are in the least disposed so to be. But knowledge does sometimes puff up. Beware of that evil. Sit humbly at the feet of instruction. Modesty is an argument of wisdom. It will do you honour in the view of all. Thus improving in knowledge both human and divine, and thus conducting yourselves with all humility, seriousness, and prudence, you will not only lay a foundation, with the blessing of God, for your own future usefulness, but you will contribute greatly to the prosperity of this excellent institution. The sons of the prophets, on an occasion, besought Elisha that they might go to the woods near Jordan, and take thence each man a beam to enlarge their school, their dwelling. The prophet said, Go ye; and went himself with them! So you, my friends, wish to see this house of knowledge enlarged. Gladly would you assist to that end. Go then and do as we have presumed to advise you, and the object will be obtained, Your house will be built up, your dwelling will be enlarged, its simplicity and beauty will attract the regard of all who behold it, the sons of the prophets will flock to it, and both ministers and people will hail you-Blessed of the Lord. Which leads me to say one word to you, my friends, who generously assist this very useful institution. I have to return you the thanks of those who are immediately benefited by your benevolence, the thanks of the churches which are hereby essentially served, and may I not add the thanks of all wise and good men: You will with pleasure accept them. Go on and prosper. Keep your eyes steadily directed to the grand object, the glory of God, the spread of the gospel, and the salvation of the immortal souls of men. To the blessed Emmanuel you owe infinite obligations. You can never fully discharge them. Be not weary therefore in well doing, in due time ye shall reap if ye faint not. And to all your exertions for promoting the cause of truth and religion, add your fervent prayers to Heaven for the divine concurrence and blessing. A SERMON IN COMMEMORATION OF THE GREAT STORM OF WIND, NOV. 27th, 1703; AND OF THE MORE DREADFUL STORM WHICH THREATENED THE PREACHED NOVEMBER 27th, 1788. PSAL. LXXVII. 11.-I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember thy wonders of old. THE HE memory is a very useful faculty of the human mind, and is never employed to so noble a purpose as when directed to events wherein the wisdom, power, and goodness of God have been extraordinarily displayed. Such a use of the memory is a happy mean to promote genuine piety, and is therefore recommended in the Scriptures, and ever urged on their hearers, by those whose office it is to instruct men in the interesting concerns of religion. It was in a time of deep affliction that the prophet Asaph penned this psalm. His affliction he pathetically describes in the former part of it, and then informs us of the expedient he had recourse to, in order to compose his ruffled mind, and exhilarate his fainting spirits. He said, I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember thy wonders of old. The grand event he had in his eye was, that glorious revolution in favour of the Israelitish nation, which took place at the memorable era of their deliverance from Egyptian slavery. This was the work of God, accompanied with a series of wonders, the remembrance of which was to be transmitted to the latest ages. God reigns both in the natural and moral world. These were each convulsed in an unusual manner on this extraordinary occasion. The tempest rose to a great height. But He who hath his way in the whirlwind, and in the storm, rebuked the tempest, and there was a calm. The scene is strikingly described in the words that follow the text: Who is so great a god as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders; thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee: they were afraid; the depths also were troubled. The clouds poured out water, the skies sent out a |