gorous exertion. And since it is but too possible to mistake natural feelings for gracious dispositions, the workings of nature for the operations of the Spirit, search for with diligence, and rest not until you have discovered, evidences which cannot be mistaken, that the hand of your God is upon you for good, and that your religion is indeed the result of his own work.

2. Our present subject may also suggest important matter for prayer. The text itself, which was the prayer of the Psalmist, may properly form a part of your own intercessions. Bear then upon your hearts, in your approaches to the footstool of the Divine Majesty, the common interests of the church of God, especially of that part of the universal church of which you are yourselves members. Remember her ministers, congregations, and societies; and implore that God who alone worketh great marvels, to send down upon them all the healthful spirit of his grace, and to pour upon them the continual dew of his blessing, that his work may appear unto his ser

vants, and his glory from generation to generation.

3. Lastly, let these several considerations stir us up to renewed exertions in the cause of Christ, as well as to increased diligence in the cultivation of personal religion. Prayers and exertions should go hand in hand, to prove the sincerity, and to promote the efficacy of each. The mere expression of desire that God's work may prosper, unaccompanied by endeavours to further its progress, is little better than hypocrisy. Be zealous therefore in setting forward as you have opportunity, the salvation of all men, and in making your own calling and election The work of redeeming mercy, and the glory of God as connected with it, is a cause which must be near your heart. If you love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, it is impossible you can be uninterested here. Attentively reflect then on these things in the very light in which they are here presented to you, until your hearts burn within you, until your interest in them be newly awakened, and your admiration and zeal kindled afresh ;

sure.

above all, till you long, with intensity of desire, to glorify God in your bodies and in your spirits, which are his. Alas! how has God been dishonoured by sin-how have his noblest works been hereby marred and defiled, and the progress of his cause obstructed! To the extermination of sin, therefore, in yourselves and in the world, let all your zeal be directed. Its deformity and pollution is hateful and abominable in the sight of God, and it is hateful and burdensome to every renewed mind. In the name of the Lord, and in the power of his might, labour to subdue this enemy of Christ, and of your immortal souls -to cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God. The exercise of faith in the Saviour of sinners will give you power over sin, and strength for duty; it will afford you succour in an hour of temptation, and consolation in adversity; it will put your spiritual foes to shame, and bruise Satan under your feet shortly. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfastly established in the faith of Christ-unmoveably settled in your re

liance on his righteousness and atoning blood-and always abounding in those fruits of righteousness which invariably spring from this holy principle; for "this," remember, is said to be "the work of. God," both because it is the effect of his own free grace, and also because it is what he requires as matter of duty and grateful obedience on your part-" that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."

SERMON XIII.

THE NATURE AND EFFECTS OF SANCTIFIED

AFFLICTIONS.

HEBREWS XI. 11.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

THE real occasion of those afflictive dispensations with which the people of God are often visited, is to be sought in that folly and wickedness which is "bound in the heart," and which needs "the rod of correction to drive it far from them."* The Christian remembers the time when sin reigned in his mortal body,

* Proverbs xxii. 15.