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transacted with the utmost solemnity. No look was innocent which had not a religious cast; no word or expression that was not fetched from Scripture, or intoned to a religious accent; no action which was not consecrated by a religious motive. In short, no event could happen, however casual and insignificant, that was not interpreted as an immediate interposition of the Deity, to reward or punish according to such rules of justice as the partial wishes of its blind interpreter had established in his own mind. But to such a height of romantic extravagance were these pious pretensions carried, to such base and wicked poses were they often applied, that in the end they lost all their credit, and dropped into downright contempt. And this contempt exceeded all bounds when the monarchy was re-settled on the return of its rightful heir. The peculiar character of this Prince concurred with the general temper of the nation, to bring about that change of manners and maxims which forms a new æra; for the change was not more signal with regard to politics than to morals and religion. Passive obedience and non-resistance where the chief points inculcated from the pulpit and the press: what was chiefly to be learnt in the world was a professed indifference or contempt for Religion, and every thing serious and sacred. Many who where unable to join in this contempt out of principle, pretended it out of fear. And this is that

other species of Hypocrisy which I undertook to explain, the existence of which could hardly be credited, if the history of those, and the experience of more modern times did not assure us of - its reality.

There have always been, as at this time, men, neither naturally vicious or immoral, nor habitually so; as little averse to religion as to virtue; inwardly conscious of the excellence of both, but outwardly no friend to either. Nay, there are instances of persons, who, studious to counterfeit bad qualities which they have not, and to conceal the good ones which they actually have, are unable to accomplish their preposterous purpose of deceiving the world to their own disadvantage. Nature, in spite of all the efforts of perverted industry, refuses her consent, belies their behaviour, disavows their maxims, nor can endure to see that Virtue she has nursed and fostered become the victim of an idle vanity. This prompts men to concur with abuses authorized by custom, I had almost said sanctified by fashion. This restrains them from many good acts, which pute among their superiors, whom guides in opinion and practice. may well seem, that neither the truth, nor a regard to their own welfare, nor a consideration of public good, nor compassion for their country, nor charity for the world, should withhold them from this unnatural association

are not in rethey adopt for Astonishing it reverence for

with unprincipled and abandoned men.

The

worse the world is, the more need it has of examples proper to reclaim it. If the age is so degenerate, the morals of the people so corrupt, that religion is despised and ridiculed, the more need there is of patrons to espouse and defend it. In such a situation, is it not the meanest cowardice, the most scandalous perfidy, to desert or betray it? Is it not the height of folly for a good man to become accessary to the general depravity merely for want of heart to oppose it? If we would have goodness maintain its ground, if we would not see it supplanted and extirpated, we must openly take its part: we must stand up for it against the many and the mighty, who by their interest, and authority, and example endeavour to discourage and disgrace it. It is not a shy reservedness, it is not invisible thoughts, or affections of heart, a tacit or timorous assent to its worth and excellence, and inward and secret veneration for it, that will bring virtue into request and vogue. No! To accomplish this, all good men must appear to be engaged on its side, must unite their scattered forces, that the visible succour and countenance of numbers may add weight to their cause; as the justness of their cause will add weight to their numbers. Certainly, if any thing can bring about a reformation and amendment of the world (without which even in its present prosperity cannot subsist), it must be the

resolute concurrence of good men to avow virtue in the face of it, to honour the profession and practice it, by such a frank and open avowal.

And how can a man better deserve of his country, than by concurring to stop the progress of sin; to prevent the spreading of its infection, and the infliction of those severe judgments which overgrown villainy and triumphant wickedness will derive upon it?

How can we better deserve of posterity, than by providing every security of virtue now; than by seasoning the minds of our contemporaries with those excellent principles which will be transmitted with advantage to future generations?

How much are we ourselves indebted to the wisdom and spirit of our fore-fathers, who, in spite of the reproaches and calumnies of their adversaries, undertook and accomplished (with the blessing of God) the great work of reforming religion when deeply corrupted, and of reviving liberty when almost extinguished? The common interests of both demanded the public profession of their sentiments; it was dangerous to give it, but they gave it frankly and freely; far from dissembling their piety or smothering their conscience, to humour those who had neither.

If we add to such illustrious examples those of the Apostles and primitive Christians, we shall soon learn to despise the favour and anger of men whenever our duty requires us to oppose their

inclinations, or restrains us from indulging them. The recollection of such resolute integrity will greatly contribute to secure and strengthen our own, but much more the sense of God's protection. For He, as governor of the world, the patron of goodness, the rewarder of virtue, is in a manner bound to encourage those openly, who openly maintain his cause, acknowledge his authority, promote his glory and interest. And this He hath promised to do in express terms: "Them that honour me (saith He) I will honour;" and "Whosoever (saith our Lord) shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the Angels of God.”