very difficult to judge of their conduct according to the rules of Scripture, and with respect to their relations and obligations to the Almighty; and still more so, to be affected with a humbling sense of guilt on this account, answerable to the views and feelings which they hear described by those who preach the Gospel to them.

Indeed, it is probable, that conviction of sin, at first, commonly arises from a consciousness of having acted in certain instances contrary to our views of moral obligation; rather than from an accurate comparison of our whole conduct and the state of our hearts, with the law of GOD and our obligations to him. But afterwards, deeper reflection and further enquiry produce a sense of guilt, in those thoughts, words, and actions, which once were considered as entirely innocent.

The intention of these remarks, my brethren, is to impress your minds with the immense importance of the subject before us; for, the want of duly understanding or adverting to it, often keeps serious persons long in a state of hesitation as to the doctrines of the Gospel, and exposes them to great danger from the artifices of those who continually are starting objections against the truth.

Indeed, even true and established Christians are seldom so deeply affected with a sense of guilt, when betrayed into such sinful inclinations, or actions, as appear insulated from all connexion

with men, and never likely to injure any one, or to be known except to the omniscient GoD alone; as they do for those evils, which fall under human observation, interfere with the comfort or interest of others, and incur their censure.

But in proportion to the degree in which this erroneous judgment influences us, it must unquestionably militate against the exercise of genuine repentance, humility, and simple faith in the mercy of GoD, and the merits of CHRIST: it must prevent that admiring, adoring love of the divine Redeemer, who shed his blood on the cross as an atonement for our sins; and that glowing ardour of affection for him, which was the grand peculiarity of the primitive Christians, and their all powerful motive to self-denying labours and sufferings for his sake. This, we every where meet with in their writings; alas, how different from the frigid zone of modern Christianity!

II. I would illustrate the emphasis of the Psalmist's words, " Against thee, thee only, have I

David perhaps might mean, that, as a king, he was accountable to none but GoD: but he also, no doubt, intended to confess, that in entire distinction from the enquiry, how far man had been offended or injured by his conduct; he had greatly displeased the Sovereign of the universe," the "King of kings and Lord of lords." Perhaps

some persons at that time might be secretly rejoiced, that such a man as David had thus kept them in countenance. Joab, who had committed murder, for instance, might inwardly exult on so lamentable an occasion. But, however that might be, He who is, "no respecter of persons," and with whom is no difference between the mightiest monarch and the meanest subject, was deeply offended.

The language of the text, Against thee, thee "only," implies far more than I can express, of the majesty, excellency, and authority of the glorious Gon; our relations to him, as the Creator, Governor, and Judge of all; our obligations to him, in general and particular; and the return which we ought to "render for all his benefits."

It is worthy of remark, that no records of antiquity, however admired (the Scriptures alone excepted,) use language concerning the infinite GOD, which is in any measure worthy of his incomprehensible majesty and greatness; nay, which is not exceedingly degrading to his character: and if moderns have at all succeeded better on this subject, it is because they have derived their most adequate ideas from the Bible, though many are unwilling to acknowledge the obligation. Yet, after all, the sublimity of the sacred oracles on this subject is unparalleled.—“ Great is the LORD, "and greatly to be praised; His greatness is un"scarchable. I will speak of the glorious honour

"of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works; "and men shall speak of the might of thy terrible "acts, and I will declare thy greatness.""" Who "hath measured the waters in the hollow of his "hand, and meted out the heavens with a span, "and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, "and the hills in a balance?"-" The nations are

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as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the "small dust of the balance. Behold he taketh up "the isles as a very little thing! And Lebanon is "not sufficient to burn; nor the beasts thereof for "a burnt offering!-All nations before him are as "nothing: and they are counted unto him less "than nothing and vanity! To whom will ye "liken GoD?" Against this Being, of glorious power, and majesty unspeakable, a poor worm dares to rise in rebellion! Against thee have

"I sinned!"

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When Job, in the heat of controversy, had spoken irreverently concerning God; his friends. accused him of hypocrisy, and crimes of which he was consciously innocent; and even Elihu bore too hard upon him: so that he was not convinced or humbled on that account. But when "JEHOVAH "spoke to him from the whirlwind;" though he did not deign to argue on the justice of his dispensation, but merely exhibited before him some displays and illustrations of his greatness, power,

! Ps. cxlv. 3-6. 2 Is. xl. 12-18,

and majesty; he soon brought Job to submit, to plead guilty, and to say, "I am vile," "I abhor myself, I repent in dust and ashes."

St. Paul also seems to have taken up this subject in the same manner, when he answers an irreverent caviller against the dealings of GOD with his creatures; "Nay but, O man, who art thou "that repliest against GOD?" Consider what a

frail, short sighted, and erring creature thou art, ' even in common things; and darest thou pre

sume to dispute against GOD, on such deep subjects as are evidently beyond thy comprehension, or even thy investigation?' "Canst thou by "searching find out GOD? Canst thou find out "the Almighty to perfection? It is higher than "heaven, What canst thou do? It is deeper "than hell, what canst thou know?" "Oh the

depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and "knowledge of GOD! How unsearchable are "his judgments, and his ways past finding out."

Many objections often raised, not without a great mixture of presumption, against the doctrines of Revelation; especially such as respect the first origin of sin and misery, the criminality of our conduct as fallen creatures, and the justice of GOD in the judgments denounced against transgressors, should, in general be silenced in this manner; and not by entering into detailed arguments on each particular, as if GOD was even