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an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and "that fadeth not away."

These are the peculiar fources from which the godly man derives his joy. And may I not now appeal to you, whether they are not of fuch a nature, as that no outward diftrefs or calamity can take them away? Even when the heavens fhall be rolled together like a fcroll, and the elements fhall melt with fervent heat, he will be able to look at the mighty defolation, and fay, when all these materials are confumed, I fhall have loft nothing; “God liveth, bleffed be my rock.”—“ The "Lord is the portion of mine inheritance,” and in him I poffefs and enjoy all things.

And now, what improvement are we to make of this fubject ?—In the

ift place, Let us inquire which of the characters described by the Pfalmist belongs to us. Are we among the many that say, “ Who will "fhew us any good?" or are we among the happy few who seek the light of God's countenance above all things? There is no neutral person in this case. Every man that liveth upon the earth, is either “carnally minded, “which is death; or spiritually minded, which

"is life and peace ;" either a child of God, or a drudge and flave to the world.. To which party, then, do you belong? What are your hearts principally fet upon, and whither do you bend your chief and most vigorous endeavours? If you can find but little leisure for the fervice of God, and the care of your fouls; you can spend whole days without calling. upon God, or reading his word; if the Sabbath appears burdenfome to you, and you join in your hearts with those profane perfons whom the Prophet Amos defcribes, as faying. (viii. 5.), "When will the new moon be

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gone, that we may fell corn? and the Sab"bath, that we may fet forth wheat?" If you are conscious that it is thus with you, I need scarcely inform you, that you must be claffed with those whofe language it is, "Wha "will fhew us any good?" A

2d Use, therefore, which I would make of this fubject, is, to exhort you, who are yet carnally minded, to think seriously of your condition. Ye are, purfuing what will for ever flee from you. Ye are combating with a decree of him who is Almighty, even that irreversible decree which hath pronounced va

nity

nity on all things below the fun. Ye are oppofing the experience of all who ever made the fame trial before you; ye are struggling with the very feelings of your own hearts, which as yet have never found that permanent fatisfaction which they require. 0 then be perfuaded to relinquish thofe falfe plans of happiness by which you have been hitherto deluded, and to feek the favour of that God who is the only adequate portion of an immortal foul. Liften to that kind expoftulation and advice (Ifaiah Iv. 2. 3.), "Wherefore do ye spend money for that "which is not bread, and your labour for "that which fatisfieth not? Hearken di"ligently unto me, and eat ye that which "is good, and let your foul delight itself "in fatnefs. Incline your ear, and come 66 unto me; hear, and your foul shall live; " and I will make an everlasting covenant "with you, even the fure mercies of Da"vid."

Laftly, Let me call on those who have been taught to value the light of God's countenance above all things, to be humble and thankful.

thankful. Often recollect that mercy which plucked you as brands out of the burning, and fet you apart to fee the glory of the Lord, and to fhow forth his praife. Often acknowledge that fovereign grace by which you were arrested in the broad way that leads to deftruction, and led to him who alone hath the words of eternal life. "Who made thee dif"fer, and what haft thou that thou didst not "receive?" If he who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath fhined into your hearts, to give you the light of the knowledge of his glory, as it shines in the face of Jesus; adore and praise this diftinguishing goodness; acknowledge, with humble gratitude, that it was the doing of the Lord. And if you would continue to enjoy the comfort which ariseth from the light of God's countenance, be careful to abound in all thofe "fruits of righte"ousness, which are through Chrift to the "praise and glory of God." Our duty and our comfort are wifely and graciously connected together. "Great peace have they "that love thy law," faith the Psalmist, and "nothing shall offend them."-" The work

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"of righteousness fhall be peace, and the ef-
"fect of righteoufnefs, quietness, and affur-
ance for ever."-" As many as walk ac-

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cording to this rule, peace shall be on them, "and mercy, and on the Ifrael of God." Amen.

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