honourable channel-to be displayed because of the truth.* You are impelled, then, to action, not only as Servants of your King, and defenders of your Country, but as Champions in the cause of CHRIST. As fuch, I have already obferved, it is not probable you will have an opportunity of putting your zeal and courage to the test. Let us not, however, be too confident in this idea. The times and the feafons are not in our own hands-we know not what events even a day may bring forth-we know not how far a juftly offended GOD may think proper to vifit the fins of this nation, nor what means or instruments he may employ for the purpose. This we know, that the ftrides of the Enemy have been lately rapid beyond all expectation; and, though the prospect may not yet be fuch as to alarm, it must be at least admitted, that danger is nearer than it was before. Should, then, this danger ever actually come upon us—and, in consequence, should these Banners, now unfurled in this Sanctuary, be fet up in the face of an enemy-let me entreat you to confider them as fet up in the name of your God-let me entreat you to call to mind, the intention of the Solemnity of this day-Enter into the spirit of your Commander in appointing it. Do not regard it as a fcene of gaudy pageantry, or a vain and pompous ceremony, calculated to flatter and amuse—but as a religious and devout act, by which you come into the presence of Almighty GoD, and folemnly devote your fouls and bodies to the fervice of Him and your Country. Then, the fight of these banners, connected with this idea, will ftimulate you to the most vigorous exertions.-Should you ever fee them in danger, you will perform deeds of heroic valour in their defence-you will form around them an impenetrable rampart with your bodies-and never fuffer the facred ́enfigns of religion and patriotism to be fnatched * Pfalm lx. 4. from from you as trophies of glory for Infidels and Traitors-till the powers of life are exhausted-till the finews of your arms are loofenedand the last struggle, for all fublunary advantages, is at an end. FINIS *** The extraordinary length of this Difcourfe, being more than double that of Sermons ufually printed, is the reafon for its being fold at the additional price of one half. PUBLISHED, BY THE SAME AUTHOR, The GOVERNMENTS of FRANCE and ENGLAND: IN A SERMON, Preached on the FAST DAY, 1793. |