such convictions to the various and unequal conditions of men! How exalted the principle from which they summon us, whether high or low, to duty; and even to those who are called to those labours of

life, where " they are weary and heavy "laden," how noble are the struggles which they are thus summoned to undergo, and how dear that "rest" in which it is promised their labours shall for ever close.

4. There is yet still a nobler reflection which these words are fitted to convey. In illustrating formerly what was meant in the words of our first address to God, I concluded by reminding you of the hope they inspired by the name of "Our Father who is in Heaven." Let me now remind you, that the same consoling and animating doctrine is interwoven also with the general petitions we are now considering; and that, while we pray for

for

the reign of human virtue, and human happiness under the gospel, we pray it as the prelude to that greater happiUnder ness which reigns in heaven. such prospects, with what solemn joy may not the pious return into the world; with what firm eye may they not look upon the hardships they are doomed to undergo; and with what patient heart may they not receive every visitation which it pleases their Father to send!In that concluding scene, all mysteries will be revealed,-all doubts cease,pure all inquietudes repose:-the heart will see their God,-and "from the "east and the west, from the north and "from the south," the gates of Heaven will open to receive the meek, the pious, and the good.

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When from such meditations we return into the world, we often return to mark the reign of chance and time,-to

see the place vacant which was once filled by those we loved or esteemed,—or to follow to their graves those whom worth had dignified, or innocence had endeared:--sometimes the young who fell in the bloom of youthful promise; sometimes the mature, who have been summoned away amid all their plans of private good, or public usefulness; and sometimes the aged, who sunk under the weight of years, and whose grey hairs have fallen into the grave, satiated with life and full of honour. In such circumstances, what is there that can console the hearts of those who have been bereft of all they held dear, and who refuse the voice of comfort? It is the preparation of this habitual prayer. It is the blessed belief that there" is" a kingdom in Heaven, in which the spirits of departed virtue repose, in which they meet the Sa→ viour whose footsteps they have followed, and the Father, whose will they have studied

to do. From the evils and the infirmities of life, they are removed to their "own border;" that border from which death separates us, but where there reigns Truth, and Wisdom, and Joy; that border which they have struggled to secure as their own, by deeds of goodness and be nevolence while on earth; where they are received by all the just who have preceded them in the career of virtue; and where, under the influence of the Sun of Righteousness, the seeds of piety and goodness, which life has nourished, will be sown in a nobler soil, and " bring forth fruits "worthy of immortality."

SERMON V.

ON THE LORD'S PRAYER.

LUKE, Xi. 2.

“And he said unto them, When ye pray, say thus:"

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In the preceding discourses, I have attempted, in the plainest manner, to illustrate the nature and character of that celebrated prayer which our Saviour has left to his people as the model of their devotion.

In this view, I considered, in the first place, the majesty and solemnity of its opening, and the various sentiments of