ing to the East, and to give to divine revelation the possession of its FIRST Inheritance. But that spirit of indifference to all religion which prevails amongst many, would oppose the attempt. We would offer to the fainting Gentile the waters of life, and open to him new sources of instruction and consolation; but, in like manner, as the Philistines filled up the wells of Abraham, so would these destroy the fountains of truth. But, we trust, "that the WELLS SALVATION,"* which have been already opened, will never be filled up, but will endure from age to age, and continue to refresh the soul of the thirsty Hindoo, like the like the streams in his own desert.

OF

But to return.-An attention to the com

* Isaiah xii. 3.

G

fort of the poor, from common motives of policy and humanity, has existed amongst the Mohammedans also and the Chinese, in some proportion to their existing prosperity and We collect then from these

political sway. facts, that the

chief glory and peculiar honour of the benevolent institutions of our own nation are not derived from their attention to the personal comfort, but to the moral and spiritual interests of men. And it is the union of these objects which constitutes the true charity of the religion of Christ.

There is another source of the increased attention to religion in this country, which demands our grateful acknowledgement on this day; and that is, the laudable desire, now so general in the nation, oF COMMUNI

CATING RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE TO OTHER

NATIONS. The beneficial operation of this

solicitude, for the happiness of others, is far more extensive than is generally supposed. And it is natural to expect it. For, even if the solicitude were unnecessary, if the success were visionary, yet the endeavour is virtuous. It is, of itself, it must be confessed, a noble and disinterested purpose; and the exercise of it tends to improve the very best principles and affections of our nature. But the effect is no longer doubtful. The concern for others hath had a reflective and salutary operation on ourselves by exciting more attention to religion at home. Thus have we experienced that mercy is twice "blessed, blessing him that gives and "him that takes." Thus have we proved the truth of our

"Give, and it shall be

Saviour's words;

given unto you;

GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN, AND

G2

66 SHAKEN TOGETHER, AND RUNNING OVER, "shall men give into your bosom.”*

And these, my brethren, are the blessings of a religious and spiritual nature, for which we ought to express our thankfulness on this day; first, that the faith of our national church remains

unmoved by the assaults of infidelity: and secondly, that true religion is increasing generally throughout the land.

These blessings have been vouchsafed to us under the auspices of a KING, who is truly a DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, and " a nursing father to his people." Thus hath it pleased Divine Providence to distinguish the reign of King George the Third by circumstances of high

*Luke vi. 38.

and lasting honour. There are two events which we have not yet mentioned, that are sufficient of themselves, to consecrate the memory of his reign, throughout all generations.

f

The first event is, the abolition of the slave trade." In his days" the REPROACH of Britain hath been taken away; and a Jubilee hath been given to Africa for

ever.

The other event is the establishing of the Bible society. By means of that institution, Great Britain may be now represented as standing in the attitude of presenting the wORD OF GOD to all the world; a blessing of greater magnitude than any other which the world can ever receive from Great Britain as a nation.