men gradually become so familiar with iniquity that they are imperceptibly led to perpetrate crimes of the deepest dye-for which even their lives, in some cases, must pay the melancholy forfeit; and, in others, despair of pardon causes them to "curse God and die." But we will not consider cases of such extreme distress, thus preceding dissolution. We will view the situation of the departing sinner in a more favourable light: we will suppose that the near approach of the King of Terrors has a proper influence upon his mind. That he looks back upon the enormities, which he has committed, with abhorrence, and earnestly strives to make his peace with God, ere the night of death finally closes on his fading senses. And did I say that this was to view the situation of a departing sinner in a favourable light? Even here is a spectacle exhibited, which must awaken the most lively sensibility in all who ever witness it! And if some partial comfort only can be mingled with the sorrows of the repentant breast, ah! what accumulating horrors must overwhelm the soul of him who has pursued an undeviating course of fright

ful depravity! They, whose duty calls them to such scenes of woe, but too well know, though they cannot describe their terrors. Oh! my brethren! when the poor dying sinner-even when at last desirous of making his peace with God-calls up before him all his past crimes of various degrees of enormity, and dwells upon the aggravating circumstances, with which they were attended! When he reflects that his bad example, also, may have led the unwary from the path of virtue; that even his own children, under its pernicious influence, may become dissolute and abandoned-what unutterable anguish then rends his soul! How dreadful is the thought of appearing before that God, from whom no secrets are hid, with such a tremendous weight of crime upon his head.

Pain, too, racks his sinking frame, and almost disables him from composing his soul to prayer! He seems to He seems to say, "intercede for one, who dares not lift up so much as his eyes towards heaven." You,-who revel, in sensual delights! who make spotless innocence the sacrifice to your unhallowed incli

nations, and relinquish future hopes in the pursuit of momentary enjoyments! Who bury every manly principle in the stupefaction of intemperance, the fever of loose desires, or the carking solicitude of a wordly temper-reflect that the hour will come (if timely repentance or (what is inconceivably worse) a sudden death do not prevent it,) when you will lie thus oppressed with unutterable woe! When you will be feelingly convinced of the emptiness of every unrighteous pursuit, and the bitter consequences of every guilty pleasure! When you will wish in vain, that you had, by an undeviating course of virtue, preserved your now wounded spirit from the incurable stings of indescribable remorse, and the misery of a deathbed repentance! When you will exclaim, "oh! how different would be my present state, if, in my early days, I had done what was right, or had long ago turned myself from all my transgressions-so iniquity would not now be my ruin!"

You, then, my young friends! who are yet innocent, hear (whilst it may still be availing)

the warning voice of admonition,-dictated by affection! In the journey of life, on which you have lately entered, pursue the path of virtue, which will "bring peace at the last." At present you look forward to the future with the eye of joyful expectation! It appears to be resplendent with unclouded beauty, and pleasures without alloy! But, speedily unlooked for temptations will allure, unforeseen dangers will assail you on your way! Guard, then, your hearts against the seductive blandishments of vice, which will assume a thousand captivating forms! Amidst every trial and every difficulty pour forth, at the instant, ejaculations for the aid of divine grace, and it will never be solicited in vain! "Greater is He, who is for you, than he who is against you!" "Resist the evil Spirit, and he will flee from you!"* Strive to turn every hour to good account! You all promise yourselves length of days; but the prospect is fallacious! View your resemblance in a group of youths sporting on a hill, adorned with flowers. Amidst their

* James iv. 7.

careless gambols some are at once precipitated from the slippery path into unseen crags and precipices; others, deceived by the gradual slope, and deeming themselves on the summit, unexpectedly discover that they are at its base! You will perceive hours and months and years to pass so speedily away, that, whilst you think they are here, they are gone for ever! As the time, therefore, is short, waste not one moment of it, for it has a correspondent duty! Thus numbering your days apply your hearts invariably unto wisdom! Then may you look forward to all the approaching changes and chances of this uncertain state with wellfounded hopes! You may expect (on the whole) a life of serenity and comfort, though checquered, and alloyed, with many cares and sorrows. You may rest assured that the Great Ruler of the world,--who witnesses your every action-nay penetrates to the thoughts within your hearts--will spread around you the shield of his protection; will lead you, like a flock beside the waters of comfort, restraining your wanderings, supplying your wants, and conducting you