one Lord, one faith, one baptism, be strong to connect us as brethren of one calling in Christ Jesus. And let no minor differences, in regard to the mysterious doctrines of his religion, be allowed to alienate those who are of one body in the Lord, and each members one of another. May the love of God be abun dantly shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost. May HE more and more teach and sanctify all the professed followers of the meek and benevolent Saviour; animate them with the spirit of meekness, gentleness, and love; more and more may they be enabled and disposed to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace; and the God of love and peace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

AMEN.

NOTE.

A HIGHLY valued christian friend and brother has referred me to Melmoth's Notes on Cicero's Essay on Friendship, for some comments on the objections against this virtue and also to a valuable Sermon on the subject, by Bishop Porteus. The former writer has been consulted, and is cordially recommended. [See N. LXIX. p. 432. 8vo. ed. Lond. 1807.] The reader will find much to admire in the Essay of the great Roman orator and philosopher; and especially will be led to acknowledge the blessing of divine revelation, by observing the defects in the moral precepts of the most enlightened heathens. Melmoth notices a tract of the incomparable Jeremy Taylor, "The offices and measures of Friendship." This truly great and good Bishop needs but to be named, to excite the most lively interest.

酱

THE DUTY, FOUNDATION, AND EFFECTS OF THE

LOVE OF COUNTRY.

FAST AFTERNOON, VII APRIL.

JEREMIAH XXIX. 7.

"Seek the PEACE of the city, and pray unto the Lord for it for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace."

Or temporal blessings, Peace is usually and justly classed among the chief. It is most favourable, if not essentially requisite, to happiness, improvement, and virtue, in families, churches, and communities. Correctly understood, it neither implies nor includes submission to ignominious vassallage, nor acquiescence under oppressive wrongs, by a people. As applies to the highest interests and duties, those which are connected with the means and institutions of religion, it

is as far removed from the sluggish and noxious calm of lukewarmness and indifference, as from the storm of fanatick passion, and the whirlwind of controversial rage. In domestick connexions, it is not apathy nor insensibility, but mutual forbearance, and kindness, and love. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." "Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices, with , strife."-" Is Christ divided?" "We, being many, are one body in Christ." "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts;" "speaking the truth in love;" "endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.". "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, of them that make peace." In the sublime description of the Messiah's character, by "the evangelical prophet," after a contrast of the joy and peace of his government with the "battle of the warriour, which is with a confused noise and garments rolled in blood ;" it is added, among other glorious titles and attributes,." his name shall be called The Prince of Peace."

It may suffice to have hinted the general nature and effects of christian and social peace.

It supposes zeal and fervour-it qualifies and sanctifies these by meekness and charity. Of publick peace, which is chiefly intended for present consideration, it is scarcely necessary to observe, that by a common and natural figure, this important part is often used for the whole of the civil blessings, which nations enjoy. In its literal sense, it is indeed one of the choicest goods, which heaven confers on men. In its more extensive signification, it comprehends a regular and beneficial arrangement of all the various parts of a political system; their proper connexion and due balance proceeding in some humble degree of resemblance to the order and harmony, which we behold with admiring and adoring awe, in the universe of God.

To seek His counsel and blessing, in order to the enjoyment of this most desirable condition for ourselves, our relatives, friends, and country, is a bounden duty of all; it is the delight of the good and the pious. To refer to His approbation and direction, all the methods which are devised and pursued for this and every valuable design, is the dictate of nature, the impulse of sensibility, the law