anointed them with the ointment from an alabaster box of ointment which she had brought." The Pharisee was surprised that a prophet should admit such a character to perform such a friendly office; and Jesus relates the parable of two debtors, to one of whom a large sum, to the other a smaller, had been forgiven by their creditor. Tell me, then, said Jesus, which of these will love him most? He then contrasts the conduct of this penitent woman, all affection and respect and kindness, with the conduct of his host, deficient in the customary hospitalities of the time; and adds, Therefore,-to shew you the application of this parable which I have given, to the case which you witness,-her affection is the consequence of the mercy which has been extended to her. For this cause "she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."

There are persons who have enjoyed a large exemption from evils into which others fall; whose circumstances and prudence combined have protected them from that misconduct which becomes notorious and disgraceful; who have much selfsatisfaction, without having made the attainments or the exertions which alone could be the ground of any just self-esteem. For efforts to improve themselves, to correct their failings and faults, to remove their ignorance and prejudices, and especially for attempts to do good to society, these persons are not at all distinguished. They look down on others who

have not been protected as they have, who have been more exposed, and who have suffered from this exposure by being led into sin, with pride and contempt; and they are not at all aware how little reason they have to exult in the stationary and comparatively useless lives they lead. Zeal in a good cause, in which it is noble to be zealously affected, is a state of high moral excitement to which they are utter strangers. That they are harmless, is the highest claim they can fairly make; that they are not what they might be, what they ought to be, a comparison with the standard of the perfect man formed by the principles of Christ, will clearly shew. The qualities that have secured their exemption from evil, have confirmed their self-complacence in the absence of all strenuous and praiseworthy exertion. Theirs is an uniformity and consistency of character not to be admired, for it is destitute of that warmth which favours growth, of that energy which leaves the things behind and presses forward to those which are before, of those vital principles which urge on to perpetual progress in the moral and intellectual life which we are called to live.

Let it not be supposed that we advocate a course of depravity to prepare for a course of active virtue. We are fully aware, without personal experience, of the danger, of the evil, of the degradation of sin. We know that many who have had comparatively little knowledge of evil, but what the miscon

duct of others has furnished, have had a deep sense of its ruinous character, have had an humbling conviction of their own defects and imperfections, and have made strenuous exertions to improve themselves and to be useful to others. With a goodness which is negative, which consists in the absence of gross fault, they have not been satisfied. The beauty of holiness has been before their mind, and they have striven to feel and exemplify its charms. But what Christ has so explicitly stated, we are bound as openly to set forth; and what a persuasive argument it is to stop the career of the unhappy wanderer from the path of virtue, to induce him to turn back to the way of righteousness that he has forsaken, to urge him to repent of the past, and to begin life anew with better principles and better views, that when he is thus influenced his affection and love for goodness will be strong stronger than those can feel to whom divine mercy has not been so largely shown! His happiness in this regenerated state will be greater than those can know who have not needed so powerful a display of divine grace in their behalf; and his zeal will be proportioned to the necessity which will impel him to make all possible reparation for the time past that has been mispent.

Presume not, however, on the distant prospect of reformation, which may never come. Trace in your own sad experience the hardening nature of sinful habits. Consider that the Being who is

merciful and slow to anger, is just and righteous. See his judgments abroad in the earth, and visiting you with sore displeasure in all the painful consequences of the moral degradation you have suffered. Rouse yourself, ere it is too late, to improve the goodness and mercy which as yet are not wholly withdrawn. Embrace the offers of the Gospel, live in the obedience of the Gospel, and turn from all evil with full purpose of heart to serve the Lord. And if you are dismayed at the difficulties you will have to surmount, recur to Him in devout prayer and supplication, who has promised that as your day of trial is, so shall your strength be. And let your future life exemplify how much they can love, how faithfully they can serve, who are delivered by divine goodness from the powers of darkness, and are translated into the kingdom of his dear Son, in whom we have redemption through his blood-the forgiveness of all our sins.

DISCOURSE XV.

THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER.

LUKE xi. 9:

AND I SAY UNTO YOU, ASK, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU.

THE Communion and intercourse of man with

This sacred

his Maker is carried on by prayer. exercise has, therefore, been always esteemed by the devout their duty and their privilege. At times they have set apart stated seasons, more or less frequent, to engage regularly in this exercise. It is justly enforced on the young, to establish habits of piety. It is adopted in more advanced life, as the means of strengthening virtue, of confirming resolution, of securing the comfort and consolation of religion which we so frequently need. In every form of religion, true and false, this has been the practice of the deluded or of the true believer, to pray to the beings they regarded as the objects of worship. The benighted Heathens offered sacrifices, used various methods to propitiate or to ap