A SERMON.

1 TIMOTHY, II. 1, 2, 3, 4.

I EXHORT THEREFORE, THAT FIRST OF ALL, 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.

FOR THIS IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR;

WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, AND TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.

IN the Form of Prayer appointed by authority to be used in our churches on the anniversary of the King's Accession, the three first verses of my text, have been selected to be read in place of the usual sentences at the opening of the service. No words could be more appropriate. They are, in fact, St. Paul's own exhortation applied emphatically to the very case in hand. They are the words in which he enjoins Timothy, whom he had set as bishop over the church at Ephesus, to make provision, in that church, for the performance of a duty to which we are on this day more especially called. I must not omit to remark, however, that whilst they are thus peculiarly applicable to the occasion of this

day's solemnity, they afford, at the same time, an ample and conclusive vindication of the practice prescribed in our liturgy, and followed in our regular public devotions; the daily practice of offering our common supplications not only "for all sorts and conditions of men," in general, but also, in particular, "for the king and for all that are put in authority under him." There are indeed those who tell us, that the business of religion is desecrated by the introduction of what they choose to call "state prayers." Suffice it for the present to reply, that not so thought our apostle.

I shall not attempt nicely to distinguish the shades of signification which the almost synonymous terms employed in the first verse of my text, may perhaps admit of. It will be enough to observe, that all the different forms which our petitions that God would confer blessings on mankind, or avert evils from them, can assume, seem to be comprehended under the description of "supplications, prayers, and intercessions ;" whilst the "giving of thanks," whether for such blessings bestowed, or for a deliverance from such evils, is with manifest propriety added to complete the enumeration. Now St. Paul exhorts Timothy, nay exhorts him "first of all," that all these be made in the christian church" for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority." It is clear, then, that he represents this as a duty of primary importance. The grounds on which he does so, invite our more attentive consideration. These appear to be mainly two and they may

furnish scope for the further observations which I have at this time to offer to you. I shall accordingly arrange those observations under the two following heads :-first, our own benefit as members of a christian community; secondly, the declared will and purpose of Almighty God with regard to the salvation of mankind. The former of these heads is plainly adverted to in the terms, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty:" the latter head is brought before us in the third verse," for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who," we are distinctly reminded in the next verse, (and I have on that account subjoined it to the other three in the enunciation of my text,)" Who-will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

First, then, our own benefit as members of a christian community, is proposed by the apostle as a reason why christians should make their common supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all

men.

So intricate and inseparable is the connection of men with one another in this world, so various and unavoidable the influence which they mutually receive and impart, that strictly speaking no two human beings are allowed to hold themselves, under whatever contingences, utterly independent on each other. Even in the most extreme case that could be supposed, therefore, it might be consistently maintained, toat if God directs all the events of life by his providence, a

regard for our own interest would prompt us to address to him our prayers and praises, not for ourselves and those nearest to us only, but also for all mankind without exception. It is obvious, however, that among those by whom the welfare of the greatest number is influenced, and influenced in the greatest degree, wę must reckon kings and such as are in authority. St. Paul's exhortation in the text, seems partly to be founded in this view. And let us not forget, that thẹ kings and magistrates who bore rule in those days, and for some ages after, were not christians; but for the most part violently opposed the christian religion, and cruelly persecuted its professors. The apostle recognises, nevertheless, their rightful power, as derived from the appointment of God himself: he teaches submission to that power, even when exercised most oppressively : and, as we see, in the words of my text, directs supplications, prayers, and intercessions to be made for those who so exercised it,—not merely, be it observed, upon. that extended principle of charity, which should lead us to beg that God would " pardon all our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and turn their hearts," but expressly with a view to our own social and individual advantage," that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty." The precept was not uttered in vain. It was followed in such simplicity and godly sincerity, as to bring about the most beneficial of all political revolutions which the history of the world has recorded, and by the most legitimate means.