"bernacle; but when he had given them rest on every side, then David, from the natural reason and congruity of the Thing, concluded it fit to build a House of Rest for the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, and that exceeding magnificent. And God approved of his Intention, telling him that he did well that it was in his heart to build such an House to the name of the Lord."

" 4. To warn us for ever against the grudging at any extraordinary Expence for the Honour of Religion, as needless and superfluous; and especially from cloaking our Covetousness, with a pretence of Charity to the Poor; we may do well to consider how severely our Saviour reprehends his own Disciples for murmuring at that Cost which the devout Woman bestowed upon the Temple of his Body, in pouring upon it an Ointment of so great Price. To what purpose (said they) is this waste? This Ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. But our Saviour sharply reproves this sordid disposition of theirs; and what they called Waste, he calls a good Work, such as in its proper Season, is no less pleasing to God, than Charity to the Poor. And to testify his high Esteem and Acceptance of it, he took particular Care to have it recorded in the History of his own Life; that together with his Doctrine and Miracles, the Memorial of it might be celebrated in all Ages, to the end of the World. Hereby teaching us, that we ought, under the Gospel, to honour God with our Substance, as well as to relieve the Poor; and that magnificent Acts of Piety have their place no less in the Christian Religion than most liberal Deeds of Charity."

" Secondly, It is objected against the general extent of this Contribution, That the Church of St. Pauls, belonging only to the City and Diocess of London, ought to be rebuilt solely at their Charge, without having recourse to so extraordinary a way of supply from others, who are no ways concerned in it."

" In answer to this Objection, be pleased to consider,"

" 1. That the Inhabitants of London were not only exceeding great Sufferers by the late dreadful Fire, but have since been at a vast and incredible Charge in rebuilding of their own Houses and Parish Churches, their Hospitals, Halls, and Royal Exchange; and in several other publick Works, to the great Honour and Advantage of the City, and to the Wonder and Astonishment of the World, that in so short a space, so great a City should rise so beautiful, and out of such vast and dismal Ruins."

" 2. That the City of London, and Counties adjoining, have done for several Years, and still do, towards this Work, pay a particular Tax upon all the Coals brought into the Port of London. Besides which, it is not doubted but they will be very exemplary in their voluntary Contributions thereto."

" 3. That the City of London hath ever been found very charitable and bountiful, upon all Occasions, towards the rebuilding of Churches and Towns in the Country, and the repairing of the Fortunes of particular Persons, that have been ruined by the like Calamity of Fire. For which Cause, they hope it will not be thought unreasonanble in them, for once, to crave and expect the Assistance of the Country, upon so pressing and extraordinary an Occasion; when they are utterly unable, alone, to support the Burden, and to defray the mighty Charge of so great a Work."

" 4. That the rebuilding of this Church is of very publick Concernment, and the whole Nation, in some sort, interested in it. Our Kings have used upon extraordinary Occasions to resort to it, there to pay their solemn Acknowledgments to Almighty God, for publick Blessings and Deliverances granted to this Nation. And the Preachers there have always been particularly appointed and chosen from both the Universities of this Realm, and from all parts of the Kingdom. And the Glory of the Work will also redound to the whole Nation; to which it will not only be a singular Ornament, but likewise a standing Monument of the publick Affection and Zeal of this Protestant Kingdom to Piety and good Works."

" Which last Consideration ought to have the greater Force with us, because at this time, as much as ever, the Protestant Religion stands upon its Reputation, and stands in need of it too. And therefore every one ought, with more than ordinary Zeal, to be concerned for the carrying on of this Work; not only for the Honour of our Nation, and the Credit of our common Christianity, but also of our Reformed Religion. That there may be no pretence to upbraid us, that Error and Superstition could make Men more zealous of good Works, than the Doctrine of the true Religion; and that our Adversaries of Rome may be convinced, that our Piety is as generous and charitable as theirs, but would not be so arrogant and presumptuous; and that whilst we disclaim the Merit, yet we do most stedfastly believe the Obligation and Necessity of good Works."