charity in every refpect conformable to the gofpel of Chrift, and in every view honourable to the times in which we live. I cannot in justice conclude, without faying, "and in every refpect honourable to you, its benign and unwearied fupporters, directors, and managers." From the happy knowledge of many of you, I have been enabled to draw that picture of the benevolent man, which I gave you at the beginning; for you exemplify the character. Go on in that work, the establishment of which abundantly teftifies the goodness of your hearts, and the reality of your religion : the conduct of which, abundantly teftifies the delicacy of your fentiments, and the strength of your judgments. Go on, fecure of the eftimation and applaufe of the virtuous and the valuable: fuperior to the little taunts of meaner thinkers, fuperior to all the oppofition which weakness of understanding, or malevolence of heart would throw in your way. That charity is not perfect which is intimidated or difcouraged by difficulties in the profecution of its just and upright purposes. Firm in your benevolence, and extenfive in your generous profpects, go on; and you will fee the good work profper under your hands. You are engaged in an honourable, a delightful enterprize. God is for you, and he will crown your endeavours. You shall enjoy, what is infinitely beyond every other fatisfaction, the the fervent thanksgivings of many parents made happy by your means; you fhall enjoy the bleffing of many, once ready to perish, but who, thro' your charity, are now refcued from the depth of mifery and despair, and restored to hope and comfort. Induftry, when it hears of it, fhall praise you: your country shall hold your names in honour and efteem. And what is a confideration far fuperior to all, the great God, who looks down from heaven, with peculiar complacency upon acts of love and benevolence, fhall guard you with his more especial protection in this world; and reward you, thro' the merits of his son, with distinguished honour in the world to come. "Yes, bleffed Lord, may they all inherit that glory! all who contribute to this chriftian dedefign! all who contribute to the reclaiming loft fouls! Oh may they all enjoy thy continued protection, thy peculiar favour! fhield them in every danger; guide them in every difficulty: bless them in their going out, and in their coming in bless them in their domeftic, bless them in their public life; blefs them with all defirable bleffings below; and bless them moft, when most they want thy benediction, in the time of disease, and at the hour of death! Do thou, O God, make their beds in their fickness: do thou, graciously sustain them in their last agonies: And in the tremendous day of judgment, do thou kindly kindly remember their works of mercy, and fulfil in their behalf, thine own most faithful promise, "That they who are wife, and turn many to righteoufnefs, fhall fhine as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever!". Amen. |