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derive from those acquainted with them, or from the Saviour himself, the knowledge of a thousand things concerning his eventful history, of which we are now ignorant?

Above all, let us rejoice in what has been furnished. Let us rejoice that it is so divinely proved-and that it has been preserved uncorrupted down to our own time-and that we have it in our own language-and are allowed, andable, to read it. And let us keep the end of the whole in view, and never be satisfied till it be accomplished in our experience. "Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that, believing, ye might have life through his name."

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OCT. 17.-" It is high time to awake out of sleep."
Rom. xiii. 11.

THESE words regard Christians themselves. This is undeniable, from the motive subjoined-"For now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." Are believers, then, asleep? Not in the sense they once were this would be impossible. But there are found, even in them, some remains of their former depravity. Though the good work is begun in them, it is far from being accomplished. While the bridegroom tarried, even the wise virgins slumbered and slept. Yes, Christians, alas! are often in a drowsy state; and oftener in a drowsy frame. This is sadly reproachful. What! drowsy, in examining themselves whether they be in the faith? Drowsy, in praising the God of their salvation? Drowsy, in seeking mercy and grace, to help

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them in time of need? Drowsy, in serving their generation, by the will of God? Are they not the disciples of Jesus? Did he ever speak an idle word? Did he ever lose a useful moment? "I must work," said he, "the works of Him that sent me while it is day; the night cometh wherein no man can work."

Yet, if the address be proper for Christians, how much more necessary is it for those who are entirely regardless of the things that belong to their peace! Surely, for them "it is high time to awake out of sleep'

-If we consider how long they have been sleeping. We ought to lament that we have lost any of our precious hours and opportunities. However short it may have been, the time past of our life should more than suffice, wherein we have lived to the will of man. What, then, should those feel who have sacrificed the whole of their youth? Perhaps the vigour of mature age? What should those feel, who, perhaps, have grown grey in the service of sin and the world? The later we begin, the more zealous should we be to redeem the advantages we have lost; and to overtake those who were wise enough to set off early. When Cæsar, in Spain, met with a statue of Alexander, he wept at the thought, that this illustrious conqueror had achieved so much before he had even begun. High time,

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If we consider, that the day is arrived, and the sun is risen so high. "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." We can say more than the Apostle. The night is spent. The day is fully come. And we are all the children of the light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness-Therefore let us not sleep as do others. They that sleep, sleep in the night. Look into Nature. The sun arisethand man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. The sun shines, not for us to sleep

by its lustre, but discharge the duties of our stations. And why is the Gospel given us? Why is our duty so plainly made known, but that we may follow it? And why are the blessings of Divine grace so clearly set before us, but that we may seek them ? Our obligations always increase with our advantages. To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. And the servant that knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, shall be beaten with many stripes for where much is given, much will be required. High time,

If we consider the business they have to do. I am doing, said Nehemiah to some who would have interrupted him-I cannot come down to you: I am doing a great work. How much more may a Christian say this! He has an enterprize connected with the soul, and God, and eternity. Some things are desirable, and some are useful; but this is absolutely indispensable

"Sufficient in itself alone;

"And needful, were the world our own.”

Neglect, in many a concern, is injurious: but here it is ruinous-of every thing-and for ever. High time,

If we consider the nature of the season in which this difficult and all-important work is to be accomplished. It is short: and there is but a step between us and death. It is uncertain in its continuance; and may be terminated every moment, by some of those numberless dangers, internal and external, to which we are exposed. And, once gone, it can never be renewed. No place will be found for repentance, though we seek it carefully with tears. High time,

-If we consider the danger they are in. If a man was sleeping in a house, and the fire was seen, not only to be kindled, but raging over his apartment; or approaching rapidly his door; or ready to catch

the very curtains of his bed; who would not think it high time for him to awake, and escape for his life? This is but a weak representation of the danger of sinners. They are condemned already. The wrath of God abideth on them. They are nigh unto cursing. Their end is to be burned. Their destruction is not only insured, but begun. And we are required to save with fear, pulling them out of the fire. High time to awake out of sleep,

If we consider, that all besides are awake. God is awake-Angels are awake-Glorified saints are awake-Brutes are awake-The children of this generation are awake-Devils are awake-Death is awake-Damnation is awake-Their damnation slumbereth not. It is high time to awake out of sleep! Is it not too late? Have I not reason to fear, that I have passed the bounds of Divine patience? that the Lord hath shut-to the door? that, in resentment of my neglects and provocations, he hath given me over to a reprobate mind? that he hath poured upon me the spirit of slumber?-And hence it is that I hear so often with indifference, and that nothing affects me now as it once did.

-But may I not hope, that his long-suffering will yet be my salvation? that he has spared me so long to afford space for repentance? that the seriousness of this retirement is another call of mercy ? that the uneasiness, the dread, the desire, I now feel, are a token for good?-that the lingering of pity still cries, How shall I give thee up?-Lord, save-I perish!

OCT. 18.-" He will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints; but let them not turn again to folly." Psalm lxxxv. 8.

How encouraging is this expectation!" He will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints."

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Mark the blessing itself-Peace. mean outward ease and prosperity. engages to speak this: but spiritual comfort; the composure of the conscience; the satisfaction of the heart: by which the "soul shall dwell at ease”—the effect of confidence in God: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." How relieving is it, under a sense of guilt, to believe in the blood that cleanseth from all sin! How soothing is it, in the various changes of life, to be assured that all things shall work together for our good! How confirming is it, in the prospect of every duty, to know that his strength shall be made perfect in weakness! This is the rest wherewith we are to cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing.

Observe the author of the communication-He will speak peace. And unless He speaks it, it will be spoken in vain. Friends may address us-but they will be found miserable comforters. Ministers may attempt to bind up the broken heart-but they will prove physicians of no value. Ordinances may be regarded-but they will be wells without water, and clouds without rain. But "when He giveth quietness, then who can make trouble?"-We can only implore, or announce peace: but His word produces, conveys it. He commandeth the blessing, even life for evermore. Nothing is beyond the reach of Him who turneth the shadow of death into the morning.

Observe the heirs of the privilege-He will speak peace to his people, and to his saints. These are not different characters, but different representations of the same persons: and the one is explanatory of the other. He has a people for his name: and if we ask, who they are, we are told they are saints; that is, they are holy ones. They are not perfectly holy: but they are really so. The principles of sancti

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