which is contained, all counsel, and all wisdom, and all excellence.

Its truths are of divine authority, let us all, beloved in the Lord, sincerely believe them; its laws are just and benevolent, let us conscientiously obey them. It is in all respects adapted to our necessities, accommodated to our wants, promotive of our happiness. The affection, now contemplated, is believed to accord with its spirit, and to cooperate in its design, to make men happier, more virtuous, more pious, more conformed to the will of God, more instrumental to the happiness of each other. If this be its tendency, we surely need not extinguish those strong desires, which are implanted within us; or resist those considerations of utility, as well as of gratifi cation, which impel to friendship. But these impulses and estimates are to be sanctified by the spirit of our religion, that their result, together with all our sentiments and actions, be made subservient to this noblest cause. To this let reference be had in the happiest intercourse of prosperity, by tracing up the streams of joy to the source of felicity; ascribing the beauty, and fertility, and plenty, and

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health, and every good gift, which we behold or enjoy, to the munificent author of all our blessings. Let sympathy, too, aim to lead us in the sorrows of life to eye the hand of mercy. The stormy wind, or the blasting mildew, that lays our hopes low in the dust, fulfils his word; as the smiling sunshine reflects his light. Let warm sincerity secure all practicable exertions for advancing the intellectual, moral, and religious character of our valued friends., Thus, as well as by participation in joy and sorrow, is attachment strengthened and enliv ened. While then we delight to believe and proclaim the just deserts of those, whose praise is musick to our ears, in reference to the powers and attainments of their minds, as well as the good dispositions and amiable qualities which they display; let us above all other things be glad when in truth we can claim the highest title for those we love, the reconciled friends, the obedient children of God.

And, finally, let all be included in the arms of our love who love the truth as it is in Jesus, and who hold fast the blessed doctrines and hopes of his gospel, walking in newness of life, and in new obedience. Let the bonds of

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 abundantly 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.

THE DUTY, FOUNDATION, AND EFFECTS OF THE

LOVE OF COUNTRY.

TAST AFTERNOON, VII APRIL

JEREMIAH Xxxx. 7.

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

OF

F 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