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ther that guides and upholds thy steps. It is an infallible pilot, who has undertaken to conduct thee through the rocks and shelves of this dangerous ocean: and however dark or stormy the passage may be, the glories of Immanuel's land, to which thou hast the assurance of being brought at last, will make ample amends for all the dangers and hardships to which thou hast been exposed.

But what comfort can this subject yield to those, who are living without God and without hope in the world? What comfort can it yield to those, who are satisfied with their part and portion in this present life?-who never felt the need of a heavenly Guide, nor sought in good earnest a title to that weight of glory that awaits the faithful at the end of their journey? Alas! are there not many such in every corner of the land, and in every assembly? Do not the tempers and lives of multitudes too plainly declare, that they have neither part nor lot in this matter, and that they are comparatively few in any place, or in any age, who can say, upon equally good grounds with the pious Psalmist, "Thou shalt guide me

"with thy counsel, and afterward receive "me to glory."

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If persons live in the neglect of their souls and eternity,-if they are "earthly, or sensual, or devilish,"-if sin in one shape or other has dominion over them, if they choose the company of the licentious and profane, and join with them in the laugh at serious godliness-Or, supposing them outwardly decent, if they have no relish for spiritual exercises, no love to vital religion, no experience of the enlightening, quickening, and transforming influence of divine grace ;-what shall I say? I dare not flatter such with a false and groundless hope: I dare not say, "Ye shall "have peace though ye walk after the "imaginations of your own hearts." Rather would I endeavour, if possible, to alarm you with a sense of your danger. -You live in an evil and ensnaring world; yet are as secure as if you stood in no need of any counsel or aid. You are assuredly going on the broad way to destruction, yet as easy and unconcerned as if certain of future glory. O the blindness and infatuation that have

seized the minds of men, who, amidst a thousand trifling cares, never seriously attend to the one thing needful,-who never think by what means they may be brought to the possession of eternal life; or how they shall screen themselves from the storm of divine vengeance which their transgressions have provoked, and which at any time may burst upon their defenceless heads. Flee then speedily and without delay, from this impending danger, to your Lord and Saviour; and under the shadow of his mercy, seek for peace and safety. Think, if you now refuse advice and resist persuasion, how you will meet and endure the day of vengeance of your God." Then he, who is now waiting to be your merciful Saviour, will come as an inexorable judge; then he, who would now

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gather you as a hen gathereth her chic"kens under her wings," will drive you from his presence with irresistible fury ; and will pour out upon you the tempest of his indignation and jealousy, without remedy, without mitigation, and without end. O think of all this before it is too late! Consider, and lay to heart, in

238 THE LORD, THE GUIDe of his peOPLE.

this the day of your merciful visitation, the things that belong to your peace, lest they be for ever hid from your eyes. Study with attention the plan of salvation as revealed in the word of God. Wait upon his ordinances with diligence and reverence, in the faith of his presence, and in the expectation of his blessing to render them effectual. May the Almighty Spirit of all grace open your eyes, rouse you from your fatal slumbers, and guide your feet into the ways of peace, before the shades of eternal night surround you. May one and all of us, like the Psalmist, see and feel his own personal interest in the blessings which belong to God's people, and be enabled to assert, with holy confidence, and triumphant joy, "Thou shalt guide "me with thy counsel, and afterward re"ceive me to glory.”—Amen.

SERMON IX.

ON EXPERIENCE WORKING HOPE.

ROMANS V. 4.

-Experience worketh hope.

HOPE has always been considered as one of the great principles of human action, and the great cordial of human sorrows. It is, however, peculiar to the present state; for in the future world to which we are hastening, the faith of the righteous shall be swallowed up in vision, and their hope in enjoyment. But in this vale of misery and tears, hope is necessary to every candidate for immortality; nay, so necessary is it, that we are even said to be "saved by hope." Without those animating feelings hope

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