mate consequences. I call upon you to do so, as you regard your peace of mind on earth, as you value your hopes of heaven. If we are really sensible of our own utter insignificance in the midst of the universe of God, and of our constant and entire dependence upon him, let us live under the influence of these feelings. Let His law be the rule of our lives; His approbation the end of our actions. Let us "be followers of Him, as dear children." If we know that we belong to a race of beings, frail and sinful, and very far removed even from that degree of excellence to which they are capable of attaining, let us study, as far as we have opportunity, to improve their spiritual condition; and, above all, let them have the benefit of our example. "Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father, who is in heaven." If we feel ashamed at the comparatively slow progress of Christianity in the world, and lament the continued existence of many of the obstacles by which it is impeded, let us endeavour, as far as in us lies, to remove these obstacles and hasten its progress, by steadily supporting and zealously endeavouring to diffuse those simple, and rational, and scriptural views of gospel truth, and that plain and unambitious system of church government, the adoption of which, as we believe, will tend

most effectually to hasten its universal diffusion. Finally, my brethren, and above all, if we are satisfied, from past experience, that we are weak and sinful,-if we know that we are surrounded by temptations, and feel that we have but little reason to place confidence in our own strength, let us pray to that God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, to lend us his gracious aid. Let us eagerly lay hold upon every opportunity that presents itself of strengthening our devotional feelings; and remember, that we might as reasonably expect to reap without having sown, as look for an answer to our prayers for Divine assistance, whilst we are obstinately refusing to avail ourselves of those means of grace through which it is to be bestowed. "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." "Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace: above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplica

tion, in the spirit." And may God grant you grace, at all times to do that which is wellpleasing in his sight, and advance you at last to his eternal kingdom.

SERMON XI.

THE TRANSITORINESS OF SORROW.

PSALM XXX., 5.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

It is a good custom, my fellow Christians, and one well calculated to nourish piety, to connect the idea of the Divine Being with all the most remarkable circumstances of life. The more frequently we can recall that idea to our minds, provided our meditations be not suffered to interfere with the ordinary duties of life, of which there is, in the present state of society, little danger, the better. But we should he particularly careful to associate it with all those circumstances and states of feeling which are likely to leave the deepest impressions upon the mind. No one can avoid perceiving how evidently the duty of daily prayer results from these considerations. We cannot be sure of any event occurring, in the course of the day, which will be likely to lead our thoughts to God. If we wish, therefore, to keep up in our

minds an habitual regard to the Almighty, we ought not to trust entirely to accident, but should set apart, for the cultivation of our devotional feelings, such seasons of the day as may seem best fitted for that purpose, and least exposed to interruption from worldly engagements. The man who neglects this duty, voluntarily resigns the simplest, and, at the same time, the most powerful means which he possesses of keeping up a sense of religion in his mind, and becomes answerable, of course, for the awful train of evils which such neglect is too likely to draw after it. But to attend, however scrupulously, to this duty, though of vast importance, is not to do all that may be done towards the formation of a religious character. Not only are there other duties, such as a serious and humble perusal of the Scriptures, and devout meditation, by which prayer ought to be, and naturally will be, accompanied; but we should take care that our religious feelings be not confined exclusively to such stated periods. Indeed, where religious exercises are devoutly performed, this is scarcely possible.The hours which may have been spent in communion with God, cannot fail to diffuse a sanctifying influence over the heart and life of the sincere worshipper. They will prepare the mind for falling into a similar train of thought,