manner, and above all other people, to extend the precept of Mercy to every object of it. For, indeed, a Cruel Chriftian is a Monfter of Ingratitude, a Scandal to his Profeffion, and beareth the Name of Chrift in vain: and in vain will he plead the Mercies of GOD in Chrift Jefus, when he appeareth before the GOD of univerfal Nature. As is the Majefty of the LORD fo is his Mercy *-unto Merciful Men, whofe Righteousness Shall not be forgotten †. But, as his Mercy is great, fo is his Correction alfo; for he judgeth a Man according to his Works ‡. Cruelty will debar MERCY even in the FATHER of Mercies, and cut off all HOPE even in the GOD of all Comfort.

* Ecclus. ii. 18.

+ xliv. 10.

xvi. 12.

He that hath fhewed no Mercy, Shall have Judgment without Mercy:* and, in the righteous judgment of GOD, he will at length be forced to confefs with Adonibezek ;-As I have DONE, fo God hath REQUITED me. Judges i. 7.

Let me intreat thee, then, O courteous Chriftian Reader, by all that is amiable, just, and good; let me intreat thee for GOD's fake, for CHRIST's fake, for MAN's fake, for BEASTS' fake, yea, and for thine own fake, Put on (as an Elect of GOD, holy and beloved) Bowels of MERCIES, Kindnefs, Humbleness of Mind, Meekness. Make it your business,

efteem it your duty,

* James ii. 13.

believe it to

+ Col. iii. 12.

be

be the ground of your hope, and know that it is that which the Lord doth require of thee-To DO JUSTLY, AND TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD. See that no BRUTE of any kind, whether intrufted to thy care, or coming in thy way, fuffer through thy neglect or abuse. Let no views of profit, no compliance with cuftom, and no fear of the ridicule of the world, ever tempt thee, to the leaft act of Cruelty or Injustice to any Creature whatsoever, But let this be your invariable Rule, every where, and at all times, to Do UNTO OTHERS AS, in their condition, YOU WOULD BE

DONE UNTQ.

After this general Precept, all further Rules for thy conduct are unnecef

unneceffary. I fhall therefore add no more than to exhort thee, to BE MERCIFUL AS GOD IS MERCIFUL; to BE MERCIFUL AS YOU HOPE FOR MERCY; and to receive with Reverence and Attention THE BLESSING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST,

BLESSED

ARE THE MERCIFUL,

FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN
MERCY.

業

L.D.