order to excite attention, to prevent misapprehension, to obviate prejudice, and to stimulate others to imitate us, as far as our conduct is judged to accord with the principles of sacred Scripture.

We would therefore propose our sentiments on the following subjects to the candid attention of pious Christians, however distinguished, in every part of Great Britain.

I. The duty of intercession for the nation and for the church, in seasons of danger and distress. II. The nature and special objects of those prayers, which may be supposed availing on such oc

casions.

III. The prevalency of acceptable prayer, according to the Scriptures.

IV. And lastly, The other duties which are incumbent on us, along with our prayers, in the present emergency.

I. The duty of intercession for the nation and for the church, in seasons of danger and distress.

If we could conceive a number of Christians so circumstanced, that the welfare of the nation, in which they resided, had not the least discoverable connexion with the interests of religion, it would yet, according to the Scriptures, be their duty to pray for the peace of the land, more especially if they were protected and enjoyed peace in it. The captive Jews at Babylon were grievously oppressed by their haughty conquerors, and exposed to persecution on account of their religion:

but as it was the will of God they should sojourn there for a season, they were required, not only to "seek "the peace of the city," by submission to the rulers in all things lawful, and by a quiet and inoffensive deportment; but also, to "pray to the LORD for it:"* and the false prophets, who inculcated contrary principles, were severely rebuked. Surely then it must be incumbent on us, who enjoy as much liberty and as many privileges, as perhaps any nation ever did for a length of time, to seek and pray for the peace and protection of our country!

It may perhaps be objected, that when the seventy years of captivity were about to expire, and Cyrus, the predicted deliverer of the Jews, approached Babylon; it could not be their duty to pray for the success of Belshazzar against him. We may, however, derive instruction from the very silence of Scripture: for it is no where intimated that the Jews were directed to alter their conduct on this emergency, or that they actually did alter it. The more intelligent indeed must have been sensible, that a revolution was at hand: but the Lord seemed to say, "Be still and know that I am God:" "Stand still, and ye shall see the salvation of GOD." They were not called to take any active part in those transactions: and the truly pious remnant among them would doubtless pray particularly for the restoration of Jerusalem, with the temple and its sacred worship, and for the deliverance of the nation from captivity: and

Jer. xxix. 7.

probably in other respects they would be more general, as leaving the Lord to accomplish his word in that manner which seemed good in his sight.

It may however, be further observed, that no people can possibly know themselves to be in exactly similar circumstances. The fulfilment of prophecies is not at present so distinctly marked by notes of time and place, as to enable the most discerning to know precisely when any great event may be expected. Nor have we a prophetical name given us, by which we may discover any distinguished instrument in the work, as the Jews might know Cyrus with his army of Medes and Persians. It is therefore most evidently the duty of every christian, wherever situated, to pray for the peace of the land according to the general tenour of Scripture; and against the horrors of invasion, carnage, and desolation. The Lord indeed may see good to grant the spirit of such requests, in a manner that does not accord to the letter of them: as when we intercede for the health or life of a beloved relative, the prayer may be accepted, and answered in the best manner, while the special object is not granted. And in both cases we may afterwards discern and adore the wisdom, faithfulness, and love of God in the very dispensation, from which we had previously shrunk with dread and

aversion.

- If indeed the present events be intended to prepare the way for the destruction of the Roman Antichrist, we are still incompetent to determine what degree of devastation must attend that great catastrophe, VOL. II. 3 P

or how far the shock must be felt. We may therefore very consistently beseech the Lord; to terminate those awful judgments, which have for several years convulsed Europe; and to silence the blasphemies of infidels and atheists, that their detestable tenets may not permanently succeed to the idolatrous superstitions and delusions of popery. But especially we should with all earnestness present our supplications to almighty God, intreating him to avert these tremendous calamities from our native country: for whatever be the crimes of Britain, it can scarcely be supposed, we are so infected with the leaven of papal antichristianity, that nothing but revolutions and massacres can extirpate it. On the contrary, there seems a ground of hope, that in this respect we shall be exempted from the more desolating judgments, which we have reason to think will attend those predicted events: especially if with one consent we beseech God to "pour out upon us his spirit from "on high;" that our faith, worship, and character, may better accord to our advantages and profession.

But whatever may be the designs of Providence, we must not neglect any duty; for the commands of God, (not his decrees, predictions, or dispensations,) are the rule of our conduct. Now it is his command, that " supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving "of thanks, be made for all men; for kings and for all "that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and "peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty."* As this was the duty of Christians, when living under

Tim. ii. 1, 2.

pagan persecuting emperors; when the prosperity of the government might have been considered as inimical to the peace of the church; we may doubtless conclude that it must be the duty of every inhabitant of (Great Britain.

But if a passenger be bound to pray for the safety of the vessel in which he sails, and for all those on board; he certainly ought to redouble his fervency and importunity during a tremendous storm, or when the ship is in imminent danger of being wrecked. This is not the time for idle disputes, concerning the previous conduct of the master, the pilot, or the seamen; for this, in such an emergency, would be little' short of madness, especially in persons unskilled in navigation. The circumstances of the vessel demand imperiously that all who are capable of labouring, should labour, and that all who can pray, should arise and "call upon God; if so be God may think upon them, "that they may not perish."* In a similar situation, Paul, during his voyage to Rome as a prisoner, prayed and prevailed; and the Lord "gave him all that sailed "with him." Yet Paul not only imagined, but was sure, that the persons concerned had acted improperly; and, by rejecting salutary advice, had involved themselves and the whole company in the most extreme danger.

If then our country is indeed threatened with invasion by a fierce and indignant foe, who has already spread devastation through a vast part of Europe, and

* Jon. i. 6.