such defensive measures, must inspire us with courage. Look round then, O BRITONS! on your native land, thus prepared on every side for the attacks of the enemy. At former periods of our history, we, in the hour of danger, put ourselves into a similar posture of defence; our enemies were discomfited-we led on our armies to victory!

To cherish a spirit of courage, when no means have been taken for our safety, might be justly deemed rashness and presumption. It would be the height of madness and of folly. Whilst, on the other hand, employing the means which reason suggests at so awful a crisis, not to rely upon these means, would be a species of insanity. The connection of means with an end, is warranted by the soundest philosophy. Think of this in the hour of danger-revolve it in your minds at this perilous moment. It will banish fear, increase confidence, and impel to the vigorous discharge of the duties, which you owe your COUNTRY.

Lastly, BRITONS, Be of good courage, for you look up to Heaven for its blessing. I have already expatiated on the justice of your cause,

and on the proper means taken for mutual defence and protection. But all will be of little avail, should the SUPREME BEING withhold his approbation. The race (says the wisest of men) is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor riches to men of understanding. Let every thing be done with submission to the will of Heaven. The Lord reigneth! he increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them. God is Judge, he putteth down one, and setteth up another. He is a great King over all the earth, he hath prepared his throne in the Heavens, and his Kingdom ruleth over all.

And have we not some reason to hope and trust in this great Being at the present alarming crisis? As Men—as Britons-as Christians, ought we not most devoutly to implore his presence and blessing? No country under heaven has been more distinguished for its natural, civil, and religious advantages. Our lot is fallen unto us in pleasant places, and we have a goodly heritage. Our lovely island, distributed into hill and dale, has, within its bosom, every thing necessary for the subsistence and comfort of its inhabitants. Its soil is fertile-its climate temperate-its produce marked by an endless variety.

Its government likewise is of that mixed kind which seems best calculated, by avoiding the evil of extremes, to secure the greatest portion of good to those who live under it. However capable of improvement, as every thing human is, we know that it is in every respect highly favorable to practical liberty. The Revolution of 1688, ascertained our rights with greater precision, and placed them on a firmer foundation. We all feel the benefit resulting from that memorable change; but Protestants, and Protestant Dissenters cannot look back to it without exultation and joy.

The religion, professed in this country, is CHRISTIANITY. We are neither involved in the shades of paganism, nor are we bowing down at the shrines of idolatry! The doctrines, the precepts, the institutions of the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST have, for centuries past, been made known in our land. The glad tidings of great joy have been proclaimed, and our ears have heard the joyful sound. Besides, having the free and full exercise of the right of private judgment in religious matters, we are left at liberty to form our own sentiments, and to put in practice our own mode of worshipping the Deity. Inesti

D

mable privilege!-unspeakable blessing! Adopting therefore a pure and rational system of faith, our whole business is to see that it operates to the purification of the soul, and to its preparation for the blessedness of heaven. And shall WE, Britons, heedlessly suppose, that the Deity, having bestowed upon us such natural, civil, and religious advantages, will abandon us to the ravages of a merciless and brutal enemy? For ages have we enjoyed the blessing of God upon our country, and he will not forsake us in this our hour of difficulty. Repenting of all our sins, and confiding in his mercy, we shall still dwell under the shadow of his wings. Trusting in him with our whole hearts, and turning from all our iniquities, he will not consign us over to the devouring sword! No-He is a lover of righte ousness and a hater of iniquity. Hath not Jehovah said, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin. and HEAL THEIR LAND!--Say ye not then a confederacy to all them to whom this people shall say a confederacy-neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the LORD OF HOSTS HIMSELF, and let HIM be your fear, and let HIM be your dread, and HE SHALL BE YOUR SANCTUARY.

In times past, even the most eventful on record, has the Supreme Being wrought deliverances for BRITAIN! Witness the Spanish Armada, (already noticed) when their proud vessels sank as lead in the mighty waters! This deliverance is mentioned in preference to others, for the case is in point. The enemy vaunted himself proudly—our lives and our liberties were in imminent danger-they stood trembling on the edge of a precipice, and a step more would have sealed their destruction! Let us humbly look up to God for similar aid, and certain will be our deliverance. However dark may be our prospect in some respects, however lowering the horizon-in the mount of danger is seen the efficacy of divine interposition. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God-the shields of the earth belong unto God-he is greatly exalted— only when the host goeth forth against their enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing. Upon Mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness, and THE HOUSE OF JACOB

SHALL POSSESS THEIR POSSESSIONS.

Such then are the grounds on which I call you, my Brethren, TO BE OF GOOD COURAGE.