Page:Events & appearances of the present times.pdf/9

( 9 ) of all these. Besides, Christ Jesus whose kingdom is not of this world, hath strongly enjoined, that his ambassadors excel only in spiritual accomplishments, and not in carnal show. I have seen in my small acquaintance with the world, that as riches and grandeur increased, self sensuality and pride came into dominion, both in hearts and families, while self-denial, humility, and christian charity, were scarce respected, and duty became the servant of taste. How unlike the great Author of christianity are his ambassadors! What difference can we behold in a gentleman of the church and those of the nation? In these and many other respects, if room and time would permit to show, established churches appear to be the cities of the nations here alluded to by the apostle; I may add, all circumstances considered, there are evidences that the established churches in Britain and Ireland cannot stand long. The common people, who like small stones in a building, support and connect the great, are falling into dissenting parties, where they find the doctrine and exercises of christianity more lively, and the government more scriptural. The established clergy are still becoming