observance of our religious duties, as the most effectual means of applying a remedy. We are beset with difficulties, encompassed with troubles, threatened daily and hourly with invasion from abroad, surrounded with more inveterate enemies at home. Our finances are reduced to that exhausted state, as to demand an additional load of heavy taxes that affect the poor as well as the rich-public credit is at its lowest ebb. Faction again has reared its Hydra's head, and scattered its deadly poison over the land. A formidable host of busy reformers again display their terrific banners, under the name of United Irishmen, united, indeed, to spread desolation wherever they have erected their standard; but how unworthy the name of Irishmen, who have conspired to betray their country into the hands of a foreign enemy! Boldly and impiously do they avow their design of overthrowing all religion and all govern ment-the cry of No Church, and No King, is echoed through their councils, and applauded by their infatuated followers. How can we better prepare ourselves to counteract these pernicious designs than by a public and frequent display of our zeal for that religion they despise, and our unanimous support of that government they seek to overthrow!-hitherto it has pleased the Almighty in his gracious providence to defeat their designs. Have you, my brethren, been truly thankful for his merciful interposition, and by gra titude for past favours deserved a continuance of his protection? Have you exerted yourselves as warmly in the service of God, as in your worldly concerns? have you duly frequented his holy temple, and hallowed his Sabbaths? or have you not grudged to dedicate one hour in one day of the week to the worship of your Creator and Preserver? What! have you neglected the Lord in the moment when you stood most in need of his assistance, and do you expect he will go forth with your hosts and give you victory in the battle? The appearance of neglect on the day of thanksgiving, but too well justified the suspicion, this day confirms it. But let us hope the omission is not general; the churches in the metropolis, perhaps those around us are now echoing the prayers of the righteous. We are but a part of the community; but if we are small and of no reputation, shall we therefore forget his commandments? Let us make ourselves conspicuous for our zeal and attention to the service of God rather than be signalized for our want of religion. If we expect a blessing upon our endeavours, let us omit no opportunity of imploring the protection of that Almighty power, without whose aid the wisdom of the wise is vain, and the multitude of an host is weak. He alone is powerful to deliver us from the hands of our enemies, to crush the mightiest force, and bring to nought the most subtle designs of human policy. Hear us, then, O! merciful God, for the sake and through the merits of our only Saviour Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord. SERMON XXXV. 2d. EPIST.TIMOTHY, CHAP. iii. VER. 14. Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures. IF ever these words which were addressed to a particular people have been capable of being applied with the same force at any period to any nation since the days of St. Paul, it is certainly in this trifling age of false philosophy and idle speculation. Perhaps they may have been necessary in every period, for it seems as if mankind |