Rest likewise on the Rock of ages, and

banish all

your fears.

Dread not the

presumptuous boasting, nor the arrogant threats of powerful foes.

66

Behold," as it

is written in the book of the Lord," the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon, his boughs were multiplied, and his height exalted above all the trees of the field-therefore, saith the Lord, because his heart is lifted up I have delivered him into the hand of the mighty."

On the divine pleasure depend all the revolutions of states and of empires. And when we contemplate the wreck of surrounding states, when fallen thrones pass in review before us, let us listen with reverence to an awful voice, saying in the scene of desolation, the hand of the Lord hath done this. The various vicissitudes in our own lot are likewise ordered by divine providence, and under every trial let us display Christian fortitude, and exercise

Let

becoming trust in him whose " kingdom ruleth over all. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not also receive evil?" The very evil in our estate is conducive to our improvement. no calamity, therefore, which we may be doomed to endure, shake our faith in a superintending providence; but rather dispose us to acquiesce devoutly in all its dispensations. For how often has afflic tion been a mean of extirpating many a noxious weed which grew in the luxuriant soil of prosperity? Affliction has called forth into view the latent virtues, increased our moral dignity, ennobled, in short, the whole character. Besides," the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed." The secret anticipation of this glory, combined with suitable trust in a gracious providence, has often supported the soul under the severest pressure of

distress. To a mind depressed with the prospect of danger, to spirits wasted with anxiety, to a heart distracted with care,— is it possible to present such a remedy on this side the grave, as that which is derived from a cordial reception of the doctrine which I have this day declared?-a doctrine which has frequently inspired intrepidity amid the din of arms, and animated the hero among all the hazards and hardships of battle,-a doctrine which has often solaced many a venerable parent, when bidding adieu to his children; and likewise cheered the wandering emigrant, and the weary exile, in dreary regions, and on distant shores!

SERMON V.

ON THANKSGIVING.

Preached 19th December 1797, on the day of a National Thanksgiving, appointed by Government on occasion of a Naval Victory.

66

PSAL. 1. 14.

Offer unto God thanksgiving."

GRATITUDE is a natural principle of the human heart. The history of every age confirms the truth of this remark: For, while it exhibits some men so mean and so base as to be capable of ingratitude, it also exhibits them incurring, on that account, the disapprobation and the indig

nant scorn of the better part of their species. It represents the concurring voice of mankind to be strongly in favour of gratitude. Is not the instructor, for instance, who taught the principles of useful knowledge, and formed the mind to the love of goodness, in our early days, met in future years with glad and grateful eye, and reckoned worthy of our particular regard? Again, has the defender of his country fallen in its cause?—With generous emulation his countrymen endeavour to perpetuate the remembrance of his virtues. The sculptured marble has often transmitted the image of the hero and the patriot to posterity; the monumental inscription borne testimony to his merit; and the historic page recorded his fame.

But the principle already mentioned operates with peculiar force, when directed to the supreme Benefactor of the human race. Both in the rude and refined periods