SERMON I MATT. XXV. 36. I was fick and ye vifited me. WH HEN we ferioufly confider the SERM. frail, corrupt, and distressful ftate of human nature, when we reflect on the general lot and portion of mortality, to what variety of evils we are subject, and how many enemies we have to contend with, how few things there are in this life which can impart real and substantial happiness; and on the other hand, how many are pregnant with mifery and forrow; we are naturally led I. SERM. to imagine that it must be the business, I. the intereft, and concern of every indi vidual to lighten as much as poffible the general burthen; that every office of tendernefs and humanity to our fellowcreatures would of course be daily and punctually performed by every one of us; well knowing that all the poor aid and affistance which each particular could lend, would still be but little and infignificant prefervatives against universal calamity, as the moft that we can do is but to foften that diftrefs which we cannot prevent, and to foothe thofe forrows which we cannot remove. Amongst all thofe duties, therefore, which are infpired by benevolence, taught by natural, or commanded by revealed religion, there is not one which can lay a ftronger claim to our observance than that which is inculcated in my |