their loss, like the flecting enjoyments of sense; but continue to refresh our souls with perpetual cheerfulness in every period and condition of life. "Happy is he who findeth wisdom, and who getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than that of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold." And well may the Christian say with St. Paul, "I count all things but loss, for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." His yoke is easy, and his burthen is light, and in the keeping of his commandments there is a great reward. But moreover, the belief and practice of true religion is attended with manifold comforts which solace the heart. The good man has even the best chance of obtaining a competent portion of the things of this life; since his steady conduct enables him to manage his affairs with discretion, and ensure success in all his ways. And his grateful disposition excites him to enjoy the blessings of providence with far more relish, than he who is insensible that from God proceedeth every good and perfect gift. In every circumstance in which he can be placed, he experiences a sense of the divine favour; which cheers his soul with a joy that is unspeakable, and a peace of mind that passeth understanding. Conscious that he endeavours to walk uprightly, he approves himself to the searcher of hearts, and is enabled to say, "Thou God who knowest all things, knowest that I love thee," and that it is my desire to keep thy commandments, and walk in all thine ordinances blameless. Though he is encompassed with manifold infirmities, yet as he believes that Christ hath procured the remission of sins that are past, when repented of and forsaken; therefore he trusts that God will be merciful to his unrighteousness, and remember his iniquities no more. He hopes that his hea venly father will lift up the light of his countenance upon him and give him peace, that he will look upon him through the face of his anointed;--give him grace here and glory hereafter, and withhold nothing that is good from him while he walks uprightly. Thus, he experiences, that in the divine favour is life; and is ever ready to exclaim," whom have I in heaven but thee, and

there is none in all the earth, that my soul desires besides thee; my flesh and my heart doth faint and fail; but thou art the strength of my heart and my portion for ever."

Another source of comfort which the good man possesses, is, faith in the wise arrangements of divine providence. That God not only superintends the affairs of mankind in general, but distributes the fortune of every individual in particular; is a doctrine which both reason How well adapted and revelation concur to establish. is this truth, to render him who believes it resigned in adversity, and disposed to be grateful in a time of prosperity. Even when suffering the greatest hardships and disappointments of life, the Christian is enabled to support himself by such considerations as these: God rules in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: he conducts all events with consummate wisdom; nothing can befal me without his appointment or permission, and when my circumstances are distressing, they are ordered by him in whose hands my life is, and whose are all my ways, and if duly improved shall at last work together for my good. Therefore I will submit patiently to whatever happens, assured that there is some gracious design for which I am afflicted, which, though not perceived now, shall be known hereafter. It is my duty then to say, Father thy will be done: to thee I refer my concerns on thee I cast all my cares, since thou carest for me. Such a temper of mind has a natural tendency to alleviate the distresses of life, and enables us to bear them with becoming fortitude.-And when success attends the godly man, and he receives any earthly blessing which contributes to his happiness, what sensations of thankfulness does he feel for the goodness of the Lord, which endureth continually. This favourable incident, will he say, is overruled by the counsels of my almighty guardian, who doeth all things well: this fortunate occurrence is arranged by the guidance of that invisible hand which conducts the destinies of men: this additional gift which I have received, cometh down from the father of lights, who bestoweth such benefits as we require, both

for life and for godliness. Therefore, let me be sensible of the loving kindness of the Lord, let me acknowledge his disposal of my concerns, devote my life to his glory, which is thus preserved by his providential care, and manifest my gratitude by keeping his commandments. Thus, the good man will believe and act, and thus he will possess more joy and gladness in his soul, than others, when their corn, and their wine, and their oil, do most abound.-Finally, another source of comfort which belongs to the righteous, is, the hope of eternal life awaiting him in the kingdom of heaven. This is the anchor of his soul, both sure and stedfast; by which he is enabled to enter by faith within the veil. Though the enjoyment of this inheritance is reserved for a future state; yet its certainty is ascertained by the most indubitable evidence; and the greatness of its happiness is such, as eye hath not seen, nor imagination conceived. It is "a fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore;" a place where we shall be relieved from all the pains and sufferings of humanity; and participate in every delight which can engage our faculties, or solace our minds; in which we shall see God as he is, and be happy in his presence for evermore. Since such is the destination appointed for the faithful, well may they take comfort from the anticipation of that glory which shall hereafter be revealed; and in this land of their pilgrimage endure the troubles of life for a little while, since they will soon be delivered from them all, and enter into rest. When such are the pleasures arising from the belief and practice of true religion; may it not be truly said, that her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace? This will appear still more clearly, when it is shown,

II. That these pleasures are more dignified and delightful, than the enjoyments of the world and the flesh.

The objects which religion unfolds are superior in importance to all others; they are God and his attributes, Christ and his offices; the Holy Ghost and his operations; our fellow-men with the relations in which they are placed; and our own natures, with the best mode of im

proving them to the utmost perfection. The subject of religious feelings is the soul, which is our better part, and capable of the most refined enjoyments, from the proper employment of its faculties. If we value ourselves for our mental capacities, shall not their exertion in exploring the most sublime truths, and performing the most noble actions, be regarded as the most suitable to us as rational beings? Is it not the most worthy manner in which we can act, to stir up our heart, and soul, and all that is within us; to adore the greatness, to admire the wisdom, and love the goodness of our Creator, whose tender mercies are over all his works? Is it not reasonable and necessary, that we should understand the plan of our redemption as accomplished by our Saviour, and endeavour to obtain an interest in the blessings he has purchased, without which we cannot be saved? Is it not becoming to devote ourselves to the service of him who hath created, preserved and redeemed us, by acquiring conformity to his statutes, which both promote our happiness here, Is it not deand qualify us for his enjoyment hereafter? lightful to have a sense of the favour of God, the direction of his providence through all the vicissitudes of this mortal state, and the hope of a better and more enduring inThese, surely, heritance in the state of immortality? are sources of pleasurable feeling to the soul, which neither the world nor the flesh can afford, and therefore deThese and similar serve our first and great concern. exertions of our mental faculties, afford that rational satisfaction, and impart that joy and gladness which renders a man well pleased with his behaviour.

Accordingly, if we examine the several religious actions in which we engage, they will recommend themselves by the peaceable fruits of righteousness, which they respectively produce. Thus, when we worship our maker in spirit and in truth; does not such an exercise yield far higher transports, and more refined sensations, than those which proceed from providing for the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts thereof? When we enlarge our understandings by reading, and the acquisition of knowledge; are not our minds more delighted, than when pursuing

the amusements of sense and vanity? When we impress our minds by meditation on those sacred truths, which are revealed for our instruction in righteousness; are we not rendered wiser and better, than by indulging every romantic thought which imagination may suggest? When we keep our hearts with all diligence, and maintain a conscience void of offence; do we not thereby secure uninterrupted tranquillity; whereas by suffering our passions to lead us into temptation and sin, we lose the peace of our own minds, and expose ourselves to the divine displeasure? When we spend our time in the faithful discharge of the duties of our station, and the residue in religious exercises, and in going about doing good; do we not approve of such a mode of conduct; while we reproach ourselves for idleness, and the neglect of per forming these several obligations incumbent upon us? When we have dealt fairly and impartially with our neighbour, and are conscious that no one hath cause to be our enemy, with what a cheerful confidence do we go forth into the world; whereas if we overreach or defraud him, what shame do we conceive in our own breasts, and what contempt may we expect from others! When we have forgiven an injury, and reconciled an offending brother by returning good for evil; do we not rejoice in having subdued our resentment, and are we not gratified by converting an enemy into a friend? Whereas by indulging malice, we both disturb our own composure, and live in strife and contention with those around us. When we stretch forth our hand to relieve the needy, or visit the disconsolate to soothe his sorrows; does not our heart feel a joy unspeakable, when it receives the blessing of him that was ready to perish? Whereas by shutting up our bowels of compassion, we inwardly condemn ourselves for our narrow minded selfishness, and become objects of execration to mankind. Let the voluptuous man indulge his appetite with every thing which his heart can wish, and say to himself, eat, drink, and be merry; yet in the midst of all his luxury, he will not enjoy half the pleasure, which arises from the testimony of a good conscience, from the sense of discharging one's