have done no harm. The question is, have we done any good? The fig-tree is cut down because it is barren; and we may perish for our unfruitfulness. May the means which our blessed Lord is now using to make us fruitful be continued; and may they be crowned with complete success, that God may be glorified in our eternal salvation! Amen.

SERMON CXVIII.

PIETY PRODUCES STRONG CONFIDENCE.

In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. PROVERBS Xiv, 26.

THE man who fears the Lord, in the sense of this passage, may cast away all his painful and perplexing fears. He is safe under the protection of almighty power, both in dangers seen and unseen, and may bid defiance to all his potent enemies. Sin makes man a coward; but righteousness inspires him with courage. "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." Prov. xxviii, 1. Some men confide in human wisdom, and others in human power; but both the one and the other will fail them when they stand in need of counsel and support. The only thing that can inspire the soul with strong confidence, in pressing difficulties and dangers, is the fear of the Lord. But what is meant by the fear of the Lord? In this place it signifies inward and outward religion, or the religion of the heart, and that of the life and in this there is strong confidence in every state and circumstance of life and death. This will appear by the following general observations:

I. THE FEAR OF THE LORD affords strong CONFIDENCE IN POVERTY. Pious men are often reduced to poverty; but they use the appointed means to obtain the necessaries of life; and they confidently trust in that promise, "Verily thou shalt be fed." Ps. xxxvii, 3. Many weighty considerations inspire them with strong confidence, but particularly the following the Lord, whom they fear, knows all their wants; he has suffered them, for wise and good reasons, to fall into poverty; he can supply their wants, and deliver them, when it pleaseth him; and all their sufferings in the present life will have a good issue in the next. "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" James ii, 5.

;

II. MEN WHO FEAR THE LORD HAVE STRONG CONFIDENCE IN SICKNESS. When sickness comes, the physician is called in, and he tries his useful art; but he cannot succeed, with all his skill, without the blessing of the Lord. A good man knows this, and while he uses prudent means, he exercises strong confidence in the Lord. In that painful season he considers himself as being placed under the immediate care of his heavenly

Father, and when human help fails, the Lord strengthens "him upon the bed of languishing," and makes "all his bed in his sickness." Ps. xli, 3. Two things give him confidence when he is bowed down with strong pain: first, a firm persuasion, that if he be not raised up to a state of health and strength, the Lord will remove him to that world where there is no sickness; and, secondly, that he will be supported and upheld through his affliction by the outstretched arm of God.

III. IN TIMES of persecution, BY UNREASONABLE AND WICKED MEN, THERE IS STRONG CONFIDENCE IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD.

This was proved under all the violent persecutions of the Christians by Jews, by heathen Rome, and by the papal power. Holy men. of God, who suffered in those persecutions, feared the Lord; but they did not fear them which kill the body." They were persecuted for righteousness' sake; but they rejoiced and were "exceeding glad." Conscious innocence, and an assurance of the Divine approbation, carried them through all the sufferings of banishment, imprisonment, torture, and death. They knew that the Lord would uphold them in the fiery trial; and deliver them out of the hands of all their enemies. The aged and infirm, the young and tender, the hardy man, and the delicate female, braved the storm, being confident that they should receive a martyr's

crown.

IV. PIETY AFFORDS STRONG CONFIDENCE UNDER THE TEMPTATIONS OF THE WICKED ONE.

He appears on some occasions as a roaring lion, and on other occasions as an angel of light; but he is a conquered enemy; he is not suffered to tempt the pious more than they are able to bear; and the Lord always makes a way for them to escape. Rash confidence might induce them to abuse this enemy, in his impudent attacks, but prudent confidence teaches them to say, "The Lord rebuke thee." Jude 9. But they are strongly confident of success in all their encounters with this foe; for he always flees when he is resisted, even by the weakest child of grace. When the heart is divided between God and the world, there is reason to fear; but decided piety emboldens the soul in the war with devils, and complete victory is quite certain.

V. IN THE CONVULSIONS OF NATURE, BY DREADFUL STORMS AND TEMPESTS, THERE IS STRONG CONFIDENCE IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD.

Such convulsions take place, in different parts of the world, on special occasions; and they are a terror to the enemies of God, because they are afraid of his wrath and justice, when he appears in his power and majesty. When David was exposed to the raging of a terrible tempest, he had strong confidence, was graciously preserved, and ascribed his safety and deliverance to the Lord. His words are encouraging to all good men: "He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters." Ps. xviii, 16. And this confidence is felt by good men when winds blow, when thunders roar, when lightnings blaze, and when earthquakes shake the ground. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." Ps. xlvi, 1, 2

VI. WHEN THE LORD VISITS A NATION WITH HIS SORE .UDGMENTS,

THERE IS STRONG CONFIDENCE IN HIS FEAR.

The judgments with which he visits the nations, when they provoke his anger by long-continued rebellion, are four: the sword, the famine, the noisome beast, and the pestilence. Ezek. xiv, 21. In these dreadfu seasons of wrath and justice, the righteous may not be able to deliver either son or daughter; but they shall "deliver their own souls by their righteousness." And they rest securely on that promise, "Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him." Isai. iii, 10. Their bodies may perish with those of other men; but their souls are safe; and they enter into peace. But in many instances they are wonderfully preserved; for the Lord spareth them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Yet whatever happens, they rely on the Lord, and all is well with them whether they live or die.

VII. RELIGION GIVES STRONG CONFIDENCE TO THE SOUL IN THE HOUR OF DEATH.

That awful hour is at hand. When it arrives every earthly thing withdraws its aid; but piety remains, and affords the sweetest consolation. The Lord is present with his dying saints; holy angels are present; and Jesus stands ready to receive their departing spirits. They have fought the good fight; they have finished their course; they have kept the faith; and they are about to be crowned with glory. Their confidence is strong in the merit and mediation of Jesus, and in all the precious promises. They leave the world without reluctance, and rejoice in the prospect of eternal blessedness. The death of a good man is awful, but it is the hour of triumph. Nature struggles with pain; but the soul enjoys sweet peace. Death appears; but it has lost its sting. "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. xv,

57.

VIII. THE STRONG CONFIDENCE OF ALL WHO FEAR THE LORD WILL

CONTINUE UNABATED IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT.

They will stand with boldness when the Judge descends in all the glory of his Father. Having an interest in Christ, and being united to him by faith and love, they will survey the awful events of that day without any painful emotion. Their names will be found written in the book of life; the Judge will smile upon them; and they will be invited to dwell with him in the kingdom of his glory. Then the world will be burned up; and the wicked will be banished into everlasting fire; but the righteous will shine "as the brightness of the firmament," and as "the stars for ever." Dan. xii, 3.

To conclude: The ground of this confidence in life and death, and in the day of judgment, is the merciful kindness of the Lord. He knows the state and circumstances of his people; he stands by them in dangers and difficulties; and he delivers them because he delighteth in them. They have no confidence in themselves, being ignorant, weak, and helpless; but the wisdom of the Lord makes them wise, his strength makes them strong, and his power makes them mighty and valiant. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Ps. xxvii, 1.

The children of the Lord have a place of refuge. The Lord is their strong hold. Nah. i, 7. He is their rock, their fortress, and deliverer. Ps. xviii, 2. Christ is a refuge for guilty souls when they repent and believe in his name. Heb. vi, 18. He is a covert to his people in the storm and tempest; and as the "shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Isai. xxxii, 2. May we not infer that religion is a blessing of inestimable value? And that the enjoyment and practice of it is our highest wisdom, our greatest honour, and our best security? We have a refuge here; but our best refuge is in the heavenly world. There we shall be out of the reach of danger, and rest with God and the Lamb for ever.

true.

But let us still confide in God, who is reconciled to us through his Son; and let us commit all our children and all our concerns to his care. He has promised to keep us; and his promise is faithful and "Cast not away, therefore, your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." Heb. x, 35. Fear the Lord "greatly;" fear him "constantly;" and fear him to the "end. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Prov. iii, 23-26. Amen

SERMON CXIX.

THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT SUPPER.

Come; for all things are ready. LUKE XIV, 17.

In this parable the blessings of Christianity are represented under the figure of a great supper, in which every thing is richly provided for the Christian family. The world promises much to its deluded votaries, but all its pleasures are vanity. Its costly and elegant feasts pamper the perishing body; but the Gospel provides a feast for the immortal spirit. To this feast the poor and needy are invited; and they may come without money or price. It is a pure intellectual feast, begun on earth, and perfected in heaven.

I. THE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM ARE EXPRESSED BY

THE FIGURE OF A RICH FEAST.

This is a common figure in the Sacred Writings. Thus, "Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars. She hath

Cena, or supper, was the principal meal among the Jews, Greeks, and Romans; and it was called cœna from zour, signifying common; because the family eat it together, or in company-WILSON's Archalog. Dic.

killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table." Prov. ix, 1, 2. And in the following passage there is an allusion to Gospel times, under the figure of a feast: "And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees; of fat things full of marrow; of wines on the lees well refined." Isai. xxv, 6.

The Gospel feeds the soul with useful knowledge. That promise which was made to the Jews, may be applied to Christians: "I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jer. iii, 15. And we may affirm, with the strictest truth, that "the lips of the wise feed many." Prov. x, 21. The soul is fed by a knowledge of every important doctrine of Christ; by a knowledge of every necessary duty of Christianity; and by a knowledge of all the precious promises. And this is a richer feast to the soul than the richest dainties are to the body.

At this feast there is a rich display of mercy in the pardon of sin; abundant grace to strengthen and cheer the heart; and rich influences of the Holy Spirit to sanctify the soul. All the wants of men are supplied at this great supper. Do they want a Saviour? He is offered to them at this feast; and they feed on him in their hearts by faith with thanksgiving. Do they hunger and thirst after righteousness? Here they are filled. Do they want strength? Here they renew their strength.

How sweet is this feast to a penitent sinner, whose heart is opened to receive the blessings of grace and mercy! How refreshing to a true believer, who comes with a heart duly prepared to receive the bread of life! This feast is conducted without noise and tumult; and the soul is fed without surfeiting. The Christian is prepared by the entertainment of his Lord for all the duties and difficulties of life; and he is encouraged to hope for the heavenly feast, where, it is said of holy persons, "The Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water." Rev. vii, 17.

II. WE ARE INVITED TO THIS FEAST: COME; FOR ALL THINGS ARE

READY.

But when may we come? Just now; next moment, for aught we know, we world. Who, then, that is wise, would fools. Yet such fools greatly abound. morrow, but nothing to-day.

for all things are ready. The may be called into the eternal delay a moment? None but They promise every thing to

That we may come acceptably, let us renounce the world, with all its pomp and vanity. He who mixes the follies of the world with religious duties, cannot succeed in religion; and while he trims between these opposite principles, he has no pleasure either in the one or the other. Give up sin; give up sinful companions; yea, give up all for God.

Come to the Gospel supper just as you are. Some think themselves unworthy, and others think themselves unfit; but is any man more fit or more worthy to receive Divine blessing by neglecting the invitation of Christ? It is absurd for any one to prepare himself for a feast, by seeking to fill himself before he goes; but let him go empty and hungry, that the Lord may fill him.