to communicate itf. So will the good way be more fre- quented ; and more abundant blessings now down on all who walk in it.]
f If this were the subject of a Sermon for Charity Schools, the propriety of subscribing liberally for the support of such institutions might be stated here.
Jer. viii. 4 — 8. Thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord ; Shall they fall, and not arise ? Shall he turn away, and not return? Why then is this people of Jerusalem slid- den back by a perpetual backsliding ? They holdfast deceit, they refuse to return. I hearkened and heard; but they spake not aright : no man, repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have 1 done ? Every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle. Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times ; and the turtle, aiid the crane, and the swallow, observe the time of their coming : but my people know not the judgment of the Lord. How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us ? Lo, certainly in vain made he it ; the pen of the scribes is in vain.
WHATEVER difference civilization may produce in the external habits of men, it makes no change in the dispositions of their minds towards God. The advantages of religious instruction may rectify their sentiments in many things, and raise the standard of morals among them ; but Divine grace alone can reach their hearts or dispose them to devote them- selves to the service of their Maker. Hence the unregenerate amongst us are, in their general charac- ter, the same as they have been in all ages, and under all the different dispensations of religion. Papists and Protestants, Jews and Christians, differ only in name, and in a few outward observances : their hearts are all alike ; and the same warnings and exhorta- tions may be fitly addressed to them.
The Prophet Jeremiah was commanded to expos- tulate with the Jews upon their wickedness, their im- penitence, their folly, and their presumption. On these same topics we would address ourselves to you. We