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It is well known, that the power which is now overwhelming kingdoms, first appeared in the character of infidelity. And its spirit, probably, still pervades the body, though it hath assumed a religious form. It hath assumed such a form from necessity; for a monarchy, which is a type of the government of God, cannot well subsist without the acknowledgment of a religion.

We have, therefore, to magnify the divine mercy that our church remains firm and unshaken in the doctrines of her founders; in in those scriptural doctrines which no national church of equal extent, that we know of, in any age or country, ever exhibited in greater purity, or for a greater length of time. Survey the whole circle of Christian churches in the world at this day; contemplate, dispassionately, their individual character and efficiency, since the period of the Reformation, and then say,

whether any one of them hath been so honoured of God as the Church of England? Whether any one of them hath opposed such a barrier to the progress of infidelity, or hath produced so many volumes of genuine piety, profound learning, and erudite theology, as the Church of England? That church which was founded and established by confessors and martyrs in the presence of the Christian world. Every man who is qualified to take a large and liberal view of the present state of the Church of Christ, and who knows what has been passing in it since the first century, will be able to answer this question. Such a person will be able to acknowledge the peculiar favour which it hath pleased God to manifest towards the established communion of England; and which hath been so manifested for the accomplishment of the great and important purposes of his providence. And this divine favour hath also been extended,

as it respects purity of faith and tranquil duration, to the established church of Scotland. Scotland is our sister in church and state; and she would now consider an injury done to the Church of England, as being fatal ultimately to herself. What then, let us inquire, have been the purposes of divine providence in this permanent establishment of the true faith in these kingdoms? These purposes begin to be unfolded in the developement of events. They appear in that GREAT WORK now imposed on our nation; I mean, in the contest she is maintaining with the enemy of mankind; since, whatever honour is assigned to the state for its defence of the rights and liberties of men, is derived ultimately from the duration of the national church. For in this warfare, and in the spirit and motives which animate it, we cannot speak of the state as distinct from the church. The honour of the GRAND DEFENCE is due to that union of

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great power and pure doctrine, which we before noticed. It would be fatal to the state, if the church were overthrown. How much more fatal would it be to religion; to the peace and purity of religion in this country! Consider, for a moment, the consequences which would ensue, if the constitution of our church were at this time to be destroyed. There would follow, probably, a scene of religious anarchy and licentious opinion in this land, no less to be dreaded than if the monarchy itself were dissolved. Let every man, then, who loves his country, and knows how to appreciate religious liberty, pray for the stability and permanency of the Church of England.

2. Another subject of devout gratulation on this day, is the increase of true religion generally throughout these realms, among all denominations. Though it be

true, that infidelity, and superstition, and

enthusiasm, and corrupt doctrine, are to be found in many places, yet it is probable that there never was a time, since the æra of the Reformation, (judging from the most authentic records of our history) when there existed more unfeigned piety and true religion than at this day; I mean that " pure religion and undefiled," which proveth itself by its fruits; which adorneth the Gospel with good works, and sheweth forth, in a conspicuous manner, the christian graces and virtues in the conduct of its professors. That there exists an increased attention to religious duties, and a consequent melioration of morals, in many places, will be admitted by every one who has had the means of forming a competent judgment on the subject. It may be profitable and interesting to inquire, what have been the causes, under Providence, of this improvement.

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