With this evil is. connected another, namely, an entire renunciation of terms importing refpect and courteousness. The flightest observer might have discovered that the Prophets and Apoftles were equally careful in expreffing, according to the ufage of the times, an outward veneration and obeifance. To ftifle refentment, to restrain impetuofity, and to conciliate affection, are the grand purposes for which the wifeft men have acceded to established modes, and fubmitted to ceremonious reftrictions. Thus we become all of us fubject one to another, and inferiority of ftation is not excluded from proper deferénce and regard.

To brand with reproach thofe profeffions which are neceffary for the defence of the nation in general, and of the life, liberty and property of individuals is not lefs an evil in itself, because, from the paucity of the communion whence it originates, no actual mifchief is felt. They fhew fufficient inclination to enjoy the benefits of extenfive commerce and permanent poffeffion, and yet very ungratefully disparage the means by which those benefits are to be acquired and preferved, little confidering that to partake of the fruits of iniquity,

iniquity, would be to partake of iniquity itfelf; and not at all reflecting that to preclude redress of flagrant and notorious grievances, is to encourage infolence, oppreffion, and injuftice; that we are almoft as much indebted to the interpreters, as we are to the firft framers, of our laws; and that ingenious arguments, followed by judicious decifions, give stability and certainty to many points, which the irremediable imperfection of the laws themselves has left undecided.

That contention of every kind is carried on with unbecoming rancour, and frequently upon frivolous pretences, cannot be denied. Remedies are allowed for injuries apparently trifling, but those acts which, taken fingly, are of no confideration, may become formidable by repetition. One wilful encroachment is perhaps a prelude to many more. The laws fpeak not the language of revenge but fecurity; the fword itself is drawn to fecure the olive branch.

The foregoing flight review of the evils arifing from Separation may tend to confirm our own faith, and increase our gratitude to that Church, which keeps us at an equal dif

tance

tance from levity and gloominefs, from defpair and prefumption, from uncharitable cenfure, and affected candour. With popular prejudices and trite accufations, with those reflections which one communion of Chrifftians wantonly deliver against another, we have no concern.

Nothing can properly create reprehenfion, but that which is openly profeffed and avowed; nothing ought to be alledged from imperfect furmife, or remote deduction. Abfurd confequences may enfue, which men do not forefee. Long continuance in any perfuafion reconciles the mind, and eftablishes habitual approbation.

Whatever is good and laudable in any denomination let us ftudioufly follow, always remembering that, though not united together in the vifible Church of Chrift, we have fellowship in the invifible, that we are all heirs. of the fame promises, partakers of the fame grace. May we gradually prepare ourselves, even during our outward difunion, for the happy union which we all fincerely wish for among the Spirits of just men made perfect.

SERMON

SERMON VIII.

1 JOHN iii. Part of Verfe 2.

IT DOTH NOT YET APPEAR WHAT WE

SHALL BE.

I'

F what has been already delivered may

tend to leffen mens prejudices against the Church of England, if it may shorten controverfy, and enforce mutual forbearance, the most fanguine expectations will be fulfilled. There are, however, abufes under the best establishment, for which the first framers of that establishment are not answerable. Thefe abuses increase the number of Separatifts, who, not making the proper diftinction between our principles and our practice, afcribe the perverfions of the latter to the imperfections of the former. In taking a review of

the

1

the present state of Religion, we ought, with a becoming freedom, and yet without prejudice or malignity, to point out the reigning vices and errors of the age in which we live. After which will be fubjoined fome conjectural Remarks upon Prophecies which yet remain to be fulfilled.

And first, let us point out the reigning Vices and Errors of the prefent Age.

To compare it with paft times is neither juft, necessary, nor practicable. It is not juft, because, if the wisdom and experience of those who have gone before us have not added both to our knowledge and our goodness, we are much worse than they. It is not neceffary, because, if we should appear to advantage, the misconduct of others will be no excufe for ours. It is not practicable, because the memorials of former times only furnith us with a few characters, confpicuous for their virtues or their vices, while the generality were either unknown, or are forgotten. Historians indeed, of lively imaginations, exhibit what they deem a faithful picture of the most barbarous and uncivilized people; they please the fuperficial, and they deceive the

unwary,