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scriptures as these, John must have readily acknowledged, that the preaching of the Gospel to the poor was an office which eminently pertained to him that was to come. And this manifestation of the character of Christ, which he places in the highest rank amongst his works of mercy, is in a manner peculiar to the anointed of the Father, and to his faithful disciples. The prophets who lived in succeeding ages had been commissioned to perform many of the miracles here recited. They had restored the lame, they had cleansed the leper, they had even raised the dead; but where do we find them preaching the Gospel to the poor? Their message is generally addressed to the princes and rulers of the people. And as to all other teachers of wisdom, we find them adapting their discourses to those ranks in society which they regard as the best judges of their eminence in learning and philosophy. The love of fame, and the vanity of self-importance, being the great springs of their labours, they either despise the poor, or else address them merely for their own ends. To obtain the admiration of the multitude, and a long train of pro

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selytes to a favourite scheme, they some times condescend to preach to the populace! but they preach themselves, instead of the Gospel of peace. So incompatible with the indulgence of human vanity is the faithful discharge of this office, from the motives of extended charity and, pure benevolence, that, even amongst those who profess the true faith of the Gospel, no duty is oftener overlooked and neglected than the religi ous instruction of the poor.

But as the preaching of the Gospel to the meek of the earth is an office peculiarly reserved for the Son of God, and for his faithful disciples, so it is a thing most worthy the appointment of that universal Father, in whose sight all ranks of men are equal, that those whom he has placed in a condition which precludes the opportunity of enquiring for themselves should be faithfully instructed in their duty to God and to their brethren-should have those glad tidings proclaimed to them which open their way to immortal happiness. And to whom does the care of providing for their religious instruction so properly devolve, as to those more opulent Christians who are

taught, by the faith they profess, to acknow ledge the superior advantages which themselves enjoy, as talents committed to their charge, for the due improvement of which they are accountable to their common Be nefactor? The poor are the younger children of Providence, committed, during their present minority, to the patronage and protection of the affluent. If, therefore, the Christian who enjoys this world's good seeth his brother have need, without putting forth a helping hand; if he neglect the trust reposed in him by his divine Master; if he abandon the duty of leading the indigent into the path of righteousness; how can he pretend that the love of God dwelleth in • him-how can he hope for the blessing of God, upon himself, his family, and his estate or how can he expect faithful service and orderly submission from the poor, whom he hath defrauded of their equitable claim? We have seen that the charitable office here recommended-an office which so eminently displays, in its appointment, the goodness of the Supreme Being was reserved for the Son of God, as a proof and attestation of his divine mission. And we, my brethren,

name ourselves by the name of Christ: we acknowledge that he left us an example, for the express purpose that we should fol low his steps. Must we not, then, feel it our indispensable duty, as far as it is in our power, to promote that benevolent; design which is the peculiar characteristic of our holy religion.

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And if we are truly impressed with the feeling of our duty in this respect-if we are piously resolved to follow the steps of our blessed Lord-it will be expedient, in the next place, to consider in what way we can promote the benevolent design of preaching the Gospel to the poor. And here, two great branches of duty immediately present themselves. The first is, that of providing for the religious education of ALL the children of the indigent. The second is, that of duly accommodating the poor in general, at the time of public worship, in the established church, and promoting their regular attendance.

As to the nature and extent of that religious education which is meet to the condition of the poor, and to which they have a sacred claim from their Christian brethren,

it ought surely to comprehend that degree of early information which will render them competent to the right apprehension of the doctrines, the duties, and the sanctions of Christ's religion;-the setting a rule before them, by which they may be enabled to walk, so as to please Almighty God, and to conduct themselves honestly and righ teously in the sight of men.

To the attainment of this end, something more is required than a mere ability to read the Holy Scriptures in their native language. The Bible put into the hands of the poor, without due instructions how to use it, without comment, or with such comments only as tend to pervert its sacred design, can be productive of little general good. To them it must still remain a sealed book, unless they be accurately taught the prin ciples of the Christian faith, and the great duties of Christian morality, or religious obedience.

These things, with due regulation, might be obtained in schools of the same kind as those which are locally supported for this purpose by the beneficence of individuals. But, whilst a few distinguished benefactors