done in truth and equity;" since it would plainly appear that God had done every thing "for the vine which he had planted; but that the ungrateful tree, which he had nurtured, instead of its proper fruit, had brought forth wild grapes."

Mankind do not consider how they provoke their Maker by accusing him of having done too little for them; whereas, would they but estimate themselves justly, they would perceive, that they are not worthy of the least of all his mercies; not worthy of being called his children. If God foreknew, he did not therefore ordain their fall. Their Maker left them free, and on their own heads be their punishment.

Oh Lord, my God! when I consider all this, how fearful are the thoughts of my soul! Look upon me, O my God! fashion my spirit to obey thy will! enter into my soul, and restore me to thy divine image, from which I am so greatly fallen!-I desire to devote myself unto

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Thee: I receive with joy and hope thy holy Gospel, and the terms and promises of salvation, through my blessed Redeemer. With humble confidence I will trust in Thee, O Lord: be it unto me according to thy Word. Amen.

ADVICES AND REFLECTIONS ON HUMILITY, AND THE LOVE OF GOD.

1.BE not discouraged by your sins; there is a way to bear them, without cherishing them, and of correcting them without impatience: seek this of God, (with an entire distrust of yourself,) and you will find it: we are strong in God when we are weak in ourselves, and confess our sins.

2. The love of God (far from being a burthen) will make our labours light; and if we perform our duties through that principle only, they will be both pleasant and comfortable; for, however great the sacrifices, or painful the trials which may

accompany them; yet, if these are submitted to through the love of God, they will prove easy and profitable to us.

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3. Our sins, our infirmities, and, of course, our trials, arise from the indulgence of our passions; it is only the fear of God, and the divine love of Him, that can enable us to endure our own afflictions, or to rise superior to the evils which may be brought on us by others.

4. Nothing can be so good, so tender, so gentle, so amiable, as a heart filled with the love of God. In religion, there is nothing gloomy or severe; it enlarges the heart, and warms the affections; but it does not consist in a set form of words, or a scrupulous observance of outward ceremonies: a truly religious disposition shews itself in the performance of the duties and virtues which belong to our peculiar situations in the world. If we make it our constant endeavour to serve

God to the utmost of our power, and to improve our time, we shall have our minds at peace; our hearts will be purified; we shall have piety without scruple, and happiness without alloy.

5. Who in this world is free from sin? who is just in the sight of God? yet let us not despair; it is in our own power to abhor and strive against our sins; and God requires no more.

6. The noblest victory is that which we obtain over ourselves; and the greatest courage consists in not being overcome by our misfortunes. Let us then try to perform our duties with simplicity and steadiness; the fear of God, and the belief of his constant presence, will enable us on all occasions to decide what we should do in this world. We should, therefore, often enter into ourselves, and by the examination of our hearts, refresh and strengthen in them, the love of God.