[Illustration: Frontispiece.] DISCOURSES ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS DISCOURSES ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, By JACOB DUCHÉ, M. A. Rector of Christ-Church and St. Peter's, in Philadelphia; AND FORMERLY OF CLARE-HALL, CAMBRIDGE. The SECOND EDITION. VOL I. LONDON; Printed by J. Phillips, George-Yard, Lombard-Street. And Sold by T. Cadell, in the Strand; H. Payne, Pall-Mall; C. Dilly, in the Poultry; and J. Phillips. M.DCC.LXXX. [Illustration: Pelham Pinx.] TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LADY JULIANA PENN. Madam, I have ever deemed it one of the most favourable circumstances of my life, that your Ladyship condescended to honour my early youth with your kind countenance and protection. Your amiable character, and exemplary virtues, have always thrown such a lustre around you, as could not but enlighten and improve those, who came within their influence. This testimony from me, is no more than the just tribute of a grateful heart. I am, therefore, happy, in having your Ladyship's permission to inscribe to you the following discourses. You are no stranger to the sentiments they contain: you love and honour the doctrines they inculcate. The author intreats to be indulged with a continuance of that regard, which your Ladyship hath hitherto shewn him; and which he hath always held more desirable, in proportion as he hath been better qualified to judge of what is truly honourable and estimable in the intercourses of social life. With this sentiment deeply impressed upon his mind, he cannot but rejoice in the opportunity your Ladyship hath granted him, of thus publickly subscribing himself, Madam, Your Ladyship's Most obliged and Most faithful Servant, J. DUCHÉ. PREFACE. The following discourses were preached in the united Churches of Christ Church and St. Peter, in the City of Philadelphia, of which the author was appointed assistant minister in the year 1759, and to the rectorship of which he was elected in the year 1775.