'THE theatre is not yet opened, wherein solid happiness can be found by man.' God ne­ver designed we should enjoy compleat felicity in this state of discipline. Every scene that opens upon us, in the present drama of human life, has in it an in­termixture of good and evil. The most prosperous and happy condition is attended with many unavoid­able sorrows and troubles. There is also a certain proportion of good to be found in the most adverse and distressing circumstances. In prosperity we find enough of evil to wean us from this world, and teach [Page 4] us to seek for happiness in that better country, which christianity opens to our view. And in adversity we experience so much of the undeserved goodness of God, as affords abundant matter for thanksgiving, and lays a foundation for hope and trust.

But such is the perverseness of our nature, that prosperity is apt to make us forgetful of God and our future interests; and adversity, to fill our minds with murmuring and despondency, and to turn off our at­tention from the many mercies that are intermixed with our troubles, and which demand our grateful acknowledgments.

In times of calamity, men are apt to confine their views too much to the dark side of things, and, look­ing through the gloomy mediums of doubt and dis­trust, to wrap their minds in clouds of ominous dark­ness, and fill them with anxious anticipations of fu­ture evils, which may never happen. From hence arise unworthy thoughts of God and his providential government, inconsistent with that grateful and re­signed frame of mind, which it becomes us as rea­sonable creatures, and as christians, to cultivate and preserve "through all the changing scenes of life." Did we but frequently turn our eyes off from the dark, and fix them upon the fair and bright side of things, we should find ourselves surrounded with so many mercies, even in the most unfavourable concurrence of events, as would, at the same time, serve to mitigate our sorrows, to excite our gratitude to God, and en­courage a religious and cheerful dependance on his providence.

Though the dispensations of divine providence are sometimes overcast with clouds and darkness, yet even at such times, we are not left wholly destitute and for­lorn; [Page 5] but have many experimental evidences of the paternal care of our heavenly father. Some rays of di­vine goodness shine through the darkest scenes. And if, religiously resigned to the will of God, we behave well, in times of trouble, we have reason to hope, that in the issue of things, good will come to us out of evil. For that God consults the good of his crea­tures, not only in the mercies he bestows, but in the evils he brings upon them, during their state of pro­bation, is a truth, which no one can doubt of, who entertains just apprehensions of the perfections of his nature. Justice and righteousness are the pillars of his throne; and his dominion is founded in infinite wisdom, equity and benevolence.

But, besides an attention to the many blessings, that are mingled with the troubles and afflictions of this life, it would be well for us, in all times of adversity, distress and danger; and whenever the aspects of providence are dark, and our minds are agitated with anxious sollicitudes about the event of things; to turn our thoughts back upon past favours, and reflect on the manifold mercies we have already received. This would tend to banish all murmuring, distrust and ill-boding apprehensions from our minds; to awaken those grateful sentiments for favours past, that are re­quisite to prepare us for the reception of future need­ed mercies; and to dispose us to exercise such an humble and cheerful dependance on the goodness of God for all necessary succour and relief, as would be a mighty support to our spirits, under the most griev­ous outward trials and calamities. This, as appears from the passage at the head of this discourse, was the method which the Psalmist took, to raise himself from despondency, and encourage his hope in God, in a time of distress and affliction.

[Page 6]What the particular calamities were, that the psalm­ist here refers to, or whether they were of a publick or private nature, we cannot perhaps certainly deter­mine; but it is plain they were such as lay very hea­vy on his mind, and caused him almost to doubt of the goodness of divine providence. "His complaints, as one observes, seem to be of personal grievances, but the encouragements relate to the public concerns of the church: If they were private troubles that he was groaning under, we are therefore taught that what God has wrought for his church in general, may be improved for the comfort of particular belie­vers: If it was some public calamity, that he is here lamenting, his speaking of it so feelingly, as if it was some particular trouble of his own, shews us how much we should lay to heart the interests of the church of God, and make them our own."

The Psalmist under melancholy fears and presages respecting the issue of his troubles, and almost ready to renounce his hope in God, expresses himself in the language of a disconsolate, deserted soul, walking in darkness, with scarcely one reviving ray of light, to comfort and cheer it. Will the Lord cast off forever? And will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone forever? Doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath be in anger shut up his tender mercies? But as he is going on in this melancholy strain, he suddenly checks himself, with that word, Selah. He pauses, and, on a mo­ment's reflection, finds that his thoughts had taken a wrong turn. This is my infirmity, says he; that is, these distrustful thoughts of providence; these gloomy fears and apprehensions, are owing to my weakness and wrong views of things. And in order to reco­ver himself from this state of dejection, and encou­rage his trust in God for deliverance, he calls to mind [Page 7] his past favours and loving-kindnesses. I will remem­ber, says he, the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember thy wonders of old, &c.

The text does therefore, naturally suggest the fol­lowing observation, viz. That in times of trouble, dif­ficulty and danger, a grateful commemoration of for­mer instances of divine mercy and goodness, would be of excellent service, to keep us from desponden­cy, and to encourage a cheerful hope in God, and de­pendance on his providence for all needed salvation.

I presume, my hearers, you all believe that the pro­vidence of God presides over the world, and inter­poses in all human affairs; that all second causes and subordinate agents are subject to his government; that no events happen contrary to, or beside his will, po­sitive or permissive; that riches, and honour, and prosperity, come from him; and that all adversities and calamities, whether public or private, are order­ed by him. Without such a faith as this, we cannot take a single step towards a religious improvement, ei­ther of mercies or afflictions. Such a faith is neces­sary to lay a foundation for gratitude in prosperity, and for resignation and trust in God in adversity. This faith is the support of good men, amidst the con­fusions and disorders, the wars, tumults and revolutions of this world, and in all times of hazard and danger. Such men, believing that all things are subject to the superintending providence of God, infinitely wise and infinitely gracious, cheerfully refer themselves to his mercy, in confidence that he will so dispose events, as shall be for their interest and advantage, on the whole. Upon the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, they depend; and are ready to say with the Psalmist, God is our refuge and strength, a very present [Page 8] help in trouble: therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, and the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

God is an immutable being. He is the same yester­day, to-day, and forever; without any variableness, or shadow of turning. Unchangeable in his nature and perfections, his power, wisdom and goodness endure forever. And therefore, as in his past dealings with us, he hath given a full demonstration of his infinite benevolence, and the brightest evidences of his merci­ful disposition towards us, it becomes us, while with gratitude we recollect the same, from thence to en­courage ourselves still to hope and trust in him, what­ever difficulties and troubles, we may be involved in.

We short-sighted mortals can see but little way in­to the vast scheme of divine providence. There are no certain principles upon which we can proceed in calculating the revolutions of the secret wheels there­of. We are unable to trace things into their various connections, or to look forward into all their remote and distant consequences The most perplexed and calamitous circumstances, and gloomiest appearances of things, are no sure indications of God's having for­saken us finally. In the hidden, and to us uncertain connection of events, the most afflictive dispensations of providence, may be best adapted to promote our well-being. As God treats us as beings in a state of trial and discipline, so it cannot be reasonably doubt­ed, but he will order all events respecting us, in such a manner, as his infinite wisdom shall see best calcu­lated to promote our happiness, taking our present and future existence into one connected view. In this view, the troubles and calamities, which we meet [Page 9] with in this world, may be considered as disciplinary corrections, proceeding from the mercy of God, who hath assured us, that, although for the present, they are not joyous but grievous, yet, if we improve them aright, they will finally work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Nor have those things which are grievous to us, for the present, a be­neficial tendency in reference to our future state on­ly; but they may also be meant for our good even in this world, and be designed in providence to prepare the way for our greater prosperity and outward feli­city. The good patriarch, Jacob, when he cried out, All these things are against me, little thought how wonderfully providence was working for the salvati­on of himself and his family.

Whatever unfavourable conclusions, any persons, in the despondency and dejection of their spirits, may draw from the publick troubles we are now involved in, the supreme. Governor of all things may have in­tended them for the opening a way for the exaltati­on of the American colonies to the highest pitch of glory, honour, opulence, and renown. He, we know, is able to defeat the designs of aspiring ambition, and to over-rule the oppressive and arbitrary schemes that are now formed against America, for rendering her more honourable and important among the nations, than she would otherwise be. The present uncon­stitutional and violent ministerial politicks, for aught we know, may have been permitted by him, with a view to roll the ball of empire over to this Western world; and to make this land, (maugre the utmost efforts of powerful ambition and tyranny) the happy seat of peace, liberty, learning, arts, virtue and religi­on; where, if any miserable people, in other quarters of the globe, after being stript of the blessings of free­dom, and having their necks galled, beyond human [Page 10] patience, with the cruel yoke of bondage, should be driven in their extremity, to seek a safe retreat, they may find a secure asylum from slavery and oppression, and quietly enjoy the fundamental rights of human nature. Should this be the effect of the vigorous ex­ertions of the noble patriots and sons of freedom, who, at the risk of their lives and estates, are now engaged in the defence of their country, against the violent as­saults of arbitrary power, unborn millions will rise up and call them blessed; and their memories will be dear to all posterity, and will more deservedly receive the honours and praises of future generations, than the memories of many renowned heroes of antiqui­ty, who are justly infamous in the view of every lover of human kind, for being celebrated chiefly for the successful havock and devastation they committed among their fellow-creatures, and the misery and wretchedness which they spread through the world.

But whatever favourable or unfavourable conjec­tures any one may make, we know that the event of things is in the hands of God. We are unable to un­fold the volumes of futurity; and therefore we can­not with infallible certainty determine, what will be the issue of the present civil commotions and hostile contests. However, let us, this day, in imitation of the Psalmist, by a grateful recollection of past favours, cheer and encourage our hearts, and endeavour to raise our confidence in Almighty God, the supreme disposer of all events, who can easily break in pieces that yoke of bondage, which is prepared for our necks. The wonderful interpositions of his providence in fa­vour of our worthy ancestors, who, in order to re­move themselves out of the reach of civil and eccle­siastical tyranny, and to enjoy unmolested the bless­ings of liberty, voluntarily exchanged the fair fields of Britain for the inhospitable wilds of America, may [Page 11] encourage us, their posterity, in the present day of difficulty and danger, to put our trust in him, and to refer our cause to him, in hopes that he will prosper our exertions for the defence of those invaluable pri­vileges, that were so dearly purchased by them.

When we consider that the grand motive, which induced our forefathers to leave their native country, and to transplant themselves into the uncultivated de­sarts of America, where they were sure of meeting with the greatest hardships and difficulties in acquir­ing a comfortable subsistence, was a love of liberty, the blessings whereof they were not permitted to en­joy on cheaper terms: When we consider also the many indubitable proofs, which the American colo­nies have given, from the beginning▪ of their loyalty and firm allegiance to the British sovereigns, and their warm affection for the parent-state; and likewise that Great-Britain has been amply repaid for all the ex­pence she has ever been at in protecting them, by re­gulating and restricting their commerce in such a manner, as to secure the principal advantages and pro­fits thereof to herself:—When we consider these things, how unjust and cruel must it appear in her, to attempt to deprive us of our dearly bought and un­forfeited liberty, and reduce us to servitude and bon­dage? Will she never let us rest in peace, until we come to that place where all the weary are at rest? Is it not enough that she drove out our progenitors by the iron rod of tyranny and oppression, and forced them to flee for refuge into the howling wilderness of America? Will she also pursue us, their posterity, into these remote regions, to chastise us with the same iron rod, for no other fault than that of being a free peo­ple, and being resolved to continue so? One can hardly think of being thus pursued from Britain into the deserts of America, without recollecting that pas­sage [Page 12] in the Revelations, And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place; where she is nourished—from the face of the serpent: And the serpent cast out of his mouth water, as a flood, after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

Depotism has for some time been advancing with alarming strides against American liberty. For seve­ral years past, we have been involved in a controver­sy of a most interesting nature with Great-Britain; a controversy, which strikes at the root of our civil, and greatly endangers our religious ^* liberties and privileges. The British parliament, in which we are, in no sense, represented ^†, have in pursuance of an assumed right to make laws binding on the colonies, in all cases whatsoever, passed many grievous acts, tending to tear up our constitution by the roots, to rob us of freedom, and subject us to a state of inglo­rious servitude. Alarmed at these proceedings, the colonies have reasoned, have remonstrated, have peti­tioned, but all in vain; they who controul the coun­cils of Great-Britain, being determined, as it seems, it all hazards, by force and violence, to carry their oppressive schemes into execution. Since the last an­niversary of this sort, things have been driven to ex­tremity, and America has been reduced to the disagre­able necessity of resisting to blood. British troops have stained their honour, by drawing the sword and commencing hostilities against their brethren and fel­low [Page 13] subjects, for the base purpose of enslaving them. They have wantonly ravaged and destroyed some of our maritime towns. Our capital, once the seat of peace, prosperity and opulence, wrested from its pro­per owners, they have made the seat of violence and all the rigours of military despotism. Many of our bre­thren, driven from thence and from other sea-ports, have been obliged to seek an asylum in the country, from the unprovoked insults and outrages of these instruments of ministerial vengeance and ambition. Some of our brave sons have been slain in battle, whose memories are dear to us, for having fallen in defence of their country. Unwearied pains have been taken to rouse the Canadians and the savages of the wilderness against us, and excite them to fall on our frontiers. In short, every iniquitous method hath been attempted, for bringing slavery and misery upon us.

But God hath not forsaken us in these times of dif­ficulty and danger. He hath shewn mercy to us in a variety of instances. Many beams of his goodness have shone upon us through these dark scenes. The Canadians and savage Indians hath he inspired with friendly dispositions, and defeated all attempts to pro­voke them to draw the sword against us. Our Wes­tern expedition hath he remarkably prospered, giving into our hands many important forts and garrisons of our enemies, and enabling us to penetrate into the heart of Canada. He hath also smiled on our mili­tary operations in this province, and given such effi­cacy to our arms, as has enabled us to confine the main body of ministerial forces within narrow limits, and, in spite of all their pretended skill and power, to prevent their breaking forth, and making those hos­tile excursions into the country, which they intended, and by which the dishonourable designs, upon which they were sent here, were to be forced into execution. [Page 14] And though they may boast of victory in the never to be forgotten battle of Charlestown, yet it was bought at the expence of so many lives on their side, that a few more such victories would prove their total defeat.

It also demands our grateful notice, that the supreme disposer of all things, who has access to all minds, and influences them as he pleases, has inspired the co­lonies with one heart and one soul; and by inkindling within them that ardent love of liberty, which glow­ed in the breasts of the first settlers of this country, and which has all along been a distinguishing charac­teristic of New-Englad, has disposed them to unite as a band of brethren, for the defence of their common liberties and privileges, against the hostile invasions of arbitrary power.

It becomes us also, with thankful hearts, to ac­knowledge the goodness of God to us, in bestowing on us a great variety of private personal blessings, a­midst the public calamities which have fallen upon us. Amidst the dark aspects of providence, in refer­ence to our public affairs, we have enjoyed competent supplies of food and raiment, and been favoured, not only with the necessaries, but with many of the de­lights and pleasant enjoyments of life. And although in addition to our other troubles, God has been plea­sed this year to send the pestilence into many of our towns, whereby we have been bereaved of many of our dear friends and relatives, and to visit us with a severe drought, which prevailed for a while, threat­ning us with famine; yet through his good provi­dence the voice of health is again restored, and the earth has yielded her increase in sufficient plenty for the comfortable supply of all our wants.

It likewise deserves our most grateful acknowledg­ments, that God has not yet permitted our religious [Page 15] privileges to be formally invaded; and that we have hitherto quietly enjoyed his word and ordinances, and been allowed to worship him agreable to our con­sciences.

These, with many other instances of divine good­ness, which every grateful soul will naturally recol­lect, are plain evidences, that God hath not forgotten to be gracious; and they call for our devout and thankful acknowlegdments this day.

But though in the midst of our troubles, we have had happy experience of many instances of divine goodness, yet still a dark and dreary cloud hangs low­ring over our land. May God almighty disperse it, and restore a serene sky. To be compelled to wage war for the defence of our just rights against the encroach­ments of brethren, with whom we wish to live in peace, cannot but be looked upon, by every conside­rate person, as one of the mo [...] distressing calamities, that God ever brings upon a sinful people. Every one who has a spark of true patriotism in his breast, can­not but feel the most sensible concern for his coun­try, under the present perplexed and alarming situa­tion of affairs. The appeal is now made to Heaven, to the sovereign arbiter of right and wrong, for the decision of the controversy between Britain and Ame­rica. The sword is drawn, and it seems, the sword, under God, must decide it. If God be for us, we need not be afraid of the power or policy of those who have forced us to take up arms in our defence. All the boasted omnipotence of Britain, which has been thundered in our ears, in order to intimidate us into a tame surrender of our privileges, we know, is as nothing in comparison with the power of the Lord God of Hosts, who can accomplish his purposes, in spite of the utmost opposition of earth and hell. But should [Page 16] he turn against us, we must fall before our enemies, although we were tenfold more powerful than they. It concerns us the efore to give all dilligence to secure his friendship and patronage, by repentence and a cheerful submission to his laws and authority. Our present troubles are indications of his displeasure to­wards us, as a people, for our sins. By them he is now calling upon us to forsake our sins and amend our lives, that iniquity may not prove our ruin. If we hearken to his monitory warning voice, and reform, we may hope that he will soon cause his face to shine upon us, and scatter the present gloomy shades of night by the return of a bright and joyful day. For this is his language; At what instant I shall speak con­cerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it: If that nati­on against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.

When we look above instruments to the supreme disposer of all events, we must acknowledge that we are justly dealt with, in the troubles that have been brought upon us. For, shall not the judge of all the earth do right? We know that it is impossible for him to do otherwise. The most intricate footsteps of his providence are agreable to the everlasting rules of righteousness, and would appear so to us, had we a thorough comprehension of the whole scheme of his moral government.

But though we must acknowledge our troubles to be just considered as ordered by God, yet have we reason to accuse the instruments thereof of great in­justice and cruelty. I trust we can safely appeal to that Being, who searches all hearts, to witness for our sincerity, when we declare, that we have desired [Page 17] no more than the peaceable enjoyment of our just rights and liberties. The invasion of these, in viola­tion of the sacred security of charters founded on royal faith, is the sole ground of the present resistance of America. The charges of disloyalty and rebellious dispositions, that have been brought against us, have had no foundation, but in the calumnies of enemies. Though I will not vouch for the effects of the despa­ration into which the colonies are now driven, yet I will venture to affirm that their resistance to the mea­sures of administration, did not originate from a de­sire of independancy. They had it not even in con­templation to break their connection with Great-Bri­tain. On the contrary, it has been their warmest wish, to live in friendly union with her, might they be per­mitted to do so, without a resignation of their invalu­able rights. Had she adhered to that true art of go­vernment, which, as the Bishop of St. Asaph observes, lies in not governing too much, they would never have made any resistance. But when she had pushed things to such an extremity, that there was no other alter­native, but either such concessions and submissions as they plainly perceived would be fatal to their liber­ties, or resistance; impressed with a sense of the im­portance of freedom, they choose the latter.

However bad we may be in a moral view, yet we are perswaded our cause is good. Happy would it be for us, if we had the satisfaction of a good con­science towards God, as we have of a good cause. The cause in which we are engaged, is the same, for which our worthy ancestors sacrificed every thing else that was dear to them. For the sake of Liberty they quitted their tenderest connections and the dear­est delights of life, and voluntarily exposed them­selves to all hazards, and encountered all perils and difficulties. And the Almighty manifested his appro­bation [Page 18] of their cause, by remarkably supporting and prospering their noble exertions. From hence we have reason to hope that he will also graciously ap­pear for us, and espouse our cause, if we put our trust in him, and pay him due acknowledgments and re­spects.

Time would fail me to recount the wonders, which God hath wrought for his American Israel in times past; how he shielded them against the rage of the Savages of the wilderness; and caused them, when few in number, to triumph over their numerous ene­mies; how often he relieved them in distresses, and protected them in dangers, and interposed to defeat the crafty policies and mischievous machinations of those that rose up against them; how wonderfully he provided for them in all their straits, and strength­ened them to overcome difficulties, to human appear­ance unsurmountable: But there are two remarkable instances of the goodness of providence towards this land, which, at such a day as this, it may be profita­ble for us to call to remembrance, in order to encou­rage our hope and trust in God; I mean, the over­throw of the arbitrary schemes of that tyrannical des­pot, James the second, under the administration of Sir Edmond Andros, about ninety years ago; and the defeat of the French fleet and army, at Chebuc­tah, about thirty years since.

The first charter of the Massachusetts-Bay, with other charters of the New-England provinces, having been unrighteously ^* taken away, the lives, liberties [Page 19] and properties of the inhabitants, became subject to the absolute disposal of the government at home, which was sufficiently inclined to tyranny. Soon af­ter this, James the second, an avowed papist, a [...]ceded to the throne, whose reign was distinguished, by his resolute endeavours to banish liberty from his domi­nions, and enslave all his subjects. In 1686 he sent Sir Edmond Andros to execute his tyrannical schemes in New-England. No sooner had Sir Edmond arri­ved in Boston, and entered on his government, but, (as it is no unusual thing for the greatest tyrants to do) he made high professions of regard for the publick good and the welfare of the people. But "Nero concealed his tyrannical disposition more years, than Sir Edmond did months. It was not long before the case of some, who apprehended themselves to be oppressed, came under consideration, and one of the council told them that they must not think the privileges of Englishmen would follow them to the end of the world.—Men's titles to their estates were declared of no value, and they were called upon to purchase new patents.—The people were menaced that their meeting-houses should be taken from them, and the public worship, in the congregational way, should not be tolerated.—The Governor threatned to punish any man who gave two-pence towards the sup­port of a non-conformist minister." "Some churches who had agreed to set a-part days of thanksgiving on a particular occasion, were told, that they should meet at their peril, and that soldiers should be sent to guard their meeting-houses ^*."

The insults and oppressions of Sir Edmond's admi­nistration at length became intolerable. The people, exasperated beyond all patience, flew to arms, seized [Page 20] the Governor with many others who had been aiding to his arbitrary measures, being resolved, at all ha­zards, if possible, to tear from their necks that griev­ous yoke of bondage, that was put upon them. What would have been the effect of the people's rising and taking arms on this occasion, had James accomplish­ed his arbitrary designs in Great-Britain, we cannot tell. The vengeance of that haughty despot would, no doubt, have attempted some severe punishment. But Heaven prevented. For providence ordering a Revolution ^† in England about the same time, the power of oppression was broken, and this people were happily delivered from the sad effects of enraged ty­ranny, which they might otherwise have feared, and restored to the peaceable enjoyment of the blessings of liberty ^‡ which they were in the utmost danger of loosing forever.

[Page 21]This deliverance ought ever to be remembered by us with gratitude to the Most High, who ruleth in the kingdoms of men, and giveth them to whomsoever he pleaseth. And it should encourage us to put our trust in the Almighty, who is able to defeat the unrigh­teous schemes of those, who without cause have risen up against us, and to return their oppressions on their own heads.

The other remarkable instance of God's merciful interposition for the salvation of New-England, which deserves our grateful commemoration, is the defeat of the French fleet and army at Chebuctah, a­bout thirty years ago. This armament was the most powerful that ever before was sent to America. It consisted, says a credible writer, of "twenty men of war, an hundred transports, about eight thousand dis­ciplined troops with veteran officers, and vast quanti­ties of provision, powder, shot, arms, cannon, bombs and mortars, sufficient to take the strongest places; and all under one commander of figure, Duke D'An­ville, a nobleman of ability, skill and courage." And New-England was then in a weak and defenceless state, unable to withstand such a mighty force. But the Lord God omnipotent interposed, and marvellous­ly defeated this formidable armada. He caused the stars in their courses to fight against them, as they did against Sisera of old. The winds and seas were mus­tered against them; the pestilence was commissioned to invade their host; innumerable blocks and un­foreseen cross accidents were thrown in their way; by all which, they were baffled, confounded, defeat­ed, [Page 22] and obliged to return ashamed, with a wretched remnant, to their own country. Thus salvation was wrought for us in a most miraculous manner, with­out the instrumentality of human means. This was the Lord's doing, and it ought always to be marvelous in our eyes. And this may teach us that the events of war, are not always agreable to human conjectures and probabilities, but at God's disposal, who can ea­sily, by ways and means little thought of by men, disconcert the best concerted human schemes, and crush into abortion the unrighteous enterprizes of his people's enemies.

Now, when we recollect these and such-like sig­nal interpositions of divine providence in favour of New-England and America, what abundant reason have we to hope and trust in God, in the present dark and difficult day? However great the power or policy of our enemies may be, still we have this to comfort us, that the Lord reigneth, who is able to con­found the deepest policies of men, to turn their wisest counsels into foolishness, to overthrow all their mis­chievous devices, and entangle them in the snares, which they have prepared for others. The wrath of man is under his controul; he setteth bounds there­to, and saith, thus far shalt thou come, but no further. Whatever men may design, or attempt, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. And from what he has done for his American heritage in times past, we have reason to hope that he will never suffer it to be given up to reproach and ruin, but will still protect and defend it, and frustrate all the evil designs of its enemies, if prevailing sin does not obstruct the course of his mercy.

The cause of Liberty, is the cause of learning, arts, virtue and religion,

Slavery tends directly to increase the degeneracy of human nature, and to extinguish every spark of genius: It is the prolific source of ignorance, gross superstition, and savage barbarism: It is the bane of all social virtues, a mortal enemy to the liberal arts and sciences, and to pure and undefiled religion. The cause of liberty is therefore the cause of God. And if we do not exclude ourselves from his favour by incorrigible wickedness, we may reasonably hope that he will eventually succeed our exertions in this noble cause, either by inspiring the minds of our unnatural enemies with such peaceable dispositions, as may lay a foundation for a just and amicable accommodation; or by throwing such insuperable obstacles in their way, as shall compel them to lay aside their ambiti­ous schemes, and permit us again, in tranquillity, to enjoy that freedom, to which we have an unalienable right, founded in the great charter of our being. If we order our conversation aright, and humbly seek to God for help and deliverance, we cannot hope for too much from his providence. If we will but amend our ways, and imitate the piety of our worthy ances­tors, we shall have grounds to hope, as our cause is good, that God will appear for us, as he often did for them, and cause us to see his salvation.

Were our noble ancestors, who came over to this country for the sake of liberty, to rise from their graves, and make their appearance on the stage, at this day; with what inflamed indignation would they behold that system of oppression and slavery, which has been lately formed against New-England and America, and which has forced people, though with reluctant hearts, to take arms for their defence? How would their generous souls be fired with honest [Page 24] resentment at the arbitrary schemes, and sanguinary violent measures of the British ministry, designed to rob their posterity of that inestimable patrimony of liberty, which at the dearest rate they obtained for them, and transmitted down to them, to be by them inviolably preserved, and handed from one generati­on to another, to the end of time! With what pecu­liar satisfaction and smiling approbation, would they behold their sons, warmed with the same sacred flame of liberty, which once animated their breasts, zealously exerting themselves in freedom's noble cause, and earnestly contending for the defence and support of their invaded rights! And while with pity they beheld those servile timid spirits, who, rather than engage in any noble exertion or tempt any ha­zard for the sake of freedom, would Issachar-like, basely bow their shoulders to bear, and become servants unto tribute; with what sovereign contempt would they look down on those venal sordid few, who, in hopes of aggrandizing themselves, and rioting in the spoils of injured and oppressed innocence, have been inculcating the long exploded and treasonable ^* doc­trine of passive obedience and non-resistance, and aid­ing, to the utmost of their power, the unconstituti­onal measures of administration, for the enslaving, and ruining their native country? And with what ardor and earnestness, would they warn us against submitting to any yoke of bondage, and enjoin it up­on us to stand fast in our liberties, and to persevere in our laudible struggles for the defence and preserva­tion of them!—Methinks I hear these brave and venerable personages, bespeaking us in the following strain; "We fled from our native land for the sake [Page 25] of liberty, which we esteemed the sovereign boon of Heaven, and dearest of all outward enjoyments: For the sake of this inestimable blessing, we crossed the dangerous seas, and took up our residence in this then uncultivated wilderness: For the sake of this invalu­able enjoyment, we expended our treasure, endured all fatigues and hardships, and often jeoparded our lives in bloody wars with the savage natives: We have suffered every thing in the cause of freedom— for this we have fought—for this we have bled. You have entered into our labours, and without be­ing exposed to any great hardships and dangers, have enjoyed, till lately, the benign smiles of liberty, which cost us so much toil and blood. But now the day of trial is come. That infernal monster, Slavery, from which we fled, not discouraged by former unsuccess­ful attempts, has again in great wrath, crossed the Atlantic, determined, if possible, to erect his throne on these western shores. Be not daunted at his hedi­ous form, nor affrighted at his menaces. Oppose him as a fiend of hell. Collect all your zeal and re­solution into one united and vigorous effort, to expel him from hence. Quit yourselves like men; be brave; be courageous; be determined, would you be free. Liberty is the legacy, the rich legacy, which we have bequeathed to you, under a sacred entail, to be by you conveyed inviolate to your posterity. Let it never be said of our sons that they have basely given up this legacy, and pusillanimously submitted their necks to the iron yoke of bondage. Let it ne­ver be said of our sons, that they consented to live in thraldom themselves, and to leave a race of slaves be­hind them. Disgrace not your noble parentage; bring not everlasting infamy upon yourselves, and perpetual misery upon your descendants, by any sub­missions pernicious to liberty. Be not dismayed at the appearance of dangers and difficulties, but with [Page 26] fortitude and heroism becoming the importance of the cause, continue your zealous endeavours, to save yourselves, your country and posterity from impend­ing servitude. And for your encouragement, remem­ber the years of the right hand of the Most High, and call to mind the many wonders which he has wrought in times past, in favour of his church and people in this land; and consider that his arm is not shortned that he cannot save, but that he is as able to help and deliver you, as he was your forefathers. Make him your friend and ally, and apply to him for aid, and doubt not, but he will interpose, to divert the evils that are levelled against you, to banish servitude far from you, and to succeed and prosper your laudible contests for the maintaining and securing the bless­ings of freedom. May the Lord of Hosts be with you, and the God of Jacob be your refuge."

In imitation of our pious progenitors, let us, while we are in the use of all natural and lawful means of defence and safety, put our trust in God, the only hope and saviour of his people in times of trouble. And while we refer our cause to him, let us take care to approve ourselves to him, by a conscientious obe­dience to his holy will, as we desire that he should espouse our cause, and secure to us those outward li­berties and privileges, for which we are now earnest­ly contending. Let us be thankful to him for such mercies as we have received and still enjoy, and ex­press our gratitude by a pious and holy conversation. Whatever blessings he is pleased to bestow upon us, let us improve to his honour, with sobriety and thanksgiving. Let us beware of pride, and cautious­ly abslain from intemperance, prodigality and extra­vagance, vices, which, as they are contrary to the spi­rit of religion, and highly provoking to Heaven, so they also, in the natural course of things, tend to [Page 27] bring poverty and ruin upon a people; and which, we have reason to think, have had a great hand in pulling down the present calamities upon us. Let us, in our manner of living, confine ourselves to the strictest rules of frugality and prudential oeconomy, as being highly ornamental to christians; greatly con­ducive to the prosperity of society, at all times; and peculiarly necessary at such a day as this. And to fru­gality and oeconomy let us add industry, and then, while we are blessed with the common smiles of pro­vidence, we need not fear being starved into slavery, in such a land of plenty as this. The simplicity of living which obtained among our forefathers in the early age of this country, much resembling the simpli­city of the patriarchal ages, was much better adapted to promote temporal felicity, than the luxury, which, with the increase of wealth, has since taken place and prevailed. Nature is content with little. It is comparatively easy to supply the necessities of nature; but to satisfy pride is impossible. Pride introduces luxury and expensive ways of living; and custom gives such a currency to superfluities, that frugality can scarcely escape the odious epithets of meanness and avarice. But by whatever hard names it may be called, frugality is a virtue of high importance to a people's prosperity; and therefore, as we wish well to our country, in the present troublesome times, it behoves us to retrench our extravagancies and super­fluous expences; to drop foreign luxuries; and con­fine ourselves, as much as possible, to our own ma­nufactures, and the productions of our own land. This is what providence is now inculcating upon us, by the obstructions thrown in the way of foreign commerce. And happy shall we be, and abundant reason shall we have to give thanks to God, if we can enjoy our liberty, though we should be depri­ved of those foreign superfluities, which have been [Page 28] generally too shamefully abused as occasions of pride and vanity.

But let us, my hearers, more especially take care to make a wise improvement of our religious advan­tages and privileges, which, through the goodness of God, have been hitherto preserved to us entire. Let us live up to our obligations as christians, and by a diligent improvement of the means of grace, endea­vour to make seasonable preparation for a blessed im­mortality in the world to come. This world, at best, is a vale of tears. Many are the unavoidable sorrows and infelicities, that flow from the frailties of our frame, and the precarious unstable nature of all earth­ly enjoyments; much greater and more numerous are the troubles, vexations and woes, that flow from the ungoverned lusts of men, which are an unhappy source of perpetual discord, variance, strife, rapine, violence and war. But we are assured that there is a better world, prepared beyond the grave, for all good men, where they shall be exempt from all evil, and enjoy compleat and endless felicity. Thither let us soar in our affections; thither let us bend our course; and to prepare therefor let us make the main business of our lives. If we will do thus, the pros­pect of future blessedness and glory, which, with in­creasing brightness will open to our view, will great­ly alleviate and assuage the sorrows of this life, and af­ford us consolation amidst all the afflictions and tri­bulations of this troublesome transitory world.

Religion, my friends, the religion of Jesus imbib­ed into the heart, and reduced to practice, is the chan­nel through which the greatest comforts that can be enjoyed on earth, are conveyed unto men. This will give us hope in God, and quiet repose under the wings of his mercy, in times of the greatest trouble [Page 29] and danger. This will give us liberty of a far more noble and happifying nature, than that outward civil liberty for which we are contending, this day. This will free us from the tyrannical dominion of our lusts and passions, and advance us to the glorious li­berty of the children of God, wherein the perfection and happiness of human nature consist, and without which, we shall be slaves, how much soever we may hate the name. This, in fine, will afford us great joys, in the views of divine favour, here; and pre­pare the way for our admission to joys unspeakable and full of glory, to joys uninterrupted, everlasting, and adequate to our capacities, in the beatific presence of God, hereafter. AMEN.