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in the livelieft and moft expreffive colours.

Various and ftrong and attractive are the features in which it is there exhibited. There God himfelf is reprefented as commanding, encouraging, and rewarding it. There God, manifeft in the flesh, is exhibited, exemplifying it before our eyes in full life. And there, too, we are affured that it is the delightful office and work of his Holy Spirit to form the fame lovely image on the foul of man. Muft not that be a divine religion, and worthy of all acceptation, in which we find fuch a combination of influences thus exerted to purify and enoble the human mind? Muft not that religion be of God which, in its whole conftitution and fpirit, is manifeftly defigned to dignify human nature with every divine and focial virtue which cannot be cordially embraced, and honeftly profeffed, without producing thefe happy effects? It declares that Godis love. Its fupreme law to man is love. All its principles confpire to the moral elevation of the grovelling fpirit, to the expanfion of the narrow contracted foul. Of every great and generous fentiment, Jefus was himfelf the perfect pattern; and he acknowledges no difciples, but the ftudious imitators of his example. Would we, then,

learn the true theory and practice of charity; let us come to Jefus of Nazareth, "and learn of "him who was meek and lowly in heart, and "who continually went about doing good."

Let infidelity blufh for itself, in oppofing a religion, which invariably teaches, and effectually infpires univerfal benevolence. Let men condemn charity, or approve Chriftianity. All the true friends of Jefus are the best friends of mankind. Believing and doing as he teaches, we cannot fail to be happy ourselves, and the honoured inftruments of happiness to all around

us.

Need I go farther for an illuftration of this doctrine than to the very refpectable Society, at whofe request I have the honour now to address you. "While many are spending their money "for that which is not bread, and their labour "for that which fatisficth not ;" while many are hiding their talents in the earth through covetoufnefs or floth, or fquandering them in exccfs of riot or diffipation, this fociety exhibits to the world, as it hath long done, men zealous and active in the fervice of God and their country. The reverend and honourable members who at prefent compofe it, like thofe

who went before them, continue to hold up to our view an object worthy of our most serious attention, and generous fupport. They grudge not the laborious part of this benevolent fervice. With unremitting ardour and affiduity, they employ their time and attention and influence in carrying into effect the important and extenfively beneficial defigns of their inftitution. They rejoice that the extent of their funds enables them to do fo much good; and it is their conftant care and highest ambition to apply them to the most useful purposes. Thoufands have experienced the benefit of their united wisdom, zeal, and exertions. In the name of these thoufands, they are ever ready to pay the due tribute of refpect and gratitude to a generous public, and to benevolent individuals, who have contributed to their fupport and afliftance. With thefe pleafing fentiments howe ver, there is neceffarily mingled the painful thought that they cannot extend their influence farther. Many need and cry to them for help to whom they cannot fend it, not for want of inclination or exertion, but of ability. They rely on the generofity of thofe who with well to the interefts of religion and virtue, who are able

and willing to affift them to be more extensively ufeful.

While I cannot but make this honourable mention of the Society for propagating Chriftian Knowledge, I know that, independent of my praife, they feek not glory of men-Suffer me then, to turn to you, my much respected friends, in the direction of it, and to fay, let it be your increafing ambition "to fhine as lights in the "world, that others fecing your good works,

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may glorify your Father in heaven." I hope you will ever bear in mind that the work in which you are engaged does not fo much derive honour from you as you from it. Let the character which has been imperfectly given of the truly benevolent man, be better illuftrated by your exemplary conduct. Let not difficulties, nor neglect, nor oppofition, difcourage your zeal in the fervice of God, and the Redeemer, and the fouls of men. Yielding to the full influence of divine love, "let it be your meat and drink to do the "will of your heavenly Father. Be not weary "in well-doing; for in due feafon ye fhall reap, 66 if ye faint not."

And do you, my hearers, who are not of the Society, go and do likewife; ftrengthen their

hands, and encourage their hearts, by your cheerful and liberal affiflance. Many fchemes, formed upon benevolent principles, are limited in their defigns and operations. They may be confined to a party, to one kind of diftrefs, or to some narrow defcription of men. So far as the utility of the fcheme, and our connexion with it, are apparent, we ought to give it our cordial fupport; but fuch fchemes feldom afford fcope to the full exercife of benevolent affections. This charitable inftitution embraces greater defigns: A well-principled mind here meets with its favourite objects. Need I reafon with perfons of this character? Indulge yourfelves, my friends, and you cannot but contribute to the vast objects of this generous body of men. The cheerful offering to this treasury indicates the collected influence of moft diffufive goodness. If you wish to see a rude people civilized; a fervile race raised to a juft fenfe of liberty; minds enflaved and corrupted by fascinating arts, emancipated from this fpiritual bondage; men, though living under the fame go'vernment, divided from us by a difference of language, and local fituation and prejudices,

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