import of this discourse, or to neglect the admonition which it gives, let him be warned by the example of the Jews. Their case illustrates the Redeemer's words, and gives to his tears the weight of ten thousand times ten thousand irrefragable arguments. Let all beware that they tamper not with God's justice, or sport with his mercy, thus provoking his indignation. Let none dismiss the subject as too gloomy, or reject the exhortation as unnecessary in a Christian land. The right improvement of the subject will promote cheerfulness, will produce real happiness. And the fact that, in Christian lands, men are born sinners, makes the exhortation a duty imperative on all the ambassadors of Christ.

Thus thought and thus acted the reformers in the old world; the pilgrims of New-England: Tenant, Davies, Rogers, Laidlie, Coleman, and the host of worthies who held fast the faith once delivered to the saints. They taught the truths which we preach; they prayed for God's blessing upon these truths to them and their

posterity. From their graves proceeds a

voice addressing us, and saying, "Be ye "followers of them who, through faith and "patience, inherit the promises." Who then desires to have his soul gathered with theirs? Let him, without delay, attend to the things which belong to his peace. Today, if ye will hear the voice of the Son of man, harden not your hearts. Remember that solemn admonition, "He that, be"ing often reproved, hardeneth his neck, "shall suddenly be destroyed, and that "without remedy"."

The day is coming which will try our principles, and determine our fate. Then they who have neglected or despised the things which belong to their peace; they who have resisted the workings of conscience; they who have refused to receive instruction, will depart under a cloud of melancholy, and in all the agony of fearful expectation: whilst they who have attended to the things which belong to their peace; who are washed in the blood of the Lamb, will be supported and cheered by the hope of eternal blessedness.

ƒ Heb. vi. 12.

VOL. II,

10

g Prov. xxix. 1.

To which of these classes, Men and Brethren, do you belong? Examine your views, your conduct, your hopes. Remain not in ignorance about your state. Be not ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth. "Give diligence to make your calling and election sure"."

Ere long the factitious distinctions of life will be no more, and every one will be treated according to his moral worth. Ere long the partiality of attachment will in vain seek to cast its veil over the deficiencies of friends in relation to moral character. Ere long the soothing accents of kindness will no more be poured forth to quiet the heart, racked with pain on account of its own estrangement from God. Ere long your fate and mine will be determined. The shadows of our days are lengthening; the darkness of the grave is descending.

Time is short. Presently the curtain of life will be drawn, and eternity disclosed to your view.

Time is short! The foundation on which the earthly house of your tabernacle rests,

h 2 Pet. i. 19.

is tottering with years: presently it will give way, and you will be ingulphed in eternity.

Time is short! The clock which marks the progress and duration of your pilgrimage in this world, is fast running down in a little while, a very little while, its hand will point to that which its striking will announce-" Eternity!" AMEN.

SERMON IV.

GOD'S CONTROVERSY WITH HIS

PEOPLE.

MICAH VI. 3.

O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.

WHAT a train of overwhelming ideas do these words originate in the mind of every reflecting person! Jehovah, the Sovereign of the universe, permits his subjects to plead their cause before him. He who needs not their praises or obedience to increase his glory or his happiness, condescends to place himself at their tribunal, and appeals to their judgment for the