our belief will be useless. Even a heathen, long ago observed, that if God does not extend his care and his inspection to the affairs of human life, there can neither be piety, holiness, nor religion in the world. If he cannot, or will not, concern himself, says this great moralist, with our necessities, to aid and succour us-if he takes no notice of our actions, what advantage is it to honour him, to build temples and to pray to him? But that God does concern himself with this world and its inhabitants, we have no cause to doubt. It is evident, that as he created the world for his pleasure, and as that world still continues to proceed in the same course, and the same beautiful harmony; HIS hand must continue to direct and control it. Of Of this, indeed, he has given us sufficient proof in the revelation which he has made of himself to mankind: but at present I am only concerned with what are commonly called the natural evidences of God's providence; that is, those which present themselves of their own accord to every mind which meditates on the subject. These are chiefly discerned in the provision which has been made for the succession of mankind and other animals, and of the fruits and plants, and in the mineral productions of the earth necessary for their subsistence

• Cicero.

and happiness, as well as in the powers and capacities which he has given us to convert them to our own use. In fact, to own the being of God, and deny his providence, is a great absurdity.

II. Having now stated what I cannot but hope will be sufficient to establish in your minds a firm belief in the existence of the great Parent of the world, and of his government of it and its inhabitants, let me now direct your attention to the consideration of the obligations and duties which naturally flow from the establishment of this doctrine.

The first duty of man is to love God; to love him for creating and admitting him to the blessings of existence. This love consists in our making God the chief object of our affections, and in preferring his service to any other consideration; and it is founded on the hope and assurance that the happiness of his creatures is the object of his providence. All nature proclaims the love of God to his creatures; the whole system of the world speaks the same language; wherever we turn our eyes we behold proofs of his goodness and loving-kindness.-Let us then love him who "first loved us," and praise him for all his mercies towards the children of

men.

The Creator has shewn, in the works of his hands, the greatest wisdom and the deepest knowledge. For these let us fall

down and worship at his footstool. The heart which is duly affected by a sense of God's infinite wisdom will naturally give vent to its feelings in the voice of adoration and praise. The truly religious person may be said to pray always; he maintains a constant communion with God. In his chamber, on his bed, in the fields, he worships and adores; and chiefly he delights to join the congregation of his fellow mortals, and to offer up his praises in the assembly of the people. He wilfully omits no opportunity of being present at the service of the Church, and of publicly testifying his belief in the BEING and PROVIDENCE OF GOD.

It happens very frequently that, in looking back upon their past lives, men regard only their behaviour towards their fellow creatures; and if they find that no heavy charge can be brought against them from that quarter, they remain easy with regard to their souls. But, my brethren, I entreat you to bear in mind, that though your social duties must never be neglected, there is an overruling duty to your Maker to be observed also. When, therefore, you review your past conduct, consider wherein you have neglected your duty to God, and endeavour to amend your fault. If to an earthly parent respect and attention be due, how much more shall veneration and worship be paid to the PARENT OF ALL THINGS.

Again. The works of the creation contain the most convincing proofs of the almightiness of the Creator. A sacred fear of God therefore is one of the natural duties of man; a fear that is mingled with love; not the fear of a slave trembling in the presence of a violent and capricious master, but such a fear as would make us sorry to disobey and disoblige, a dread not so much of punishment, as of the loss of God's love-such a fear as a dutiful child bears towards a beloved parent, whose frown fills the heart with grief, and whose smile is the source of joy. This reverence, or filial fear, is essential to the existence of true religion in the soul; and so far is it from producing pain, or uneasiness to the mind, that it is the very means of lessening them, by banishing all other fears. The words, fearing God," are indeed often used to express the whole business of religion and worship; because where this sacred fear is fixed in the heart, all other parts of holiness and righteousness will naturally follow. It will lead, for instance, to an entire TRUST and CONFIDENCE in HIM, who is the object of it.

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He knows what is best for us in every respect; and not only knows, but bestows it. The experience of life sufficiently proves, that little trust is to be reposed in man; and that our own minds are not always the best judges of what is good for us. God alone

has perfect wisdom and knowledge to under-stand our condition. He also possesses alone unquestionable goodness and love; and to him alone belongs sufficient power to relieve us in every possible condition. He, therefore, who puts his trust in God, can never be confounded.—“ Trust ye then in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." In all your wants and necessities, apply by prayer to him, who is able to do more for you than you either desire or deserve; and be ye neither weary, nor "faint in your minds."

And above all things remember, that, though it may appear, that the virtuous are not always rewarded with worldly prosperity, nor the wicked conspicuously punished, there is another state, where every thing that is crooked will be made straight, and all men will be rewarded or punished according to their works. Let this doctrine ever exercise an influence over your lives; let it never be forgotten by you, that this is not your abiding city; but that the soul must exist, when your bodies have returned to the dust; and that its existence will either be an existence of happiness or of misery, according as you shall live in a good or evil manner here.

Before the light of Christianity shone out

f Isa. xxvi. 4.