SERMON VIII,

PSALM CXXXIII. 1.

Behold how good and joyful a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

MONGST all the indelible SER M.

AM

traces, the glorious marks of divine wisdom and power in the formation of the univerfe, nothing hath perhaps more awakened the minds of men to a contemplation on the omniscience and goodness of their Creator, than the ferious confideration of that conftant union and harmony, which the Supreme Difpofer of all things hath diffused over all his works.

Unity is the great chain which first combined, and still holds together the

frame

VIII.

SERM. frame of nature, which bids different

VIII.

elements confpire, and different feafons join in fweet variety to make our habitation here pleafant and commodious, and promote the general eafe and happiness of mankind.

It is obfervable that the same scheme of providence which God thought fit to conftitute in the natural world, hath he also appointed in the moral one.

That man was made for union and fociety, doth fufficiently appear both from the frame and structure of his body, and all the qualities and paffions of his mind; he was purposely made too ignorant to know, and too indigent to fupply his own neceffities; and is driven in spite of himself to ask the aid and affiftance of his fellow creatures.

There

VIII.

There is scarce a pleasure, or fatisfac- SERM. tion in life, which the highest and most exalted amongst us does not often stand in need of; nor any ftate fo low or contemptible, but has its comforts to enjoy, and some benefits or advantages to beftow on others.

Men, indeed, at first lived in a wild and confused state of barbarous freedom and independency, without laws to reftrain, or rulers to govern them; but experience foon taught them that order and harmony were neceffary to guard and subordination to preferve their lives and liberties. Mutual complaints therefore were foon made, and mutual fubjection complied with, till by degrees they had learned to fhelter themselves from tyranny and oppreffion, under falutary laws and wholesome restrictions,

and to ftrengthen that by union which

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nature

SERM. nature had left weak and defenceless. VIII.

As ftates rofe, and kingdoms were eftablished, the clouds of ignorance began to diffipate, arts and fciences grew up and flourished, and have from time to time been strengthened and improved.

In the fubfequent difcourfe therefore, calculated to raife in you a defire of unity, of charity, and brotherly love, that ye may be kindly affectioned one to another, I propofse to lay before you the advantages of union, as it may affect us in the various circumftances and connections of human life, whether we confider ourselves,

First, As Members of Society.

Secondly, As Friends and Relations.

Or, thirdly and laftly, As Chriftians.

And