Address to the Inhabitants of the Colonies, established in New South Wales And Norfolk IslandJohnson, Richard
Religion
Address to the Inhabitants of the Colonies, established in New South Wales And Norfolk Island
Johnson, Richard
Prisoners -- Australia; Sermons -- Australia -- 18th century; Speeches, addresses, etc.
I have here a more special reference to those of you, who are
called Settlers and Free People. You think, perhaps, and some of you
say, That having served out your appointed term, you are now your own
masters, and have therefore a right to employ your time as you
please. But, indeed, it is not so. I must tell you, brethren, that my
commission from God, and my appointment from government, extend
equally and alike to all the inhabitants, without distinction. It is my
duty to preach to all, to pray for all, and to admonish every one. And
it is no less the duty of all, to come to public worship, to hear the
gospel, and to pray for me. These mutual ties and obligations between
you and me, are not lessened by any change in your circumstances. And
remember, that the slight you put upon the public worship, is not
properly a slight of me (if that was all, it would be a matter of utter
indifference) but upon the Lord himself; for I trust it is his message,
and not my own, that I deliver to you [Luke x. 16.]. I wish, therefore,
what I have said upon this subject, to be understood as addressed TO ALL,
whether of higher or lower rank, who are guilty of breaking the
sabbath. Whatever our station or calling may be, our obligations to keep
holy the sabbath-day, are precisely the same. If any are more
inexcusable than the rest, it must be those, who, from their station
and office, are peculiarly bound to set a good example to others. I
hope this friendly hint will be received in good part. I mean not to
offend. But I must admonish you, that whatever be your situation in
life, you will gain nothing in the end, by doing what God forbids, nor
will you be a loser by yielding strict obedience to his commands.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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