31 MARCH (PREACHED 25 MARCH 1787)
Especially to the young people
‘Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.’ Proverbs 14:34
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Exodus 1:22–2:10; Hebrews 11:23–29
If some, if but a few, if even but one of the children [of the Charity School] before you, besides being put in the path of honest industry, should be partakers of that righteousness which I have described, it will compensate for the expense. Who that had seen Moses cast out upon the water, would have expected that he would one day become the deliverer and leader of Israel? I would animate you with the hope that amongst these children there may be some who in future life will appear in a very different situation, and by the providence and grace of God be qualified for great usefulness in society—patterns and promoters of that righteousness that exalteth a nation. May God so enthuse the hearts of this assembly, and so direct you to improve the talents he has entrusted you with, that in the great day of his appearance you may be found in the number of those who have been instrumental in turning many to righteousness, and who shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and like the stars for ever and ever. Amen.
FOR MEDITATION: Now I look to thee for strength and for a blessing this evening. I am going to speak in thy name, and especially to the young people. May I carry thy message. May thy power apply it. May thy voice be heard, thy presence felt, thy glory seen amongst us. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be abundantly known tonight, and may some good work be wrought which may be recorded to thy praise in the annuls of eternity.
Diary, 1 January 1783
SERMON: PROVERBS 14:34 [7/7] [FOR THE ANNUAL CHARITY SERMON]
Milo 