pear soured with party-principles, and "alienated one from another in such a "manner, as seems to me altogether incon"sistent with the dictates either of reason or religion *"

As I have endeavoured to discountenance the virulence of political differences at home, I would venture to recommend the same moderation with regard to those neighbouring nations, which are sometimes distinguished by the name of natural enemies. In the first place, I give my pointed opposition to the name; for however enmity may be natural in a man's own breast, it never can be so with respect to our fellow creatures. Though public offences may be committed, it is contrary to true policy, it is contrary to true religion, to make reprizals by invective. The balance of nations is in the hand of Providence. God only knows on which side justice reigns. It is more than probable, that in most cases the offence is mutual: in all, it is certain, much must be forgiven. "Be not there"fore wise in your own conceits. Recom* Spect. 125.

pence to no man evil for evil." This moral precept is as true of national quarrels, as of those of individuals. "If thine

enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing (as the artificer melts his metal when he uses it, by exposing it to the action of heated fuel, so "thou shalt heap coals of fire on his "head." Even the horrors of war have been mitigated by the introduction of christianity-let christianity then have its proper effect" be not overcome of evil, but over"come evil with good."

Convinced though we may be, even by rational reflection, that we ought to regard our enemies with an eye of kindness, yet without the interposition of divine grace we shall not be enabled to perform so acceptable a service. The natural passions, urged on by the impetuosity of human conduct, find many enemies to combat: but he who is influenced by a mild and compassionate religion, looks upon no man as an enemy; and if he has suffered an injury, he is the first to forgive it too.

N° XXVIII.

On the Christian Sabbath.

So sung they, and the empyrean rung
With halleluiahs: Thus was sabbath kept.

MILTON.

WERE the wisest of men, and the profoundest of scholars, to consult upon a method the most likely to impress an important doctrine upon the world, it is probable that they would adopt that which christianity pursues. I do not say that human reason could devise these, or means like these, to produce this important end, but when they are propounded from the depths of divine wisdom, the reason of man seizes the happy revelation, and converts it to the benefit of mankind.

Various are the plans of Providence to effect its own designs. Like the revolution

of

produce.

of the planets around the globe, each keeps its proper order, yet sheds that degree of lustre which it was originally intended to This has constantly been the case since the sun began its course; and with progressive brightness, knowledge, of which that is the emblem, will continually increase still more and more unto a perfect day. Christianity is one of those steps of knowledge which brings us nearer to perfection, and the ordinances which she prescribes are the means of accomplishing this great purpose. So long as the world remains, external institutions must remain likewise. We are creatures of sense, and require an outward as well as an inward motive of action. It is the praise of christianity that these motives are so united under her influence as to work together for the benefit of society. Baptism and the Lord's supper, hearing, reading, praying, &c. are all of this nature; and to these I may add, a proper observation of the christian sabbath.

But before. I pursue this latter subject, I must premise that it is not with a superstitiou

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stitious reverence that any of these means or ordinances must be enjoyed. The purest food may be the vehicle of the most subtile. poison. It is neither the washing of water, nor partaking of bread and wine-it is neither attending to the most eloquent preacher, nor reading the most elegant discourse it is not even lifting up our hands to heaven, or submitting to the ordinary formalities of a sabbath, that will entitle us to the priviledges of the gospel. It is the inward impression alone, to which these, important though they be, are only auxiliaries, that must give an efficacy to all our performances. The Spirit of God which moved upon the great abyss at the creation of the world, still moves upon the surface of the Christian's heart. It is the influence of this Spirit which gives life to our religious services; it is this which alters the corrupt habits and dispositions of men; is this which changes their very nature, which makes the adulterer chaste, the drunkard sober, the voluptuary a lover of God, the revengeful mild and placable, and

it

the