ordinary impulse, but by the influence of admiration and wonder at the counsels of God, and by a firm belief that the Scriptures are true. And we may go further, by observing, that the studious reader of the Bible imbibes that firm belief, not from a supernatural power, but from an overwhelming conviction, and soon finds out, that if "a little philosophy inclines men to atheism," a great deal of knowledge conducts them to conviction-conviction of the truths detailed in the sacred Scriptures, which having been derived from examination must be firmer than that, which is derived from no examination at all. Men are not now like St. Paul, converted by an extraordinary operation of the Holy Spirit, though they require the ordinary assistance to help them, so as to be able when called upon, to give a reason for

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the hope that is in them." It is easy for men to say, that they believe the Scriptures because they have been taught them from their cradles; because their mothers instilled into their tender minds the solemn truths, and their fathers compelled them to walk

in "the way of the Lord;" but it is better for them to say, that through God's help they believe them, from a thorough knowledge of them, and from a conviction that they are true, and that that belief has been rendered more firm by the co-operative assistance of the Holy Spirit. Men may become acquainted with the sacred Scriptures without the immediate assistance of God, but without it they can never become sincere Christians. We have known the greatest disbelievers of the Bible to have a thorough knowledge of its contents; that is, as far as regards the historical parts, but they understood not the spiritual part-it was to them foolishness.

We have observed, that the Israelites of old resemble us with respect to situation. First, in their being under the immediate protection of God:-they were preserved and fed by him, after having been released from slavery; and when their entrance into the promised land appeared almost impossible, at the sight of the ark and at the sound of the trumpet, the strong walls

fell down, and the Israelites entered without resistance. So we are under the protection of God, by whose mighty power operating in us, and whose eternal providence watching over us, we return more than victors from every conflict, and rise above every obstacle. See how the body is sustained by food, and clothed with raiment; see how it is supported, when almost sinking, how it is cherished and nursed! And although it be so liable to every accident, and apt to be beaten down by every misfortune, see how it surmounts these apparent difficulties, and that simply because it is under the immediate protection of God. Secondly, we are like them in our wanderings; they wandered through a wilderness dreary and difficult, just as we wander `through a world manifestly traversed by woe and trodden by death. They too had their enemies to contend against, they had to go out to the war and to conquer all who raised the arm of opposition. And what have we to contend against? Do we march along on our way to the heavenly Canaan,

under a perpetual sunshine? Have we no enemies at work? Experience tells us, that we have, and that they are many.

Accepting it then as a matter of faith, that the Israelites of old were typical of the Christians, we may conclude, that the words of our text are applicable to us and may be addressed with equal force to all. Indeed the conduct of the Israelites should be held up, as an example to us. They hardened their hearts, consequently they were not permitted to enter the promised land. If then ye will hear his voice, the voice of God, his holy Gospel proclaiming good tidings to all, "harden not your hearts." We are told, "that those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart." "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man." We are again told, that "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Yes, the heart is the seat of all the affections; every thing proceeds

from it, whether it be good or evil. The voice of God within it is the Holy Spirit, whose extraordinary gifts were withdrawn when they had been sufficiently bestowed upon men to establish the Gospel; but his ordinary works, which Christ has promised shall continue to the end of the world, are as active. The preaching of the Gospel and the various providences of the Almighty may be reckoned among the principal operations of this Comforter, though there are many other things indicative of God's Holy Spirit.

With respect to the preaching of the Gospel, (in which we include the reading of our beautiful Liturgy,) we know of nothing so likely to move the heart to holiness as its announcement. The history alone of our Saviour, "the signs and wonders" which he performed, the peace and comfort, which he brought upon earth, the joy which he spread around his followers, the cures which he effected on those, who had been suffering in the most excruciating agony: yea, every thing, which he did, was designed to move the hearts