Lastly:  It would probably contribute to restore some degree of brotherly love, if we would but consider, that the matter of those disputes, which inflame us to this degree, doth not, in its own nature, at all concern the generality of mankind.  Indeed as to those who have been great gainers or losers by the changes of the world, the case is different; and to preach moderation to the first, and patience to the last, would perhaps be to little purpose:  But what is that to the bulk of the people, who are not properly concerned in the quarrel, although evil instruments have drawn them into it?  For, if the reasonable men on both sides were to confer opinions, they would find neither religion, loyalty, nor interest, are at all affected in this dispute.  Not religion, because the members of the Church, on both sides, profess to agree in every article:  Not loyalty to our prince, which is pretended to by one party as much as the other, and therefore can be no subject for debate:  Not interest, for trade and industry lie open to all; and, what is further, concerns only those who have expectations from the public:  So that the body of the people, if they knew their own good, might yet live amicably together, and leave their betters to quarrel among themselves, who might also probably soon come to a better temper, if they were less seconded and supported by the poor deluded multitude.

I have now done with my text, which I confess to have treated in a manner more suited to the present times, than to the nature of the subject in general.  That I have not been more particular in explaining the several parts and properties of this great duty of brotherly love, the apostle to the Thessalonians will plead my excuse.—­“Touching brotherly love” (saith he) “ye need not that I write unto you, for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another[4].”  So that nothing remains to add, but our prayers to God, that he would please to restore and continue this duty of brotherly love or charity among us, the very bond of peace and of all virtues.

[Footnote 4:  1 Thess. iv. 9.]

Nov. 29, 1717.

THE DIFFICULTY OF KNOWING ONE’S-SELF.[1]

[Footnote 1:  Prefixed to the issue in volume ten, “Miscellanies,” 1745, is the following: 

“ADVERTISEMENT.

“The manuscript title page of the following sermon being lost, and no memorandum writ upon it, as there were upon the others, when and where it was preached, made the editor doubtful whether he should print it as the Dean’s, or not.  But its being found amongst the same papers; and the hand, though writ somewhat better, bearing a great similitude to the Dean’s, made him willing to lay it before the public, that they might judge whether the style and manner also does not render it still more probable to be his.” [T.S.]]

2 KINGS, VIII.  PART OF THE 13TH VERSE.

“And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?”