337 



dered as a Zoar by virtuous foreigners; because she is a nation 

 where the Christian religion is preserved; where for more than 

 fifty years it shone the brightest jewel in the diadem of a beloved 

 venerable monarch; and pervading every rank in society, adorns 

 the palace of his nobles, and the cottage of his peasants ! 



I am aware of numerous exceptions to this delightful portrait. 

 To their own master, such must individually stand or fall: from 

 them the light of truth is not withheld; they have been enlisted 

 under the banner of Christ, and baptized in his name, but allured 

 by various temptations, and led astray by delusive suggestions, they 

 have deserted the sacred standard, and given themselves up to a 

 fading world. To such persons it is hoped the hour of reflection 

 will arrive, ere it be too late; and, awaking them from a fatal 

 slumber to a sincere repentance, they may follow the example of 

 a Rochester, a Gardiner, and other eminent converts, in walking 

 worthy of their high and holy vocation. If this desirable change 

 does not commence in their present state of existence, they must 

 be left to Him who seeth not as man seeth, and has said, " Judge 

 not, that ye be not judged!" 



It will not be deemed uncharitable to suppose such persons 

 have not a clear knowledge of Christianity; that they annex cer- 

 tain speculative ideas, which do not appertain to its nature ; and 

 therefore, from riot understanding its doctrines, they do not prac- 

 tise its virtues. Under one delusion, they say it prohibits the 

 pleasures and enjoyments of this world; discourages the love of 

 fame and glory, and weakens the noblest energies of human 

 action. Another fatal error induces them to set aside the justice, 

 and trust all to the mercy of that God who has declared no un- 



vol. iv. 2 x 



