let us commit our caufe unto him, and "he "will bring it to pass."

V. Finally, if we would preach the word with effect, let us ever bear in mind, that example is the life of precept. In vain shall we attempt to instruct others in wisdom by our discourses, if in our lives we exhibit the evidences of folly. Let not the keen reproach of our Saviour to the Jewish teachers be applicable to us: "The Scribes and Pharifees fit in "Mofes' feat. All therefore whatsoever they "bid you obferve, that obferve and do; but "do ye not after their works: for they fay " and do not."

O, firs, preaching though a fmall, is yet an important part of our minifterial office; but, if we stand not on the folid basis of public esteem and confidence, how can we expect the word preached by us, to be received with any degree of deference or refpect. He, who spake as never man fpake, acted as never man acted. His

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life was the faithful tranfcript of his word. He went about continually doing good, whilft he preached the good and acceptable word of the Lord. Whilft we inforce his example on others, it is highly incumbent on us to follow it ourfelves. May we imitate his piety, his humility, his refignation to God,-his meeknefs, his kindness, his benevolence to man! may it be our meat and drink to do the will of our heavenly Father, to fulfil the miniftry which we have received of the Lord!

The circumstances of the times imperiously demand our utmost exertions in the cause of truth and righteoufnefs. Our country claims the payment of our immense debt of gratitude. The interefts of religion and virtue, of social order and rational liberty, of every thing that ought to be dear to us as Men,-as Britons, and as Christians, call upon us in these awful and perilous times, with a warning voice, not to flumber on our posts; but to be watchful, to be vigilant, that we may adorn the doctrine

and profefsion of our faith, and preferve, and extend the blefsed influence of religion on those who are committed to our care. Let us accept the challenge of a learned and liberal dissenting minifter*, and lay afide our controverfies about the peculiar ceremonies, opinions, and practices, by which different focieties of Chriftians are diftinguished. Let the "only "rivalry felt in future be, who shall most ad"vance the intereft of our common Christianity; "let the only provocation sustained be, that of "provoking each other to love and good "works." Let us, divested of every other spirit, but the genuine spirit of Chriftianity, faithfully, earnefly, plainly, and fimply PREACH THE WORD, and may the blefsing of God go forth with it, and bring forth fruit abundantly, to the comfort of our flocks, the welfare of our country, the credit of our religion, and the everlasting falvation of minifters and people.

*Robert Hall, M. A. Cambridge.

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These suggestions I fubmit to your confideration, my reverend brethren, and shall trefpafs no farther on your time, than while I addrefs a few words to our parishioners, who are here affembled from all parts of this extensive Deanry.

It is recorded of God's ancient people, that "the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard "it." The fame effect is too much to be lamented in thefe our days,-does it not proceed from the fame caufe, from your not hearing the word with a suitable difpofition of mind? Remember, that the feed which fell upon good ground alone brought forth fruit an hundred fold: that is, as the Divine Sower himself explains it," who in an honest and good "heart, having heard the word, keep it, and "bring forth fruit with patience." Who hear with a fincere defire to be inftructed in the will of God, in order that knowing it, they may faithfully fulfil his will. But while fome of you attend the preaching of the word, as

a mere matter of form, in compliance with cuftom, or from motives of vain curiosity; whilst fome of you wander from one place of worship to another, ever panting after something new, and distracting your minds with oppofite and jarring doctrines, and many of you but feldom and occafionally attend at any place of worship; whilst some of you cannot relish the doctrines, and others fhrink from the duties of the gofpel, is it to be wondered at, that our preaching is attended with fo little vifible effect? much may depend on your ministers, but be afsured, much alfo depends upon yourselves. We cannot fave you, and God will not fave you, (though it is he that "worketh in you both to will and to do, of his good pleasure,")

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you will not strive to "work out your own "falvation." Let me then entreat you to be fellow workers with us in the great business of our calling. We cannot ferve you if you will not endeavour to serve yourselves. "Receive" then "with meeknefs the engrafted word, which is able to fave your fouls." We ask not the