Spirit of wisdom and understanding, is fent to be alfo a Spirit of might, of grace, and of fupplication.—It is peculiar to our Teacher, that he enables as well as inftructs his disciples: he first presents a prospect of the inheritance; then a title to it through his death; and together with thefe, affords ftrength to rise, and pursue it.-Turn to the 36th chapter of Ezekiel, and you will find your cafe amply provided for, but recollect that it is added, • I will yet for this be enquired of, to do it for ' them.'

t Is any, therefore, afflicted, let him pray'; not only in the publick fanctuary, or in the retired closet, but let him confider that there is a new and living way, confecrated through the vails of a Redeemer's human nature, from every scene of retirement or action to a MERCY SEAT; where he fatisfies the longing foul, and fills the hungry foul with goodness;

Compare Zec. xii. 10. with Eph. i. 19.

T

P Exek. xxxvi. 25-27. ↑ Ezek. xxxvi. 37. James v. 13.

• Heb. x. 20.

efpecially fuch as fit in darkness and the fhadowb of Death. Our very misery and infirmity fhould, in defect of other preachers, point out the feat of our relief; and direct fuch frail and depraved natures to the common Friend of the weary and heavy laden. Pouring into his bofom every want and every fear, we at once obey his command, honour his character, and obtain his affistance: for we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without fin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need". Is it not a time of need with you? endeavour, at his command, to approach with an holy confidence for the supply of all your need according to his riches in glory; and, at this time particularly, for the grace and comfort of his holy Spirit. He whom you fupplicate not only invites, but reasons with you. If ye, being evil, know how to give

'fhall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him?'

The religion of education and custom obtains, more or lefs, every where; but serious, vital, fpiritual religion is a cafe of necessity with us all. We fummon our forces, we ranfack our stores, we spend our money for that which is not bread, and our labour for that which fatisfieth not*: we look every way, and call to every thing, till each in return loudly replies It is 'not in me.'-Well, indeed, will it be, if after all our fruitless efforts, we are brought to feel that the provisions of the Gospel are the only bread for a hungry foul,-the only balm for a wounded heart.

However foreign, my Dear Friend, these truths were from your confideration when we first sat down together, if it shall please him who commanded the light to shine out of darknefs", to shine into your heart, and effectually

w Luke xi. 13.

<Ifa. lv. 2.
a 2 Cor. iv. 6.

D 3

y Job xxviii. 14.

difcover

discover the exceeding riches of his Grace in these provisions; then, though you fit weeping over your lofs, we are affured from unquestionable authority, that Angels are rejoicinga for your unspeakable gain.-We are certain alfo, that not only every real friend will cry ⚫ this day is falvation come to the house where we lately wept-;' but that, drying your tears, you, yourself, will be compelled to exprefs your grateful fenfe of the correction you now deplore, and fing, with a companion and fellow-proficient in the school of affliction,

Father I blefs thy gentle hand;
How kind was thy chastifing rod
That forc'd my conscience to a stand,
And brought my wand'ring foul to God!

Foolish and vain, I went aftray
Ere I had felt thy fcourges, Lord;
I left my guide,-I lost my way;
But now I love and keep thy word.

Luke xv. 10,

b Luke xix. 9.
67,-71.

• Pf. cxix.

And

And here, fuffer me to drop a word or two respecting these

OUR COMPANIONS in the house of mourning. Society is peculiarly pleasant when we are benighted on a journey: it is alfo encouraging to travel with thofe, who, if they are chaftened of the Lord, it is, that they should not be condemned with the world.-Blessed are the poor in fpirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: and here they are educating for it. Here they fit at the foot of the Crofs, and receive lessons of faith and patience; of humility and temperance.-Blessed alfo are the pure in heart, for they here fee God; who never fo unveils himself as in seasons of diftrefs. In fight of his character and word, they bow before his providence; yea trust him in the ftroke; for hope is made to arise here, as a light in darkness. Here the fpiritual Husbandman is taught to go forth weeping, and bearing the precious feed of faith and love, peni