going to take a journey of unknown length, and everlasting duration. We are all going to that undiscovered country, from which no traveller has yet returned, to tell us where it is, or what it contains. We may set out for it to-morrow, or even before tomorrow; for the decree may have gone forth, "this night shall thy soul be required "of thee." We are all soon to enter upon another tenure; not for a term of years, but a holding for eternity. Should we not then be sober-minded, and serious, and considerate about such great concerns? Should we not give our chief thoughts and attention to them? You see, that, in those worldly affairs which are of any importance to us, we always deal in this circumspect and considerate way; and, most assuredly, if we think it necessary to do so in what can last only for a short time, we ought to feel, that it is much more necessary to follow the same conduct, in concerns that are to last for ever. "Work out your salvation," says the Apostle, not in folly and thoughtlessness; but," in fear and trembling:" with a sobriety and concern which a business of such importance, and which will have such weighty consequences, so well deserves. We know, that the day is far spent, and "the night cometh," to every one of us; and therefore common prudence, as well as christian duty, obliges us to spend the little time that may remain to us," not in riot❝ing and drunkenness; not in chambering "and wantonness; not in strife and envy"ing;" but in sobriety, and moderation; in diligence and active endeavours to prepare our souls for that great change, which they must shortly undergo, when "the end "of all things" shall actually come upon us. A great part of this preparation is included in the last words of the text, "watch unto prayer," which I shall consider in the third and last place. With respect to this duty, my friends, you must carefully recollect, that the prayer which is enjoined and commanded by scripture, and which has such great promises and advantages connected with it, is not merely a form, but a substance. It is not that prayer which cometh out" of feigned lips," but that which proceedeth from the heart; it is prayer accompanied by holy 'dispositions of soul, and by the exercise of every christian virtue in the conduct of life. Scripture tells us positively, that "the prayer of the hypo"crite is abomination to the LORD;" and that he will not have regard to the supplications of those, whose hearts are not cleansed from every impurity, and all un charitableness, when they lift up their voices unto him. On the other hand, the same scripture as clearly assures us, that, if prayer be sincere and fervent, if it really come from the soul, and be joined with piety and righteousness of behaviour, its blessings will be unspeakably great; and its good effects be felt in life, in death, and in eternity. "The LORD is nigh unto all them that call 66 upon him in truth. He will fulfil the "desire of them that hear him; he will "also hear their cry, and will help them." To which St. Paul has added this direction, and the prophet this promise: "Be over "anxious for nothing; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, let your re66 quest be made known unto GOD;" "for he will be very gracious unto thee, " at the voice of thy cry; when he shall "hear it, he will answer thee, and say, "Here I am." The scriptures, indeed, abound with striking examples of the power and efficacy of prayer. When Hezekiah was besieged by the Assyrians, he prayed to the LORD, and the LORD smote the camp of the Assyrians, so that they were all dead corpses. When the same king was sick unto death, he prayed unto the LORD, and the LORD added to his life fifteen years. When Elijah prayed to GOD to restore the widow's son of Zarephah, God listened to his supplication, and "the soul of the child "came into him again, and he revived." And when Moses. Joshua, Samuel, David, Elisha, Isaiah, Daniel, John, Peter, Paul, and many other holy men, of whom the scriptures tell us, lifted up their hearts to GOD in sincere and earnest prayer, when they were in trouble, danger, or difficulty; their petitions were always received with favour and approbation, and their supplica tions answered by a communication of God's mercy unto them. As the effects of prayer are thus advantageous to us under all the circumstances of life; so it is a very effectual preparation against the hour of death. The man who pract ses it faithfully, will be daily improving in grace, and fitting himself more and more for that eternity to which he is journeying. His mind will be thoughtful and considerate; not gloomy, but properly serious; his heart will be established, and "will not shrink" under the troubles or disappointments of life; his soul will be armed against the various temptations and trials which encircle ham on every side; and he will look forward to "the end of all "things" with tranquillity and cheertuiness. The advantages of a high station, or great riches, will not puff him up; the inconve i |