restitution of all things. How great then should be our indignation against every thing which is displeasing to our Maker! What sorrow should we feel that any of our race should have merited the wrath of God! It is no thanks to us, that one of our sins does not ruin a world; for had the covenant of works been made with us, as it was with Adam, this would have been the result. No human being can foresce, or imagine, what mischief might spring from one case of iniquity, were not the justice and the grace of God to prevent it from taking its natural course. Well, then, may we repent and humble ourselves before the Lord; for if he should execute full vengeance on each transgressor, who would not be damned ?

We cannot repent for Adam's sin, but we may hate it; and in like manner may hate every object which is offensive to God, and which separates us from the perfect enjoyment of him. Any thing in my body or soul which inclines, or tempts me, to perform actual sin, is latent sin, is innate or acquired depravity of our nature. Any thing in man's state, or condition, which seduces him from God is hateful; and is a testimony of the divine hatred of iniquity. Job repented of his own sinful actions; but of himself, yea, of himself considered as a polluted moral being, he said, “I abhor myself.” Our "first father hath sinned;" wherefore the Lord hath "profaned the princes of the sanctuary ;"* as a manifestation of his displeasure; but in mercy he says, "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake." Let us then come before the Lord, saying, “behold, we were shapen in iniquity, and in sin

Isa. xliii. 27, 28.

did our mothers conceive us. We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers; for we have sinned against thee. Do not abhor us for thy name sake; do not disgrace the throne of thy glory; remember, break not thy covenant with us: and thine shall be the glory, for ever.

THE END.