Imatges de pàgina
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clearly enjoined" by the Redeemer himself; when no weapon is employed by the enterprizing adventurer but that of the Spirit; when the friendliest affections prompt his zeal; and the object in view is eternal life; when, I say, the authority is unquestionable, and the means blameless; the motive so pure, and the end so glorious-O! let not the hard heart of Infidelity prophane such a virtue, as this, with the disgraceful name of fanaticism, or superstition.

Nay, Candour, methinks, should be ready to make allowance for some real defects or miscarriages, which will ever attend the best performances of mortal men. What though some

error in judgment, some impropriety of conduct, some infirmity of temper, I had almost said, some imbecillity of understanding, be discernible in the zealous Missionary? Something, nay much, may be overlooked, where so much is endured for Christ's sake. It is enough that the word of the Cross is preached in simplicity and godly sincerity. He, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, will provide that even the frailties of his servants contribute, in the end, to the success of so good a cause, and the display of his own glory.

Matth. xxviii. 19. x 2 Cor. i. 12. y 2 Cor. xii. 9.

Thus much I could not help saying on the behalf, and in admiration, of a CHARITY, which intends so much benefit to the souls of men, which brings out so many shining virtues in its ministers, and reflects so much honour on the Christian name. They that feel themselves unworthy to be made the immediate instruments of carrying on this great work of conversion among savage tribes and infidel nations, should bless God for the nobler gifts of zeal, and resolution, and fortitude, which he has bestowed on others; and should promote it by such means as are in their power, by their countenance, their liberality, their counsel; by a strenuous endeavour, in this humbler way, to spread the honour of their Saviour, and the invaluable blessings of his Religion, to the ends of the world.

Thus shall we make some amends for those multiplied mischiefs, and, I doubt, injuries, which our insatiable Commerce occasions; and second the gracious designs of an all-wise Providence, which brings good out of evil, and turns to his own righteous ends even those VICES which our boisterous passions produce, and which He sees it not fit, in this our day of trial, to prevent or restrain.

Lastly, Thus shall we act as becomes the professors of that Religion, which is divine, universal, perfect; in one word, the gift and the likeness of HIM, who is THE SAME YESTERDAY, TO-DAY, AND FOR EVER.

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A

SERMONA

PREACHED BEFORE

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

THE HOUSE OF LORDS,

IN THE

ABBEY CHURCH OF WESTMINSTER,

ON MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1786,

BEING

The Anniversary of KING CHARLES'S MARTYRDOM.

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