by all good men. Careleffnefs and indifference towards the stated Ministers of religion, countenances infubordination, and the self-sufficient levelling spirit from which fo much evil has arifen, and fo much is to be dreaded, in these times. All the parts of duty and of proper conduct, are closely connected together, whatever affects the one affects all the reft, more or lefs. The influence of want of duty, or of failing in duty, towards the Ministers of religion, and of want of duty or failing in duty towards other fuperiors, is very obvious. The fame criminating spirit that reprobates the one will be forward to condemn the other: the fame confidence of improvement and melioration, respecting the one, will be maintained respecting the other. Separatists from their parish Ministers are very apt to “ fpeak “evil of dignities," and to underrate and overlook the bleffings and privileges, though fuperior and distinguished, which they enjoy. Innovation in church matters, encourages, and prepares for, innovation in the state; and cherishes a temper and character different from that which is recommended and exemplified in the facred Scriptures. "Pray "for "for the peace of Jerufalem: for kings and all "that are inauthority," fays our apostle,“ that "we we may live quiet and peaceable lives under "them, in all godliness and honesty, &c." 4. I ADD one evil more, much to be deprecated and deplored, connected alfo with thofe now mentioned, begging you to reflect how much it is to be guarded against, and how much you ought to fhun and difcourage every thing by which it is cherished, directly or indirectly the neglecting of family religion, and performing its duties imperfectly, efpecially on the LORD's day. On this fubject I have often addressed you, with much earnestess, in public and in private. You have been told, and I beseech you feriously to confider, the mifchiefs arifing to children and to fervants from heads of families not doing their duty as Chriftian parents. If they do not teach them, if they do not fuperintend them, publicly and privately, if they put it out of their own power to affift and encourage their families, in acquiring religious knowledge, and in engaging in religious exercises: I need not say what the natural natural confequences will be. But are these prevented by those parents who follow divifive courses? One travels to one place, another to another: the young family is left behind. The mafter goes one way: the fervant. goes another: a journey is made backwards and forwards. It is thus not infinuated only, it is loudly proclaimed "All is wrong, there "is danger" by those whom the fervants and the young family naturally confider as their examples. Authority, inspection, countenance are withdrawn when they are of the greateft effect and reftraints on idleness, diforder, difrespectful behaviour, mispending the LORD's day &c. are removed. By mentioning thus evils to be lamented and guarded againft, I recommend a firm and steady attachment to the Church of Scotland, and would fave you from that levity and indifference towards the church; that forwardness of crimination, and that innovating spirit which unhappily fo much prevail. "ESCHEW evil and do good:" by the advantages to be expected and fecured, as well as by the evils to be faved from and prevent ed, ed, we might enforce the fame exhortation. But if darkness is expelled, the light shines : if fickness is removed, health is restored: representing the evils fhunned and removed, we exhibit the happy state and effects of a steady attachment to the church; in Minifters being refpected and useful, and happy: in parishioners being dutiful and inftructed, and edified and comforted: in order and peace, and harmony being promoted in fociety; and in religion forwarded in the family. THE evils we have brought in view have exifted more or lefs, from the very beginning. That they have increased in this country in the laft fixty years and upwards, has been obferved and regretted: that is to say, in the period of feparations from the church, and innovations in religious matters. There is no question that innovations and feparations have greatly contributed to increase thefe evils. And, if former divifions and new plans have produced them, what shall we think of those which are now going forward and receiving fome encouragement? From what has already been seen and heard, and felt, may easily be collected the confe quences, quences, fhould the countenance of many be given, to the schemes of the day. What may be expected from affuming and exercifing a fort of apoftolical powers; projecting and putting in practice a new method of teaching Christianity; difcrediting and turning from the wifdom and experience of our forefathers; making light of academical education and preparation for the ministry; emptying the churches; gratifying curiosity, &c.? Lay itinerancies, as already attempted, and as they are projected, on account of their tendency and effects, feem more hoftile to the usefulness and comfort of the Ministers, and to the good of the people, of Scotland, than all former fects and feparations. your My friends, for your regular attendance on the ordinances of religion, and refifting divifive courses; and for dutiful regards to your Minister, I have a fair opportunity of doing you justice, and giving you due commendation. The exhortation however is not unneceffary: " pure minds are to be stir"red up by way of remembrance:" many unawares have been carried away farther than was proper in countenancing innovation : ftability, Y |