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 good

ness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance? But "after thy hardness and impenitent heart trea"surest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment "of God; who shall render to every one accord"ing 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 de"struction 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.

Still,

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. stili it is said, "To-day, if ye will hear his voice, "harden not your hearts." Behold now is the "accepted time; behold now is the day of salva"tion." And still CHRIST says, "Him that "cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out."

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But, above all, beware of further procrastination. None can say, "what shall be on the mor"row." "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 longsuffering were ended. Nay, it is impossible to say, whether, even if life be prolonged, GoD 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 desolation, 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 carly, 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 salva"tion!" "It would have been better for you not "to have known the way of righteousness, than to "turn at last from the holy commandment de"livered 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 nigh to GoD, and he will draw nigh unto you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; "and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be

afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laugh

ter be turned into mourning, and your joy into "heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of

GOD, and he shall lift you up." Then will the gracious Saviour say of you, to his friends and servants, "Rejoice with me; for I have found my

sheep, which was lost:" and you also shall, ere long, share the joy.

Let me then conclude by again reminding you of the words of CHRIST, "Him that cometh unto

me, I will in no wise cast out." Imitate him, who of old cried with tears "LORD, I believe, "help thou mine unbelief;" and your sorrow shall in due time be turned into joy. And may GoD, of his infinite mercy, grant that all present may be found among those, over whom Christians and Ministers rejoice; over whom CHRIST rejoices; and who shall rejoice with him, and in his love and presence, to all eternity! Amen.