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DELIVERED IN THE 2d. ' 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 
 
 IX THE 
 
 CITY" OF JBAILTIMORIE, 
 
 On Thursday, the 20th of August, 1812, 
 
 BEIXG THE DAY APPOINTED BY THE 
 
 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 
 
 FOR NATIONAL 
 
 HUMILIATION AND PRAYER ; 
 
 To'^ether \vith the other purposes recommended in his 
 PROCLAAIATION. 
 
 Published by particular request of the Military Corps 
 that attended on that Occasion ; and several respectable 
 members, also, of the Congregation. 
 
 BySAMUEL*lCJNOX, A. M, 
 
 FrincipaLof Baltimore C'Qllege. ' 
 
 " Trust ye in the Lord Jehovah, forever, 
 
 " For in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."' 
 
 mmmmumt^m 
 
 ji BAfflMORE: 
 
 PRINTED BY WJ J.LI AM WARNER. 18t^. 
 
 
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 ■.K73 
 
Revel. Samuel Knox, 
 
 Sir, 
 
 THE Maryland Chasseurs, whom I 
 have the lionor to command, and who compos^ 
 ed a part of the congregation in the 2nd. Pres^ 
 byterian church on Thursday last, the day ap- 
 pointed by his excellency the President, and 
 approved of by Congress, as a day of fasting 
 and general humiliation throughout the Unit- 
 ed States ; beg leave to express their sincere 
 thanks to you for the excellent Discourse de- 
 livered on that occasion, as deeply impjressing 
 on their hearts, the sublime duties which they 
 owe to their God and their Country, in the 
 holy cause which the present crisis of our aj- 
 ■ Jairs has created, and in which they are ar- 
 dently interested : believing it woidd he of ge^ 
 neral importance that the same shoidd be pub- 
 lished, I have been desired, on behalf of the 
 corps, to request you will be so obliging as to 
 permit the publication thereof. 
 
 I have the honor to he 
 ITour obdt. servt. 
 
 JAMES HORTON, 
 Capt. Md. Chasseurs, 
 
 Baltimore, 22nd. August, 1812. 
 
.^■ 
 
 ^ 
 
A DISCOURSE, &c. 
 
 a Trust ye in the LORD JEHOVAH, forever^ 
 
 it 
 
 J^or Z7i the Lord Jehovah is everlasii7ig strength. 
 
 Isaiah J xxvJ. 8c 4t]i, 
 
 IN this chapter, as well as in many oiher chap- 
 ters of Isaiah and the other prophets, we find that 
 the great subject of their complaint was, that the 
 people had forsaken God and his laws ; and though 
 many of them did still support some kind of for- 
 mal service and worship ; yet, that the true spirit 
 of devotedness to God, had nearly become extinct 
 among them— and that, of course, they had for- 
 gotten that trust in, and dependence on, his pow- 
 er and providence, by which they had often been^ 
 graciously favoured and delivered. 
 
The prophet had, elsewhere, endeavoured to 
 awaken their sensibility and gratitude, as a nation, 
 by calling to their minds the blessed display, of 
 divine goodness in their favour ; he had also, in 
 the most interesting terms, exhibited to them, the 
 high importance of enjoying the favour of God 
 —and had pointed out to them, the advantages 
 which flowed from having his divine favour and 
 protection, so eminently manifested toward them, 
 both as a nation, and as individuals. 
 
 But, in order that they might be, more effectu- 
 ally, roused to a becoming sense of their duty — he 
 also forewarns them of the dreadful evils, they 
 might incur by their impious conduct ; and which, 
 indeed, by their neglect, their obstinate and blind 
 neglect, of the awful warnings of Isaiah and the 
 other prophets, they, actually, did suffer, from 
 the offended majesty of heaven, on account of their 
 many national sins. 
 
 In proportion as God hath been merciful, or fa- 
 vourable, to any people — so are they bound tg 
 trust in, and depend on, him and his divine pro- 
 
vidence, on proper principles. Consequently, 
 wherever, there exists an evident neglect of the 
 great and Almighty source of all our benefits, whe- 
 ther public or private, national or individual ; or, 
 where any flagrant, or notorious want of principle 
 prevails — there we may conclude, also, that de- 
 generacy in religious principle hath taken deep 
 root 5 and that piety and morals have sunk down 
 to that guilty state of neglect, which, sooner or lat- 
 er, hath called down the divine judgments on any 
 nation; and must prove the overthrow of any 
 people. 
 
 It is but too common with men, to put their 
 principal trust and confidence in their own strength 
 and resources. In a state of prosperity, this is pe- 
 culiarly prevalent and imposing. But no sooner 
 does a reversion of this state obtain — no sooner 
 does the collecting cloud threaten to burst on their 
 guilty heads, than their mistaken folly appears, in 
 its true light — if not always, to themselves, at least 
 to the world. Then, and not till then, are they 
 brought to a sense of duty — and to reflect on their 
 past ingratitude to that God, with whose favour 
 
8 
 
 and mercy, they had been so long blessed— and 
 then, also, and perhaps, not till then, are they 
 brought to assent to the words of the prophet, in 
 the Text — " Trust ye in the Lord Jehovah forever 
 —for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.'* 
 
 In farther discoursing, from these words, it is 
 proposed, in the first place, to explain what is im- 
 plied by, Trusting in God, especially, as applied 
 to a nation. 
 
 In the second place, I shall examine into the 
 grounds, on which, as a state ornation, we should 
 cherish this Trust in Jehovah, 
 
 And, in the third place, I shall urge the propri- 
 ety and importance of cherishing such a Trust in 
 God, as our indlspensible duty, in all our most 
 publick and interesting concerns. 
 
 Lastly, conclude with some improvement of the 
 subject, suited to the present occasion. 
 
 Agreeably, therefore, to this method, it is pro- 
 posed, in the first place, to explain what v: impli- 
 ed by Trusting in God -, especially as applied to a 
 nation. 
 
High, indeed, independent and powerful, must 
 that State be on the one hand, or, grossly blind 
 upon the other, where no proper sense is manifest- 
 ed of Trust in God. It is true, there are many 
 situations in life, much more favourable than others 
 to cherishing and cultivating this divine Trust. 
 There are none, however, of any description, whom 
 it becomes to be so presumptuous, or so ignol^nt 
 and negligent, as to torget that subordinate state 
 in which they stand, or are placed, under the dis- 
 pensations of divine Providence ; under the direc- 
 tion of HIM, who is the moial Governor of the 
 Universe. 
 
 ■ Trusting in God, therefore, implies. In the first 
 place, a confirmed and steady belief in the divine 
 power and supremacy, providence and sovereignty, 
 over his creatures ; and this behef is so interwov- 
 en, so closely connected, with that of the truth of 
 his being and perfections, that whosoever is, tho- 
 roughly, convinced of the one ; must also be fully 
 persuaded of the other. 
 
 B 
 
10 
 
 But, Trusting in God, also implies a full con- 
 viction of the infinite extent of all the divine attri- 
 butes and perfections ; his inflexible and impartial 
 justice ; hh unerring wisdom ; his infinite mercy, 
 and unbounded goodness and truth. That with 
 him causes and effects ; yea all things, past, pre- 
 sent, and to come, are equally known j that his 
 power to «ave, and his wisdom to discern and di» 
 7r£t, are all infinitely superior to error, misap« 
 prehension, or mistake. 
 
 Now, wherever there exists any scepticism or 
 doubt, respecting the divinity in these respects— 
 or concerning his providence, in taking cognisance 
 of the affairs of this world— it is evident there can 
 be no real dependence on, or well founded trust 
 in, him. Sceptical doubts lead to practical impi- 
 ety ; and this impiety destroys all confidence, or 
 well founded trust and hope in him, who is the 
 rock of ages — the only just and true foundation of 
 trust, on which we can build our hopes ; whether 
 in pejce, or in war — in prosperity or in adversity^ 
 and more especially, as a nation or community. 
 
But to trust in God, also, Implies an habitual 
 regard to piety ; a constant and unremitting sense 
 of the superintending care and protection of him, 
 <* who never slumbereth, nor sleeps ; but, who 
 doth whatever seemeth good unto him in the ar- 
 mies of Heaven ; and among the inhabitants of this 
 Earth." 
 
 ' Wherever, the' e is no practical religion ; \o 
 public tribute of service paid unto God, there can 
 be there no well founded trust in his divine provi- 
 dence. We would not trust even to an earthly 
 Governor, to whom we paid no just homage or 
 respect. Much less, therefore, can there be any 
 well founded trust in God, by those who neglect 
 to serve, honour, or respect him and his divine 
 Laws. 
 
 It Is evident, even from considering the nature 
 of that trust, that should subsist berween men in 
 civil society — that, in proportion as our ideas and 
 sentiments of the divine being are more, or less, 
 enlarged and exalted — so must that trust and con- 
 fidence be, which we place in him and his divine 
 power and providence. 
 
12 
 
 Whoever, then, are possessed of a true spirit 
 of revererxce, worship and adoration, due to the 
 most High, are also possessed of a just and well 
 founded trust in his divine perfections. The latter 
 principle or disposition is a certain, and necessary 
 consequence of the former. And if this be ad- 
 mit ed, there c^n exist among no people, or na- 
 tioB, any well founded trust in God, v/here there 
 is an open and profane violation of his Laws ; or 
 a general neglect of hi? publick worship and ser- 
 vice — who is the sovereign disposer of states, em.^ 
 pires, and nations. 
 
 But, if this tru-t in God be founded on just and 
 genuine principles, it by no means, should influ- 
 ence us to neglect, or set aside, those means which 
 God hath placed in our power, for the just and lau- 
 dable accomplishment of any purpose, end, or de- 
 sign we may have properly, or lawfully, formed-— 
 and much less should it prevent us from using the 
 best defence in our power, against violence and 
 injustice — and all the olF^pring of a spirit of en- 
 croachment and oppression, from whatever quar- 
 ter they may assail. 
 
.3 
 
 It is evident, indeed, from the Constitution of our 
 nature, and the consideration of that Sphere of 
 Duty and Action allotted to man, that God, by 
 promi>~ing his support and deliverance to such as 
 Trust in him, on sound principles, hath made this 
 gracious promise, not for the purpose of checking 
 or preventing human industry and exertion. No, 
 but rather, as an additional excitement to activity 
 and perseverance, to Virtue, to Courage, to For- 
 titude ; and the diligent use of such means, as from 
 their very nature and exercise, can best afford us 
 any rational ground for confidence and trust in the 
 divine blessing and favour. 
 
 We can only be justified, therefore, in looking 
 to Heaven for this favour j when, by our honest, 
 zealous, patriotic, and persevering conduct, in all 
 our important concerns j especially as a nation, 
 we are animated by a true sense of those principles 
 of justice and rectitude, which in all our conduct, 
 public or private, leads to a well Ibunded Trust in 
 that God, whose Almighty Arm, alone, can give 
 guccess to our endeavours for peace j or our efforts 
 
14 
 
 in War j for the maintenance and defence of every 
 thing dear to us, as an independent nation — And, 
 which I may add, can alone, also, influence us, on 
 ' good ground -, and under all circumstances, to com- 
 ply with the Exhortation in the text, " Trust ye 
 In the Lord Jehovah, forever, for in the Lord Je- 
 hovah is everlasting strength." 
 
 I now proceed, in the second place, to examine in- 
 to the grounds on which, as a State or Natinn, we 
 should cherish this *^ Trust and Hope in Jehovah.'* 
 
 My fellow christians, it is too true that when we 
 reflect on the grounds of our hope and trust in God, 
 as a people or nation, favoured, highly favoured, 
 with the Gospel ; and the light of all its benign and 
 saving truths and doctrines ; we have too much rea- 
 son, in common with all the Nations of the earth, 
 to fear and tremble before him. Nay, it becomes 
 us to acknowledge, that to the perversion, or abuse 
 of the best principles and privileges, civil and re- 
 ligious, with which any nation, under Heaven, has 
 been favoured ; we may justly assign our having 
 incurred any portion of divine judgment, in this 
 day of general visitation. 
 
IS 
 
 It is not consistent with my present purpose ; or 
 Ate time allotted to it, to dwell, as long on this 
 fiewof the subject, as it might justly claim. But, 
 I may be allowed to observe, that he who can trace 
 among us, no marks of degeneracy from the first 
 principles of the Fathers of this nation j yea from 
 the justly honoured fathers and founders of this 
 nation; and who formed and established it, under 
 the special blessing of Divine Providence, not on- 
 ly as a goodly fabric, and mighty bulwark for the 
 security of their own, and their posterity's freedom 
 and independence — But as the asylum also, the 
 offered asylum for all of congenial, civil, and re- 
 ligious principles with themselves— I say, whoever 
 can trace, among us, no marks of degeneracy from 
 these first principles, must be blind indeed. 
 
 Again, if we turn our attention to those curses 
 of all nations and empires, of which the impartial 
 page of History now bearech any Record ; I mean, 
 to our own young ambition, and pride, and lux- 
 ury ; and inordinate love of the world, and the 
 things of the world, together with the baneful and 
 
16 
 
 ruinous, and sometimes sanguinary, effects of tiiese 
 destructive vices j and the passions that foment 
 them. — Ah ! my Brethren, on what ground, what 
 good ground is it, that we dare hope for an exemp- 
 tion from ail divine displeasure, more than other 
 nations ? 
 
 I'll grant you, other nations, may from their 
 long standing be more vicious ; have more of the 
 pride of life ; more luxury ; more ambition ; and 
 be also more generally and extensively unjust, op- 
 pressive and tyrannical thaa we are, or, what is 
 in our power to be. But, my Brethren, can we 
 say that God hath dealt more kindly with any of 
 those nations than he haih with us ? Have they 
 in all respects, been as highly favoured of Heaven, 
 as this land hath been — And blessed be God still 
 continues to be ? Have their national blessings and 
 privileges, in their rise and origin ; or, in their na- 
 ture and constitution, been equal to ours?— Or, 
 has their career to public vice, and corruption of 
 morals, and an abandonmenl of first principles been 
 more rapid j or more ungrateful for, or disregard- 
 
11 
 
 ful of divine favour than ours hath been—And 
 alas ! i greatly fear, is but too likely to continue ? 
 
 With these acknowledgments — and on this day, 
 set apart, by national authority, for national fast- 
 ing and humiliation — and we trust for national 
 *' repentance and amendment" — It surely becom- 
 eth us, with contrition of heart, to bring all these 
 things under a strict and corscientious review j 
 imploring, with unfeignM penitence, the divine par- 
 don and forgiveness of these, and of all cur other 
 publick or private delinquency, in the sight r f God; 
 and humbly beseeching his infinite mercy, that it 
 may please him to avert, in this our day of trial, 
 his righteous displeasure, on account of all our 
 national sins, degeneracy, and ingratitude. 
 
 * But, on the other hand, would we confine our 
 
 * Lest any luell mtanHig christian incline to thinlt) thit any discussion on the jus- 
 tice or iliewar, as a giOL.!id tbrtrujitiijg in God, miyhf Iwve Licciihere ciispe/iscd w.ch 
 — sucli may be informed, that, neither the word oF (jod ; nor the conduct of His most 
 f::itlit\il and zenlons serv;ints, either in warning the iiatlons ; or in encoui aging them, 
 to appeal to Jehoifah, for the righteousness ct their cause, aftords an> example, or an- 
 thority for declining tliis essential part of the subject. 
 ' The Day, it is to be hoped, called forth a :-pirit of general piety thronghcut the Uiji. 
 on — not only from a con\ iction o/'the necessiiy of jiatioi ai npentanci; :ii J furnlug un- 
 to God ; bur. also as is recommended by the Chief Magistrate ; and sanctioned by the 
 Directory foi' worship of the Presbyterian church, in these states, for " anhnating 
 the Patrioiiism" of the c<jniinunity at large— which as Wr;s conceivtu by the autfioV; 
 could not be duly regarded, without some vindication Qf the rightecusness of that 
 CAUSE, in which the Nation is now engaged. 
 
 c 
 
enquiry into what ground we have, as a nation, 
 for trusting in Jehovah, to the great publick cause 
 in which we are now engaged— it is hoped and be- 
 lieved, that here, indeed, we may appeal, not on- 
 ly to our own hearts ; or to every just and consci- 
 entious heart throughout the world, for the recti- 
 tude and justice of this Cause— hut also, to him who 
 is the searcher of hearts, and the trier of the reins 
 of ihe children of men. 
 
 To have a just and impartial sense of our own 
 conduct, in this respect, we have only to look at 
 the conduct of other nations j especially to that of 
 those opposed, or hostile to us — and then, to our 
 own, in consequence of their conduct. 
 
 With vs^hat rashness and precipitancy, have they 
 rushed on the violation of each others Rights — and 
 then upon ours, who had given them no ground 
 of offence ? With what regardless indifference to 
 the laws of nations — and to the sacred claims of 
 humanity, have they drenched each others domi- 
 nions — and empurpled even the face of the Ocean 
 •itself, with human gore ? 
 
For a duration of more than twenty years, have 
 the European nations dealt in injuries, violence, 
 and bloodshed — while the leading principle of that 
 government, under which we have pursued peace, 
 freedom, humanity and happiness, has been to 
 avoid all such guilty violence, and interference 
 with the rights of others— and to maintain for our- 
 selves J and transmit to our posterity, our civil and 
 religious blessings, rights and prerogatives ; holy, 
 pure, perfect, and unimpaired, either by corrup- 
 tion at home J or, by deeds of violence from abroad. 
 
 Is this a cause, worth contending for ; or is it 
 not ? Is this a cause, or is it not, in which we may, 
 on good ground, '* Trust in the Lord Jehovah, 
 forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting 
 Strength?" 
 
 I pretend not, my brethren, to urge this view 
 of the subject on your attention, at any great 
 length. It has already been done by the proper 
 authorities — and it might be considered in the 
 light of an insult to your understandings ; as well 
 as to the patriotic feelings of your hearts, to advo- 
 
so 
 
 caie from the pulpit, a cause, sanctioned by the 
 government of your choice — and executed, main- 
 tained, and defended by a chief Magistrate, whose 
 talents and whose virtues, justice and moderation, 
 are revered, as the zealous and able vindicator of 
 your rights, as well abroad as at home — and, per- 
 haps, no where, more than in that very nation, 
 whose corrupt and corrupting government, has 
 so long been the jealous, and the envious enemy 
 of your most invaluable privileges — of all your na? 
 tion's unexampled growth,independence, and proS" 
 perity. 
 
 If then, it appears—on honest and impartial 
 scrutiny appears, that instead of imitating the vio- 
 lence and injustice of other nations — the govern- 
 ment of your own, hath uniformly cherished for« 
 bearance and neutrality — and that, instead of wan- 
 ton provocation ; or even rigid retaliation, it hath 
 long pursued only peace and honest negociation-— 
 if, instead of any nation having to complain of our 
 violence and injustice j their's toward us appear to 
 have been dictated, chiefly, by our spirit of meek- 
 ness and forbearance — if, instead of outrages on 
 
[ 
 
 21 
 
 their persons, or their property ; if, instead of sei- 
 zures, captures, and condemnations, we have 
 borne— yea, patiently borne all these ; and that in 
 an unremitted series of annual aggravations — and 
 even under circumstances, supposed by many, to 
 be very subversive of a proper spirit of national 
 freedom and independence — until at length the cup 
 of forbearance was drank to the last dreg — could 
 the alternative of War be longer avoided ; or dare 
 any presume to say that, under such circumstances, 
 it is any other, than an alternative of the defence 
 of all that is dear to Freemen — an alternative,which, 
 in every age ; and under every government, hath 
 summoned forth all that is virtuous ; all that is he- 
 roic in the soul of man — and, I might add, an al- 
 ternative, that hath, not seldom, received the sanc- 
 tion and the countenance of Heaven ? 
 
 Indeed, when we review the history of our na- 
 tional forbearance and neutrality for a lengthened 
 series of years ; when not even the most solemn 
 treaties, and engagements, formed, sanctioned, and 
 recognised, at a great expence of time, talents, and 
 treasure, have been able to secure and guard from 
 
2^ 
 
 lawless violence, those blessings and privileges, 
 purchased by the blood of your fathers and breth- 
 ren — On what principle of national justice ; of na- 
 tional honour, or even of humanity itself; is it, 
 that any can advocate longer forbearance from the 
 last appeal ; or, deny that our national cause is 
 a religious cause, and such, as should justify our 
 humble " Trust in the Lord Jehovah, forever, for 
 in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength ?'* 
 
 I proceed, now, to what was proposed in the 
 third place ; briefly to urge the propriety and ne- 
 cessity of cherishing this Trust in Jehovah, espe- 
 cially, in all our most important national concerns. 
 
 Were men, sincerely impressed with the belief 
 of a superintending Providence, as particularly re- 
 garding the affairs of this world ; they surely could 
 not be averse to cherish that trust and dependence 
 in God, which is inculcated in the text. — A trust 
 which, in every respect, is so well suited to the 
 state of mortal and changeable creatures* 
 
 The very great uncertainty of all human affairs, 
 the disappointments which so often attend evea 
 
23 
 
 the best concerted schemes, or plans of humaB 
 wisdom and prudence ; together with the precari- 
 ous tenure which we hold of the possessions, at- 
 tainments, and enjoyments of this world, either as 
 nations, or as individuals ; do all conspire to ren- 
 der such a trust, as is here enjoined, the most ne- 
 cessary and proper. 
 
 The wisest Sages, as well as the humblest under- 
 standings, agree in this ; that none of the children 
 of men, can ensure any thing to themselves, beyond 
 the narrow limits of the present moment. How 
 incumbent, then, is it that, in all our public or 
 private concerns, we should cherish a well found- 
 ed trust in that great and J /mighty L'eing, " who 
 commandeth, and it cometh to pass," however far 
 beyond the reach of human power, or capacity ? 
 
 Indeed, wherever we find men throwing off all 
 proper dependence on God — from a sense of his 
 being and perfections — from a sense of his Almigh- 
 ty power and presence ; or, wherever, they are 
 prone to give all the praise to their own conduct, 
 or prowess j there, indeed, it is no wonder we 
 
^4 
 
 :hould observe every mark of disregard to the cul- 
 ture of any genuine trust in the most High God 5 
 neither is it any wonder that there, also, we should 
 see the aweful effects of such a spirit of impiety 
 and irreligion, sooner or later, terminate in theif 
 downfall and destruction. 
 
 If any be unconvinced of this solemn truth, let 
 them read the historical records of all the Nations, 
 and Empires, and Kingdoms of the world ; on 
 which ruin — often sudden and unexpected ruin, 
 descended from heaven, on this very account. 
 
 On the other hand, should we take under re- 
 view either those nations, or those indivitiuals, 
 who have been the most eminent servants of God j 
 and of whom either sacred, or profane history fur- 
 nishes us any knowledge, we may find that, in pro- 
 portion as they were sensible of divine favour — in 
 proportion as they expressed their gratitude to hea- 
 ven — and, in proportion also, as they testified this 
 gratitude for all the blessinojs and favours, whether 
 public or private, of a gracious God ; so in pro- 
 portion, hath been the duration of their national 
 prosperity and happiness. 
 
S5 
 
 Various, indexed, are the considerations which 
 should urge us, as men a d as christians, to such 
 a trust and dependence upon God, as that which 
 i endeavoured to explain to you, in the first part 
 oi" this subject ; but more especially, when the pub- 
 lie interest is at stake, when that appeal is made to 
 our understsndins^s, and to our hearts, which pught 
 to rouse all that is magnanimous in man. 
 
 However confident even the just, or the bold, 
 or the sanguine, may be of success, " The race is 
 not, always, to the swift ; nor the battle to the 
 strong." Beside, however just the Cause may be ; 
 God doth not always give success to those who 
 have neglected, or disregarded all confidence in his 
 power or protection. For the best and wisest rea- 
 sons, even the upright, are sometimes made to suf- 
 fer a disappointment in their most sanguine hopes. 
 
 How necessary and proper is it, therefore, un- 
 der our present national circumstances ; and in- 
 deed on every view in which the subject can pre- 
 sent itself, to cherish and cultivate a well founded 
 Trust in God ? It is this Trust that furnishes us 
 
 with the best preparation of mind, for every event'; 
 
 D 
 
!^6 
 
 ?nd, at the same time, with those principles of eon-' 
 duct which are best calculated to ensure success. 
 It is this trust — and this alone, that, in the day of 
 trial, can best arm the soul with becoming forti- 
 tude, for every event ; with that calmness of tem- 
 per, unabating courage, and steadiness of spirit, 
 V'hich constitute, or promote the most rational 
 happiness, in case of success — or to bear a rever- 
 sion, with unshaken resolution and perseverance. 
 
 Whatever nations or communities, can, thia^ in 
 a spirit of religious rectitude. Trust in God ; have 
 a strong Tower and Fortress indeed ! Have a de- 
 fence as omiupoient as the Almighty Arm of Je- 
 hovah— -have a cause more powerfully guarded than 
 with walls of brass — a cause supported by the pro- 
 mises of God, maintained on the principles of eter- 
 nal justice ; and, with reverence be it spoken, vin- 
 dicated by all the battalia of Heaven. 
 
 I trust, my fellow christians, I have now endea- 
 voured, at sufficient length, for the present occa- 
 sion, to explain unto you, the true nature of trust- 
 ing in God — the grounds, or principles, on which 
 this trust should be founded — and also the neces- 
 
27 
 
 sky of our cherishing this trust, especially, in all' 
 our concerns, as a state or nation. 
 
 One important part, however, of our present 
 duty still remains — and that is, to improve the sub- 
 ject to our own particular advantage, as a portion 
 of that great national commonwealth to which we 
 belong. And how is it, my brethren, let me ask, 
 that we can better discharge this duty, than by 
 bringing the enquiry home to our own hearts — whe- 
 ther we have, or have not, been cherishing this 
 trust in Jehovah, on proper principles ? Believe it. 
 Christians, that without such principles as those 
 briefly stated in the first part of this subject, our 
 trust in God, cannot rest on any secure or lasting 
 foundation. For with what sincerity, as a narion, 
 or as individuals, can we appeal to that God, whose 
 religion we neglect — whose laws we wilfully trans- 
 gress — or, whose sacred worship we have either 
 forsaken ; or perverted and abused ? Or, with 
 what confidence, can we even apply to that divine 
 being, from whom we have withheld that tribute 
 of worship, adoration, and praise, for the neglect 
 of which, he hath, in every age, visited the na- 
 tions J but, more especially, those nations whg^ 
 
 ■^ 
 
2& 
 
 confessed him v&ith their lips—- while, in workSj 
 tliey denied him ? 
 
 It hath graciously pleased that God whom we 
 serve, to favour us, as a people, with several years 
 of peace and prosperity. He hath conferred upon 
 us, many greatly distinguished blessingsand favours 
 •—civil and religious. Your fathers and your bre- 
 thren, he led, victorious, through a long and glo- 
 rious struggle for Liberty and independence. 
 Like as he favoured Israel, of Old, he raised up one 
 of the mightiest among your brethren — and endow- 
 ed him with talents suited to the great and arduous 
 work he had to perform. 
 
 Under his happy auspices in the field, the nation 
 was led to victory and triumph— and that God, in 
 whom he trusted, before giving him the vi^tory^ 
 his last immortal victory, over Death and the grave, 
 blessed him, also, with the exquisite happiness of 
 seeing his country — his beloved country — free, 
 united, prosperous, and independent — the hap- 
 pie ;t far, of all the civilised happy nations o'er the 
 habitable Earth. 
 
 The same inveterate Foe, over which the nation 
 then triumphed, hath again, assailed your invalu- 
 
:29 » 
 
 able rights. The voice of your country again calls 
 for their defence — for the defence of all that is dear 
 to Freemen — nor doth she call in vain — no — I bless 
 God, that even here, within those sacred wallb, I 
 see before me, a proof — an illustrious proof — that 
 she does not call in vain. 
 
 While, then, the mercenary bands of despotSg 
 to enforce the tyrannic councils ; or decrees of their 
 lords and masters, sell their lives for a hireling pit- 
 tance ; the paltry price of their own wretched sla- 
 very — It is the pride and the happy privilege of the 
 Volunteer Soldiers of a free Republic, to boast a 
 nobler claim to Glory and Honour j and, there- 
 fore, a more sure foundation for trust in God. 
 
 Go then ye citizen soldiers, and the God of those 
 armies that fight in a risjhteous cause — and a righ- 
 teous cause only, go with you. But, allow me, 
 to beseech you to remember — and may it be remem* 
 bered by all your companions in arms, that the most 
 pious are generally the most valiant — '■'■ That the 
 righteous alone, are as bold as a Lion" — and that 
 the most nervous arm — as well as the most coura- 
 geous heart, can lose none of their strength — none 
 of their energy, by their ^*. Trusting in the Lord 
 
Jehovah, forever ; for in the Lord Jehuvah is 
 ever'asting strength." 
 
 Finally, brethren ; let us all, in our various stati- 
 ons and relations, improve thisoccasion in strength- 
 ening that claim — that powerful and commanding 
 claim, which America — or, as 1 should rather say, 
 our beloved country, has on all her citizens whe- 
 ther native, or adopted, for the promotion of the 
 public safety. Whoever feels not this claim as 
 paramount to all other claims or concerns, of a 
 local , of a selfish, of a partial, or of a party nature, 
 must be unworthy of the blessings which his coun- 
 try so profusely bestows — must be lost to any just 
 sense of whatever is virtuous, or pious, or patri- 
 otic in human conduct. 
 
 While then the more heroic part of the commu- 
 nity, thus, voluntarily, turn out to brave the dan- 
 gers of the field, shall those v/ho remain at home, 
 become lukewarm, inactive, and uninterested ? I 
 trust not. Our duties, in this our day of trial, 
 as men ; as christians ; as the most favoured bene- 
 ficiaries of divine bounty of any people upon earth, 
 are highly important and various ; and an inflexi- 
 ble fidelity in the faithful discharge of all these du- 
 
31 
 
 ties, is honourable and inteiesting~-nay I might 
 say, sacredly indispensible. 
 
 If, then, it be the duty of those who are buck- 
 ling on their armour — to look up to a righteous 
 God for the justice of their country's cause— and 
 in this cause to vanquish, or to die. Is it not, may 
 I ask ; is it not as much the duty of those whore- 
 main at home, to be equally zealous in the same 
 cause — to be vigilant— and while they try, as much 
 as in them Hes, to live peaceably with ail men— 
 and to cherish and promote a harmonising spirit ; 
 at the same time, is it not also equally their duty, 
 to see to it, that no enemies get leave to lurk in 
 the camp — to weaken or betray the Citadel with- 
 in, while our armies are bravely defending it with- 
 out ? To this unshaken fidelity to our country, 
 we stand pledged ; not only to ourselves, and to 
 the government of our choice — but more especi- 
 ally to those brave men, who leave with us the 
 pledge— the sacred deposit of all they hold dear on 
 earth ; and boldly court the post of danger and of 
 honour, for their country's security and defence. 
 
 On any other principles of conduct than these, 
 can we act as honest and independent freemen ? 
 
Can we pretend to be pious to our God, or patri- 
 otic to our country— Or merit a rank amon ., any 
 upon earth, who lay claim to either public, or pri- 
 \'ate virtue ? 
 
 While a portion, therefore, a respectable por- 
 tion of our fellow-citizens are shedding their blood 
 in the field, or, on the ocean— shall there be any 
 found so basCj so profligate, so disaffected, so un- 
 principled — I might say, so treasonable and rebel- 
 lious, as wantonly to vilify and traduce the holy 
 cause of defence, for which our brethren in arms^ 
 are expected to conquer—or to die ? 
 
 Forbid it heaven ! Forbid it all that is virtuous, 
 all that in reputable, all that is honourable in soci- 
 ety, all that is moral, or pious, or prai. eworthy 
 among those who in peace, or in war ; in pro^pe- 
 rity, or in adversity j in the arms of victory— or in 
 the grasp of death, would lock up to a righteous 
 Qod — and under ail circumstances, would still 
 *' Trust in the Lord Jehovah, forever, for in the 
 Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." 
 
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