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to set them an example of a quiet and peaceable behaviour; and to assist their prayers for kings and all in authority.

Nor should private Christians relax their diligence in attending on divine ordinances, mutual edification, and the duties of their several relations in life, to form such associations, or concert such measures, as not only excite the jealousy of rulers, but induce the world to conclude that they are as selfish and ambitious as their irreligious neighbours; and in many other ways give the enemies of the gospel an occasion of speaking evil of them, and of the holy doctrine they profess. On the contrary, it behoves us in our several stations to support that government which protects and tolerates us: for "the world lieth in the wicked one," and it is absurd to expect favour in it beyond protection and toleration.

We profess to seek heavenly treasures and honours; and we should not seem desirous of the perishing distinctions of this world, which commonly ensnare those who obtain them: if we are Christians indeed, we are travelling to heaven and all our earthly prosperity or adversity will soon be swallowed up in the joys of eternity. If we can do any good by the way, we should readily embrace the opportunity: if any thing contrary to our consciences be required of us, we should meekly refuse compliance: if we be abridged in our civil privileges, or have hard measure from the world, let us not marvel or murmur, but bear it patiently and cheerfully, as the disciples of a crucified Redeemer. This conduct will most con

duce to our comfort and edification; and best "adorn the gospel of God our Saviour," by "put

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ting to silence the ignorance of foolish men."

Though liberty, as distinguished from licentiousness and anarchy, liberty civil and religious, personal and political, be very desirable, even to the utmost extent that human nature in its present state can bear, and that can consist with God's plan of subordination, which is manifest in all his works and all his word; and though we should aim, by every peaceable and proper method, to promote it in every land: yet we should shew a decided preference of that liberty which Christ bestows on his redeemed people; for without this the most celebrated and successful champion for civil liberty must continue for ever the abject slave of sin and Satan.

VII. Lastly, It becomes us to "sanctify the "Lord of hosts himself, and to let him be our “fear;" that, humbly accepting of his salvation, trusting in his mercy, grace, and providence, committing all our concerns into his hands, valuing nothing in comparison of his love, fearing nothing but his frown; we may make it our great business to glorify him by our worship and obedience. Thus we should seek deliverance from those fluctuating hopes and fears which agitate the minds of others as appearances very: we should not expect much additional comfort on earth from the most promising changes; nor yield to trepidation or despondency in times of danger or public calamity; and we should shew that we are "not "afraid of evil tidings, as our hearts are fixed,

"trusting in the Lord," "whose kingdom is an "everlasting kingdom, and whose dominion en"dureth to all generations:" that so, manifesting "that our minds are stayed upon God, and kept "in perfect peace," when "the hearts of others are "moved as the trees of the wood are moved by "the wind;" we may convince all around us that they only are blessed who trust in and serve the Lord.

SERMONS

ON

PUBLIC OCCASIONS:

WITH

A TRACT ON THE SIGNS AND DUTIES

OF THE TIMES.

ARE THERE NOT WITH YOU, EVEN WITH YOU, SINS AGAINST THE LORD YOUR GOD?

2 CHRON. XXVIII. 10.

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