duct, a single doubt with respect to the foundations of their religion,-to wrest from them, even by carelessness or levity, any of those consolations on which the head of poverty and age may rest,— or to dim, to their believing eye, those hopes and expectations which irradiate that humble grave where " the weary" "to be at rest."

long

Alas! my brethren, it were cruel also to yourselves. Life, with all its power, and all its riches, must have an end; and there is an hour coming, when all will be forgot but the use that has been made of them. In that hour, you would dread to think, that your example had been the cause even of present sorrow to your people,-that your severity had embittered the happiness of those whom you might have blessed, or your vices contaminated the purity of their ancient manners. Alas! is it not still more aw

ful to think, that your example may penetrate into eternity;-that your levity may have raised doubts which ended in unbelief; that your carelessness may have taught the simple to throw off the yoke of religion;—and that, in the final ruin of those souls which the providence of God had consigned to your care, you yourselves may have been the fatal instru

ments.

Such then are the virtues which may be exerted, and the means of usefulness which may be employed by those whom Providence has placed in this favoured condition of society. Go, then, my brethren,―return from the fatigues of business, and the tumult of unreal pleasure, to the calm joy and the dignified occupations of rural life! Return, but like the sun "when he goeth forth in his might.” to give beauty to the scenes of nature, and happiness to the dwellings of men,

It is your noblest character to be considered as the fathers of your people. Go then, and to the young impart the means of instruction, and spread the light of knowledge amid the obscurities of life, and maintain the proud distinction which learning has given to your country. Go, and awaken in manhood the spirit of industry, and give to the hand of labour the hope of independence, and exert that noblest charity which is not satisfied with relieving poverty, but which prevents it. Go, still more, and be the "leaders of your people "in the way of righteousness;" and while you employ the benevolence of men in guiding them in peace through things temporal, employ the greater benevo lence of Christians, in guiding them in hope to things eternal.

Nor ask for a reward of your labours. To be thus employed is itself happiness,

It is to be fellow-workers with the Father of Nature, in the prosperity of his people, It is to give men to society,-citizens to your country,-and children to your God.

SERMON XI.

ON THE THANKSGIVING FOR THE VIC

TORY AT TRAFALGAR.

ST MATTHEW, xvii. 4.

"Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord! it is good for us to be here."

WHEN Our Saviour carried his disciples up into the mount, and was transfigured before them, we read, in this chapter, that St Peter, overpowered with the vision of glory which he was permitted to see, exclaimed, in holy rapture, "Lord, "it is good for us to be here!" It is