universal obedience to his commands which he requires, and which alone he will accept and reward. Then "shalt thou not be confounded, when thou hast respect unto all his commandments." When disposed to murmur at the severity of the sacrifices to which he calls thee, at the extent and difficulty of his service-cast thy view upon the altar-contemplate the number and poignancy of his sufferings for thee-explore the astonishing riches of his mercy and grace-and blush, that thou hast for a moment indulged an ungrateful murmur--deplore the utter inadequacy of thy most zealous services to repay the debt of love-offer, to the gracious Redeemer who bought thee with his blood, the best tribute thou canst render-though insufficient and unworthy-zealous and uniform obedience to all his sacred commands.

Thy desires for redemption from the dominion of sin, and thy resolutions of holy obedience must be accompanied with thy own vigorous exertions, and with the diligent use of all the means of grace.

To work out thy salvation, is, indeed, the momentous business that should occupy thy supreme cares and exertions. Consider, how potent the sway which sin maintains over thy enslaved affections. Consider, how deep the 'unhallowed taint of iniquity which is to be washed away. Consider, how strong the chains of corrupt passion from whose ignoble

thraldom thou art to burst. Consider, how holy and resplendent the graces whose renovating and celestial reign over thy affections is to be established. Consider, how extensive and important the circle of duties which thou must resolve sacredly to discharge. Consider,. how many painful sacrifices must be made, how many dismaying obstacles triumphantly surmounted, in that sacred course of holy obedience to God which thou art bound to ren-der. Wilt thou indulge the vain and presumptuous expectation, that, to fulfil these momentous and highly difficult engagements,. feeble and occasional efforts only will be necessary? Wilt thou presumptuously hope to subdue the raging dominion of sensual pas-sions, by those superficial and slight exertions, which, thou wouldest deem it folly, to apply to any temporal enterprize that was difficult or hazardous! Ah! the new and holy life, at which thou must aim as the only pledge of thy salvation, is opposed to the most powerful propensities of thy fallen nature, to the domineering principles and spirit of a corrupt world, to the seducing pleasures and allurements that, from a thousand quarters, assail thee, with their insinuating solicitations. Oh! what vigorous and persevering exertions, what bold resolution, what determined courage will be neces sary, to surmount the obstacles which will oppose thee in thy christian course, and to enable thee to persevere, with unshaken zeal and fidelity, in the service of thy God. The

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utmost strength thou wilt be able to bring to the contest with thy spiritual enemies, the most vigorous exertions thou wilt be able to engage in the discharge of the high duties of the christian life, will prove impotent and vain, unless inspired and invigorated by the diligent use of the means of grace. By frequent and devout reflection on the exalted and ennobling privileges and rewards of thy holy vocation; by the serious and attentive perusal of those sacred records, whose inspired pages convey the illuminating beams of divine truth; by humble and regular attendance on the ministrations and ordinances of the sanctuary, where, the God of grace is ever ready to strengthen, refresh, and bless his penitent worshippers; above all, by frequent, humble, and earnest prayer to God for the quickening, strengthening, and sanctifying influences of his Holy Spirit,-by these pious and holy exercises, only, wilt thou be able to. advance, in the course of holiness, with that increasing zeal and vigour, which will ensure final and glorious success. Under the regenerating and invigorating guidance of the Holy Spirit, thou mayest attain the most exalted heights of christian perfection and virtue; but, "without him thou canst do nothing." The grace of God is sufficient for the most difficult and dangerous trials-his strength will be gloriously perfected in the weakness of the most humble of his children. By his Almighty

Spirit, "the whole body of the church is governed and sanctified." The work of sanctification, by which the soul is redeemed from sin, and reinstated in the divine image, is, in its commencement, its progress, and its glorious consummation, conducted by the powerful agency of the Spirit of God. Not independently on human exertions, but through their instrumentality, does this blessed Spirit effect the renovation of the soul. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do. Inscrutable, but claiming our supreme adoration and gratitude, is, the wonderful method by which God accomplishes our redemption. THE SPIRIT OF THE MOST HIGH, descends, in all the glorious majesty and power of the God-head, and dwells in CORRUPT AND FALLEN MAN! Stupendous mystery! O my soul, let the unsearchable and adorable wisdom of a Sovereign God, prostrate the impious doubts of thy blind and erring reason. Let not that mysterious and divine agency, by which thy redemption is effected, excite thy ungrateful and proud scorn. Justly due to God is the tribute of profound gratitude, that, by the mysterious but powerful communion of his Holy Spirit with thee, he pours light, strength, and glory on thy blind, weak and corrupt affections. Humbly and thankfully, embrace the proffered grace of God-fervently and unceasingly, implore its invigorating and

sanctifying influences. Relying on its powerful succours, resolutely aim at subduing every depraved passion; resolutely vow eternal allegience and duty to the Lord thy God; resolutely engage in that new and celestial life of holiness to which thy Saviour's commands call thee. Behold! he leaves thee not weak and defenceless-he imposes not restrictions and duties, without conveying to thee his invigorating and consoling aids-he does not call thee to renounce the world, the flesh and the devil, the enemies of thy salvation, without providing celestial armour for the warfare, heavenly consolations and rewards to crown thy victories. Behold! spread on the altar,, are, the hallowed symbols of that divine body and blood which convey, immortal joys, in-. vincible strength, to the souls of his humble and penitent people. Go-my soul-seal, over these precious symbols of his love, the vows of eternal enmity to thy sins, the implacable enemies of his cross, the fatal enemies of thy peace.. Go-my soul-over these precious symbols of his love, vow, eternal fidelity to thy Lord-take up the cross and follow him, though, the path he, through the gloomy vale of suffering and death,

THE PRAYER.

O GOD of everlasting mercy and falvation! infinite and eternal fource of compaffion and love! Worthy