a different description of instructors, and this sometimes against the testimony even of the converted party. Such are the fruits which prejudice and weakness are calculated to produce and this leads me to conclude, that where such principles prevail, there cannot be a stronger proof of a deficiency in the Christian character that is actuated by them; for, even allowing in some respect, the common plea, which they who usurp the clerical office, are ever ready to advance, viz. that, if Christ be preached, and souls are saved, no matter by what instrument the work is done, since they that are not against us must be for us; still, the effect is not at all established by the bare parade of such plausible expressions; for, till it can be shown that there are good hopes of a valuable harvest, by the proper produce of the general fruits, we may with greater show of reasoning defend the supposition, that, if Christ is preached, and souls are saved, by adhering to the church into which its members were initiated in their earliest infancy, and where the utmost means of grace may be obtained (unless the parties are wanting in their own endeavours), this is by far the least exceptionable method of proceeding; and having so many substantial arguments to recommend it, which the other wants, there can be no immediate necessity for the assistance of private zeal, or the intervention of a party not

duly called, nor regularly qualified to interfere. In short, it is manifestly injurious to the Christian cause in general, to lower the efficacy of the regular appointment of divine Providence, purposely ordained to train its servants in their duty; and through a bigoted preference of new fangles, to deny the possible benefit that may justly be ascribed to the established system: this discovers a temper very wide of universal charity, and wholly unbecoming a genuine Christian spirit.

The last mark I shall produce, that warrants a suspicion of disaffection towards the interests and prosperity of the Church, will be self-evident; for every person of the most moderate understanding must instantly perceive the natural and unavoidable consequence of habituating children to an attendance upon solemn forms of worship in any other place, but where their parents and themselves have been accustomed to perform their religious services, or to pay the same deference and respect to lay and self-appointed teachers, as to their own ministers. Such early habits of dissent gradually wean them from due attachment to the established mode of the worship of their country. And it is impossible to forbear observing, without a degree of treachery to the interests of that church which I am bound by every proper principle to maintain, that, let the view be ever so flattering, in

a partial light, and cherished by the most ardent zeal, yet, the granting to youth an opportunity or permission to attach themselves to separate communities, tends to fill their minds with unfair prejudices and dangerous conceits, since they cannot possibly be competent judges, at their early age, as to the juster estimation that is presumed to warrant the irregular example set them. Such conduct is assuredly most opposite to a sterling veneration for the Church, and the opinion of her sufficiency to train her members for salvation; and thus the valuable influence of early education is evidently counteracted. Whatever persons may persuade themselves to fancy, on the other side of the question, they are not aware what general future mischief, and little present private benefit, they are effecting by such inconsiderate courses; for, when young people are accustomed to be instructed by a variety of strangers, of whom they know no more, than from the continual praise that is heaped upon them, when they see them exercising power, as by their own authority; such united circumstances cannot fail to lessen their former attachment and respect, not only to their resident ministers, but even to the sacred office, for which they will not be apt to retain any deference or due regard, when they witness some

of the lowest of the people universally usurping the privilege of discharging it.

In this part of my Address I feel more particularly called upon to deliver my sentiments ingenuously, and without reserve, because I consider the subject of the utmost importance to the honour and prosperity of both Church and State; and, unless the legislature interferes with some salutary measures to check the growing mischief attending the artifices of the invaders of the ministerial office, a very short time will evince the fatal consequence of supineness in repressing this most serious evil. I speak from no bigoted opposition to any regularly established and judiciously tolerated places of worship of our dissenting brethren professing GENUINE Christianity, whose well-educated and duly qualified teachers do credit to the serious and diligent mode of public instruction, and the respectable proof they can afford of their capacity for the sacred duties in which they may be employed in the peculiar department allotted them, and who, I am well convinced, did they wisely value the liberty and protection they now enjoy, and duly appreciate their own best interests, would liberally disregard all immaterial difference of outward forms and ceremonies, and rally round that pure standard, under whose banners alone, freedom from Papal power, and ultimate slavery, can ever be found. INFATU

ATION Only, can account for a contrary deportment, which must inevitably prove fatal to the Protestant cause. Great is the evil that proceeds from the vast variety of independent preachers that infest the country, who rove up and down, seeking to seduce the weak and wavering from the sober forms and salutary doctrines which they have been accustomed to respect.

Surely, nothing can be more disgraceful to religion in general, or more detrimental to our Church establishment, than the daily licenses so readily allowed, for a trifling pecuniary consideration (often obtained by the vulgar candidate, merely as an exemption from his legal service to the state), and which tend to sow the seeds of disunion throughout the realm through such free indulgences to the most illiterate members of the community, by which they are authorized (without examination of their abilities, and often under positive conviction of their ignorance) to usurp the sacred function. Thus abundant emissaries are supplied to various heterodox sectaries, whereby so many tools of dissent from the Church, and disaffection to the government, are continually multiplying. This is a subject of very serious moment, and is naturally suggested at this time, foreseeing, as I do, the imminent peril that awaits a neglect to suppress the error.