do we consult it? Whether rarely, or not at all, can only be inferred from certain consequences-from certain fruits. But observegreat is the difference between consultation, and understanding and profiting by what we understand: and thus it is, when men find that all human aids fail, they then have recourse to such as comes down immediately from heaven. Doubtless this is better, and much better, than a total abandonment and disregard of such super-human aid—but the question is with what feelings do they come to seek that aid, and why did they not seek it before?-for remember, that heaven will not work miracles for any man's salvation. Thus, then, the pride of human nature, the blindness of our understandings, and the corruption and deceitfulness of our hearts, appear to be the real grounds of that desperate and dangerous conduct, which frequently, in the emphatic words of the text, “drown men in destruction and perdition." My wish and prayer is, that all who hear me-that all connected with those now hearing me—may, in due time, and with a pious and confident spirit, "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest," that sacred volume-which, if duly digested, will keep their feet from ... falling, and their hands from the commission of crime: remembering, that, although the ways of God are past finding out, yet that those ways lead to peace and pleasantness. . while, on the other hand, if the pu nishments of Providence are tardy, they are sure, and they are just. From those, to whom much has been GIVEN, in any way, much is, and ought to be, always REQUIred. It is but retributive justice... while the support and consolation of every man, high or low, rich or poor, instructed or ignorant, must be sought for in sources, where the grossness of human passions does not operate, and where the stimulants of earthly rewards have no exclusive - influence. All that we can desire in this world-all that makes rank respected, wealth productive of good, and industry crowned with the imperishable fruits of virtue-ALL are to be sought for, as they are grounded upon, the sacred oracles of God. The BIBLE is as much the poor man's, as the rich man's friend .. but our affection for it must be manifested on occasions, when the sincerity of that affection shall be equally beyond question and suspicion. Bless God-in your evening and morning devotions-alone, with your families, friends, and even mixed up with the world-bless God, that he has thus enabled you to walk fearlessly, honestly, and uprightly, from the cradle to the grave: that he has made your outgoings and incomings prosperous, and, above all things, that he has thus enabled you to secure" Peace at the Last." SERMON XXX. ROMANS xii. 12. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. THE chapter, from which this verse is taken, is not only eminently distinguished for the close and correct, but for the comprehensive and important view, which it takes of human nature in general, and of the christian character in particular. It is probably among the noblest instances which can be adduced, of the enlarged and liberal mind of the great apostle from whom it hath emanated; and it is a specimen at once striking and persuasive, of the most courteous, the most logical, and the most efficient manner of convincing the understandings, and comforting the consciences, of those to whom the Epistle is addressed. is indeed singularly eloquent and encouraging while the doctrine inculcated cannot fail to strike us as of the most exalted and : It unexceptionable nature. Never, except from the lips of our divine Master, Jesus Christ, hath more cogent and more correct principles been conveyed to the very bosoms and consciences of men. In confirmation of this general and preliminary observation, I might take the entire chapter, verse by verse, and dwell upon each of such verses with no inconsiderable advantage :-reserving, as I must now necessarily do-whatever be the method adopted-the more important part of my address for the illustration of the words of the text. But the limits usually prescribed for discourses in this place, forbid the execution of such a task and therefore I purpose calling your attention only to a few of the earlier verses, and selecting only such of the subsequent ones, as may appear to confirm and enforce the particular doctrine held forth in the text, which tells us to "rejoice in hope, to be penitent in tribulation, and to continue instant in prayer." Observe, in the first place, with what courtesy and kindness the Apostle commences his exhortation. "I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God-that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, Dd |