and it was very near being too late, that our Affection to an Establishment, on which our whole Happiness depends, revived, after an Indifference, that foreboded immediate Ruin. Let us never forget more what we have been so seasonably convinced of now: but always esteem as highly our Laws and Liberties, and the auguft House that fecures them, as we did in that Hour, when the Hazard of lofing them was moft imminent. But let us amend in every other Point alfo : and while there is yet Space to repent*, become a fober-minded, frugal, industrious, honest, and united People. For we cannot else continue a free one: neither the Justice of God, nor the Connexions of human Affairs will permit it. These then are fundamental Rules of private Prudence. With thofe of public Wisdom we have no Concern here, beyond two Particulars. The First is, our Obligation to pray, that God would incline those, who are in Aúthority over us, to confider seriously what have been the Caufes of our Troubles, and direct them to proper Remedies: would enable them to preserve, both in Punishments and Precautions, the true Medium between too great Rev. ii. 21. M Severity Severity and too great Indulgence: would inftruct them, how to reconcile all that wish well to the Community; and how to prevent others from renewing any more our Sufferings, or their own. The Second is, our confequent Obligation to distrust our own Judgment, rather than theirs, in Matters of fuch Difficulty; and to use our faithful Endeavours, that what they determine may become effectual. But how rightly foever we are disposed in these refpects, if we continue to entertain the fame Contempt of Religion, which we have manifested for a long Time paft, it is in vain to truft, that God will continue to deliver us. How much, or how little Forbearance he may exercise, cannot be faid: but fooner or later, except we repent, we must perish*. For, let us think of it or not, He is the Ruler of the World: and he will approve himself to be fuch, by inflicting on those, who flight him, the Vengeance they deferve. Indeed, could he leave them to themselves; as the Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom †, to cafting it off is the Inlet of Folly. Reli Luke xiii. 3. Pfal. cxi. 10. Prov. ix. 10. gious gious Motives are the only ones, that cạn, in all Cafes, either prompt to what is right, or reftrain from what is wrong, with fufficient Force: and when this Tie is broken, no other will hold. Reafon plainly fhews it: Scripture hath repeatedly foretold it: the Experience of all Ages confirms it and there is no Room left for us to carry the Trial further, without utter Destruction. We have been finking for a great while, in proportion as we grew vicious and profane, till at laft we were plunged in the very Depth of Distress. Once more however, after seeming quite rejected, we have received a kind. Encouragement. But if we let Judgments and Mercies both be loft upon us; what can there remain, but final Ruin? Think then with yourselves, why should we not now return to God? Gratitude is a generous Principle of Action: and he hath furnished us with an Opportunity for it. Hope is a nobler one than Fear alone. And who can tell, what Hope there may be yet for this Nation, would we but apply to our offended Father with virtuous Penitence? He can raise us Friends where we leaft expected it; and change the Hearts of our bitterest Adversaries. M 2 For For he refraineth the Spirit of Princes, and is wonderful among the Kings of the Earth *. When the Ways of a Man pleafe the Lord, he maketh even his Enemies to be at Peace with him. But if their Enmity continues, he can check, he can break their Power, at its very Height: and ftrengthen the Hands §, direct the Counfels, profper the Undertakings of his People; fo that no Man fhall be able to ftand before them. For His is the Greatness, and the Glory, and the Victory, and the Majefty : For the Kingdom is the Lord's and He is the Governor amongst the Nations. Let it be thy Pleasure, O Lord, to deliver us: make Hafte, O God, to help us. Let all those that feek thee, be joyful and glad in thee: and fuch as love thy Salvation fay alway, The Lord be praised ++. * Pfal. Ixxvi. 12. 1 Chr. xxix. II. + Prov. xvi. 7. |