of each other, and the spirit which is imbibed by a joint communion with him, is a spirit of love and good will to one another. Would not the anger of the father towards the son be mitigated, would not the asperity of the brother towards the brother be softened; would not the sullenness of the servant towards his master be corrected, if all were brought, every morning and evening, into the presence of God to confess their sins, and recognize before him, in the spirit of humility and love, their duties to him, and to one another?

But, it would also benefit families by bringing upon them the blessing of heaven. Great efficacy is ascribed to prayer in the sacred volume, especially to the prayers of "two or three associated for the purpose. How largely, then, may the dews of heaven be expected to descend upon the families in which prayer is made unto him constantly and with one accord, and he is daily praised. "The voice of joy and health," says the Psalmist, "is in the dwellings of the righteous." And it is strikingly observed by the pious Bishop Wilson, that "ignorance, profaneness, and a curse, must of necessity be in that family, where not a creature but is taken care of; not a swine but shall be served twice a day, and God only is forgotten!"

But this will appear still more important and beneficial, if we advert to its uses to the individuals of whom families are generally composed. And first, with regard to the pious part of them, it affords, next to the worship of the sanctuary, the most convenient and unexceptionable opportunity for that sociality in devotion which minds, seriously impressed, do very naturally and strongly desire. Some seek this opportunity in conferences, and some in special meetings. But, it But, it may be questioned, whether the good effects of these upon the community, or individuals, would be equal to the effects of a performance in every house of family prayers.

But you will say, all the members of the family are not religious. For those who are otherwise, family prayer may have the most beneficial operation. You have a son, his religious principles are not settled; he has been abroad amidst the

gayeties and vices of this evil world. It may be, he "hath sinned, and cursed God in his heart." How important, how interesting, that you offer sacrifices for him to the Lord your God. Are there any in your house yet uninstructed in religion, any who are volatile in their minds, any who have unhappy dispositions, or evil propensities in their hearts or lives? The constant performance of this duty is calculated to diffuse among them religious principles and feelings, to check inordinate volatility, and produce becoming seriousness; and by its gentle influence, to correct the bad dispositions and restrain the conduct. of the wicked and the unhappy. While its tendency is to render the parent considerate, and the child dutiful, to promote the unity of the husband and wife, to make masters kind, and servants sober and faithful. It promises, also, a more distant good. The individual who has grown up in the habit of family worship, will be most likely, when he himself has a household, to establish this practice in the midst of them, and thus, this duty would be the means of transmitting to posterity the blessings of religion. It may be, that upon some, in the ungovernable years of life, the efficacy of family worship may not be immediately perceived; but when the gay season has elapsed, the passions have cooled, and the weeds of corrupt nature have withered with the season that produced them, the influence of the scenes by the domestic altar will remain; and the principles and feelings which were there hallowed, will be recollected and cherished, like the counsels of the paternal lip, when the inclinations and practices which thwarted them will be remembered with regret.

This duty may be recommended, in the last place, by a consideration drawn from its influence on the community at large. We are told, that "the angels of God encamp about the dwellings of the just." Were these encampments of the hosts of God multiplied in a land; did companies of angels surround every habitation, by reason of the altar and piety therein, what a force would they constitute against the approach of evil; what powerful protectors of health and peace and joy! Let every

private home be a temple; from every dwelling let there arise incense to heaven, morning and evening; and of the happiness of that people, who have "the Lord for their God," our country would largely partake. These daily sacrifices would be returned to us by him to whom they were offered, that we might feast upon them and live by them; and they would be the means of bringing, not only upon the individual, not only upon the family, but also upon the community, a participation of all the fruits of that great sacrifice, "which taketh away the sins of the world."

My Christian friends, you see how weighty, how affecting are the considerations that recommend family worship. Forgive me, that I have said so much upon this neglected duty. Is it good, is it right, is it useful? What remains but to resolve that a duty, which is good and useful, you will immediately begin to perform.

In performing it, allow me to recommend that a form of prayer be used as best calculated for all the purposes of social worship. You have in the Prayer Book a form at hand, and if variety be wished, by selecting from that book the collects for repentance and faith, and charity, for grace and peace, the prayer for all conditions of men, and the thanksgiving, with the Lord's Prayer, you may furnish yourselves with sacrifices, with which the members of your families are familiarly acquainted, and they with you will easily offer them together.

SERMON XLI.

W

THE ONE THING NEEDFUL.

ST. LUKE, X. 42.

"But one thing is needful."

HEN we consider the various ways and numerous objects in which men seek felicity, it hardly seems conceivable that all which is necessary to the true end and happiness of life, is to be found in one definite pursuit. To do what shall become our nature, secure our interests, and please our God; to attain what shall answer the true purpose of our creation, and yield us peace and permanent satisfaction, these are momentous concerns; and surely, the truth is surprising, and little regarded, that in one single point they all concentrate, that on one distinct object they all depend. Yet this truth is declared by the great founder of our faith; and we have the record of his declaration, in the passage which I have selected for my text: "But one thing is needful."

To the occasion and import of these words, permit me, my brethren, to invite your attention; and to the instructive lessons conveyed, in the narrative of which they are an interesting part.

There dwelt at Bethany, a very amiable family, whose virtues attracted to them the fondness and frequent visits of our blessed Lord. Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. In the society of this affectionate and benevolent family he loved to pass an hour of retirement; and to their honest minds unfolded

the overtures on salvation which he brought from heaven, and the bright prospects of eternal life and joy. It happened, during one of his visits to them, that the different characters of the sisters were strikingly displayed. In Martha, the elder, we behold a busy, generous, careful person, who was filled with anxities about the affairs of the household, and on this occasion, was entirely absorbed in making preparations for the hospitable entertainment of her guests. In Mary, we discover an even, contemplative, docile mind, which wished for no other gratification than to sit at the feet of the celestial Instructor, and hear his words. They both were pious and virtuous persons; both happy in the friendship and presence of the Saviour; and each of their characters had, undoubtedly, its peculiar excellence. But the solicitude of Martha's disposition, made her often the prey of unnecessary restlessness and care; it rendered the object, too, on which she was intent, however commendable in itself, painful to her friends, by reason of the trouble it occasioned her; and it was this uneasy, immoderate anxiety about things vain and transitory, that the Saviour reprehended. Filled with concern about the entertainment of her guest; busily absorbed in the desire richly to refresh, and handsomely to serve them, she complained to Jesus of Mary's abiding at his feet, and neglecting to take part in doing to him the honours of the house. "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her that she help me." To him who lightly regarded the pleasures of the senses, who knew how to value the ceremonious complaisance of the world, and who found his best gratification in leading the docile to truth and to goodness, this was an illjudged compliment, and occasioned a tender reproof. "Martha, Martha," said he, with affectionate earnestness repeating the name, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things; but one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

"But one thing is needful." A serious, impressive declaration. And we hasten from the occasion of it to consider its import. Evidently the Saviour asserts, that there is "one thing," essen