gain; every increase is not only a possession but a capacity." Under this impression, "whereto we have attained, let us walk by the same rule; let us mind the same thing." Far from confiding in any progress already made, let us go on to perfection, and “forgetting the things that are behind, press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." SERMON II. ON RELIGIOUS CONSIDERATION. PSALM CXix. 59, 60. I thought on my wàys, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments. THE sacred oracles abound, as well with examples, as instructions, suited to all conditions and characters of men. Not only the distinguished piety and virtue of ancient worthies, but the means by which they were first inspired to a just sense of their duty and destination, and "turned to the wisdom of the just," are recorded "for our learning :" The former to guide and animate the saint in a resolute adherence to the way of truth; the latter to admonish the sinner of what "the Lord his God requireth of him, and encourage his efforts for deliverance from the dominion and punishment of iniquity. be no less practicable than prudent to "foresee the evil and hide ourselves." Before we engage in any pursuit of moment, we accordingly attend to its various aspects and relations ; and endeavour to ascertain its probable influence on our leading interests: Whether it be calculated to promote the happiness we desire, or to involve us in the misery we dread? Whether the advantages it offers be sufficient to counterbalance the inconveniences it may occasion? Not content with this previous examination, we often pause and review our conduct; compare its present effects with our former anticipations, and seek to discover its final result. Now this disposition and practice, transferred from temporal to spiritual concerns, constitutes the important duty in discussion. Nor are any additional faculties necessary to its faithful performance. Endowed with reason, and admonished by every object which meets our eyes, and every enjoyment which gladdens our hearts, it is impossible for us to doubt the being, perfections, and government of God; or be unapprized of our consequent obligations to know and do his will. Born and educated in a land of gospel light; and acquainted from "our childhood with the holy scriptures, which are able to make us wise unto salvation, the importunity of their own minds a véle to bring their e ad carmin 1 Behold then that him de able example of the pain measure favourable to thr and miscry, to vite me go. from the visioner comfort, independent of de uma favour of his God, betika a song view of the nature, cirotusta of his being; and satisfacti intercourse an be no less practicable than prudent to "foresee the evil and hide ourselves." Before we engage in any pursuit of moment, we accordingly attend to its various aspects and relations; and endeavour to ascertain its probable influence on our leading interests: Whether it be calculated to promote the happiness we desire, or to involve us in the misery we dread? Whether the advantages it offers be sufficient to counterbalance the inconveniences it may occasion? Not content with this previous examination, we often pause and review our conduct; compare its present effects with our former anticipations, and seek to discover its final result. Now this disposition and practice, transferred from temporal to spiritual concerns, constitutes the important duty in discussion. Nor are any additional faculties necessary to its faithful performance. Endowed with reason, and admonished by every object which meets our eyes, and every enjoyment which gladdens our hearts, it is impossible for us to doubt the being, perfections, and government of God; or be unapprized of our consequent obligations to know and do his will. Born and educated in a land of gospel light; and acquainted from "our childhood with the holy scriptures, |