-71 particular Addrefs, &c. 237 cumftances of any one nation, but of a mo- S E R M, ral nature and perpetual obligation, of the IX. greater importance and ufefulnefs to all per - `!v-"..4 fons and at all times, I thall, purfuant to the defign of our prefent affembly, apply them particularly to the young in years, who ftritly may be dif}inguifhed by the name of chil- dren, as far as any can be fo called, who are capable of being inftrudied. Every one will allow, that none are bet- ter intitled to the care of fuch as would teach religion ; that their pains cannot be better berowed with a greater probability of fuc- cefs, or the profpea of a more extenfive good. The weaknefs of the young recom- mendeth them to our tenderer compaßïon. Let any man confider ferioufly with himfelf what hazards he ran in his heedlefs youth, what a narrow efcape he made from the corruptions of the world, in which multitudes are caught to their ruin ; nay, what follies and errors he actually fell into, which have been the fubjet of his bitter felf-refle &ion at a more mature age; and muft he not ac- knowledge that his molt affeaionate fym- pathy is due to thofe, who are juft entering into the fame dangers ? Can there be a more moving objet of pity to a well difpofed per - fon, than a multitude of his fellow- creatures, endeared
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