1793] ^^^- WILLIAM SMITH, D. D. 393 



Whether the great nation last mentioned hath in truth meditated any 

 measures inimical to our liberty and independence, it would be wrong 

 to pronounce absolutely in this sacred place. But we are justified in 

 declaring our apprehensions and fears on this head ; encouraged and 

 invited, as that nation hath been, to the attempt, by the wild principles 

 and restless conduct of their partisans here, impatient of all rule and 

 authority, always seeking innovations, and never content long with any 

 frame of government. 



From the second and third of the sore evils by which the Jews 

 were sometimes punished, namely : the Famine and the noisome 

 Beast, and blast on the herbage and fruits of the earth, promotive 

 of famine, the Almighty had been graciously pleased hitherto to 

 spare us. 



The fourth and last sore evil, the Pestilence, had indeed been 

 permitted, or ordained, by Providence to visit our metropolis, and 

 some others of the great towns and cities of the United States ; 

 but, in the present year, with a degree of seventy and extensive 

 calamity never experienced before. " Blessed be God," he says, 

 "its rage is now graciously stayed, leaving us, indeed, in copious 

 tears, to the memory of departed friends and relatives." "And, oh ! " 

 he adds, " let not those tears be too soon dried up, without deep 

 meditation and serious improvement of the warnings given us." 



After a reference in several particulars to the history of the 

 Jews, the preacher says : 



What history, ancient or modern, can exhibit a narration so concise 

 and dignified, so marked with authentic testimony of the special inter- 

 position of Go 1, in his wise providence, to punish whole nations, 

 rulers as well as people, even in this world, for the chastisement of their 

 sins, and for their reformation and amendment? 



What has been already stated gives the fullest sanction to this day's 

 solemnity, and leads us directly to our main business and duty upon the 

 great occasion, namely: the most serious consideration and meditation 

 upon our own ways and works, and the improvement which, as a Chris- 

 tian people, it becomes us to make, of our deliverance from the late 

 awful calamity with which it pleased Almighty God, in his sovereign 

 wisdom, to afflict this city and its vicinity. 



The means of improvement pointed out and recommended by public 

 authority,* and sanctioned by the voice and word of God, are : 



* See an abstract of the Proclamation, p. 378. 



