us: was possessed of power and great affluence. For a season he basked in the sunshine of prosperity, while poor Lazarus was doomed to drink the cup of affliction, and to languish under poverty and disease. But the longest and clearest day, as well as darkest night, must, have an end; and if we follow the rich man and the beggar to the other world, how awful and striking is the contrast, for there the one is comforted, and the "other is tormented!" In the present state of things we only see a part, and a small part, of the plan of Providence; but let us not therefore conclude, that the Judge of all the earth will not assuredly do right." He will judge the world "in righteousness, and the people with "equity." Though the wicked may now be in prosperous circumstances, while the faithful servants of God are groaning under a heavy pressure of calamity, yet there is a day fast approaching which will make a full revelation of the righteous judgments of heaven. Instead of coveting the pomp and splendour of riches, or envying the prosperity of ungodly men,-instead of arraigning the dis

pensations of God's Providence, or murmuring at your own lot in the world, let the present unequal distribution of things teach you to look forward with gratitude, composure and joy to the period when the plans of Divine Wisdom shall be completed, when every crooked thing shall be made strait before the Lord, when order shall be brought out of confusion, and the ways of the Eternal justified before an assembled world, when each one shall exclaim; " Thou "art righteous, O Lord, because thou "hast judged thus; even so true and righteous are thy judgments, Lord "God Almighty."

3. From what has been said let me exhort sinners of every description to fly from hell, or this final misery of the wicked.

Regard it as a signal and wonderful act of mercy, that you are thus fairly warned of your danger, that there is a Saviour still ready to receive you,-a city of refuge provided, the gates of which are set open in the gospel. The fault, brethren, if you despair or perish, lies at your own door. For the same sacred

Book, which reveals "indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish against every soul of man that doth evil," reveals also the blood of the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world, " able to save to the uttermost.” Even the greatest sinners that ever existed have obtained forgiveness, and God never did, nor never will shut the door upon any who apply to him for pardon through the great Mediator. Wash in this fountain, and your sins, though as numerous as the sand upon the sea-shore, and deeply aggravated, shall be blotted out. After the thousands and millions that have sat down at the gospel feast and fed upon this heavenly provision, the ministering servants of Christ are still commanded to assure you, that there is room for you, for thousands and millions more; yea room for all, if all would come and partake of the fulness that is in Christ. In what language more appropriate can I address you, than in the words of God himself to the Israelites of old? “ I "have no pleasure in the death of the

wicked, but that the wicked turn from "his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye,

ye

" from your evil ways, for why will "die, O house of Israel?" When God is willing to save your soul, why should you be willing to destroy it? When he offers you life, why should you prefer death? When he calls you to share the happiness of heaven, why should you prefer the miseries of hell? " Would to "God that you were wise, that you "would understand this, that you would "consider your latter end, that you "would know in this your day, the things which belong to your peace,

"

ere they be for ever hid from your eyes."

"Behold now is the accepted time, "now is the day of salvation." Happy are they who still hear the joyful sound; thrice happy are they who accept of the gracious offer. Happy even in comparison is the state of that sinner who has not yet gone to the land of forgetfulness, but is still in the land of the living and in the place of hope. Your time is short and uncertain, your danger great, if privileges are abused and offers despised. Flee then speedily and without delay for shelter from the storms of di

vine vengeance, to the covert of Christ's atoning blood, and betake yourselves to this fountain opened for sin and uncleanness, while access yet remains. Behold God waiting to be gracious,-the Lord Jesus knocking at the door of every heart among you and seeking admission! Say not to him, "Go thy way for this time," lest he strive with you no longer, lest he swear in his wrath that " you shall "never enter into his rest. Put not his forbearance to any farther trial, lest you tempt him to cut you off in your sins, and reserve you to the day of destruction.

But though there be no hope for you while you continue to reject Christ, yet if you accept of him as he is offered in the gospel, an unfading crown of glory, a portion in bliss, and a seat at his right hand, shall be yours throughout eternity. Choose then this day what ye will do. Life and death, the blessing and the curse, are set before you. May the Lord make you willing in the day of his power to obey his call! May he incline your heart, while it is called today, to make that holy and happy choice,