their private devotions. Their conscience is growing every day more hardened. Their affections are returning fast to the world. The ways of sin give them more pleasure, than the ways of God. Now, if there are any persons of this sort among us, let them know, that there is a message also for them. You are drawing fast back into perdition. You are joining yourselves to the number of those of whom the Lord says, "My soul shall have no pleasure in them.' O, beware of your danger, your latter state is likely to be worse than your first. "Remember therefore (saith the Lord) from whence thou art fallen; and repent, and do thy first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."*

5. But perhaps there may be one of another description among us. There may be one whose heart now labours under a sense of sin; who being brought to see his guilt and danger is full of fear, and trembles for the consequences, He feels that he has long time offended God, and has deeply incurred his wrath; and now what shall he do? How shall he escape the sentence of his righteous law? Whither shall he flee? What shall he do to be saved? Is there a person here Hebrews, x. 38.-Rev. ii. 5.

who feels, who thinks, who enquires thus; who condemns himself, who cries for mercy? Let it be said to this distressed, but contrite soul, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Be of good cheer. The salvation which thou longest after is at hand. A way of escape is open to thee. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." He has found a ransom, and will keep thee from going down into the pit. He is more ready to save thee, than thou art to be saved. He came from Heaven and died on the cross, on purpose that he might save every humble and contrite soul. He cries aloud, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden *." Flee then to him for safety. Because thou condemnest thyself, He will not condemn thee. Because thou comest unto him, He will save thee with an everlasting salvation. May His grace teach, - persuade, and help thee to come, so shalt thou find rest unto thy soul.

6. There is yet one other person who demands our notice,-the established Christian; the man, who having fled to Christ for refuge, from the guilt and power of sin, has found peace and joy in believing; and being now professedly devoted to the Lord's

service, is living in hope of the glory that shall be revealed. "There is a message from God unto thee."-"Be faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." "Thou art a city set on a hill, which cannot be hid," therefore, "let thy light shine before men." Walk worthy of the holy calling wherewith thou art called. Abound in good works. "Be not weary in well doing."

Grow in grace," and "let thy profiting appear unto all men." Bear in mind the many dangers which threaten thee. Within, is a treacherous and a deceitful heart. Without, is an ensnaring and a tempting world. On every side are innumerable spiritual enemies, which seek thy ruin. "Be sober, therefore; be vigilant." "Be not high minded, but fear." "Walk humbly with thy God." "Quench not the spirit." "Pray without ceasing." Above all things, "look unto Jesus." Live by faith on Him. Draw out of his fulness a supply for all thy wants. Trust to Him in every time of need. "Go forth in his strength, make mention of His righteousness only," and doubt not His power and faithfulness, to keep that which thou hast committed to Him, against the day of His appearing.

*Rev. ii. 10.. I Thess. v. 17. 19.

Matthew, v. 16.-2 Peter, iii. 18.

SERMON II.

JESUS, THE GREAT SUBJECT OF CHRISTIAN
PREACHING.

ACTs, viii. 35.

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

THE whole circumstances connected with

this passage of Scripture, are of a very interesting and instructive tendency. Philip, not the Apostle so called, but another of the same name, who was a preacher of the Gospel, had been directed by an angel of the Lord to go into a particular part of the road which led from Jerusalem towards the South Country. No sooner was he arrived there, but a person came travelling along the road. He was an Ethiopian, a man of great consequence in his own country, possessing a place of considerable authority and trust under the queen his mis

tress.

This man, from motives of piety, had

left his own country for a time, and regardless of the length and danger of the journey, had gone up to Jerusalem, for the sake of worshipping the God of Israel. He was now returning home, and as he travelled in his chariot, was employed in studying the word of God. Philip, through a secret suggestion of the Spirit on his mind, hastened up to the chariot; and finding that the book which the Ethiopian had open before him, was the Prophecy of Isaiah, he enquired of him, "Understandest thou what thou readest?" The man instead of being offended at this question from a stranger, with great modesty and humility answered, "How can I, except some man should guide me?" He acknowledged his own ignorance and weakness; and far from being too proud to receive instruction, he desired Philip to come up and sit with him. and teach him. Now it was so ordered by Providence, that the passage of Scripture, which at this time engaged his attention, was that remarkable prediction of Christ detailed in the 53d chapter of the book. The place which he read was this; "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb, dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth. In his humiliation his judgement was taken away: and who shall