withstanding the sorrows with which it is marked, many virtuous joys. Reason and religion, therefore, approve that instinct of nature which leads us to love and cherish life. But its value rises beyond all calculation when we consider it as the period in which, by patient continuance in well-doing, we may increase the weight of glory, which, through the merits of a Saviour, will reward us. However, therefore, we may be fortified by the principles and hopes of religion against the fear of death, we have cause for gratitude to God that he hath prolonged the term of our probation; and that he hath thus afforded us the invaluable opportunity of increasing in all those graces and virtues which, by conforming us more fully to his image, will render us more meet for the joys of his pre

sence.

But, perhaps, instead of this exhibition of piety and virtue, the past year has recorded only our indifference to God, and contempt of his authority! Perhaps it has witnessed only our neglect of the great business of salvation; our supreme devotion to worldly pursuits, our indulgence in sensual pleasures! What cause, then, have we of lively gratitude, that the dread Sovereign whom we have offended, hath not swept us from the earth by the breath of his displeasure.

Let his merciful forbearance, awakening us to repentance, lead us to bless and praise that gracious Being, who spared when we deserved pu

nishment, and in his just wrath remembered mercy. Preserved by his superintending providence, and blessed by his bounty with innumerable comforts and enjoyments, we are the subjects of the unmerited goodness of our heavenly Benefactor. Let us all, then, with united hearts, send forth hymns of praise to that Almighty Lord, who hath "preserved our souls in life, and hath not suffered our feet to be moved";" who hath "opened his hand," and satisfied us with good, and still "crowns us with mercy and loving kindness". "."

Praise, then, the Lord, O our souls, and all that is within us, praise his holy name."

Another important consideration that should now occupy our minds is,—that the particular period of time at which we are now placed, is most favourable to serious and pious resolutions.

The termination of the year, in some measure, severs us from the occupations and scenes of the past. It in some degree loosens the ties by which we may have been bound to the objects of the world. It suspends for a while the cares and the labours which may have unceasingly occupied our minds. It thus places us in a situation highly favourable to the exercise of serious reflection and virtuous resolution. The year receives much of its character from the resolutions which we form at its commencement, and the scenes in which we

2 Ps. lxvi. 8.

b Ps. ciii. 4.

c Ps. ciii. 1.

then engage. If, then, we renew the purposes of supreme devotion to the world, and turn our thoughts solely to the pursuit of its gratifications; seldom, through the ensuing year, shall we escape from its powerful hold. If, at the commencement of the year, we engage in the circle of corrupting pleasures, seldom, in the progress of it, can we disengage ourselves from their fascinating influence. If, at the commencement of the year, we postpone the resolutions of repentance, and of living a new and holy life, seldom do they afterwards recur; or find us disposed to carry them into effect.

As the year commences, so generally does it end. If it commenced in sensual and corrupting pleasures, the conclusion of it generally finds us more confirmed in our attachment to those gratifications, and less disposed to a course of piety and virtue.

We stand now then, brethren, at an infinitely important period. We are now to determine what shall be the character of the year on which we enter-whether it shall be distinguished by deeds of piety and virtue, or present only the deformed picture of sensuality and vice-whether it shall exhibit, in the register of Heaven, the evidence of our faithful devotion to our God and Saviour; or record only our impenitence, our transgressions, and our guilt.

The present moment may not only thus decide the character of the ensuing year, of a single

short revolution of time. It may determine our character and state for eternity. Of the time which is present only, it can be said, that "it is the accepted time," that "it is the day of salvation".". Life cannot be ensured; pardon, mercy, and grace, are not promised for the future. Now then, let us follow the dictates of reason and prudence, and resolve to engage in that course of piety and virtue, of devotion to our God, which only can bring us peace at last. Let us not "Give sleep to our eyes nor slumber to our eyelids," until we form the stedfast resolution to "make our calling and election sure";" to secure that inheritance in Heaven which fadeth not away.

These are the sentiments which the commencement of a new year should awaken in our hearts.

In looking back upon the past, however varied may have been our state in the world, there is no individual who, on the review of the past year will not find ample cause of gratitude to that Almighty Being, "from whom cometh every good and perfect gift." Disease hath not desolated our dwellings. The hour of affliction, which no human voice could solace, has been cheered by those consolations that descend from the city of the living God. We enjoy the means of grace, purifying our hearts and strengthening our virtue. The

hope of immortality soothes our sorrows, and elevates our joys. These are among blessings which should excite us to celebrate the goodness of our and Father, our almighty Saviour and God. "Bless then the Lord, O our souls, and all that is within us, bless his holy name "

Heavenly Friend

f

But the mercies of the past year, which thus powerfully demand our gratitude, also impress upon us the duty of confessing, and renouncing the errors and sins, by which we have insulted and abused the majesty and mercy of God.

"There is no man that liveth and sinneth not "." Imperfection alloys the graces and virtues even of the sincere Christian, who, reviewing his best services, will find cause to acknowledge that he is an "unprofitable servant," and in deep humility to adopt the language of the publican, "God be merciful to me a sinner "."

h

But alas! there are those, who, when they review the year which is past, find it marked by indifference to God, and the great work of salvation, and perhaps crowded with wilful transgressions of the laws of their almighty Sovereign.

Brethren! have we not all fallen far short of those attainments in virtue, to which we are called by reason, by religion, by a regard to our present and eternal peace? Imperfections, impru

f Ps. ciii. 1.

* 1 Kings viii. 46.

h Luke xviii. 13.