imitate the disposition of children, by cherishing a tender and teachable heart-humility to wait upon God, in every ordinance which he has appointed, as the means of conveying his grace and mercy-not misguided by prejudice and pride, nor hardened by obstinate unbelief-but be always glad to hear, willing to learn, and ready to accept salvation upon any terms on which the divine wisdom and goodness may think proper to offer it. But, to proceed;

There are several other qualities, which the words of the text may fairly lead us to recommend to your serious consideration, as social creatures, and as Christians. To feel and resent whatever bears the appearance of injurious treatment, is agreeable to the constitution of our nature—it is a part of that necessary law of self-defence which our Creator has given us for our security and preservation. But, after the danger is past, the guard may go to rest. Accordingly we find the child very sensible of an injury, and quick to resent and repel it. But the storm that was raised in his bosom is soon allayed, and is succeeded by a settled serenity-he never harbours a dark and implacable resentmenthe forgives the injurious person upon the first appearance of returning kindness, and embraces him again with a sincere and affectionate heart. Although the word of God permits us, on certain occasions, to be angry, and sin not; yet there is no duty more frequently, or more earnestly inculcated, than that of long-suffering and forgiveness. In this, more especially, we are to imitate the great pattern of all perfection; "who commands us to be kind one to another, tender"hearted, forgiving one another, even as he for Christ's "sake hath forgiven us." To the malignant and

unrelenting spirit he makes this unanswerable appeal -"O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that "debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou "also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, " even as I had pity on thee?" And, it is made, in the Lord's prayer, an express condition of our expecting forgiveness for all our trespassess, at the hands of God, that we be ready to forgive those who have trespassed against us.

The cheerfulness and joy of children, arising from innocence, and purity of thought and intention, is almost incessant and uninterrupted. If at any time, the sunshine of the mind be overcast, it is but of momentary duration-the cloud passes away, and light and cheerfulness return. It is thus that the Christian

is to go on his way rejoicing-he makes not his religion consist in a gloomy and severe temper of mind, but thinks a cheerful heart the best tribute of gratitude. "That godliness, which he has chosen as his portion "for ever, is profitable for all things; having the "promise of the life that now is, as well as of that "which is to come-he can, therefore, rejoice ever"more, and in every thing give thanks." Not that I would carry this doctrine so far, as to assert, that any affliction, for the present, is joyous, rather than grievous; or that the good man cannot feel, like other men, the stroke of pain and distress. But still, the most afflictive changes and chances of this mortal life, cannot deprive him of that peace of God, which passeth all understanding-they cannot banish from his soul the joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. He whose affections do not altogether grovel here below, but are elevated to things above, cannot be rendered entirely

miserable by all the commotions and revolutions of this world. So true is it, that in all circumstances, "joy is laid up for the righteous, and gladness for the "upright in heart;" and, therefore, the prophet exults in these animated strains; "Although the fig-tree shall "not blossom, neither shall fruit be found in the vines; "the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I "will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my "salvation."

In the child, we commonly observe a happy disposition to be amused and pleased with every object that falls in his way. Satisfied with the comfort of the . present moment, he does not make himself miserable with melancholy forebodings of future calamities. And this also is a turn of mind which cannot be too earnestly recommended in every stage of this variegated life. Though the prudent man will endeavour to foresee the approaching evil, and so far as possible, to hide himself from it; yet surely, he ought not, by anticipation, to make the mischief certain, which was only probable. A steady and pious confidence in a wise and gracious Providence, is a ground of consolation that can never be shaken. In God we live, and move, and have our being. Let us trust the Creator of the universe with the direction of his own workslet us humbly submit ourselves to be guided by his wisdom, and we shall be received into his glory. Say not with a murmuring, or a desponding heart, What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be clothed? Be careful for nothing with a fretful and pining solicitude; but seek ye first

the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all things necessary for your permanent happiness shall be added unto you.

Having thus laid before you such reflections as the words of the text seemed naturally to suggest; what I remains, but earnestly to entreat you all, if they appear to be the words of truth and soberness, to let them sink deep into your minds, and produce their due effects. "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any "of you, an evil heart of unbelief. But since the light of the glorious Gospel has shined unto you, "walk as the children of light, in all goodness, and

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righteousness, and truth." Remember, that without holiness no man can see the Lord. But if ye are diligent in cultivating the dispositions of long-suffering, smeekness, and gentleness, ye will be prepared for the glorious kingdom of the Prince of Peace-where (far removed from the unhappy regions of discord, and strife, and malevolence,) ye will bless God, and love one another to all eternity. There, perfect innocence, undisguised truth, and uninterrupted joy will prevail and triumph for ever. Acquire those qualifications in this world, which are necessary for the enjoyment of this blessed society. Be converted from the hardness and impenitence of sin; and become like little children. Be meek and docile-let a consciousness of your own infirmity induce you to fly for succour to the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation. You have hitherto experienced his wonderful love; learn then to rely upon it for ever. Amidst the various provocations which you must necessarily meet with in a selfish and malignant world, possess your souls in patience, curb the impetuosity of resentful passions, and forgive, as VOL. II.

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you hope to be forgiven. Look round upon the works of nature, and seriously meditate on those of grace; and let your hearts rejoice in the loving-kindness of the Lord; for it becometh well the righteous to be joyful in their God. Cast your view forward to that eternal world, towards which we are all hastening; and if you lay up your treasures in heaven, you need fear no evil. A crown of glory awaits you. These are the dispositions which will constitute your immortal happiness. The kingdom of heaven is open to you; and, in due time, you will enter into the joy of your Lord,