 
 ‘believe a scheme so contrary to what the we word 
 of God declares; yet we find many mes their b 
 
 another view, it does not seem Surprising; bas ere 
 naturally hate the light of truth, and are willing to be — 
 deceived in the most momentous concerns; are willing 
 
 to embrace any refuge by which they can be secured ss 
 from evil, pont repentance and submission to rhe | 
 
 Hh st as the basis of hope. “Because me 
 ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, h 
 
 have not made sad; and strengthened the hands 
 wicked, that he should not return from his i 
 by promising him life.” In the present ag 
 wickedness, this doctrine has obtained me 
 
rs 
 
 in any former age; and we have reason to believe, that, 
 absurd and contrary to scripture as it is, it will spread, 
 and that multitudes will go down to hell, with this lie 
 in their right hand. 
 
 4, Others hope to be saved, Hee in some 
 former period they imagine themselves to have been 
 converted. 
 
 Where the gospel is faithfully preached, the most 
 
 acknowledge a change of heart to be indispensable to 
 salvation. The greater part, who have arrived to 
 adult age, have been, in a greater or less degree, con- 
 vinced of their character and state. And it seems as 
 if almost all had hopes of having passed from death 
 unto life. They haye been distressed in some past 
 "period, and some change has taken place in their minds, 
 which they call conversion. They are conscious that 
 there was an alteration in their feelings; that they had 
 great distress, succeeded by great comfort; and though 
 they have felt little or nothing of the kind since, they 
 are unwilling to relinquish the hope, that their hearts 
 F were then changed. ‘They were convinced of thes sins) 
 fulness of their hearts, of their opposition to God, and 
 afterwards thought that they loved hit, and could: 
 | themselves up to him. They were ‘exceedingly 
 for a time, and obtained a hope that they were 
 On this hope they have dived ever since. 
 are many christians of this sort. pt Hei hopes 
 
 ‘and he maekt, for aught we know, have passed shiotish 
 eE." 
 
8 
 
 life for a christian, but for a particular occurrence, by 
 which his selfishness was disclosed. . In the instructive ! 
 parable. of our Saviour, wé are told that the foolish 
 virgins continued on with the wise through life. ret 
 had their lamps as well as the wise, and thought, 
 the last moment, that they had oil in them. ; 
 5. There is another way in which people often cot 
 a hope of their good estate; which has more of the 
 appearance of religion, and is often attended with more P 
 lasting effects. I mean a hope, founded on the mere 
 countlelect of the christian graces. There are many, 
 the process of whose supposed conyersion is somewhat | 
 like the following. They first awakened up to: see. 
 that they are sinners, and are greatly distressed with 
 apprehensions of the wrath of God. They are ful ly 
 ‘convinced that they must perish unless some | arm “ine 
 terpose to save them. In this distressful hour, when 
 they see themselves, as it were, suspended over the 
 pit of endless destruction, they have a view of Chris 
 dying upon the cross for them in particular, and the 
 feel instant relief. All their distress is gone, and the 
 appear to be ina new world. They are ‘aie 
 filled with loye*to God, and wonder at their for ne 
 opposition. Now they think they are born agal 
 _great change has taken place in their feelings 
 ‘Because they suppose their state is differe 
 they viewed God as their enemy; ni 
 friend. Once they saw no way of r 
 pectation was, that they must »peris 
 now they see that Christ died to sayeyy 
 ular, and they can say heaven is’ 
 Saviour, he has pardoned all m 
 eternal life for me. Now it is easy to 
 religious experience may all arise from 
 
9 
 
 + eae 
 
 ness. It may exist, without the least degree of holy 
 _ love to God, or repentance, or true faith, or submis- 
 sion, or peace. The love which they feel for God and 
 _ their joy, may all arise from the belief that he loves 
 _ them, and that their personal interest is safe. As this 
 _ experience may be founded in selfishness, so one real- 
 izing view of the true character of God, of his holy law, 
 _ and of their condition as condemned sinners, would 
 _ destroy it all. The moment the delusion were dissi- 
 
 pated, their hearts would rise in total rebellion. And 
 
 hence we find, that those who settle down on such a 
 ~ religion as this, are the most confirmed enemies to the 
 truth. These are some of the ways in which sinners 
 deceive themselves, and bring ruin on their souls. 
 | I pass to shew in the 
 
 I]. Place on what the hope of a real christian is 
 founded. 
 
 His hope is ordinarily preceded by a realizing con- 
 _viction that he is a totally selfish creature, full of op- 
 ¥ ‘position to the true character of God, under the con- 
 9 demning sentence of his holy law, and deserving of the 
 | endless torments of hell. The real christian has seen 
 so much of his heart, as to know, that he is naturally 
 
 possessed of that spirit of selfishness, which would 
 roy God and all his creatures, were this possible, 
 vake himself happy. And he knows that he hated 
 ge,truths by which God makes himself known; 
 specially his sovereignty, his immutable decrees, his 
 ection of some to holiness and life, and his reproba- 
 
 | ie of ot to sin and death. In view of these 
 a Oe times dreadful heart-risngs. He 
 knew that it Was reasonable that he should give him- 
 
 self into the hand of his Creator, to be disposed of as 
 2 
 
 eS ee, 
 
10 
 
 he pleased, but every feeling of his heart w 
 it. Now he feels differently. hy oe 
 1. Towards God. He sees infinite moral beauty in 7 
 God himself. He now loves those very things in God, 
 on account of which he once hated and opposed him, 
 especially his sovereignty. He not only sees it to be — 
 reasonable, that God should dispose of all. ‘things ace 
 cording to his good pleasure, but this attribute appears, — 
 especially at times, peculiarly sweet to him. ‘There is 
 such a. fulness of power, wisdom, justice, goodness, 
 truth, and faithfulness in God, that his whole soul i is- 
 swallowed up in a sweet sense of his glory. He 
 rejoices that he is just such a Being as he is, that the | 
 government of the universe ign his hands, and that he | 
 will dispose of all things to his glory. Now these feel- 
 ings did not arise from the apprehension that his sins 
 were pardoned, and that he should be saved: for when’ 
 he first felt his heart drawn out in love to God, and 
 desires after him, he had no hope, and perhaps, not a 
 thought about himself, whether he should be saved 6 . 
 not. His affections were placed on God himself., 'T ne ' 
 divine character appeared altogether eh ik Per. 
 sonal considerations formed. no part of his joy at thi 
 moment. He had no idea of stopping to inqu 
 whether his sms were pardoned or not. | His 4 
 were fixed on God. Here self was lost, and all 
 sonal considerations were, for a time, wholly 
 sight. ‘The glory of God was the object of | his 
 admiration, and praise; and it seemed as ~ ‘the 
 universe must unite with him in adorihg’ suck 
 David has fully expressed the feeling a. € 
 heart at this moment in the 148th Psalm’ — 
 
 hese 
 
il 
 
 _ 2, When his attention comes to turn upon his own 
 character, it appears odious to him. That he had 
 ever hated God, trampled on his law, and resisted his 
 authority, are considerations that smk him into the 
 deepest contrition. He loathes his sinful character; 
 most heartily condemns the part which he has acted, 
 and justifies God in condemning him. He has not one 
 hard feeling towards God for threatening to destroy 
 his soul forever: not one murmuring thought towards 
 the law. He feels that he deserves the lowest place 
 among the outcasts from God’s kingdom, and that he 
 - would be good in sending him to hell. The more he 
 contemplates his own character, and the enormity of 
 his guilt, the more he is willing to sink, and to vindicate 
 the law of God, m both & precept and penalty. And 
 even now he has no hope, and perhaps not a thought 
 that he is a christian, and shall be saved. It is the 
 moral glory of God that has attached such a dreadful 
 character to sm, and excited such deep self-abasement. 
 He knows he shall not be injured, even if sent to hell,” 
 _ and God appears just as good in destroying as in sav- 
 _. ing. If he has any thought about it, he expects to be 
 east off, but he feels as if he should vindicate God and 
 his law, if he perish. There appears to be perfect 
 safety m being in the hand of God, and if he hada 
 asand souls, he would leave it with him to dispose of 
 tem as would be most for his glory. : 
 . When he comes to take a view of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, his heart is drawn out in love to him. In his 
 _ mediatorial character, as it is now presented to his 
 mind he sees imfinite loveliness. As it respects him- 
 self, he feels ill deserving, and if saved at all, igjs his 
 desire to be sa d by sovereign grace, and ina way by 
 
— 
 
 12 
 
 which God will. be forever alone and. the 
 
 character i in the ‘iikacedans of ees 
 falls in with it. It appears transcendently glorio 
 his view. The more he contemplates the divin 
 cellencies of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the scheme 
 saving grace through his atoning blood, the more he 
 filled with wonder and with praise. 9 ff 
 
 These are some of the feelings of the true penit 
 when he is first “brought out of darkness into’ G 
 marvellous light;” his feelings im view of tie di 
 objects that are presented before > him. At 
 comes to reflect on what has passed in his 1 
 compare his feelings with what the ‘wor 
 requires, and with what others who give e 
 saving change of heart have felt; he is 
 clude that he is a subject of the renewing gra x 
 God. He is conscious that he loves God an pearaan 
 that he hates sin, and condemns himself on account of. 
 it; and that he does rely on the Lord Jesus Christ for 
 salvation, desiring no other way of deliverance than 
 pala grace, Ane since God has ea se | 
 
 mercy, he ventures to hope he shall ed 
 does it with trembling; and generally, it. 
 has more or less doubts as to his sincerity. lk 
 in his heart so little love to God, and Christ, 
 truth, that he is, at times, cut off from all hop 
 on the whole, he cherishes the belief that he 
 ested in the salvation of the gospel; ai 
 
 ise of a faithful God, he relies for strength to ov er 
 
eiliedion 
 
 18 
 
 the temptations of Satan and the world; and that he 
 
 shall finally be received into the uninterrupted enjoy- 
 ment of God, whom having not seen he loves, and in 
 whom believing he rejoices, at ren with joy unspeak« 
 able and full of glory. 
 
 remains to be shewn, 5 ; 
 That the hope of a true christian leads to sane- 
 
 _, 1. The hope of a true christian will lead him to 
 
 - aspire after greater degrees of love to God, and enjoy- 
 
 ment in him. There is a kind of natural beauty in the 
 - divine perfections, and in the system of divine truth, 
 
 Ms that may attract the curiosity of impenitent sinners, 
 
 and afford them a kind of satisfaction. But true chris- 
 _ tians see the moral glory of God, which the wicked, as 
 such, never can see. “God hath shined in their 
 hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory 
 of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” He has given 
 them a benevolent heart, and in this way, a spiritual 
 discovery of his glory. Says the Apostle, “God is 
 love: and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, 
 
 end God in him.” It is in this way that christians 
 _ come to an experimental knowledge of God; and the 
 _ more they see of him the more they love him. Hence 
 
 id the Psalmist, whose hope was well founded, “As 
 jart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth 
 my soul after thee,O God. My soul waiteth for the 
 ‘Lord more than they that watch for the morning; I 
 ore than they that watch for the morning.” 
 ; e probable reason why many, who hope they are 
 christians, are never drawn out in inexpressibly strong 
 desires to see more and more of the glory of God, is, 
 they have no true love to him. Their hopes rest on 
 
 se * 
 
14 
 
 some false affection. For those who have ey or had 
 view of the moral glory of God, can never rest 
 fied with their present attainments inthis wledge, 
 love, and enjoyment of him. ‘They love to medi a 
 upon his perfections; and as they grow in the cy 
 edge of God, so they grow in divine love, and ) 
 forward after clearer discoveries of his glory. N othi 
 is more evident, than that the hope of the true 
 tian, which is founded on holy love,’ will lead oy to 
 desire to see more and more of the object: of his \ 
 supreme affection. It was in this way that the Apos- ! 
 tle Paul was weaned from the world, and “in a strait 
 betwixt two, having a desire to depart, vere with ; 
 Christ;” where he could see more of his’ 5 love | 
 hie better, and enjoy him without mterruf at ie 
 _ 2. The christian’s hope leads him to desire deliver~ : 
 ance from sin. .* | 
 _ The christian hates sm because it is 5 ennai atl 
 violation of his holy law. His deepest abhorrence of 
 sin is when he has the clearest discovery of thedivine 
 glory.” Hence said Job, “I have heard of thee by 
 hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth th 
 Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust a 
 ashes.” The more a christian loves God, the 
 he will hate sin, and the more will he de 
 ance from it as the deadliest evil. Under z 
 and death, he at times, groans bemg bur 
 ardently longs to be freed from it. Full well 
 the bitterness of transgression. With what f 
 does David pray to be delivered from sm; and 
 what abhorrence does he speak of it. — 
 throughly from mine iniquity, and cle 
 sin. For I acknowledge my transg 
 
 vy 
 Ay 
 . 7 a 
 
" 15 
 
 sin is ever before me. Purge me with hyssop, and I 
 shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than 
 snow.” Why is it, that some professing christians 
 appear to have no more abhorrence of sin; and so 
 constantly to indulge a selfish worldly spirit? why is 
 it, but because they never saw the hatefulness of 
 sin? They never had any true love to God, and there- 
 fore no true sorrow for sin. All thei sorrow arose 
 from personal considerations. When they lost sight 
 of danger they lost their repentance; and if, with a 
 view to preserve the reputation of being christians, 
 they did not throw off all restraint; yet sin became as 
 much their choice as ever. And well would it have 
 been for them, and for the church of Christ too, had 
 they lost their hope, for, “He that hath this hope in 
 him,” the hope of a true christian founded on holy love 
 to God, “purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” _ He 
 loathes sin, condemns himself for it, and ardently 
 desires to be cleansed from it. He dreads sin more 
 than he does punishment. But you will ask, do not 
 professing christians sin? those who give the most evi- 
 dence of religion? Yes. And they are willing to‘con- 
 fess before God and the world that they sm. And 
 a are prepared in their hearts to justify that law 
 ch threatens sin with everlasting destruction. 
 y can say, we will love God, thotigh he execute 
 iis law upon us. At times they are overwhelmed in 
 ‘a view of their sins, committed in violation of the holy 
 commands of God. 
 
 3. The christian’s hope leads him to increasing dis- 
 coveries of the riches of divme grace, in the plan of 
 
 ae 
 
16 
 
 The work of redeniption is se vhich 
 angels desire to look, and on which t they medita ‘te 
 increasing astonishment. The chris' stia n se 
 his own wretchedness, the more salthe adore the ric 
 grace of God displayed in the gospel. God, in Chri 1 
 reconciling the world unto himself, and making sinners 
 the partakers of his own moral likeness and blessedness, 
 isa subject on which he loves to meditate. And when 
 he has a clear view of it, as he sometimes has, he is — 
 ready to say with the Apostle, “O ‘the depth 80 
 
 Slabs Sleigh pagueal a ish n 
 subject that has a powerful fet | on his 
 
 operates as a strong dissuasive fr | q 
 . 4. ‘Through the influence of * anced : 
 the christian is led highly to esteem the’ a ! 
 He looks upon the scriptures as conta we eas: 
 ures of wisdom and knowledge. Here he es tothe 
 most intimate acquaintance with the perfections and | 
 will of God. Here he finds his own character and 
 wretched condition as a sinner clearly pointed out 
 
 Here he finds a way of deliverance from sin 
 and the perfect rules of life. The scriptu 
 the christian, full of imstruction. They are 
 shining in a dark place. There is no treasm 
 highly values. He listens to the Bible as the 
 God. It appears to be a reality. Consi 
 history of God and his Providence, and as 
 rules of duty to the immense uni ii 
 equal its worth. And he is ready to say with t 
 
 we 
 ‘ia. ° 
 
17 
 
 Psalmist, “Thy word is very pure; therefore thy ser- 
 vant loveth it.” 
 
 The system of truth contained in the scriptures, is 
 as really nourishing to his soul, as food is to’ his body. 
 He loves the truth for the same reason that he loves 
 God. The native malignity of the human heart 
 towards God himself, will account for all the opposition 
 which impenitent sinners feel to the truths of his word. 
 But the clearer views the christian has of divine truth, 
 the higher will his joy rise. When he feels as he 
 ought, and as he does sometimes feel, the truth affords “ 
 
 ‘Sweet satisfaction. He loves to realize. be 
 
 a God 0 winite perfection. And fr u 
 complacency whie He feelsiin him, he is led to. joice 
 that he has formed. a plan of operation, embracing all 
 things from everlasting to everla sting. He is eased 
 that God knows what is best to be done, and that un- 
 der his government the greatest ultimate good will be 
 secured. And it is from his love to God he rejoices 
 that he has created, preserves, and governs all things 
 with a view to his own glory. The moment a person 
 _ sees the moral glory of God, he finds reason to rejoice 
 in the doctrine of divine decrees and government, in its 
 utmost extent. The supremacy of God has always 
 pens subject of delightful contemplation to christians. 
 is the foundation of their peace, and absolutely essen- 
 al to it. And the clearer discoveries they have of 
 the universal government of God, the higher their joy 
 rises. Hence the Psalmist, when favoured with a 
 Special view of God as the sovereign disposer of all 
 , breaks out inthe fallen strain, ¢ coord 
 ; let the earth rejoice.” Chrietnaag o and 
 ill rejoice > the government of God. They vir 
 
 ‘ fot 
 
 Ee 
 
18 
 
 the least fear that he will fail to dispose of 
 ture and thing in the best manner. It ac 
 the feelings of their hearts, that he data di 
 pleasure. | it 
 . The election of some of radinkciasliiih holines: al 
 eternal life, is a source of joy to christians. — They are 
 not pleased with this truth principally on account of a 
 personal interest init. It is as precioammmmunedees § 
 to others as to themselves. They rejoice that itis con- 
 sistent for God tosave some, that he has revealed this 
 purpose; and they feel willing that he should save just 
 whom he pleases. They are satisfied with the pur- 
 pose of reprobation, from the consideration that it is 
 not for the glory of God to save all. - Their submission : 
 to this doctrine does not arise from’a supposed Cathaiah: § 
 exem They would be satisfied with it, had hey I 
 not the hope of pardon. The doctrine append | 
 just as tool with application to themselves, as to oth-- : 
 ers. It appears just as right, that God should pass b: 
 them, in the displays of his grace, as others; and 
 feel just as willing to be in the destroying hand o: 
 as that others should be. ‘There is nothing s 
 the foundation of a christian’s hope. It rests 
 consciousness that he does love God, hate sit 
 light in the way of salvation, as revealed in” 
 The love which christians feel to the trut 
 word, is an expression of their love to him. 
 more they see of the truth, the more theys 
 are filled with joy. It is only through the trut 
 they know God, and are conformed to his mo} 
 Hence Christ, in one of his last inter 
 ciples, made this affectionate prayer 
 
 them, “Sanctify them through thy trath 
 
 RF 7 
 Ce: 
 
 *. 
 
i9 
 
 truth.” It is by believing, loving, and practising the 
 truth, that christians give evidence of the sanctifying 
 operations of the Holy Ghost upon their hearts. 
 
 _5. A christian’s hope will make him prayerful. 
 
 The more a christian sees God, the more he feels 
 and loves to feel his entire dependence upon him: and 
 the more he becomes acquainted with his own heart, 
 the more he sees his need of help from God, to over- 
 come the temptations, and escape the dangers to which 
 he is exposed. ‘This help he obtains by prayer. God 
 usually makes his children see their need of help, and 
 disposes them to ask it, before he grants them favour. 
 [tis impossible for a christian to maintain spiritual life 
 without prayer. He who gives the world evidence 
 that he lives without prayer, tells them that he has no 
 religion. A prayerless Christian is an absurdity. Just 
 in proportion as a person hates sin, will he feel desir- 
 ous that God, on whom he feels wholly dependent, 
 would deliver him from it. Christians at times feel 
 inexpressibly strong desires to promote the spiritual 
 good of their fellow creatures. And how do they 
 - hope to benefit them? ‘They know that they cannot 
 awaken them to one serious thought, to one holy reso- 
 lution; but they realize that God is able to turn their 
 hearts; and they look to him for help. As christians 
 grow in grace, and approach the end of their journey, 
 they grow in prayerfulness. It is by communion with 
 God in humble persevering desires of the soul, that 
 they testify to those around them the purifying influ- 
 ence of their hope. 
 
 ’ 6. The hope of a real christian will lead to a 
 
 ” 
 
20 
 
 It was not without design that Christy n titu 
 church, and enjoined it on all who possess | h S §} 
 
 b 
 
 ing themselves to his church, and partaking of the h holy 
 supper which he appointed, in commemoration of his 
 death. The positive duties which the gospel enjoins, ia 
 are as really binding on men as moral duties; and no — 
 christian can feel justified m the neglect of them. 
 Said Christ, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” 
 There wasa beautiful representation given of christian a 
 character, when it was said of Zechariah and Elizabeth,” 
 
 “They were both righteous before God, walking in yall’ 
 the commandments and ordinances of the Lord Blaney 
 less.” None, who hope they are christians, have the 
 
 least excuse for neglecting instituted duties. And those’ 
 who love God, will desire no excuse. It will bea priv- 
 ilege, as well as duty, to walk in all the statutes of the — 
 Lord. They have chosen the law of God to be the a 
 guide of their lives. Prompted by supreme love to 
 him whom they have chosen for their portion, they 
 are ready to make any personal sacrifice, that h 
 honour, or the prosperity of his cause may requ € 
 Such are the fruits of a christian’s hope. ota 
 
 IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 elise that the number of real christians ise 
 tively small. 
 
 Every real christian has been érbutellt iI 
 Jesus unto good works; and these are his € 
 having passed from death unto life. Ine 
 the church there have been some of thi 
 
 In the early days of the world we find | y) 
 
21 
 
 niel, the three Jews, with many others, 
 rested on solid evidence. And in no 
 
 to his will, regarded his institutions, believed the truths 
 ef his word, or devoted themselves to his cause: but 
 they have possessed a spirit of selfishness, which has 
 . ied them to oppose his authority, to hate his character, 
 to trample on his commands, to neglect his cause, and 
 even to combine their efforts to root out the remem- 
 _brance of his-name from the earth. Such is human 
 -hature, as it has been displayed during nearly six thou- 
 sand years. If we are to consider those only as chris- 
 _ tians, who appear to be actuated by a single eye to the 
 _ glory of God, to hate sin, to love the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 his imstitutions, his doctrines, and to devote themselves 
 to the promotion of his cause, then the number of real 
 stians must be very small. 
 
 2, 
 
 " peculiar doctrines of the gospel. 
 Beit deeply concerns every candidate for immortality 
 s to know what spirit he is of; whether he is interested 
 in the favour of God, or under the curse of his law. 
 God commands men to determine this important ques- 
 tion. But how can they determine this without a 
 : knowledge of the truth? How can they know what 
 _ their feelings towards God are, unless they understand 
 _ his true character? How can they know how they feel 
 ; the Lord Jesus Christ, without a knowledge of 
 oda id his law? How is it possible for them truly to 
 
 ‘Th the light of this subject, it appears exceed- 
 ingly important that mankind should understand the 
 
22 
 
 repent of sin, and embrace Christ, veitliaie 
 of God against whom sin is committed, and 
 of which sin is a transgression? If mankind are 
 the most solemn obligation to love God, to obey: 
 and to embrace the Gospel; then itris ig 
 tant that they should clearly understand the 
 since it is by this only that they can obtain a 4 
 knowledge of God, of Christ, and of their duty. Those 
 who do not understand the truths of the go pels vst 
 be, in a great measure, ignorant of the sely n€ 
 course it is impossible for them to have a hope, 
 panied by proper evidence, of having : 
 death unto life. Hence, if it is importe 
 should have right feelings of heart towards God, 
 they should repent of sin, embrace the gospel, 2 
 have a good hope through grace; then it is of ix 
 tance that they should know the truth, 
 Finally; all who hope they are ‘the wales a 
 divine grace, are bound to try themselves posers ligh 
 of truth. 
 To be given up to a false hope, is of all 
 the most dangerous. Such are shielded ag 
 viction. The threatnings of the word of G 
 alarm them. But such as have settled 
 false hope, though they may feel secure, 
 reason to be alarmed than those who hi 
 Very few have given up their hope: 
 Where a person first finds rest, he usu 
 through life. Hence, it is of vast im 
 we examine our hearts, and. not be “ 
 that hath this hope in him, purifieth hi 
 he is pure.” The hope, of a real chris 
 sanctification. But do the hopes of 
 
i Be ce, hope in the midst of a general 
 of duty. Said David, who felt the power of 
 0 e thing have I desired of the Lord, that 
 eek after; that I may dwell. the house of 
 e Lord all the days of my life, to behold the 
 eauty ‘of the Lord.” And something like this every 
 wistian feels. But have all the children of God 
 © same spirit essentially, and_has the hope of the 
 urifying influence, how comes it that those, 
 hope a about themselves, appear so differently? 
 E 7 comes it that one, from time to time, appears to 
 e filled with a sweet sense of the glory of God, and 
 caweee at divine truth? that he seems over- 
 wh med wi a sense of his vileness as a sinner? that 
 he seems out in adoring views of the way « of 
 tion by Christ, and of the immutable excellence 
 divine law? I say why is it, that one possesses 
 ] view of these things, and: : er with a 
 
 appear neve to reach his heart? Pe, yet both Bite. ‘ 
 
 they are christians. Their hopes are built on differ- 
 ations. But of what avail is a hope that has 
 afluence? that leaves its possessor a 
 
 ow much Be be deplored i is the state of 
 a thinks he is ripening for heaven, when 
 ening for hell! Whose dreams of safety 
 only till death, and who, instead of ascend- 
 
being undeceived in the dit 
 who are flattering themselves y 
 tion, on the pee 9 of what. the 
 
 tel 
 
 vo 
 
 the way.to ruin as you oye if 
 this time,” is the language. ; 
 messengers/of divine % 
 of your: heart, till death 
 God in infinite mercy interpose.. 
 most interesting period: of your 
 improvement your eternal desti 
 It is, therefore, in the most solemn 
 time, and a day of pal ae AmEn 
 
"GENERAL ELECTION, 
 
 y Hartrorp 1N THE STATE OF CoNNECTICUT, 
 
 f a May toth, 1798. 
 ‘gia ty AZEL BACKUS, a. M. 
 
 _ |) 9PASTOR OF A CHURCH IN BETHLEM. a 
 
“im 
 
 RDERED, That the Tl 
 
 Leavir, jun. prefent a Miser l \ 
 this Affembly to the Reverend AzEL 1 
 Backus, for his Sermon deli iverec i, 
 
 State at che anniverfary Eleé tion, on 
 the fecond Thurfday of May, inftant, r 
 and defire aCo y thereof aes it may 
 be printed. a 
 
 A true Copy of Record, 
 
 Examined, 
 
 By Samue. Wy. ys, Secr 
 
II SAMUEL XV. 4. 
 
 Ox that I were made judge in the land, that every 
 man which bath any fuit or caufe might come unto 
 
 _ me, and I would do him juftice 
 és 
 
 THE perfection of a. government 
 will not fave it from the evils of fa€tion and party 
 fpirit. The divine government itfelf has long had 
 its oppofers. Immediately after its introduction 
 on earth, as we learn from the book of Genefis, 
 the chief of thofe rebellious fpirits, who by a reft- 
 lefs ambition had raifed a war in-heaven, vifited the 
 new creation, to fow fedition, and divide its happy 
 inhabitants from their allegiance. He chofe the 
 ferpent for his craftinefs and fubtilty, as the fitteft 
 inftrument to {catter the poifon of feduction, and to 
 thwart the defigns of wifdom. A temptation, moft 
 dangerous and alluring to man in his exalted and 
 happy ftate, was propounded to the moft fufcepti- 
 
Ke 
 
 6 ELECTION SERMON. | 
 
 tible of the family of paradife. To artful intima- 
 
 tions that they were unreafonably abridged in hap- 
 pinefs, and held in ignorance by the tyranny of 
 
 their Creator, were added the enticing promifes of 
 
 encteafed freedom, the enlargement of knowledge, 
 
 and fenfitive pleafure. The temptation was fatal- 
 
 God on earth, that has raged with awful virulence _ 
 
 for almoft fix thoufand years. It called forth the - 
 
 {trong arm of power in the flood ; on Sodom and its 
 neighbouring cities; in Egypt and at the Red Sea, 
 ona leader that arrogantly queftioned, ** Who is 
 
 the Lord that I fhould obey his voice;” and a- 
 gainft Korah and his accomplices, who dared tofay — 
 
 to Mofes and Aaron, the accredited minifters of a 
 polity ordained by God himfelf, “Ye take too 
 
 much upon yourfelves, and wherefore lift ye up ~ 
 
 yourfelves above the congregation of the Lord.” 
 The fame reftlefs and ungovernable {pirit, raifed 
 the Jews againft the prophets, to put them to 
 death ; it brought the Saviour of men to the erofs} 
 and perfecuted his followers, until the divine gov 
 ernment, in juftice to itfelf, fent an army tofack Je. 
 rufalem, and to difperfe a wicked, a ftiff-necked, and 
 a gainfaying people to all the winds ‘of heaven 
 What it has done in later ages, may be learned from 
 the encrimfoned page of hiftory, and feen im every 
 apartment of the mighty Bedlam, the great Lazar- 
 
 ae 
 ly fuccefsful, and a rebellion hence arofe againft — 
 
 ba 
 (ng ee 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 7 
 
 houfe of man : Of man naturally anarchial, difor- 
 ganized, and feduced by the promife of the father 
 of lies, “* Ye fhall’be as gods.” 
 
 rad As one objet will be kept in view in the follow- 
 
 ing difcourfe, it will not be neceffary to defeant on 
 the excellency of one form of government above a- 
 nother ; it is enough for our prefent purpofe, that 
 this truth be acknowledged, that faction is, and has 
 been, the lot of every government. ‘The govern- 
 ment of kings and nobles has its eVils and dangers, 
 which I need not repeat, as they have been the 
 theme of the friends and foes of real liberty. And 
 enthufiaftic theorifts alone will affert, that elective 
 
 . governments can be fo pure in their principles, and 
 
 fo perfect in their adminiftration, as to be perfectly 
 fecure from turbulence and infurreétion. ‘ As 
 heaven’s beft beams turn vinegar more four,” we 
 muft acknowledge, however degrading it may be to 
 the human charaéter,{that faGtion has thriven moft 
 in the mildeft governments ; and that republics in 
 particular, have been proverbially ftormy and tem- 
 peftuous. 
 
 Ir itis afferted by refpectable authority, that, « It 
 is yet in experiment whether human nature can bear 
 fo free a government as our own;”’ he is not the 
 enemy of liberty and of the people who would meet 
 
and rad them ou out of 
 
 glories of Chrift’s future Kington a 
 
 8 ELECTION SERMO 
 
 its difficulties, but ho would 
 
 oe occafion. Itis a cheat duty 
 
 est 
 
 owe to our good Ora EN to be armed 
 
 ie grown common by Ec repetition ; A bs t | 
 flow of heart are men to underftand, that t re 
 until this ms little confidered uk the great | 
 mankind. . Pag se. 
 
 Aviad 
 Divine infpration i informs Us, thatthe 
 
 “¢ that he died ina goo ola 
 es, and honors.” hd fame roth is 
 
 ly Saadowed. ay in ie real proletiay fe) 
 
 David,to fend into his family the taal 
 difcord. ea © event Soe a : 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 9 
 
 a temper foured by an incident, well known to all 
 
 who read the word of God, he was foon the caufe 
 
 of ferious trouble to his father, and the people he — 
 governed. When the viler paffions are once rouf- , 
 
 ed inthe human heart, it is with difficulty they are 
 laid. Chagrin, and difappointment, eafily agree to 
 atts of defperation. Pofleffed of perfonal accom- 
 
 eS 
 
 plithments, and the arts of addrefs, young Abfalom | 
 
 afpired at no lefs than the dethroning of his father, 
 and ufurping the goyérnment. To obtain thefe, 
 he went through the ufual procefs of every dema~ 
 gogue, and infinuated himfelf into the favour of the 
 
 ‘people. As parade and novelty are pleafing tothe | 
 
 great body of mankind, “he prepared him chari- 
 ots and horfes, and fifty men to run before him :” 
 An eflay at fhow, borrowed from the wicked heath. 
 en nations, as unufual as it was unlawful in Ifrael. 
 But a cuftom being unufual and unlawful, is of- 
 ten alone fufficient to recommend it to a race of 
 creatures, whofe ‘* hearts are continually fet in 
 them to do evil.”’ To adminifter juftice between 
 man and man, in a great nation, is an Herculean 
 tafk. It feems at this time that the judiciary de- 
 partment of his father’s government, was unufually 
 crowded with bufinefs, and as it is eafier to fault, 
 than to mend the meafures of our rulers, this fur- 
 nifhed a favourable opportunity to an unprincipled 
 and ‘afpiring young man. “ He rofe up early and 
 B 
 
10 ELECTION SERMON 
 
 ftood befide the way of the gate, and it was fo, that: 
 when any man that had a controverfy, came to. the: 
 king for judgment, then Abfalom called unto him. 
 
 right, but there is no man deputed of he king to 
 hear thee. Abfalom faid moreover, Oh th at 
 made judge i in the land, that every man which | 
 
 any fuit or caufe might come unto me, and Twould ! 
 do him jnftice! | And it was fo, that when nae’ 
 came nigh to him to do him obeifance, ‘ 
 his hand aad took him and kiffed him. vere 
 this manner did Abfalom to all Ifrael that came to 
 the king for judgment. SoAbfalom ftole thehearts 
 of the men of Ifrael.”? The avenues to. the h human 
 heart are numerous, with which defigning. men, 
 moft commonly are pretty thoroughly acquainted.’ 
 As men have refined in manners, they have refined: 
 in villainy. The {tate of manners with the Jews in 
 this age, was comparatively rude ; fuch open folicit~ 
 ation might now give offence. So bare ahogks 
 might now be unfuccefsful in the popular ftrea 
 But the effentials of matter and manner in this bu- 
 finefs have ever been fimilar, and haverare . y failed, 
 when adapted to the tafte and bine of a peo, 
 By “the way of the gate,”” we are to nd, el-: 
 ther the entrance of the city, or the door of the court. 
 
ELECTION SERMON. tt 
 
 where juftice was wont to be admjniftred : Here 
 he harangued the litigious, the choiceft materials of 
 ademagogue. ‘Told them that his father had be- 
 come a child and incapable of managing his king- 
 dom ; that the judges whom he had appointed were 
 either negligent of their duty, or corrupt, and that 
 bribery, and not juftice, ruled in their decifions. 
 And, that he might cover his ambition under appa- 
 rent humanity, he was indifcriminately familiar with 
 all his father’s fubjeGts. If any man had a contro- 
 verfy, let it be juft or unjuft, he fhowed himfelf his 
 patron and friend. On condition they would raife 
 him to office, he not only promifed them more liber- 
 ty, with a regular and impartial adminiftration of 
 juftice, and decried the negleéts, wickednefs, and 
 tyranny of their lawful prince ; he could defcend 
 farther, when any of the multitude did him obei- 
 fance as the king’s fon, he proclaimed his equality, 
 and gave them the fraternal kifs. Thus he ftole 
 the hearts of the men of Ifrael, and a more proper 
 metaphor than theft, cannot be applied to thofe 
 who feek to weaken public confidence in legitimate 
 government, to anfwer their own vile purpofes. 
 For the people were bound to David his father by 
 the conftitution, by oaths of allegiance, and by his 
 divine eleétion and anointing as king:—When 
 God in his providence is about to fcourge a nation 
 with fuch characters as Abfalom, a train of inci- 
 
‘12 ELECTIONS gottiie 
 
 dents feems te be laid, to’enfur 
 "fecha! aioe tapi 
 _ ayouth fhould ftir uz up fo great a pe 
 
 ple, againft a king = aitiegtaiidll 
 love of his fubjeéts, and the well 
 
 many ictories. But it muft be con 
 
 many of the partifans and favorites of 5 au 
 deceflor, were {till living, and out of place 
 who had been in the interefts of Ith-bo 
 fon, and who either were fearful of tl t 
 fafety, or certainly defpaired of 
 the a adminiftration: 
 
 f Tar riighaats of Joab, itd 
 ~ hofts, his impunity in atrocious: 
 his being fuffered to march spat 
 zens, had leffened the charaéter of 
 eyes of the people. Other public « , ro 
 
 \_ bly did. not excel in prudence, as a Tong cc 
 ance of power and profperity, is y 
 with dignity by the greateft ae bee 
 was more than all the reft ; “the fin of 
 the matter of Uriah, was frefh in the 
 fubjeéts, and had a tendency to make 
 - for their deareft | pofleffions, and tl 
 name and infamy of Bath-theba, ’ 
 her fex, and her power. 
 
 ae eee as 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 13 
 
 .” Ags an anvenging God had laid all thefe circum. 
 ftances in a train, the way was prepared for an ex- 
 plofion of the fame paffions, as were awoke by the 
 conduct of Pififtratus in Athens, and Tarquinius in 
 Rome. 
 
 Tus feeds of rebellion being thus fown in Jeru- \, 
 
 falem, Abfalom, to conceal his defigns from his fa- _ 
 _ ther, could appear religious if occafion required.” 
 _ With apparent filial fubmiffion, he requefted the lib- 
 ‘i erty of going to Hebron, a place about fixteen 
 miles diftant from the feat of government, to pay a 
 vow. Meanwhile, his creatures were difpatched to 
 every part of the kingdom, who, upon an agreed 
 . fignal, were to proclaim him king. 
 _ Tue confpiracy foon grew fo ftrong, that even 
 Ahithophel, the king’s counfellor, made “ precious 
 confeffions’”’ and joinedit. When the intelligence 
 arrived, that “ the hearts of the men of Irael were 
 after Abfalom,” the court and family of the king | 
 were filled with confternation. It was refolved to 
 leave the city of Jerufalem, and take refuge in the 
 wildernefs. An aged monarch flying with a rem- 
 _ nant of his tried friends, before an unprincipled 
 _ parricide muft Have afforded a moving fpettacle. 
 As they paffed the brook Kidron, it is recorded, 
 “that all the country wept with a loud voice. 
 
4 ELECTION SERMON: 
 
 and wept as he went up, and had his k 
 and he went up barefoot, and all th | 
 were with him covered every man. his heac 
 they went up, weeping as they » a 
 , good king in his troubles did not give 
 
 fionate language, or attempt fuicide. 
 
 and his Sle s fins, his heart was. foft wef f 
 
 tent. He pitied and forgave his enemies, and with: 
 the enlarged views of a chriftian, i ps thro 
 
 bearing the Ark of God in ee . 
 
 it might prove his defence, he bid them carry y it 
 back into the city, with thefe dignified fentiments. 
 “If I fhall find favour in the eyes of the La 
 
 will bring me again and fhew me both it, and his , 
 
 habitation. But if he thus fay, I have no delight - 
 
 in thee: behold here am I, let him do to me as ; 
 
 feemeth good unto him.” On being inf ) 
 that his friend Ahithophel had joined th 
 rators, no terms of reproach efcaped. ; 
 mouth, But a modeft and humble ejac 
 ‘the Lord would turn the. counfel of 4 
 into foolifhnefs.” The fame a iable tem 
 
 marked the charaéter of the fuffering and. aflited 
 
ELECTION SERMON. ig 
 
 king on his arrival at Bahurim, a village in the tribe 
 of Benjamin. Shimrei a defcendant of Saul, Da- 
 
 id’s predeceffor, took this occafion to exprefs his 
 = antipathy, by publicly curfing the king, and 
 cafting ftones and dirt. Thofe who ftood round 
 his royal perfon, felt as all natural men would 
 feel on fuch an occafion: they begged the liberty 
 to go and take off his head; “‘ no,” replied the 
 
 ' King, “let him curfe. Behold my fon which came 
 
 forth of my bowels feeketh my life: how much 
 more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, 
 and let him curfe, for the Lord hath bidden him.” 
 During thefe tranfations, Abfalom and his accom- 
 plices had entered Jerufalem, with the fhouts of 
 “ God fave the King.”_ But an unprincipled man, 
 who is bafe enough to pay obfequious addrefs to 
 the people, that he may in this way raife himfelf 
 to places of power and truft, rarely fails either to 
 betray them, or to become licentious in his prof- 
 perity. With Ahithophel as his oracle, he imme- 
 diately did an act, that rendered him defpicable in 
 the eyes of all thofe whofe favourite he had been. 
 This counfellor, whofe wifdom was literally turned 
 into foolifhnefs, told the young ufurper, that it was 
 important to eftablifh - in the minds of the peo-— 
 ple, that the ancient r en was never to return, 
 and that he andshis father were never to be recon- 
 ciled, and that to accomplith thie end, it was poli- 
 
16 ELECTION SERMON. 
 
 tic to maintain a public inceftuous interco | 
 his father’s wives, and choofe a fele& number of 
 aflaffins, who might purfue, overtake, and difpatch 
 his father and affociates. The firft part of the 
 counfel pleafed, and was put into execution in the 
 fight of all Ifrael ; and altho’ the latter met his ap- 
 probation, Abfalom was over-perfuaded by another 
 defigning counfellor not to adopt it, but to gather 
 the people, en mafé, and purfue his oppofers, and and: 
 wipe them from the face of the earth. ; 
 
 AHITHOPHEL, feeing that his counfel was not ta~ 
 ken, with all the factitious dignity of a modern phi- 
 lofopher, who cannot brook contradiétion, “arofe, 
 faddled his afs, got home to. his houfe, and hanged’ 
 himfelf.” As the crifis approached, in-which the 
 fate of the kingdom was to be decided in battle; we 
 find our young demagogue rafh, precipitate, and 
 parricidal. But on the other hand, the king was 
 cool, deliberate, and affe@tionate. ‘With all the fa- 
 ther in his eye and voice, he bid the commanders 
 of his forces, to “deal gently for his fake with the 
 young man,‘even with Abfalom.” » The armies 
 encountered in the wood of Ephraim, and twenty 
 thoufand men fell by the fword on the fpot, and a 
 ftill greater number was flaughtered in the retreat 
 of the infurgents. While Abfalom on a mule was 
 fleeing from his purfuers, the hair of his head, of 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 7 
 which he hada remarkable quantity, caught in the 
 thick boughs of an oak, “ And he was taken up 
 
 between the heavens and the earth, and the mule 
 that was under him went away.” 
 
  Inreiiicence of his -fituation was brought to 
 Joab, the king’s commander in chief, who took three 
 fpears and thruft them thro’ his heart, “ while he 
 ‘was yet alive in the midft of the oak.” The trum- 
 pet was blown, and the people ceafed purfuing, 
 Abfalom’s body was taken down from the tree, 
 
 _ thrown into a pit, and covered with an huge pile of 
 
 - ftones. ‘‘ And all Ifrael fled every one to his tent.’ 
 Thus ended the life of an unprincipled, and afpiring 
 young man, who ftole the hearts of a great people. 
 Similar caufes ever have, and ever will, produce 
 fimilar effects. 
 
 Pag dottrine of human depravity can be proved 
 by the hiftory of every nation, without the aid of the 
 holy fcriptures. ‘A difpaflionate view of human 
 
 _ events, affords demontftration, that the fiery and de- 
 ftrudtive paffions of enmity and contention, are more 
 congenial to the natural human heart, than the mild | 
 and benevolent fentiments of peace and love.””* All 
 are by nature greater lovers of their own dear 
 felves, than of their neighbours, and the public good. 
 
 * Hamilton. > 
 
 Cc 
 
 ii 
 
wv 
 
 8 © ELECTION SERMON 
 
 And as with this temper, there cannot fail to be 
 different interefts, and different taftes and faculties, 
 the latent caufes of faction, are the hereditary, and 
 perpetual inheritance of mankind. "That a human 
 , government fhould ever be fo conftruéted, as to ob- 
 tain univerfal fupport and fuffrage, until God has 
 radically and univerfally changed the human heart, 
 may be a-pleafant dream to a philofopher, but it 
 cannot be a reality. I hope, therefore, that I fhall 
 not be feverely cenfured, as trefpafling on ground: 
 that does not belong to my profeflion, while I at- 
 tempt to throw in my mite, to check a fpirit of dif 
 order and indifcipline, that like a giant, feems tobe — 
 beftriding the nations, and laying proftrate their 
 government, religion, and happinefs. In doing this, 
 I with not to be thought an enemy of neceflary re- 
 form, or as unfriendly to the principlagia? rational 
 liberty.. ‘‘ There is a time to break down, and a 
 time to build up.” As the former, as it relates'to \. 
 government and religion, is more pleahagqu"inas 
 man nature, and the latter more applicable to this 
 country, I have; on deliberation, determined to 
 rifk the popularity of the following fentiments. 
 
 > 
 
 i 
 
 ; 
 
 thefe materials have been brought into attion— 
 
 t, 
 we, 
 
n 
 
 ELECTION SERMON. 19 
 
 And what has been the general iffue ;—With the 
 practical inferences thence arifing. 
 
 I. Tue materials of all confpiracies again{t good 
 government, have always been compofed of igno- 
 rant, or wicked, fubjects and citizens. “It is eafy 
 and natural for weak, and uninformed minds, to 
 conftrue zeal for efficient government, as evidential 
 of a heart fond of defpotic power and hoftile to 
 
 _ the principles of civil liberty.”* Hence, much op- 
 
 " pofition has made its appearance from the honeft 
 
 errors of minds led aftray by preconceived jealou- 
 
 _ fies and fears. But there would be little danger 
 
 from the ignorant, were they not fpurred to action 
 by the ambitious, afpiring, and abandoned. An ig- 
 norant man can only be pitied, who is the mere 
 puppet of a fly intriguer, that, like a mountebank, 
 fets behind the fkreen, and manages him before the 
 fpectators for his own emolument. The. wicked, 
 and unprincipled, are much the moft formidable 
 clafs of citizens, which all good governments are in 
 danger of having arrayed again{ft them. While the 
 ignorant may be enlightened and reformed, the un- 
 principled rarely yield to the force of truth, but are 
 obftinate in error, and will not be perfuaded “ al- 
 tho’ one rofe from the dead.” Thefe defperate 
 charagters, always encreafe in proportion to the eafe 
 
 * Hamilton, 
 
a ELECTION SERMON 3 | 
 
 with which the means of wealth and luxury, can 
 be obtained, and are the fame in all ages and 
 ‘countries. Perhaps a more perfect defcription can- 
 not be given of them, than that of the Roman Or- 
 ator, when informing the Roman Senate, what char- 
 acters had joined Cataline’s confpiracy. Although 
 the defcription is familiar ta the ee may 
 not be improper to repeat it.. \ Sy, 
 i) lil 
 “Tre firlt clafs, confifts of thofe, who shaving § 
 great debts, but ftill greater poffeffions, ate fo paf- 
 fionately fond of the latter, that they cannot bear 
 the thoughts of infringing them. This, in appa, 
 ance, is the moft honourable clafs, for they are rich : 
 but their intention and aim are infamous. ‘The 
 next confifts of thofe, who though opprefied with 
 debt, yet hope for power, and afpire at the chief — 
 management of public affairs ; imagining they thall 
 obtain thofe honors by throwing the ftate into con- 
 vulfions, which they defpair of during i its tranquili- 
 ty. The third; thofe who coming to the fud- 
 den and unexpected poffeffion of great wealth, 
 have run into all the excefles of luxury and profu- 
 fion. Thefe, by building fine houfes, by affluent 
 living, fplendid equipages, numerous attendants, 
 and fumptuous entertainments, have plunged them- 
 felves fo deeply in debt, that in order to retrieve 
 their affairs, they muft recal Sylla from his tomb. 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 21 
 
 The fourth; a mixed, motley, mutinous tribe, who 
 have been long ruined beyond hopes of recovery, 
 and partly through indolence, partly through ill 
 Management, and extravagance, are perfecuted 
 with arrefts, judgments, and confifcations. The 
 fifth are parricides, aflaffins, and ruffians. The 
 laft are debauched with city extravagance, fuch as 
 
 you fee with curled locks, neatly drefled, whofe 
 
 whole labor of life, and induftry in watching, are 
 
 _ exhaufted upon midnight entertainments. Under 
 
 this clafs we may rank all gamefters, and the lewd 
 and luftful of every denomination. Thefe flim 
 delicate youths, practifed in all the arts of hollow- 
 hearted politenefs, not only know to fing and dance, 
 
 _ but on occafion can aim the murderous dagger, and 
 
 adminifter the poifonous draught.”* Such charac- 
 ters, with few exceptions, are the natural enemies 
 ef all governments, and readily embrace revolu- 
 tionary principles. In fhort—every government 
 that has for its object, ‘the punifhment of evil do- 
 ers, and the praife of them that do well ;” to paro- 
 dy the fentiments of the fame author, is a conteft 
 of integrity with treachery, of piety with profane- 
 nefs, of honor with bafenefs, of moderation with 
 unbridled licentioufnefs, of found reafon with de- 
 praved underftanding and phrenzy. In a word, it 
 is a ftruggle of equity, temperance, prudence, and 
 Magnanimity, with iniquity, luxury, idlenefs, and 
 
 * Cicero. 
 
rs aad 
 
 2 ELECTION SERMON 
 
 rafhneds. In a wicked world, the materials are ale 
 ways at hand, to revolutionize for the worfe, and 
 with a few fanatics or theoretic philofophers ‘as 
 ‘pioneers, are eafily brought to attack the fortreffes 
 of public tranquility, of national happinefs and fe- 
 curity. Be 
 
 Il. In the fecond place as propofed, let us ff 
 a moment in fhowing how the materials of fa 
 and confpiracy, are, and have been marfhalled, a- if 
 gainft order, andthe empire of the laws. And 
 here I would premife, that where the great body of — hi 
 a people are vicious, and there is a weak executive, — 
 it is no great atchievement to overturn,-or check 
 the progrefs of the beft civil conftitution. A fool- 
 ’ ifh Greek could burn a fpacious temple, in which _ 
 the higheft {kill of architecture was difplayed, and 
 the wealth and labour of many nations was colleét- — 
 ed. A very weak hand may throw down that, 
 _which it requires wifdom and ftrength to rear, and é 
 a very boy, by cafting a ftick or ftone, can eee. a 
 piece of mechanifm, which, it required ages to i 
 vent and mature. A French writer boafted that 
 one Voltaire was fufficient to overthrow a Seat 
 which it required twelve apoftles, and an hoft of 
 martyrs to eftablifh. To which bifhop Horne re 
 plies in the following ftriking fimilitude. ‘ When 
 a candle burns, and gives light to a houfe, many 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 23 
 
 wonderful things contribute to the phenomenon. 
 The fat of an animal is the work of the Creator, or 
 the wax of a bee is made by his teaching, the wick 
 is from the vegetable wool of a fingular exotic 
 tree, much labor of man is concerned in the com- 
 pofition, and the elements that inflame it are thofe 
 by which the- world is governed. But after all 
 this apparatus, a child or a fool may put it out, and 
 . then boaft that the family are left in darknefs, and 
 are running one againft another. Such is the 
 mighty atchievment of Mr, Voltaire ; but with this 
 difference that what is real darknefs, he would cali 
 illumination.”* The fame may be applied to gov- 
 ernment. In the hiftory of republics in particular, 
 how often have we found the great interefts of fo- 
 ciety, facrificed to the conceit, the ambition, and 
 obftinacy of individuals, who have had credit e- 
 nough to make their paflions and caprices, intereft- 
 ing to mankind. While we perufe their annals, we 
 are ready to exclaim with the Apoftle, “behold 
 how great a matter a little fire kindleth.”’ 
 
 THe materials of faction and confpiracy, have u- 
 fually been marfhalled againft order and the em- 
 pire of the laws, in one or all of thefe three ways. 
 By addreffing men’s paflions and flattering their 
 prejudices—By miftating and difcoloring fatts— 
 And by humouring the tafte of the age. 
 
 * Horne’s Voltaire diflected. 
 
th ELECTION seein 
 
 1. Ampitious and defigning men commonly 
 addrefs men’s paffions and flatter their prejudices. 
 This was abundantly the cafe with the afpiring 
 young man, to whofe hiftory we have been attend- 
 ing, In his exile with the king of Gefhur, he had 
 learned the ftile of a vicious court, and the pomp of 
 royal magnificence. And as the Jews paflionately 
 defired a king, like other nations, his firft appear- 
 ance, as heir apparent, was with a profufion of 
 chariots and footmen, and his firft addreffes to the 
 prejudices of the foured, difcontented, and litigious. 
 Error always addreffes the paflions and prejudices 5 — 
 truth fcorns fuch mean intrigue, and only addref- 
 fes the underftanding and the heart. ! The worlt 
 enemies of free governments are fcarce difcernible, 
 they dip in the fame difh, and like a diftinguifhed 
 member of an ancient and innocent family, talk 
 much of the poor, and wonder at the wafte of oint- 
 ment, even on their Saviour’s head ; not that they 
 care for the poor, but have their own vile purpofes 
 to ferve, by this fhew of benevolence and humani- 
 ty. So long as the world exifts, there will be an 
 inequality in perfonal talents, and property, which 
 will be a fource of continual envy and jealoufy to 
 thofe who do not poffefs them. He who on every 
 occafion, feeks to encreafe this envy, and fpread 
 this natural jealoufy of the great body of mankind, 
 again{t talents and wealth, will rarely fail to meet 
 
 ., 
 
PLECTIONSERMON. 25 
 
 been To defend, on every occafion, the 
 ippof ed. privileges. of fuch characters, as were 
 
 ed by the Roman orator, to embrace, not on- 
 ip thelr interefts, but adopt their capricious paflions, 
 cherifh their prefumption, indulge their rapacity, 
 a og aie for pplealure without bag and 
 
 ae gin 
 
 one oe the grand fecrets of revolutionizing. The 
 fpecious mafk of zeal for the rights of the people, 
 is a favourite drefs of lurking and dangerous ambi- 
 tion, and the turbulent, and afpiring, always re- 
 proachtheirgovernment. “‘ Such as walk after the 
 fleth,” faith the Apoftle, < defpife government, 
 prefumptuous are they, felf-willed, they are not a- 
 fraid to fpeak evil of dignities.” ‘* With a fhew of 
 humility,” faith the Pfalmift, “they lie in wait fe- 
 cretly as a lion in his den; they lie in wait to catch 
 the poor; they crouch and humble themfelves, 
 that the poor may fall by their {trong ones,” 
 
 THERE are but few recorded in the annals of 
 _ mankind,who have deftroyed liberty,and proftrated 
 free governments, who did not begin their career, 
 in thefe obfequious arts of demagogy , and end in 
 tyranny. ‘The exact point, between power and lib. 
 erty, never was, and perhaps never will be found,in 
 _ this; isimperfect ftate ; this is a precious circumftance 
 
 D 
 
46 ELECTION swine 
 
 to the unprincipled, ag it affords a plaufible’ pie. 
 tence for perpetual change. " eid? ey 
 te bi 
 From the tito yeni hence pen have dif. 
 graced republics, the advocates of defpotic power, 
 have drawn arguments, not only againft republican= 
 ifm itfelf, but againft the very principles of civil lib- 
 erty. As inftability, injuftice, confufion, and!for- 
 eign influence, introduced into public councils, have ° 
 been the mortal difeafes, under which popular 
 governments have every where perifhed : tyrants 
 have taken heart ; and nations, to be more fafe, 
 have often been willing to be lefs free. Such 
 general joy, perhaps, never pervaded Great-Bri« 
 tain, as at the reftoration. Charles If, with all 
 his vices, was efteemed a bleffing, compared to the 
 tyranny of an unftable pals and the lordli- 
 nefs of the Protector. PM Ts ORE. 2. 
 ¢ ae ad hata 
 Bur, fays a writer, whofe words I have already | 
 ufed, ‘If liberty is to faction, what air is to fire, an 
 aliment, without which it expires, it would beas 
 foolifh to with to deftroy liberty, becaufe it neur- 
 ifhes fa€tion, as it would be to wifh the’ annihila- 
 tion of air, which is neceflary to animal life, becaufe 
 it imparts to fire its deftrudtive agency.”*  Al- 
 tho’ that liberty, which at prefent is contended 
 
 * Hamilton. 
 
BLECTION SERMON, a7 
 
 for in Europe, would be better refembled by a ty- y 
 ger, than a goddefs, there is yet fuch a thing as ra- 
 tional liberty, which, it is to be hoped, the nations 
 will not be difcouraged from attempting, by the 
 madnefs of the prefent times; and, that oceans of 
 _ blood will not be fhed in vain. It is one of the 
 curfes of the apoftacy, that men can never reft fat- 
 isfied with the mean of all extremes. The moft 
 popular writers on government, in this age, have 
 taken almoft the directly oppofite ground, of thofe 
 _ in former ages. Inftead of attempting to define 
 the portion of power, neceffary for the very exift- 
 ence of any government, their whole genius is 
 {pent, in inquiring into. the poffible confequen- 
 ces of powér. It is eafier to difcolour, and dil- 
 figure, and by the dextrous arts of political 
 legerdemain, to transform real exiftences, into 
 hydras and gorgons, than to traverfe the wide 
 field of experiment. And, as obfcurity, is much 
 oftener in the paffions and prejudices of the reafon- 
 er, than in the fubject, many, through their unto- 
 ward biafles, have become fo entangled by words, 
 and names, that, ‘‘ while they promife liberty, they 
 themfelves are the feryants of curruption.” 
 
 2. AmBiTious and defigning men, accomplifh 
 many of their purpofes, by miftating, and difcolour- 
 
4 SLECTION SERMON 
 “ing fats, As the government of Ifrael, was eft 
 lithed by God himfelf, there is little reafon to fu 
 pofe, that the vile fuggeftions of Abfalom, had any 
 ‘more foundation, than thofe of the firft great difor- 
 
 ganizer, ' “¢ the liar from the beginning.” weed 
 a antipathy 
 
 ing men, of all finners, have the greateft 
 
 to light. Their counfels, like thofe of pander 
 um, muft be held in that light, which ae 
 is called great darknefs, to be fuccefsful. In’ the 
 ‘terrible convulfions, that have happened in ancient 
 , republics, and kingdoms, the true caufes ee 
 ly apparent to the great mafs of the people, till af- 
 ter their effects were produced. As a harpooner 
 more eafily draws the heart’s blobd of the monarch 
 of the deep, by fetting him a flouncing at a cork, 
 or buoy, than by an open and dire& attack, idee 
 have been few inftances of fuccefsful demagogy, | 
 wherefome cork, or buoy, has not been thrown 
 out, on which the populace might flounce,and fpend 
 their rage and ftrength, until they might ‘be taken 
 at pleafure. When Paufanias, of ‘Lacedemon, 
 thought himfelf too great to remain a fubjet to his 
 government, he flattered the Helots and Miffinians 
 —flaves that were ever ready to rebel againft their 
 mafters—and fecretly correfponded with the ene- 
 mies of his country. While he was inviting the af- 
 fiftance of the Perfian monarch, to help him enflave 
 his fellow-citizens, he was vifibly the poor man’s 
 
 - 
 
\ 
 | 
 \ 
 
 ELECTION SERMON. ag 
 
 friend, and wept over the evils of atiftoctacy. The 
 fame methods of felf-aggrandizement, with little va- 
 “tiation, were purfued by Pericles and Alcibiades of 
 “Athens; by the Gracchi, Sylla, Marius Cataline, 
 and Cefar, in Rome ;. by Oliver Cromwell, in 
 England; by Marat, and that fucceflion of decapita- 
 
 ted villains, who, of late, rode on the whirl- 
 ‘wind, and direéted the ftorm of a national mob. 
 Some cunningly devifed pretence of public good, 
 or fome imaginary monfter of defpotic power, has 
 always been the ftandard, to rally men from their 
 ordinary occupations, to butcher one another, and 
 wallow in blood. 
 
 TaucuT to view with awe, er admiration, 
 thofe in public ftations; the merit or odium of 
 meafures, to which numerous unforefeen caufes 
 may have contributed, has ever been imputed to 
 men, and not to circumftances. « Party {pirit,” 
 fays an anonymous writer, “‘ rarely rufhes to the 
 front of the ftage, brandifhing his bloody arm over 
 the affrighted crowd, but he wanders behind the 
 {cenes, prefents his dark lantern, aims the affaffinat- 
 ing dagger, cuts the finews of public confidence, 
 and poifons the fountain of focial life.’ Under 
 this head may be ranged the forging of private cor- 
 _ refpondencies, the fabricating of offenfive anecdotes, 
 and obnoxious innuendoes, mutilating and diftorting 
 
30 ELECTION SERMON 
 
 the mieafures of the men in authority. J 
 cry of Fire! or, Stop thief! fet up by felons.in. 
 populous cities, private plunder andemolument, has — 
 been the object of thofe who found an alarm, ‘ that 
 your liberty is menaced,” in countties conftitution- 
 ally free and happy. oy iid ie 
 3. Demacocuss always humour a pi of the 
 age. Thelove of pre-eminence is one of theftrong- 
 eft principles in man. And it is curious to trace 
 this love in all its effects. Though the taftes and 
 purfuits of different ages, may be different, we hall 
 always find the original principles in man, the fame, 
 and defigning men, like bubbles, ever riding on 
 the top of the popular ftream. In the ruder ages 
 of the world, the darling purfuit of mankind, was 
 war, military glory,and conqueft, and the moftfuc- | 
 cefsful madman was the idolof the people. When 
 heathenifm was {wept away by the power of the 
 chriftian religion, even the innocent, and méek teli- 
 gion of Jefus, became the inftrument to obtain pop- 
 ular applaufe. The love of pre-eminence, | led fome 
 to climb mountains, and build towers, on which 
 they might ftand, and fhow their extraordinary de. 
 votion. ~ Others fhut themfelves up in monafteries, 
 and nunneries, to evince their deadnefs to ‘the 
 world, and the nighnefs, in which they lived to 
 God, or went to drive infidels from the holy land. 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 41 
 
 In another age, the fame fpirit fought a reform, and 
 really altered many abufes, but haftened into the 
 
 fite extreme, until even reformation itfelf want- 
 ed reforming. The fingular revival of religion, in 
 this country, halfa century fince, in which, no 
 doubt, the fpirit of God was remarkably poured 
 out, and much good accomplifhed, is alfo, illuftra- 
 
 - tive of the fameidea. Men, for pre-eminence fake, 
 
 were affected in their bodies, as well-as their minds, 
 faw extraordinary appearances, cried out in high 
 tranfports, preached, prayed, and exhorted loud 
 and earneftly, fang through the ftreets, and were 
 indifcreetlyand haftily zealous. But, becaufe the 
 tafte and manners of the times, are altered, we are 
 not to fuppofe, that the fpirit, which led in the 
 extravagancies of thofe days, is now afleep. The 
 fame love of pre-eminence, that once made zealots, 
 and crufaders, now makes fceptics. Decent irreli- 
 gion, now aflumes to itfelf, the fame airs, and in-: 
 dulges the fame rancorous cenfure. When Abfa- 
 lom would go to Hebron, to pay a vow, religion 
 
 _ Was made the ftalking horfe, and facrifice, the fhout- 
 
 ing horn, of fedition and ufurpation. 
 
 But, demagogues are not now to be looked for, 
 in the feats of religion ; for this has not now the 
 chief feat in the fynagogue. The tide of the world, 
 ig Not fetting this way ; and, men whom the fin of 
 
| 
 ; 
 
 s2 ELECTION SERMO fay 
 
 Diotrephes, eafily befets, always — follow 
 It is not in fathion to kneel before crucifixes, b 
 to worfhip, and adore human reafon, 
 ed ; and, the rage for relics, is now [per i 
 on lenaaa, t in fearch of Mammoth bongs’. making 
 experiments on air, or cafting the Se of the . 
 world from the lava of burning mountains. 
 “* Where the carcafs is, the eagles will be gathered 
 together. The paraphernalia of the naturalift and | 
 chymift, is now fubftituted for the cowl, by the 
 modern difciples of Ignatius Loyola. Were the 
 
 {cales of prejudice taken from our eyes, we fhould ) 
 fee, that this reading of human nature, is juft ; and ; 
 that he who once believed in legends, and he who © 
 
 now doubts of felf-evident propofitions, are the ‘ 4 
 fame charaéters. The tafte, and favourite purfuits ‘ 
 of every age, has had its ufes, but their extremes 
 have been highly vicious. (‘The defire to have our . 
 thoughts our own, and to be independent ate : 
 
 be 
 
 ment, is commendable. » But when we carry 
 
 defire of independence too far, it is as ‘ Glee 
 
 it is dangerous and criminal. f There ism ie, 
 commanding dignity of mind, in a man’s tryin: 1g to 
 differ from his progenitors, as to government yt . 
 religion, ‘as fome fufpect. The unnatural produc- 
 tions of a hard and ftupid heart, ‘often lead a 
 man to miftake his own reftlefsnefs, for attivity of | | 
 genius, and his own captioufnels for fagacity of un- | 
 
ELECTION SERMON. © 33 
 ‘derftanding. The world probably progreffes in 
 knowledge ; but the analogy between the natural, 
 and j intelle€tual fyftems, evinces that new thoughts, 
 are as Tare as comets, and other new appearances 
 in nature. A little acquaintance with antiquity 
 may convince us, “ that there is no new thing un- 
 der the fun.” From the days of the fchool-men, to 
 to the prefent time, a great portion of enthufi- 
 afm has mixed itfelf with {cience, as well ds 
 “with religion. Every age has been overftock- 
 ed with imagined original genuifes, who have 
 fcourged mankind with their theories, and blinded 
 them with new difcovered light. Had the philofo- 
 -phers amufed themfelves with their categories, and 
 
 _predicaments, they might have been innocent, and 
 harmlefs lunatics. But now, unfortunately for 
 mankind, they have turned their whole“ttention 
 
 _to the fabricating of new theories in government, 
 and religion. Being unwilling to learn wifdom 
 from what is paft, and like anatomifts make exper- 
 
 ments on the dead, they feem to demand the world 
 for a mufeum, and the living for diffeCtion, and 
 like the “‘ reftlefs iron tongue of death, to call for — 
 millions at a meal.” Nay more, they feem to he 
 waging the war of the Titan’s, and piling the earth 
 in heaps, to climb at heaven. They will yndoubt- 
 edly meet with the fame fuccefs as their fabled pre- 
 deceffors, and be ves by the mountains they have 
 
‘ih way eee vis 
 ' ey ¥ 
 ity As 
 
 | awe 
 
 34 ADECT Ot esi bo 
 fet in, motion. | ey “thefe mon bus come 
 guorld has raps found that # . 
 
 ‘to “accomplith the toils of his et Ye mS 
 
 | ‘Nous tafte and manners of his day ; 3 ‘Arorh’the pre- 
 -vailing tafte ‘of this age, we muft “expegt ‘fimilar 
 charaéters to boaft of their philofophic chriftianity, 
 ‘of their deifm, and atheifm; as thefe Saget ne m 
 
 prevalent fentiments of the once ‘chriftian “world. 
 It is not faid now, “ Stand by thyfelf ai and « come not 
 near to me, for Iam holier than thou ; id but ftand if 
 by thyfelf and cc beg not near to me,” for I know 
 “more “than thou.” The infallability ¢ re hing 
 
 d the divine se of kings, feems to ) has ave tranf- 
 
 “lated itfelf from the conclave of fuperttition, | ‘to Ree | 
 Jftoa of philofophy—From the courts of intriguing r 
 defpots, to the fecret, felf- iia created focieties — 4 
 of apna illuminati. eee: i 
 
 beouene into action : we are si pany — 
 of facred hiftory, to which we have been sical 
 to inquire the general iflue. 
 
SE a 
 
 ELECTION SERMON. 35 
 
 TI. _ WHEN Abfalom, to human appearance, had 
 
 nigh ‘accompli hed his purpofe, a nation afflicted 
 vi his daring ambition, and unnatural crimes, — 
 roufed to oppofe him. He was defeated in battle, 
 and i in the confufion of his retreat, his hair caught 
 in the branches of an oak, and his mule went from 
 under him, leaving him between the heavens and the 
 earth. He died by the hand of violence, was thrown 
 into a pit, and covered with a pile of ftones, and his 
 followers, in the true {tyle of a mob, noify and tur- 
 bulent when fuccefsful, but mean-fpirited and cow- 
 ardly in defeat, “fled every one to his tent.” In 
 like manner the great deceiver and diforganizer, 
 who, “ from the beginning, abode not in the truth, 
 is to be caftinto the bottomlefs pit, that he may de- 
 ceive the nationsno more.” Altho’ “ he hath now 
 great wrath, becaufe he knoweth that his time is 
 dhort,” bleffed be God, his chain hath an end. 
 Thofe whom he now “ leads captive at his will,” 
 fhall turn againft him, and aggravate his future con- 
 demnation. The pride of Korah, and his accom- 
 plices, fet up the holinefs of the congregation of 
 Ifrael, againft its priefthood, and the power of the 
 people, againft the civil magiftrate, altho’ fupport- 
 ed by a well authenticated divine commiffion. The 
 
 earth opened her mouth and fwallowed them up. 
 
 The Jews refufing to fubmit to legitimate govern. 
 ment, and wafted of the partizans of faction, have 
 
(36 ELECTION SERMON) 
 
 ceafed to be a nation, are difperfed through 
 world, and are hated and defpifed of all men, . i 
 hiftory of the Grecian, Roman, and F rench repub- 
 licks, thofe Vefuyiufes of impaffioned man, to which 
 allufions have already been made, might here be. 
 
 read. It is diftrefling to a benevolent mind, ta 
 
 furvey the ftruggles of parties, the profcriptions,. 
 the maffacres, and affaffinations, that have been ~ 
 guided by popular villains, ever iffuing in their 
 _own, and their country’s ruin. Not an inftance 
 can be found, of one, who flattered and ‘mifled the 
 people,. but either he perifhed in the ftorm he had 
 raifed, or ended in the fallacious glory of a-Geefar. 
 Indeed, Bt sae Ae Ta 
 
 “ Tisin. coinaion proof, A os oy 
 
 “ That lowlinefs is young ambition’s ladder, +a ° 
 “ Whereto the climber upward turns his face > _ i 
 * But when he once attains the upmoft round, min 
 
 “ He then into the ladder turns his back, _ 
 
 * * Looks into the clouds, {corning the bafe de cot Py 
 “ By which he did afcend.”*) 4.4) GAA 
 ‘WueEn Abfalom gotinto precarious power, wefind 
 
 him no more the fawning fycophant of the majefty of | 
 
 the people. We hear nomoreof his kiffing bow- 
 ing, or tender wifhes to redrefs the wrongs of hisin- 
 jured fellow citizens. He forgot his ladder,grewgid- 
 dy with its height,and fell, And aninftanceischal- 
 Jenged, where the leaders of factions and confpira- 
 
 a 
 
 t 
 
 * Shakefpeare. i.) Dia DINAN Oe 2 OE 
 
 ee 
 
 Ee | 
 
 ee 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 37 
 
 ies; under mild governments, or thofe fimple ones 
 that are led by the magic founds of vifionary liber- 
 ‘ty, have ever gained any thing by change. 
 Both have always loft. Even where a nation has 
 been confiderably oppreffed, when they have at- 
 tempted to break their fhackles at the inftance of 
 popular courtiers, they have ever refembled the 
 man, who took “ feven other fpirits more wicked 
 than himfelf ;”’ their laft ftate, has ever been worfe 
 than their firft. Ina word—of demagogues it may 
 be faid univerfally, with Mr. Pope, as of man whofe 
 _-felf-love has loft reafon’s comparing balance. 
 They’ve “ meteor like,”’ flam’d “ Jawlefs thro’ the void,” 
 “ Deftroying others ; by” themfelves “ deftroy’d,”” 
 Havine confidered the materials, of which fac- 
 tions and confpiracies haveufually been compofed, in 
 free governments; by what methods they have 
 been brought to aé&t ; and what has been the gen- 
 eral iffue. Your patience is craved, while a few 
 practical inferences are made from the fubject. 
 
 , 1. Persona accomplifhments, and brilliant tal- 
 ents,/aife no infallible evidences, that a man will 
 make a good ruler. We read nothing of Abfa- 
 lom’s wifdom, virtue, or learning, in the laws of 
 his country, or of any diftinguifhed, difinterefted, 
 and patriotic atchievement. His firft introduétion 
 in the facred memoirs is on-this wife; “In all If 
 
_ BLECTION or v 
 
 lom (ay his beauty : ; from the 
 \ to. the crown of his head, ther 
 him.” Perfonal. aecomplithm 
 ents, have in a few folitary inftances, m 
 py afflemblage with diftinguithed irt 
 “more generally, they have been the fcourg 
 BON sii of ae war hk ie 
 
 one ati the leffer eivélp wanes gov 
 giving our fuffrages, we infenfibly' forget, tl 
 found mind ftored by induftry, and fortifie 
 ligious principles, is en the molt ufe’ 
 and ftate, sd OF 
 Ae 6 cae SES 
 Ir does notoccur that belles renal 1 
 have little connection, and that popula 
 have ever fuffered more for the want!o! 
 
 difpaffionate;hearers, than’ dafhing,’ and impofing 
 
 : 
 
ELECTION SERMON 45 
 fpeakers. ‘The former, commonly bear’ the heat 
 and burden'of the day, while the latter are rarely 
 feen in their feats, but on fubjects, in which they 
 
 an pronounce their own eulogiums to the gallerys 
 or flatter the prejudices, oe humour the sa of 
 the age. 
 
 - 9. Ap, with equal certainty, we may infer, 
 ‘that thofe who are moft ambitious of preferment, 
 are the leaft fitted for it ; as the beft qualified,are 
 the moft modeft, and felf-diffident. The love of 
 
 honor and preferment, when kept within due 
 
 bounds, may animate the patriot, and fire the hero. 
 Still, however, more facred and venerable princie 
 ples, than the praife of men, claim the chief direct 
 tion of human conduct. When the refpect we 
 
 .pay to the opinions of men, encroaches on that 
 
 reverence, which we owe to the Deity, tothe voice — 
 ‘of confcience, and the fenfe of duty, it becomes 
 criminal, and highly dangerous. The Jewifh ru- 
 lers were charged, not with loving the praife of 
 men ;,but, that they loved it ‘* more than the 
 ‘praile of God.” When vain glory, ufurps the 
 throne of a man’s heart, the eye of his mind is 
 turned from the ends, which it ought, chiefly, to 
 ‘keep in view, and there is no crime which he will 
 Mot commit, to infure his own aggrandizement. 
 While fuch a charaéter, will fet himfelf up for fale, 
 
# ELECTION SE RMON ° 
 
 to do evil, virtue and worth, will never cry theme 
 felves, like courtezans, in market; they bluth at 
 the thought of foliciting notice. If the fplendor of 
 office, dazzles the unthinking, and unprincipled, 
 it has, in itfelf, few charms to the upright, and con-. 
 templative. The freedom of retirement, was long 
 fighed for by that faithful fervant of the public, 
 who has juftly been denominated, * the father of 
 his country.” ‘The pious, and humble, are more 
 anxious to improve the talents they have, than to 
 be credited with more; they conneé& the retribu- 
 tions of eternity, with the ufe, or abufe of a poft of 
 honor. Hence they are ever modeft, and diffi- 
 dent, and go into place from a fenfe of duty, rather 
 than from the thirft of diftinétion. And, while af- 
 piring thiftles are trode down of every wild beaft, 
 thefe choice cedars, cleave to their native foil, and,, 
 either glorioufly keep their ftation in the fterm, or 
 fall with all the leafy honors of the foreft at their 
 fide. io a 
 
 3- THosz who fpeak of great reforms in gov- 
 ernments, already free and happy, are dangerous 
 charaéters. ‘* While we fet under the fhade of our 
 own laws,” fays a nervous writer,* ‘* and feel all 
 the cherifhing benignity of our own government, 
 it is fair almoft to look with diftruft and prejudice, 
 
 * The Looker-On. Paflim: 
 
a i a 
 . 
 - 
 
 ELECTION SERMON, 4h 
 
 on all projects of change whatever. When theca- 
 price of innovation, and the indefinite love of polit- 
 ical novelty, gets abroad, it always ends in blood. 
 The mildeft profeffions and projects of reform, are, 
 at this time, only the firft fteps of the fcale of de- 
 ftruGion, the initiative forms of that towering fab- 
 ric of mifchief, of which they meditate in their 
 hearts. That liberty, which has been the ftale pre- 
 tence of change in free governments, has been fub- 
 verfive of all freedom: as it affords to fadtious 
 leaders, a language unintelligibly impofing, and — 
 rich in the unideal terms of raving philofophy. In 
 times of feditious machinations, let us cleave to 
 our religion,and our conftitution, as the refuge of 
 our hopes, as the haven and anchorage of freedom. 
 The prefent moment calls rather for reftraints on 
 licentioufnefs, than control of power. If we are 
 virtuous and firm, little is to be feared from thofe 
 knots of fpeculating politicians, who would open 
 the flood-gates of foreign intrigue, and whelm us in 
 the billows of tempeftuous liberty. 
 
 4. From the ftriking refemblance between the 
 firft author of faction, and his fubordinates, among 
 men; we learn, that the objections again{ft good hu- 
 man governments, and the divine government, are 
 the fame, of courfe, that the interefts of pure chrif- 
 tianity, and real civil liberty, are intimately blend- 
 
 ¢ F 
 
42 ELECTION SERMON, 
 
 ed. The grand object of the great feducer, a 
 weaken the confidence of creatures, in the Di 
 Executive. ‘To make them believe, that “he is an 
 hard and auftere mafter, reaping where he has not 
 
 fowed, and gathering where he has not ftrawed.” 
 
 That he has no right, to do fo mura. | “ as he 
 will with his own.’ 
 
 'Tuat, his governing by plan, or ‘¢ fore-ordain- 
 -ing whatfoever comes.to pafs,” his taking the praife 
 to himfelf, of their formation to good fubjects, and 
 citizens, and not leaving it to the ftrength of their 
 own natural principles, abridges human liberty, 
 They think they cannot be free, while the head of 
 government, byan exertion of power gives complex- 
 ion to their habits, and keeps them through con- 
 fidence in his re€titude unto falvation. — 
 
 ' Tart he errs as to what ought to be fupremely 
 loved and ‘worfhipped. God declares,as he is the 
 fum of public good, he has the fole and unalienable 
 right to the fupreme affection of his creatures, and 
 that itis highly finful in them to beftow it on them- 
 felves, But creatures, miftaking the, habits of re. 
 bellion, for nature and reafon, lay claim to. an e- 
 qual prerogative, and affirm, that “ the potter hath” 
 not “ power over the clay, to make a _vellel” 
 to any thing but “ honor.” And that they have 
 a natural right, to fay “ What. doft thou? and, Why 
 
ELECTION SERMON, - 4 
 
 doft thou ius It feems a ftretch of power int ~ 
 God, to give none account of any of his matters.” 
 And it is the united decree of all his difcontented 
 fubjects 5 *¢ We will not have’? God “to rule over 
 us,” in this imperious and fovereign manner.* 
 Nay, it is carried without a diffenting voice, by all 
 the partifans of the father of lies, that there hall 
 be ‘“‘ No God:”t No fupremely perfect, and un- 
 alterable law ; no penalties of perpetual imprifon- 
 ment for men’s doing as they pleafe ; Hell, like a 
 Baftile of defpotifm, has public confent to be demol- 
 ifhed, or be converted into a penitentiary, and all 
 the lufts are to be manumitted by iy PR of 
 the people. I fhould not dare treat Mefe grave 
 truths in this manner, did I not feel it to be of 
 importance, to imprefs this audience with the ftrik- 
 ing refemblance there is between the objections that 
 are made, againft that fyftem of divine government 
 revealed in the feriptures, and good human govern- 
 ments. The popular notions of oppofing human gov- 
 ernments, altho’ in many inftances juft, need not pafs 
 for any thing new, or originally pure in the heart of 
 man. However,Ihope none will conftrue this, as evi- 
 dencing a heart unfriendly to civil liberty. No, let 
 every tyrant, whatever name or garb he may aflume, 
 be brought to the duft, and the opprefled of every 
 nation, hew the chains unneceflarily impofed, “ link 
 from link.” But letthem take heed how they ftrike 
 
 * Luke Xix. 14. + Pfal. xiv x, 
 
Pe. ELECTION SERMON. 
 
 at the prerogatives of the Moft High. Contendingy 
 with the Almighty, will not “inftrué him.” And 
 he that reproveth God, muft anfwerit. That which 
 has been done by wicked men, ever fince the apofta- 
 cy, againft the king of heaven, is now doing againft 
 good government. Satan, in every fhape, ftill ap- 
 pears “ an angel of light,” and would, if it 
 were poffible, deceive the very ele&. The grand — 
 object of that fungous growth of mock patriotifm, 
 which is generated and nourifhed by the benevo- 
 lent funfhine of real liberty, has been to deftroy 
 fyftems of human good, and to arm vice againft 
 virtue, confufion againft order, and licentioufnefs - 
 againft law. To cut the nerves of wholfome re- 
 ftraint, to bring into contempt thofe, who are 
 < minifters of God for good,” to the righteous, 
 and lead “ all the world a wondering after fome. 
 beaft”? of human imagination. The materials of, 
 oppofition, the manner in which they have been - 
 brought to act, and the general iffue in both in- 
 ftances, as it refpects God, and the good ruler, al- 
 ways have, and always wiil be the fame. And. al- 
 tho,’ “order will eventually {pring out of confufion, 
 and light out of darknefs ;” thefe addreffes to 
 men’s paflions, this flattery of their prejudices, this 
 miftating and difcolouring of facts, this humour- 
 ing the tafte of the age, are exclufively, thofe en- 
 gines of Apollyon, which * brought death into our 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 45 
 
 world and all our woe.” Thefe have made the 
 earth, an Aceldema, and a Golgotha, and portend 
 the torments of the factious and feditious,in aworld, 
 where mad, ferocious, and unchecked democracy, 
 will forever reign in all its fiery horrors. 
 
 5. Ip the divine government, and free, benevo- 
 lent, human inftitutions,are fo conneéted in princi- 
 ple and practice, if they have the fame objets, and 
 the fame enemies, infidels in religion, to be con- 
 fiftent with themfelves, fhould they become the 
 enemies of good government ; and thofe who pro- 
 fefs chriftianity, and oppofe fuch government, ought 
 juftly to be numbered with infidels. For, “ What 
 concord hath Chrift with Belial ? or, What part 
 hath he that believeth, with an infidel? and vice 
 verfa.” Thofe who oppofe governments of energy, 
 ground their theories on the innocence, and per- 
 fetibility of human nature, on the fufficiency of 
 man’s natural light, for the purpofes of attaining 
 virtue and happinefs, without external aid; and 
 attribute all the ills, that have befallen men, to gov- 
 ernment and religion. If this be true, government, 
 that has power, is an evil, and religion, that aids 
 fuch power, is a fcourge. 
 
 To uphold government, while infidels at heart, 
 and revere religion, only as an engine of civil pol- 
 
46 ELECTION SERMON, ~ 
 
 icy, is a feverer cenfure of human, natures tinal 
 given. in the {criptures. Altho’ men, in, the 
 facred canon, are called fools in amoral fenfe, they 
 are never called fo ina natural fenfe. But the infi- 
 
 del, upholding energetic government, and praifing 
 
 religion, only, as its convenient beaft of burden, 
 
 brands the whole race as idiots, of courfe, faps his 
 ~ own favourite dignity of human nature, and the 
 fufficiency of human light. Indeed, whatever way 
 we turn, there will bea palpable abfurdity, between 
 the love of ftrength in government, and the hatred 
 of religion ; and the love of religion, ‘Gnd the ha- 
 tred of ftrength in government. As a fenfe of 
 ‘moral obligation, muft be greatly impaired before 
 men are fitted to oppofe fuch a government of their 
 own making, we hence find all zealous diforgan- 
 
 izers, fomewhere on that climax of error, that be- _ 
 
 gins, in what is called, modern liberality in’ reli- 
 gious fentiment, and endsin Atheifm. And, with 
 very few exceptions, we find all thofe who undet- 
 ftand, and embrace the religion of the fathers, or 
 what have been called the leading dottrines of the 
 chriftian church, “ obedient to’ the powers that 
 are,” reverencing good magiftrates, loving, and 
 éleaving to their country, “ for confcience fake.” 
 
 Why every infidel does not oppofe:a) government 
 of reftraints, muft be, that he either does not know 
 _ its tendency, or is ignorant of his own Heart, and 
 what manner of fpirit it is that aGtuates him. “He 
 
+ ; 
 + 
 . 4 
 ; 
 
 hat 
 
 ELECTION SERMON. 47 
 
 is bewildered, and has loft the company congenial 
 to hisfoul; or he isa living argument in favor of 
 the worth, and truth of chriftianity, by withing to 
 live under the mild influence of its habits, and _prin- 
 
 ciples. 
 
 T am called to fpeak, on this occafion, at an e- 
 ventful period, and at an eventful crifis, with this 
 country. Altho’ I glory in the chara&er of the 
 ftate which gave me birth, admire the diffufion of 
 her knowledge, her habits of order, and her bleffed 
 inftitutions, I dare not defy the fafcinating charms 
 of innovation. Vice, and irreligion, have earth, and 
 
 hell on their fide, and are the mortal foes of that 
 
 fymmetrical edifice, which was reared by the pain- 
 ful labours, and has continued, hitherto, by the 
 prayers of our anceftors. Infidelity, with a zeal 
 that would become a better caufe, and with the 
 
 " rigour of St. Dominic,is encompafling fea, and land, 
 
 to make its profelytes ; of whom, when made, it 
 aay be truly faid, as of thofe converted to a proud 
 and haughty Jewith fect, they are ‘ two fold more 
 the children of hell.” 
 
 Ir the mountains, and uninviting foil of Swit- 
 zerland, have net been fufficient “ walls and bul- 
 ‘warks,” to fave her from the rapacity of marauding 
 ‘ftrangers, let us not boaft of fafety from an inter- 
 vening ocean. Satan, intent on mifchief, could 
 
48 ELECTION SERMON, 
 
 fpread a bridge on chaos, to mar the happinefs of 
 
 paradife, and fow fedition. Were we virtuous, and 
 united, we fhould, under providence, have nothing 
 
 to fear. But the fhameful fecret, that our country 
 has its parricides, is out, and our enemies caft it ip, 
 our teeth. A military defpotifm, under the vile 
 pretence of giving freedom to mankind, has once 
 plundered the world, and may again. (If our moft 
 ‘intelligent divines, have under{tood the prophecies, 
 little is to be expected for a century, or more, than 
 
 “ the diftrefs of nations, with perplexity, the fea, 
 
 and the waves roaring ; men’s hearts failing them 
 for fear ; as the Lord, in his glory, and majefty, has 
 arifen to fhake terribly the earth.” After looking 
 to God, the eyes of good men are next turned to 
 virtuous rulers, the genuine, tried, and approved 
 friends of the government, religion, and happinefs 
 of their country. 
 
 No lover of his country’s true glory, can turn his 
 eye to yonder empty feat, without exclaiming, 
 «¢ Help Lord, for the Godly man ceafeth : for the 
 faithful fail from among the children of men.” 
 While every breeze from the Atlantic, bears on its 
 wings the encreafed rumour of war, and trouble, 
 this ftate have had to lament, in quick fuccef- 
 fion, the death of a worthy Governor, an able 
 Chief Juftice, and a voneraile Father in the gof- 
 pel miniftry. 
 
ELECTION SERMON. 49 
 
  Thofe furs are fet ; O! rife fome other fuch, 
 < O all that we hate left, is empty talk 
 iy OF old achievements, and defpair of new.’ 
 
 wh Bur, I truft in God, that he has ftill left us fome 
 faithful helmfmen, who, for a time at leaft, will 
 Ateer us from the fhores, whitened with human 
 bones, and guide us through the rocks of Syren 
 liberty. Ofmodern liberty ; that harpy, who, like 
 the fabled daughters of Oceanus, and Terra, has 
 hooked claws, and looks pale for plunder; that 
 -propheteds of evil, who takes her feat on defolation, 
 taints the viands of focial life with her defiling 
 touch ; than which, no monfter is more fell, ne 
 plague, or fcourge of gods more cruel, ever iffued 
 from the Stygian waves,* But hold! ‘ Michael 
 -difputing with the devil, durft not bring againft him 
 a railing accufation, but faid, the Lord rebuke 
 thee,” While all the horrors of faction, and con- 
 {piracy, are developed by the facred ftory to which 
 we have been attending, we have a counterpart in 
 the conduct of David, and his friends. They fub- 
 mitted to the hand, which, in fuch an awful man- 
 ner, chaftized a nation’s, and its ruler’s fins, They 
 ‘wept aloud, not for the fear of man, but through 
 reverence and fear of that God, who was vifibly 
 punifhing them. ‘Their hearts were foft and penis 
 _tent, They pitied and forgave their enemies, and, 
 
 * Virgil. 
 G 
 
5° ELECTION SERMON. 
 
 with the enlarged views of chriftians, looked “up to. 
 God, “‘ who makes the wrath of man to praife 
 him,”’ and will fuffer it proceed no farther, than is 
 compatible with his wife, and holy counfels. “*In : 
 ftead of humouring the thirft of innovation, they 
 clung to their ancient mei jy, for aoe or 
 der, and fafety. 
 
 Suamrrrine #0 the ftones, and dirt, the railing, | 
 and flanderous curfes of apoftate, and difcontented 
 Shimeis, it behoves both rulers, and ruled, with all 
 modefty, to inquire, wherefore it is, that” * the 
 Lord hath bidden” them. Have we not reafon to 
 fear, that thefe are the fruits of fecret infidelity, in : 
 the defk? and of fecret, and open infidelity in the : 
 fenate ? Is itnot owing to breaches, plaufibly made ~ 
 in our ancient habits, and cuftoms, thofe walls of 
 our fheepfold, that thefe wolves are entering? Have 
 we no Joabs; grown haughty, and negligent, by ~ 
 long continuance in office, no negligent, ‘fubordi- « 
 nate minifters of juftice ? I pray God, that the pro- : 
 pofed day of fafting, humiliation, and prayer, may 
 be devoutly kept. And that all good citizens, for 
 once, with Godly forrow for fin, will bend their 
 knees around the altar of prayer, for their country. 
 If “God is for us who can be againft us?” And if 
 he is againft us who can be for us? His protection 
 alone, is a nation’s ftrength. He is “ the God of - 
 
ELECTION SERMON. = 5x 
 
 acs 
 m” and the God of battles. Let our hon- 
 » ourable Betton. remember, that itis emphati- 
 polar of men in high ftations, that, ‘¢ one fin- 
 
 _ ner deftroyeth much good,” and much depends on 
 
 seaewtieticr dignity, and influence, are to be giy- 
 ee vice, and irreligion. Altho’ the mouth of 
 
 _ difcontented ambition can never be ftopped, and the 
 
 ~ querulous tongue of licentioufnefs, will never reft, 
 until the grandeur of a government fhall be un- 
 _ veiled, which will impofe filence on all lips, it 
 is important, that you “let not your good be 
 
 . evil fpoken of,” and give none “ occafion to 
 the enemies of the Lord, to blafpheme.” The 
 eaufe of Chriftianity has been more ably argued by 
 recent events in Europe, than it can be by the pen, 
 or tongueof man. While infidelity has been writ- 
 ing its inferences in blood, we muft view it as an 
 happy omen, to this and the neighbouring States, 
 that fo many young rifing characters, have been 
 driven from the open and expofed fields of fcepti. 
 cifm, to the faftneffes of moral inftitutions. May 
 their fpeculative converfion, be followed bya change 
 
 _ of heart, and they experience thofe confolations in 
 the religion of Jefus, which have ever proved a fup- 
 port, a light, anda fhield to pious rulers, under the 
 honor and dignity, as well as the fufferings and ré- 
 proaches of office. As the chriftian religion is the 
 genius, ‘the life, and fpirit of real liberty, and the 
 
 i 
 
Ba ELECTION ey 
 
 ttue foundation of national happinefs asiligvess t 
 let its minifters glory in their profeffion. If ‘mae 
 ny of us are ftraitened in temporalities, and yet res 
 proached as hirelings by the licentious, let us not be _ i 
 difcouraged.  Patriotifm, as well as love to God ; 
 and men, call us to fidelity in our noble emiploy: 4 
 ment. Liberty, exiled from Kurope, crofled the 
 Atlantic with our predeceffors in office, and under 
 their tutelage, fhe here erected her ftandard. Our 
 rulers can frame free conftitutions, and enact mild 
 and wholefome laws, but they muft apply to us, as 
 inftruments in the hands of providence, to make 
 
 wholefome inhabitants, and form a free people. 
 Sin ftains the glory, darkens the luftre, and de- 
 grades the rank of rational creatures. All men, 
 who know not the glorious “ liberty of the fons of 
 God,” are by nature flavifh, and will have a mafter. | 
 A knight-errant may ftrike from the hands and 
 feet of our body, the fhackles of defpotic power, or 
 the Conqueror of Italy can fay a nation is free; 
 and yet, they may be bound in chains, which defy - 
 the {teel of valor to fever, and the united * wifdom. 
 of this world’? to unloofe. The chains of the foul, 
 the fetters of the mind and heart, do not melt at 
 human touch 5 the Lord hath anointed us alone, to 
 proclaim liberty to fuch captives, and the opening 
 of the doors to thefe vaffals imprifoned of their fins, 
 ** Seeing that many glory after the flefh, “ I truft 
 
er? 
 He 
 mn) 
 
 oe Rypan 
 | ELECTION SERMON. 5 
 
 Fe men will bear with usa little in our folly, if 
 2 glory alfo.’’* 
 
 F ALLY, and to clofe—The whole fubject may 
 ith propriety be addrefled to thofe who “ defpife 
 overnment, and are not afraid to fpeak evil of 
 ignities. ” And of thefe, I hope, there are few in 
 his numerous aflemby. It is to be acknowledged, 
 hat many plaufible things can be faid in favor of 
 tror, and that man is, by nature, fonder of dark- 
 fs than light. Still, can you fuppofe, granting 
 hat you can inflate the world with the temporary 
 
 yhrenzy of infidel fanaticifm, that it will be lafting ; 
 
 r that human nature, will of itfelf, lay afide a char- 
 Ger it has uniformly maintained for fix thoufand 
 ears, of finally “turning and rending,”’ thofe 
 vho impofe on its credulity. There may be coun- 
 ries where nothing would be loft, and every thing 
 ained by fubverting and palfying the government. 
 3ut no man whofe confcience is not “feared as 
 ith a hot iron,” can apply this to our own. If 
 he firft great enemy of government, and all who 
 ave followed his fteps, have loft themfelves in the 
 nifts of enchantment they have raifed, it is worth 
 shile to count the coft, before that, with induftri- 
 us malignancy, you attempt to raife one in this 
 nlightened State. Should you, as Vreede and 
 looffe, thofe exclufive Dutch patriots, fawn like 
 
 * 2 Cor. xi. 17, 18, 
 
 Se 
 
 vs 
 
_ 
 
 2 
 ¥ 
 
 6} * 
 
 * 
 
 fu 
 
 Strangle your country 
 a , pation’ vitiated oa 
 
 ‘not a little difficulty, 
 Venice, the mere cents 2 
 BONE By you have an 
 “to you, can yous expedt 1 
 midft the jarring: -eleme 
 As you _ =) ed to f 
 
 per from foreigners, 2 
 too indolent tJ merit from y 
 - Pray be ad honorable a 
 * “rather be. fri ia in avi 
 
 Rome—eaft eek the bil 
 Re Kepent of this thy” 
 
 ‘country, on whofe ‘laf ip tl 
 . from whole brealts tl 
 life ; ee and ‘pray God | 
 thine heart may Be fors 
 
 » God of peace ;”—2*t0 th 
 of nea ee glory 
 
 CH eet 98 A M E 
 =m : ses - 2 % ; 
 ee renih Fa au 
 arts ae sesso: 
 ies tht Oa PD 
 
 > rte 
 . Like ss 
 
 Be 
 
THE MUTABILITY OF HUMAN LIFE. 
 
 Shy 
 
 - #9 
 
 a 
 
 SERMON. 
 
 PREACHED MARCH 10, 1811. 
 
 BY NATHAN STRONG, 
 
 PASTOR OF THE NORTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 
 IN HARTFORD. 
 
 a oem 
 
 - Published bp a number of the Hearers, 
 it 
 
 ~_S Io 
 
 HARTFORD: 
 
 BRINTED BY HUDSON AND GOODWIN. 
 1811. 
 
 t 
 
 a 
 
‘ea i- x 
 
 Oi aL Kou Ga se 
 
 , 
 
SERMON. 
 
 ¥, 
 
 JAMES i. 11, 
 
 And the grace of the fashion of it perisheth. 
 
 "THESE words were originally written to de- 
 scribe the vanity of pride in riches ; but as our obser- 
 vation of mankind gives no conviction that riches are 
 more calculated to excite human vanity and produce 
 an immoral character, than the other allurements of 
 the world, I shall at this time consider the subject 
 generally, with relation to all worldly things, which 
 men may possess, to the great pleasure of the human 
 heart. Ofall these things we may say “‘ The grace 
 of the fashion of them perisheth ;”—‘“‘ As the 
 flower of the grass so these things shall pass away ; 
 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, 
 but it withereth the grass and the flower thereof fal- 
 leth ; so also shall these things fade away.” It is 
 true, my hearers, that we very often meditate on 
 created frailty, in our own persons, in our families, 
 in our properties and the great variety of objects 
 which men grasp to possess ; but still we have not 
 meditated on them so frequently as to produce a gen- 
 eral appearance of weanedness from the world, and 
 diligence in laying up for ourselves treasures in hea- 
 ven : we haye not meditated on them so often as to 
 become spiritualized in our temper and practice. 
 
 re 
 
SR ES 
 ? ' t A TGR ie 
 
 6 SERMON. 
 
 Further, it is well known that this kind of medi- 
 tation is generally disagreeable to men, so that the 
 teacher who makes popularity the pole star of his ad- 
 
 dress, would rarely hazard himself on this ground ; _ 
 
 but there have not yet been so many monitions of 
 them either from the pulpit or in the actual dealings 
 of a most wise providence, that the face of society. 
 appears to be spiritualized; or that an impartial 
 spectator inthe prospect, would say what a beautiful 
 world of christians is this! where all appear to be 
 travelling to heaven in a holy and happy manner.— 
 Would not such a spectator rather say, these pro- 
 fessors for heaven are like -blind men half recovered 
 to sight. They see the truth, and they feel the 
 obiigations of duty with the same indistinctness as 
 a man half recovered to eye sight would see men 
 like trees walking. There is still in the worldso 
 much spiritual blindness and sin, that we all need 
 the continual strokes of providence, the constant: 
 
 stings of conscience, and the perpetual warnings of © 
 
 the ministers of religion to keep alive a little sense 
 
 that all things here are “‘ Vanity of vanities and vex~ _ 
 
 ation of spirit.” And, my hearers, unless we add 
 the meditations of our own closets, and our prayer 
 for the aids of the Holy Spirit, these means will be of 
 no avail. Although we were to speak witha fie 
 from Heaven, “ the grace of the fashion of it perish- 
 
 eth ;” still dying men will be worldly unless the — 
 
 grace of God prevent. 
 
 * ad aeer 
 , } 
 
 I propose at this time to take a new manner of | 
 bringing before you thetransitory nature of the world, 
 in order to draw your hearts off from the vanity of 
 its charms. Altho, in the method I shall now use, — 
 some degree of prediction may be necessary, yet do 
 not think from this that the speaker pretends to bea’ 
 prophet! To enforce the probability of his predic-’ 
 tions he will only appeal to those laws of nature,’ 
 which have been from the first, and will continue to_ 
 the last to be in operation. sie a - 
 
 et 
 
 : 
 : 
 
SERMON. 7 
 
 ~ Probability is not certainty, but when speaking 
 on many subjects, this is a sufficient warrant for a 
 moral exhortation. That those are already dead 
 are gone from us to their long home is certain. 
 ‘That those who are now alive will die is probable; 
 But it is a probability of that imposing kind, which 
 none but a madman can reject in his religious im- 
 provement. 
 
 1. To impress our.own minds deeply on the sub- 
 ject.of human frailty, we have commonly looked 
 back, and said one to another, Where are the fa- 
 thers, the husbands, and the brothers who once sat 
 in these seats ; and to whom belonged, a few years 
 since, the properties we now enjoy ?. This ought to 
 give a deep conviction of human frailty, but we often 
 find it does not. Men:are apt to say concerning the 
 dead ; and concerning Jost properties, they are dead 
 and they are lost forever. ‘They do not take any 
 pains to make amoral improvement of that which 
 they know to be irretrievable; they cling*ito that 
 which is yet possessed and use it more idolatrously 
 than ever. 
 
 Let us therefore, by way of prediction, invert 'the 
 view from those who are now living to those who 
 will soon’be dead ; from properties now in our hands, 
 to their state and condition in the hands of others 
 with whom we are now connected. This must 
 convincewus that theigrace of the fashion of the world 
 passeth away. . We are now, my brethren, to turn 
 our consideration from those who have died to those 
 who will die: from properties, now in possession 
 and from expectancies to. the irretrievable oss of 
 them. Can. you-meet a prospect of the future with 
 the same apathy that you look back on ‘the past ?— 
 dT imagine not ; I conceive that all men would trem- 
 ble under a true sense of what will be,.while ‘they 
 stupidly disregard what hath been, though it is in 
 
 yy 
 
—_— 
 
 8 k SERMON. 
 
 fact equally alarming. But we will now proceed to 
 
 specificate the matter of our conjecture. © 
 
 1. Within twenty years from this time, not only 
 the speaker, but the greatest part of those who hear 
 him must be in the grave: their bodies will be con- 
 
 verted into dust; their spirits will have passed the © 
 
 all-determining trial before God ; their souls will be 
 under that sentence which can never be reversed el- 
 
 ther in its tenor or execution. Some hearer, per- 
 
 haps, may begin to enquire, Is this possible ? I an- 
 swer, if thou art affrighted move not the question 
 for thy own relief. For on the lawsof physical pro- 
 bability, the term is too long; deduct from it one 
 quarter, and on the laws of natural frailty and of past 
 experience, half these bodies will be in the grave, 
 and half these spirits in the eternal world. Shall 
 half of us be in the eternal world in so short a period? 
 shall our business here be done, our lot finished, 
 and our names be forgotten ? On the principles of 
 a frail nature, the fashion of which is passing away, 
 this is true. ’ Uo 
 
 2Qdly, Although my future specifications of the 
 truth are really implied in the first, yet I will proceed 
 to some division of facts, thereby to gain a stronger 
 hold of human feeling, on this important subject. - 
 
 LM ad 
 ix 
 
 a 2 ee 
 Within the period before mentioned, the relations 
 
 of parents and children, husbands and wives, mas- 
 
 ters and servants, as they exist now will be princi- — 
 pally changed. Those of us who are parents shall 
 
 be asleep. Othat we may sleep inJesus! And the 
 present children will say, my father and my mother 
 died on such aday of such a year. Those who are 
 now children, before this period, will be parents, and 
 have suffered the loss of much fair offspring which is 
 yet unborn. Of numerous circles of brethren and 
 
 sisters now in health, perhaps all will be m the 
 
 FS 2 = 
 eS 
 
 a? 
 
 | 
 
SERMON. 9 
 
 >: Of 4¢ Most, One oF two left to mournful 
 brance of what the family one was. Whole 
 pouthoods and streets, without a single excep- 
 will be gone.—The face of society in its num- 
 ys and efficient influence will all be changed, so as 
 thake it in effect appear like a new world. With 
 # chafige of inhabitants, there will be as great 
 hase of custorhs, manners and opinions, in some 
 lances, we may hopé for the better, but in others 
 uubtless for the worse. How true it is that the 
 ace of the fashion of the world perisheth. 
 
 i 
 
 lSdly, Within the period mentioned there will be 
 
 Most a total change in the possession of worldly 
 perty. We all know of what sreat moment 
 
 thes and poverty, with their respective effects, are 
 
 ewed by men. The greater part of their condi- 
 
 ns will be changed. . Houses and lands, and the 
 
 nds. Some part, in this change, will be in the 
 fnds of other branches of the same family ; but the 
 eater part will have passed away from all the claims 
 | blood or affmity. Many who aré now poor, will 
 en be rich; and such as are nowrich will in them- 
 ives or in their offspring be poor. These things 
 either happen from death, or fome other power- 
 causes, which are in constant operation to pro- 
 ice changés mproperty. Truly riches make them- 
 e Swings and fly away ! 
 
 Maas ** Sia 
 
 Athly, Within the period which hath been named, 
 lose who are most influential both im the state 
 | the church, will be changed. ‘Those intel- 
 nt fathers, those pious matrons who taught and 
 
 d with us will be gathered to their fathers. 
 ministers of religion in the churches will be men 
 names. Those who execute influential town 
 fices will be in the dust. ‘The important legisla- 
 ve, judicial and executive offices of the State will 
 
 se) 
 
 lumense mass of floating property will be in other — 
 
(4 
 
 Bs 
 
 10 SERMON. 
 
 be filled by other men, and if any eb, to. kn 
 the character and the merits of those who now a 
 they must resort for information to their to 
 
 stones, their funeral eulogiums or the tradi ni 
 report of a few aged people. The whole wili 5 
 new world with respect to influence ! How m 
 nations which yet have some power, “will be wh 
 sunk! How many tyrants risen into power by : 
 loss! ‘And how many people, who think by pc 
 eal ties to call themselves brethren, will be i irre 
 ably separated from each other, with the tore 
 war flaming between.them. The grace of the 
 ion of the world passeth away. And for the 
 of the description now given, you are not meferre 
 enthusiastic impressions, but toa faithful rece sllect, 
 and history ofa similar period past. If we can ma 
 these reflections with fidelity to ourselves it may, 
 useful in our future conduct. If we will not be 
 fluenced by what we have seen God flo to others, 
 us fear him for what he will do to ourselves withi 
 very short time. 
 
 _ Thus rapidly doth time fly, and the wheels: 
 providence roll into execution the schemes of et 
 nal counsel, that sin may be punished and holing 
 comforted. <iihdiaialnito 
 
 And is this the world, in which rae Lare cc 
 tenting ourselves, and for ming a warm nest for 
 posterity ? Is this the world, which we call 
 home, from which it is so hard to wean our hear 
 where we say we will lay our foundations broad, ' 
 will build our walls strong, so that our houses m 
 stand forever. Indeed the preceeding isa true c 
 acter of the state of things which we ambitiou 
 court, and should be ready, if the ‘grace of God 
 not prevent us; to take for an eternal heritage. T 
 is a serious improvement, which as religious pet 
 
 we ought to make of the descriptions which ha 
 Pry 
 
SERMON. ii 
 
 been given in this discourse. Shall we despair of 
 happiness here, and give ourselves up to gloom be- 
 causethere is no stability. in the things of the world ? 
 By no / sea We do not describe to you human 
 frailty to render you unhappy, but to animate you to 
 the obtainment of that christian holiness worthy of 
 an immortal mind and of eternity. 
 
 We do not say these things to insinuate that the 
 infinitely good being is sparing in the bestowment of 
 his blessings, but in the end to convince you that he 
 is infinitely good. . Why is this life so short? why 
 _are the generations so transient ? why are properties 
 changed, and do honors and riches make themselves 
 wings and fly away ? Is it because God is unkind ? 
 No! Itis because these things are worth retaining 
 only in the beginning, in the infancy of our exist- 
 ence. The Lord our God created man in his own 
 image ; he prepared, for the scene of his industry, 
 a situation in which painful labour was not requir- 
 ed. But our parents fell, so that an earthly paradise 
 could no longer be a proper habitation for them. 
 
 A promise was given of the Saviour, “‘ The seed, 
 _ of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.”—A 
 different state was now appointed to man, as he was 
 in a state of pr bation. ‘‘ In the sweat of thy face 
 shalt thou procure and eat thy bread,” was descrip- 
 tive of the change. From hence comes all human 
 
 frailty. But this is no reason that we should despair ‘ 
 
 of divine’ goodness. The grace of the fashion of the 
 world passeth away to afford us higher and renewed 
 evidence that there is life for those who are faithful 
 and obedient. Let us all therefore be faithful in the 
 duties of repentance towards God, faith in our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, and obedience in newness of life. Let 
 ~ us remember that this life must be short, that it must 
 be unsatisfactory, that the objects of the world must 
 ‘flee from us, and we must pass from them. But 
 
 bi 
 
12 SERMON, 
 
 still under the impression that the gracelof 
 ion of the world passeth away, let wi 
 God is unkind. He hath made this 
 tion, that he might shew his grace tt 
 it might appear, he is a God of merey ¢ 
 distinguished. vengeance, The 00 t 
 and his offered mer cy appear in the grace Ft] 
 ion of the world passing pen ic 
 Bitty aie 2 
 Fae giyen a caution to theae: who may be 
 pesed to dispond from seeing present frail o * ass 
 toa second use of improvement. ema Big y 
 , 4 by 
 
 This subject wacHeal us that we oul 
 tempt to lay up for ourselves treasures on 
 we not naturally, my brethren, look to the chins 
 the world.as our portion ? are we net disposed te 
 up our treasures here rather than above? gn the 
 one present, who hath observed the,gour the 
 world, who can deny that it natural t agers se 
 
 at very grace of the fashion of the world which i is 
 
 so apt to pass away and perish. I will not attempt 
 
 to distinguish between my hearers. Can they not 
 judge themselves, by the exercise of an hos -con- 
 science. Are there not some, I would tras 
 are few, who have given themselves, up to the 
 ting expectations and indulgencies of sensual ple 
 ures 2? And have not all these failed, and left: 
 in pain, disappointment and woe? no | 
 
 el Pe s 
 
 Tam certain the sensualst will adtoeeasen this. 
 after he hath run his course, and looked back ‘upon 
 it with a recollection of what he hath experienced 
 But what have been our expectations froma ng ‘ 
 of the world ? Mammon, hath always be m- 
 cipal god of this depraved world. From. the he condi- 
 tions of the people among whom I speak, it may ~ 
 without censoriousness be supposed that an accumu 
 lation of property hath been a chief object, of some i 
 
 fg 
 
So 
 
 SERMON, is 
 
 who hear me.) But I pray you to consider a_ little 
 concerning tbe obtainment of property. And first, 
 : giantity of property is a great bea 
 
 ave ANE | Ancithie poverty nor riches—‘ give me not 
 norerty, lest this be a temptation to me to steal the 
 froperty of others ;—give me not riches, lest I 
 sugh an apprehension of my own worldly fulness 
 
 ” ho Id forget my dependance, and deny the worship 
 
 “owe thee as my God and provider.” 
 Still, notwithstanding this example of moderate 
 
 _ desires, which has received a warrant in the word 
 
 of our ; notwithstanding all the monitions we 
 have had from personal experience, from observing 
 the fate of others, as well as from the divi ine word : 
 how many may we suppose there are in this collec- 
 tion of worshippers, who are endeavoring to call in 
 Mammon as a God subsidiary to religion for the 
 blessedness of themselves and their families. There 
 we see a youth who hath drank in the false idea; 
 If I could be rich, I shall experience al] I want. Per. 
 haps it is not very strange, that a mere youth, after 
 the little he hath seen should think so: sss ii 
 hath not chastened his opinions. 
 
 Near him I see the fond parents of a young fami- 
 ly, treading in the same delusive path. Says the 
 father to the mother, and the mother whispers a ten- 
 der assent, could we gain this for the son or the 
 daughter it would be sufficient. We could with 
 care and prudence take care of the others as they 
 _succeed. The plan is formed; when lo! disease 
 - places the parents of the childen to the account of 
 _ death. The family is gone. If it be the parents 
 ” they are forgotten, and we hope the children fall 
 
 _» into the hands of more humble industry, and 
 
 * 
 . 
 
 the path of more probable virtue. Let not imagin- 
 ation itself attempt a description of all such disap- 
 
 \ Ys 
 
14 : SERMON: 
 
 pointments as these. They “are 
 full extent of what infinite wisdom c: 
 
 Further—Another class are panti 
 their prospects are fair; they have 
 cation ; their genius is superior, as thei 
 say ; many offices will soon wait for their @ 
 ance: But alas! as it was at the pool of Beth 
 others step into the water before them ; for the’ 
 ters of human life are troubled by bad as well as’ 
 good angels, and the bad will be propitious to: 
 votaries in this world. But perhaps, and on the 
 word a solemn accent ought to be placed, haps 
 death has intervened; the burial of many — 
 youth we have seen whose genius and prospects. 
 were entombed together. I will go on no longer, in — 
 telling you the frailty of the grace of the fashion. 
 the world. Sofar as we have proceeded, it teaches. 
 us the vanity of depending on any present things Sie 
 that humility, perseverance in christian virtue, wean- 
 edness from the world, and preparation for a speedy 
 death ought to be our main business. sige ie ‘ 
 
 May every hearer have that experiiental faith in 
 God and Christ, which is the substance of thibgs he 
 hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, and t 
 best preservative against an idolatrous: love: of th 
 
 world. ; hie 
 AMEN. 
 : ae ‘4 
 ay oy . 
 aha 1 ge 
 hae 
 ity 8 FG t 
 \ aaa eed 
 see as: 
 ag i ‘ 
 % 
 
Penner I eter GEN ne 
 
 Date Due 
 
 war 3’ 1944 
 
 NC 
 VECIO %48 
 
 NOV nv 
 
 LLL LL 
 
 iS 
 ~S 
 
 MAY 21 ‘67 
 
 Form 335—35M—9-34—C. P. Co. 
 
252 S486Z nos.520-355 3501497 
 Sch. R. 
 
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