dible, witnesses, and that the impression received from testimony was little less forcible than that made upon the

senses.

The ceremony of baptism is still, however, to be considered as an essentially important institution; reminding all to whom it has been administered of their imperfections and their privileges, of the miseries inherent to human nature in this world, and the influence by which they are to be overcome. Though the manner of its administration has varied with the change of circumstances, and chil dren may in infancy receive this seal of admission into the Christian church, the nature of the institution remains unchanged.

The advantages which are to be derived from the knowledge of our having been thus early devoted to God, by means of an engagement

solemnly

solemnly entered into in our names, are great and manifest; and much is it to be regretted that they are not more frequently reflected upon, and more zealously enforced. We see so many proofs of the powerful effects produced by strong and early impressions, that little doubt can be entertained of the consequences that attend them. Ask and inquire of your friends whether any instance can be produced, of a child's having had the honour of a royal sponsor, and remaining ignorant of and insensible to the honour that had been thus conferred. Or, as it is always safer to select our authorities from the dead than from the living, you may, in Johnson's biography of the poets, read the life of the celebrated author of the Night Thoughts; a man of indisputable piety, genius, and learning; but who, notwithstanding the endowments of

VOL. II.

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his

his mind, the virtues of his heart, and the excellence of his views, was the victim of ambition. Unfortunately for him, he had been presented at the baptismal font by the reigning queen; and the honour which had thus been conferred upon him by his royal sponsor,-an honour concerning which he had been early and well instructed,-took full possession of his mind. To this circumstance, which connected all his ideas of happiness with court-favour and protection, we may fairly trace that desire of preferment which harassed his spirits, and gave a mortal wound to his peace.

If an impression so powerful can be made by the knowledge of an honour conferred by a fellow-creature, can we doubt that, if an 'equal share of pains were taken to instruct us in the nature of those hopes and privileges of which we are made partakers

in baptism, they would not likewise have an influence over us? Were we to be made sensible, from the first dawn of reason, that we had by this ceremony been devoted to the service of God, and admitted as candidates for immortality, as heirs of the promises and partakers of the blessings purchased by the Redeemer of mankind, could it fail to awaken our hopes and elevate our views?

It is truly melancholy to observe how little this is attended to. An institution commanded by the Son of God to be observed in all nations, and which was sanctioned by signs and wonders, and which is to us a seal of the promises of grace, is either considered as a mere form attached to the habits of our country, in the ceremony of giving a name, or converted into an instrument of superstition. It is not thus that you have been

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been taught to think of it, nor is it thus that it will be thought of by any of little friends I hope

my

and trust the conviction with which I endeavoured to inspire them, of their having been presented in baptism to that good and gracious Being who bestowed all the happiness they so liberally enjoyed, will never be obliterated. But on you, my dearest Lady Elizabeth, I depend for renewing and strengthening the impression. On you the religious instruction of your brothers and sisters will most probably devolve. The ascendancy which you have already obtained over their tender minds, renders the task an easy one; and how can you employ that ascendancy in a way so delightful, so glorious to yourself, as in conducting those who thus love you to the gates of Heaven?

All that was in baptism engaged