lambs,"" Feed my sheep ;"-as if it were the regular genuine consequence of the former. Charity does, indeed, possess a most exalted rank among the christian graces, and might not improperly be expressed in other terms by general humanity. Were any proof wanted of its high merit, it must surely be found in the following ennobling comparison-" Faith, Hope, Charity, but the greatest of these is Charity." Nor ought this decided preference to be an object of wonder or surprise, for it is everywhere inculcated in Scripture, that "the tree is known by its fruit." That "the good tree bringeth forth good fruit," and that "the barren tree should be hewn down and cast into the fire." The New Testament, being a system of the purest moral precepts, is treated with mockery and indignity, without obedience. For what is faith without works, or a conviction that certain rules are prescribed in Scripture, without a conformity of action: "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them :" otherwise your faith is dead, and to cherish hope in such circumstances, what is it but presumption? What can avail a belief in the Sacred Volume, which does not produce acts of mercy, forgiveness, and charity; which does not extirpate the feelings of pharisaical self-complacency, or check an ill-natured forwardness in accusing and condemning others? The acknowledged adultress was treated with more lenity by our Saviour than her bitter accusers, and that Saviour has left us an example that we should follow his steps, who went about doing good, and who has enjoined his followers, if they love Him, to keep his commandments, or to prove their love by their obedience. Christian charity is, in the truest sense, universal benevolence; universal in every point of view,-towards all men, and in

every thing;—not respecting the body and this life only, but the soul and eternity. And, as with respect to the body, the sole consideration is not what it shall eat, or what it shall drink, or wherewithal it shall be clothed, but anything conducing to, or destructive of, its health should be studied and considered, on the one hand, and prevented on the other, by those who have really its welfare at heart so in the case of the soul the same or greater vigilance is requisite in order to insure its sanity and integrity.

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When our Saviour exhorted his disciple to feed his sheep, it might be argued from the expression, that in the case of the dumb animal the only concern is the sustenance of the body, and therefore that such was his view: but we well know, that he spoke metaphorically, and from the context it is manifest, that his express object and supreme care was of a spiritual nature:-and no serious Christian can entertain a momentary doubt, that Charity towards an accountable being must be imperfect, which regards him in the same light as brute animals, by comprehending within its view only such things as have a tendency to promote his worldly prosperity. I do not say, that such charity is nothing worth, but that it is so comparatively; and I have no hesitation in maintaining, that he, who has given, as it were, new life to a starving family, by marking out the way to thrive in this world, will leave the great work of charity imperfect, if he does not also point out the narrow path that leads to a blessed eternity. The object of my present discourse is to enforce such a Duty,-it is to exhort and persuade you to contribute liberally to a charity of this description,-one that has not merely the community of a Parish, a County, or a

Kingdom, but of all the nations of the earth within its scope; the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.

But though the present call upon christian beneficence is, no doubt, all-commanding, being no other than the religious instruction of the whole globe, it may nevertheless be of use, before I descend to particulars, to remind my own flock, of the character of the national Fold, and of the laudable emulation, I will not say strife, who shall be the foremost labourer in the vineyard of life everlasting.

Think not, however, that it is my intention to propose an object of a worldly nature,—any vain competition for the praise of man-anything of an ostentatious or contentious character. No consider yourselves as labourers in one great field and serving the best of Masters: the greatness of the field forbids all petty rivalry, and so gracious a Lord cannot be well and duly served, except by willing and strenuous labourers.

Were I disposed to rest my cause on such comparisons, I might tell you, that almost every little chapel produces donations of a magnitude thought worthy of public notice, and that they are recorded as benefactors with an honour proportioned to their respective donations. But though to strive in a good cause is always honourable, and though the effect here be good undoubtedly, whatever be the motive, a wish of a much higher nature animates my feelings, and I call upon you, my dear Brethren, to do all the good you can, and from the single motive of doing good, and that you may please God by doing it. It is not the man who contributes most to this excellent fund, but he who does it heartily and cheerfully, and without any secondary motive, who is deserving of the highest honour. It is not so much what we give, as how we feel,

which regulates comparative merit.

But let no one demur from any scruples of this sort :-the gift is good, and may do good, however despicable the giver; and if he be not now a worthy contributor, be it is endeavour to become in time as deserving in general character, as in this particular donation. It is, at all events, a happy commencement of a new and better course; and, when done in sincerity of heart, will receive an accession of strength insuring a perseverance unto the end.

But not to dwell upon lesser competitions, I might remind you, and with feelings truly patriotic,-of the character of our mother country,-and urge you not to sink and degrade yourselves below the other members of the family.

To every claim of this nature she lends a ready ear, and her hand is ever open; and more even than in martial prowess, in pretensions of this higher and purer character, she takes a glorious lead among the nations of the earth. She has long been deservedly renowned for her ready attention and liberal contributions, in all cases, whether occurring at home or abroad, wherever a just and forcible appeal is made to Christian charity. This is a subject on which it would be possible long to dilate, and with emotions of the most complacent, if not triumphant nature, would time, place, and the limits of a brief discourse permit such an indulgence; neither is it foreign to the special subject of my present consideration, to that strong claim upon public bouuty (and a stronger cannot well be imagined) which is to supply sinews and strength to that brotherly love, which is exerting its whole energy in diffusing the mild precepts and doctrine of the Gospel throughout the habitable world.

Let me now ask this assembly of Christians, what is the greatest benefit we can confer upon our own private families?

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but one answer can be given-a religious education. Again, what is the greatest benefit we can confer upon the community to which we belong? the answer is the same-religious education.

It might thus appear, that he, who duly attends to these two calls, great and important as they are, discharges the whole duty of man, and that nothing further can be required of him. But not so: other charities have now an existence which were formerly unknown, and the religion of the universe is collecting her funds in this little Island. The will is laudable, the attempt nothing less than sublime; and low and grovelling must be the spirit of those, who are not ambitious of co-operating and partaking in so great a cause ;-in diffusing the doctrine of the Gospel in every quarter ;—and shedding religious light on the remotest and darkest regions of Heathenism.

Such is the claim which it is now my object and duty to enforce ;-and surely it is not unreasonable to cherish and indulge hopes, that you will lend a willing ear,—that your generous hearts will be enlarged in full proportion to the grand exigence, and that by cheerful munificence you will embrace this opportunity of engaging and securing the prayers and petitions in the western and eastern hemispheres for your eternal welfare. It is an advantage not to be neglected or forfeited: be not then warned and solicited in vain to seize upon, and avail yourselves of it.

But here it may be proper to guard against a possible misinterpretation. Suppose not, that it is my intention to substitute this species of universal bounty in the place of private charity. No the strongest and most imperious claims upon us are of a private or individual nature. Our kinsmen stand foremost, next our friends and neighbours, then follow our