whofe national character ever hath been, and GoD grant it may ever continue to be, a generous, humane enemy, whose courage is better fhewn by their actions, than their words. Particularly, let no infult, but rather pity, be fhewn towards those unhappy perfons, who are our captives. Let us remember, though they are enemies in a national view, they are ftill men : have the fame feelings, the fame paffions, and the fame wants, with ourselves; and are children of the fame father. Their condition is unhappy enough, in being abfent from their country and their friends, without having it encreased by any infults or reproaches. Perhaps tender parents, a loving wife, or motherless children, may be weeping their absence, and fending up their cries to heaven, to pity their diftreffes. Let us be that to them which thefe pray for. Nothing can be more divine, more godlike, than to dispense bleffings to our enemies. Such conduct is indeed truly chriftian. It is a copy of him, who was the most perfect pattern of benevolence, that ever appeared in the world. Think, O think, on the heavenly pleafure which must fill our breafts, from reflecting, that even our very enemies pray for our welfare. It is a duty highly incumbent on us, to make their captivity as light as poffible, by exercifing towards them every kind office, and benevolent affection, which we could wish for in the fame fituation. And though, for political reafons, it is neceffary they should be confined, yet their treatment ought to be humane. I have congratulated my country, and do again congratulate it, on that fpirit of liberality which fo generously fhews itself, in contributing towards the cloathing those of our enemies, who, by reafon of their long confinement, are almost naked. This is a very proper method of fhewing ourselves worthy the favours of heaven. This is one of those exercises of benevolence, which Chrift, in his description of the final judgment, particularly commends. The pleasure, which the bare recollection of fuch a deed affords at prefent, is a moft delightful fortaste of that glory which fhall be its future reward. Every one then, who is endowed with the tender feelings of compaffion, will contribute as far as is in his power, to the helping forward fo difinterested and humane a charity. 3. Amidst all our joy for our present happiness, let us keep a humble, dependent frame of mind. That man, as well as as that nation, would be poffeffed of a glorious character, concerning whom it could be with truth affirmed, that in adverfity they were unbroken, and full of hope, and in prosperity they were cautious and humble. Such a temper of mind is that defirable medium, which promotes the true happiness of its poffeffor. Though our enemies are very much humbled before us, they are not entirely fubdued. We have indeed fufficient reafon for engaging thofe with courage and resolution, who have fo often fled. Let us not despise them, but act with caution and prudence, at the fame time that we act with Spirit. This is the most likely method, to force them to that juft and honourable peace which we have always defired, and ought ever to keep in view. The obtaining this fhould animate all our endeavours, and is the only end that can justify the defolations of war. 4. Let us endeavour that these mercies, and thefe demonftrations of joy, impress more deeply on our minds the neceffity of obedience to GOD. This is the end of all the divine difpenfations, whether afflictive or profperous. Where this valuable end is anfwered, outward advantages are indeed effectual bleffings. Let us in our breafts. Let purity of manners, and a strong sense of the obligations of religion, be not only cherished in ourfelves, but fpread among all over whom we have any influence. If such principles prevail, and become general, we fhall be a nation as glorious as we are at prefent fuccefsful. A large ftream of happiness will then flow on without mixture or interruption, from which millions yet unborn may draw the most delightful and reviving cordials. THE EN D. |