My brethren, in order to answer such an inquiry aright, it seems only necessary that we should remember the essential difference already pointed out between the chosen nation and any which the world has since seen. Never in any other case has the civil government of kingdoms been carried on by the immediate agency of Almighty power. _Our_ national welfare depends not upon miracles, but upon those provisions of human forethought or experience, which, under the Divine blessing, appear best adapted to meet each exigency that arises. And although there is often cause to lament that this blessing is so seldom _implored_ by us distinctly and publicly as a Christian people, and so little _acknowledged_ by us in the many mercies, which, as a Christian people, we are enjoying, yet still we may humbly believe that the inquiry now conducted cannot be displeasing to God. Many facts will be learnt from it conducive to the common good, and tending either to suggest or to mature provisions for our social improvement. Many practical lessons will be gained, teaching us how we may better “_bear each other’s burdens_, _and so fulfil the law of Christ_.” {7a} Many truths will be derived from the results of this Census, which may strengthen our hands as “_members one of another_;” {7b} and some objects, it may be hoped, will be answered by it, in the advancement of which we may cheerfully join in giving effect to the counsels of our rulers. At the same time there are thoughts mingling with this subject of a more serious and personal kind, to which I could desire, in the guidance of God’s Spirit, to direct your minds. And the occasion for suggesting them appears so seasonable, and occurs so seldom, that it may reconcile us to the omission of other topics of inquiry, and the endeavour to found upon it some which may be made, under the teaching of that Spirit, conducive to our edification and salvation. This enrolling of our people _every tenth year_, each man’s family in his own house, may it not read to us some lessons as Christians; while it affords to those who are set over us in the Lord, the materials for their guidance in the great work of government and legislation? Whether we regard it as private individuals, or as fellow-subjects in that civil community with which the Providence of God has connected us, or as members of the Church of Christ and “_heirs together of the grace of life_,” {7c} it may suggest to us many reflections of thankfulness, self-inquiry and abasement.