obedience, for the consequence of that were absolute despair; but that "we who by nature " and wicked works are afar off, are now made "nigh by the blood of Christ." Here, then, we have a full and satisfying answer to all enquiries upon this head; when, with Thomas, we are reduced to doubts and uncertainty about the way which leadeth to the Father, "I," says Christ, "am the way, and the truth, and the life, no "man cometh unto the Father but by me." We will find then the exhortation of the prophet equivalent to that direction of the apostle to the jailor, who came to him with the important enquiry," What shall I do to be saved? Believe on "the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, "thou and thy house," for "there is no name

given under heaven whereby we may be saved, " but the name of Jesus;" no way of peace and reconciliation with God, but in and through the merits and mediation of his eternal Son. And to you, my christian friends, is the word of this salvation sent; to you is the call directed this day— "Return unto the Lord, to-day then, while it is "said, harden not your hearts; suffer the word of "exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto "dear children." You are called upon in God's gracious and wise providence on this day, set apart for solemn fasting and humiliation, to con

sider from whence you are fallen: you are called upon to rend your hearts, and not your garments, to mourn over and to forsake your sins, that so iniquity may not prove your ruin. Suffer me then to enforce the exhortation, and to press you to a speedy compliance with it; and

First, I would address myself to such as live in the open and avowed neglect of all religion, if any of this character act so inconsistently with it as to attend the assembly of God's people upon such an occasion as this; and I would have you, my friends, to think a little upon the folly of your conduct. Do you really believe that there is a God? This, though perhaps unwillingly, you must acknowledge; but do you know and consider what is necessarily connected with his existence, spotless holiness, infinite wisdom, strict justice, and almighty power? and none of these, O sinner, are of thy party, and in vain will you dream of ease and happiness, so long as you and these are at variance. Do you think that God will suffer the majesty of his laws to be insulted, without inflicting condign punishment upon the transgressor? or that he takes no notice of human affairs? You either do not reflect at all, which is the more charitable supposition, or if you do, in whatever estimation you are held in

the world, I will venture to say, "thou fool;" for what folly is equal to that of defying omnipotence, and running the risk of damnation? Is your precious soul a thing of no consequence to you? are eternal chains to be trifled with? is incensed omnipotence an object of neglect and disregard? But thou art not only foolish, but ungrateful-and what character is more odious and detestable? What do you think of the man who is capable of repaying good with evil? love with hatred? Do not you esteem him the disgrace of human nature, the pest of society? Undoubtedly he is in what colours then shall thy ingratitude be painted? it is black as hell; the devils themselves never had it in their power to contract guilt of such a malignant nature as yours; they were "shut up in everlasting chains under dark"ness;" they never heard the glad message of peace and reconciliation; they never had the of fer of a Saviour. And has God been employed from all eternity in contriving a scheme of salvation for you, O sinner, and do you hold it unworthy of your acceptance? do you consider what is the plain language of such a conduct? you thereby in direct terms accuse God of folly, in contriving a scheme of salvation that was unnecessary, or, which is equally atrocious, of contriving a scheme so rigid and severe, that it is

sider from whence you are fallen: you are called upon to rend your hearts, and not your garments, to mourn over and to forsake your sins, that so iniquity may not prove your ruin. Suffer me then to enforce the exhortation, and to press you to a speedy compliance with it; and

First, I would address myself to such as live in the open and avowed neglect of all religion, if any of this character act so inconsistently with it as to attend the assembly of God's people upon such an occasion as this; and I would have you, my friends, to think a little upon the folly of your conduct. Do you really believe that there is a God? This, though perhaps unwillingly, you must acknowledge; but do you know and consider what is necessarily connected with his existence, spotless holiness, infinite wisdom, strict justice, and almighty power? and none of these, O sinner, are of thy party, and in vain will you dream of ease and happiness, so long as you and these are at variance. Do you think that God will suffer the majesty of his laws to be insulted, without inflicting condign punishment upon the transgressor? or that he takes no notice of human affairs? You either do not reflect at all, which is the more charitable supposition, or if you do, in whatever estimation you are held in

the world, I will venture to say, "thou fool;" for what folly is equal to that of defying omnipotence, and running the risk of damnation? Is your precious soul a thing of no consequence to you? are eternal chains to be trifled with? is incensed omnipotence an object of neglect and disregard? But thou art not only foolish, but ungrateful-and what character is more odious and detestable? What do you think of the man who is capable of repaying good with evil? love with hatred? Do not you esteem him the disgrace of human nature, the pest of society? Undoubtedly he is in what colours then shall thy ingratitude be painted? it is black as hell; the devils themselves never had it in their power to contract guilt of such a malignant nature as yours; they were "shut up in everlasting chains under dark

ness;" they never heard the glad message of peace and reconciliation; they never had the of fer of a Saviour. And has God been employed from all eternity in contriving a scheme of salvation for you, O sinner, and do you hold it unworthy of your acceptance? do you consider what is the plain language of such a conduct? you thereby in direct terms accuse God of folly, in contriving a scheme of salvation that was unnecessary, or, which is equally atrocious, of contriving a scheme so rigid and severe, that it is