and rejoicing over "him who had been lost and was found, had been dead and was alive."

St. Paul was sure that they who preached CHRIST out of envy and strife were wrong, not only in circumstances, but in the radical temper of their hearts: yet, as it seems, they preached the substance of the true gospel among those who had been strangers to it; so that sinners were by their means brought to repentance and faith in CHRIST, he determined to rejoice in their success: doubtless, because the Saviour calls on all his friends to rejoice with him when he finds his lost sheep. As to consequences, he left' them with GOD; as also the judgment to be awarded' to those, who wanted "to add affliction to his "bonds."

We also learn, from the language of the text, that we should, with caution, encourage every relenting in those, who have hitherto appeared stout-hearted and far from righteousness.-We should meet with kindness and meekness every dawning of light and conviction, and spare no pains in leading forward the newly awakened sinner, notwithstanding his mistakes, prejudices, or ignorance; imitating him, who "did not quench the smoking flax, or break the "bruised reed." It is indeed proper to avoid such encouraging language, as may tend to self-deception : but whatever can inspire the hope which animates to diligence; whatever can tend to lift up the hands "that hang down, and confirm the feeble knees, or "make straight paths for the feet; that that which is "lame may not be turned out of the way, but rather "be healed," should be perseveringly attempted. EE

VOL. II.

"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye; but not "to doubtful disputations."

66

We should also be reminded to attend to another apostolical injunction which is often forgotten, "If a man be overtaken in a fault, you that are spiritual "restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; con"sidering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." For the recovery of one, who seemed in our judgment to be a believer, is often that very event over which angels and the LORD of angels rejoice. "Brethren, "if any of you do err from the truth, and one con"vert him; let him know that he who converteth a "sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul " from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."— Let us, in these and all other cases, connected with the joyful event referred to in the text, use all the means we can, and pray fervently for a blessing on every attempt made by others, as well as by ourselves, all over the world. Let us expect to receive answers to our prayers, and stand prepared to bless and praise Gon, whenever we hear of sinners brought to repentance, and the success of that cause, for which CHRIST JESUS came into the world and shed his blood upon the cross.

Brethren, you have heard many things concerning the love of CHRIST to sinners, in general, and to repenting sinners in particular; and of his unspeakable condescension, compassion, and loving kindness: but do not, on this ground, conclude that he cannot, or will not punish; "Despisest thou the riches of his "goodness, and forbearance, and long suffering, not "knowing that the goodness of GoD leadeth thee to

repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent "heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the "day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judg "ment of GOD; who shall render to every one ac"cording to his deeds?"-Notwithstanding the inexpressible love of CHRIST, he will at length "be "revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels, in

flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know "not God, and that obey not his gospel; who shall "be punished with an everlasting destruction from "his presence."-"How shall we then escape, if we "neglect so great salvation?" They who are emboldened by the grace of the gospel to continue impenitent, will perish with the most aggravated condemnation." Seek the LORD," therefore, while "he may be found; call upon him while he is near:" and beware of trusting in any transient impressions, which leave no abiding effect on your general temper and conduct; for no persons are more hopeless in their impenitence, than they who groundlessly think, that they have repented. Yet, be thankful for any degree of feeling, any disposition to relent and submit to GoD: but give diligence, and exercise watchfulness, that these convictions may be rendered deeper, and made more effectual in producing works meet for repentance.

We, who cannot see the heart, must encourage whatever appears right: but you should look to GoD to search and examine you, that you may become acquainted with yourselves, and not be deceived by a repentance which must eventually be repented of. Take care, in this view, of every scheme which tends

to reconcile religion with conformity to the world; and of all smooth and soothing ways of stating the great truths of Christianity. Whatever your conscience declares should be broken off, given up, or -attended to; obey its dictates promptly and implicitly. And in this way, no doubt, you will be led forward to establishment in the faith and hope of the gospel.

If any have had impressions, that have subsided, without producing a real change, they must begin all over again; and, here no particular directions seem needful, except not to yield to the discouraging thought, that it is now too late. Still, still it is said, "To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your "hearts." "Behold, now is the accepted time; be.. "hold, now is the day of salvation." And still CHRIST says, "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.'

But, above all, beware of further procrastination. None can say, "what shall be on the morrow.' "The Master of the house may have risen up and "shut the door;" and then it will be in vain to "stand without, and to say, LORD, open to us," as it was for the inhabitants of the old world, to seek admission into the long-despised Ark of Noah, when the days of the LORD's long-suffering were ended. Nay, it is impossible to say, whether, even if life be prolonged, Gon may not be provoked to give you up to final obduracy, and to "swear in his wrath, that

you shall not enter into his rest."-In any view of the subject, if not now truly penitent, and seeking diligently salvation through CHRIST our LORD; you have reason to fear, lest he should at last address you

with these tremendous words: "Because I called, "and ye refused, I stretched out my hand, and no "man regarded, but ye have set at nought all my "counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also "will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when "your fear cometh.-When your fear cometh as deso"lation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind ; "when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then "shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me." "Then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

"

Oh! my fellow-sinners, such of you as have been favoured with manifold advantages, and have at times seemed disposed to profit by them; if you should at last die in your sins, what an account will you have to give! What a meeting will you have, even with those who have spoken to you the word of God, and watched for your souls; who have faithfully and affectionately warned you, and earnestly persuaded you, by the love of CHRIST, and by the terror of the LORD, "not to refuse him that speaketh," not "to

neglect so great salvation!" "It would have been "better for you not to have known the way of righteousness, than to turn at last from the holy com"mandment delivered unto you."

Again let me intreat you, to reverence your consciences; and venture not to go on in any thing concerning which your own heart condemns you; for "God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all "things."-"Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw