pure and high a standard of morals, they are heard without fear, and, if they preach elegantly, with pleasure, even by the most profligate. To fuch preachers, all vain worldly-minded people, ufually attach themselves, where they have not caft off the very form of religion; but most part of ferious Chriftians, together with profeffing hypocrites, who cannot eafily be diftinguifhed in this world, always follow preachers of another strain. It is eafy to see the reafon of this from what hath been faid above; there are none who fet the ftrictness and obligation of the law, the holinefs and justice of God, in so awful a light, as thofe who believe there is no fhelter from the fanction of the law, and the wrath of an offended God, but in the blood of Chrift. Perhaps, I am already enfnared and expofed to cenfure, by affirming, that there are among us preachers of different ftrains. But it is fo certain a truth, that I cannot deny it; and fo important, that I will not difquife it.

Upon the whole, as the prefent aspect of public affairs, as the ftate of the world, and character of the age, loudly call upon all of every station to exert themselves with diligence for the support and revival of truth and righteousness: I hope the minifters of the gofpel will promote this end, by zealously labouring to bring men to the faving knowledge of Chrift, "the way, and

"the

"the truth, and the life the foundation"the tried ftone-the precious corner ftone," the ftrength and fecurity of the building. To deny, explain away, or neglect to impart the truths of the everlafting gofpel, is the way to leave the world in wickedness; but, by preaching them in purity, and with fimplicity, which, we have reason to think, will be accompanied with "the demonftration of the Spirit," finners are reconciled unto God, the power of fin is broken in them, the divine image is formed in them, and upon these truths their hopes of eternal life must reft and depend. Let us be ever ready to fay with the apostle Paul," God for"bid that I fhould glory, fave in the cross of our "Lord Jefus Chrift*." And let us quicken our diligence, and animate our endeavours, by expreffing, with the pfalmift David, our faith in the perpetuity of his kingdom. "His name fhall "endure for ever: his name fhall be continued

as long as the fun: and men fhall be bleffed "in him; all nations fhall call him blefied. "Bleffed be the Lord God, the God of Ifrael, "who only doth wondrous things. And bleffed be "his glorious name for ever; and let the who'e "earth be filled with his glory. Amen and "Amen +."

* Gal. vi. 14.

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† Pfal, lxxii, 17, 18, 19.

THE

The Society in SCOTLAND for propagating CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE,

In the HIGH CHURCH of Edinburgh,

On Monday, January 2, 1758

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ACTS