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distance until now, and we might have died and gone down to hell. But I thank my God that it is so, that whoever is warmed with the spirit of Christianity, must esteem, must love a true minister. Such is the nature of our institution that, in all our houses, union is connected by sincere attachment. Hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us—but pleasure is reciprocally communicated by the cheerful observance of every obliging minister as a office, if so the devil cannot get over it, he may pass, and that is all that he can do, and that is nothing, for virtue, is the grand object in my view—luminous as the sun shines at high meridian, the refulgent rays of the mind enlivens the heart, converts cool approbation into a warm sympathy and cordial affection though every man who carefully listens to the dictates of reason, may arrive at a clear persuasion of the beauty and necessity of virtue both public and private, yet is a full recommendation of a minister to have these pursuits continually in his view, as the sole objects of hi& association, and these are the laudable bonds, which unite ministers in one indissoluble society in Christ. John 14: 6. Prow 9. The doctrine of wisdom, the ways of science are beautiful. Knowledge is attained, and by the degrees of wisdom, the love of God dwells in the soul, with a contemplation; there we seek her, though the passage be difficult, the farther we proceed the easier it will become and if we are united as the true ministers of God, We will flourish in time and be crowned in eternity; and if so, let all these things give place to peace, and let the true fellowship unite us in the great grand design; let us be happy in ourselves, and endeavor to contribute to the happiness of others; let us promote the useful arts of pure religion, as ministers among the people; let us cultivate the moral virtues and improve in all that is good and amiable; let the genius of religion preside over all our conduct, and under its sovereign sway, let us act with becoming dignity; let our recreations be innocent, and pursued with moderation; and never let us, as ministers, expose our character to derision; let us act in every way to our standing in conformity to our precept, and support tho great name we have always borne, of being a respectable, a regular, and a uniform man of the great Architect
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