ditions to which mankind are often appointed in the course of Divine Providence, viz. prosperity and adversity. And if we consider the Christian in each of these, it will tend still farther to illustrate the truth and propriety of the prophet's declaration.

1. Let us then consider him in a state of prosperity, with the candle of the Lord shining upon his head, and all things around him flourishing as his heart would wish. Yet even in this favourable and flattering situation of affairs, how soon does the weakness of human nature discover itself, and shew how little man is capable of directing his steps. He is apt to become intoxicated with pride, prove ungrateful to the Author of his enjoyments, and run into follies and crimes, from which in a less prosperous state he would have shrunk with abhorrence. Those very blessings which he eagerly wished for, and which, when obtained, might have been improved to the glory of the bountiful giver, his own comfort, and the good of others, are often known to be the means of involving him in extreme wretched

xness and ruin. In such a state as this, he may be truly said to be surrounded with snares and dangers. There is a multiplicity of sensible objects ready to solicit his attention, and captivate the affections of his heart. Pleasure from Pleasure from every quarter invites him, and fashion, that vile abuser of mankind, adds its deluding voice to seduce him from the paths of rectitude. His own resolutions form but feeble barriers, and in the hour of temptation too often leave him an unprotected prey to every hostile intruder.

Not only do the alluring objects of time and sense take advantage of man in a prosperous condition; but Satan, that grand adversary of souls, improves such a precious season for accomplishing his wicked devices. He is an enemy, of all others, the most restless, subtle, and powerful. He works upon the minds and imaginations of men, and avails himself of their natural temper and outward circumstances in order to ensnare and ruin them. What a specimen of his skill and power did he give in the case of our first parents in paradise! Though

at present he may not put on exactly the same form which he then assumed, though he may not employ precisely the same means to which he formerly had recourse, yet think not his machinations have ceased. There are a thousand forms which he can assume,-a thousand instruments which he can employ. With unwearied and ceaseless activity, he besets the paths, and frequents the abodes of men, seeking like a roaring lion whom he may devour. At the moment we are apt to think ourselves most secure, and proof against the temptations of the evil one; whilst we are dreaming of the great felicities of our state, and promising ourselves long and uninterrupted prosperity; a fatal blow is aiming against us, which soon overthrows our towering thoughts, shews us the instability of all worldly things, and leaves us to lament the frailty of human nature. "In my "prosperity," is the language of David, "I said that I would never be moved.' But no sooner had he begun to presume upon his safety, when instantly his mountain was shaken, and his fond expectations were disappointed. We ought,

therefore, to rejoice in our prosperity as if we rejoiced not, for " it is not in man "that walketh," however prosperous his lot, "to direct his steps."

2. If we consider man in a state of adversity, a state to which he is also frequently reduced by the order and appointment of Providence, the s ametruth will appear.

Man since the fall was not destined by his Maker to walk constantly in paths strewed with flowers, and to enjoy uninterrupted happiness. The cloud of adversity was sometimes to hover around him; dark nights were to succeed fair and pleasant days. He was occasionally to pass along the thorny road of affliction. There is a variety of troubles, distresses, and calamities, incident to human life, which the sagacity of mortals cannot foresee, nor their utmost power repel. And it is when labouring under the weight and pressure of these, that we feel the imperfection and degeneracy of our nature, and are led to assent to the proposition in the text, that" it is not in man that walk

"eth," in such trying circumstances to order and "direct his steps." A melancholy gloom soon overspreads the mind, and forgetfulness and impatience, instead of calm and pious resignation, ere long disclose the dispositions of our souls, and manifest our real character. We forget the blessings we have formerly enjoyed; or should we happen to reflect upon these, it only serves to augment the bitterness of the present hour. Anxiety and dejection prey upon our spirits; life becomes an intolerable burden, and the hand of the Lord, righteous in all his ways, and adorable in all his dispensations, is not humbly traced and acknowledged. Afflictions are looked upon as real evils; and those messengers of Providence which were kindly intended to promote our best interests, are productive of no salutary impressions, no saving benefit to the soul.

But it is not in an hour of deep distress only, that man is unable "to direct "his steps;" the same thing will be found to hold true in every adverse circumstance of his lot. Let Providence only