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way for it, will have still more abundant reafon to adore that good Being, which has all along protected it from the enemies which have rifen up to do it violence;-but more especially, in a late instance, by turning down the councils of the froward head-long,—and confounding the devices of the crafty,—so that their hands could not perform their enterprize. -Tho' this event, for many reasons, will ever be told amongst the felicities of these days ;— yet for none more so,—than that it has given us a fresh mark of the continuation of God Almighty's favour to us :—a part of that great complicated bleffing for which we are gathered together to return him thanks.

Let us, therefore, I beseech you, endeavour to do it in the way which becomes wife men, and which is likely to be most acceptable; and that is,-to pursue the intentions of his providence, in giving us the occasion— to become better men, and by a holy and honeft converfation, make ourselves capable of enjoying what God has done for us.—In vain shall we celebrate the day with a loud voice, and with fhouting, and with trumpets,-if we

do not do it likewife with the internal and more certain marks of fincerity,—a reformation and purity in our manners.-It is impoffible a finful people can either be grateful to God, or properly loyal to their prince. They cannot be grateful to the one, because they live not under a fenfe of his mercies;-nor can they be loyal to the other, because they daily offend in two of the tenderest points which concern his welfare.-By first difengaging the providence of God from taking our part, and then giving a heart to our adversaries to lift their hands against us, who must know, that, if we forfake God, God will forfake us. Their hopes, their defigns, their wickedness against us, can only be built upon. ours towards God.

For if they did not think we did evil, they durft not hope we could perish.

Cease, therefore, to do evil;-for by following righteoufnefs, you will make the hearts of your enemies faint, they will turn their backs against your indignation,-and their weapons will fall from their hands.

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Which may God

grant, through the me

rits and mediation of his Son Jesus Christ, to whom be all honour, etc. Amen,

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SERMON XIV.

Follow Peace.

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