obligations; confessing, with grief and shame, every instance in which they have acted inconsistently, and by any misconduct excited or increased prejudice in the minds of others; this will make way for a renewed cordial acceptance of God's salvation, and a solemn dedication of body and soul to his service.

It is likewise very useful, in these circumstances, to reflect deeply on the various and horrible abominations which prevail in that collective body, of which we are sinful members: especially such as disgrace Christianity, and harden Jews, Mahometans, Pagans, or infidels, in their prejudices; or which fatally deceive souls almost without number. We should dwell on these subjects with serious reflection, till genuine zeal and love affect our hearts, and cause us to sigh and mourn over these evils, as our own concern; instead of indulging the disposition, which is too common, of exposing the crimes of others with apparent satisfaction, or proud self-preference. We know what a gracious charge was given to the destroying angel, concerning that remnant in Jerusalem, who thus "sighed and mourn"ed for the abominations that were done in the midst "of it:"* how the Lord approved the same spirit and conduct in Jeremiah,† in Daniel,‡ and in Ezra, and especially in Josiah:|| and how manifestly this was the disposition, not only of Paul towards his unbelieving countrymen, but of the Lord Jesus himself, who wept over the crimes and approaching miseries of that de

• Ezek. ix. ↑ Jer. xiii. 17. ‡ Dan. ix, x. § Ezra ix. Neh. ix. || 2 Chron. xxxiv. 27, 28.

voted city, where his blood was about to be shed.

Diligent and impartial self-examination, not only as to the ground of our hope in God, but especially in respect to every part of our present conduct, is a concurrent duty of great importance. This, however, will not answer the desired end, unless it be accompanied with prayer to the great Searcher of hearts to prove and try us: that we may indeed grow more acquainted with our own hearts, and thus be taught to rectify whatever prevents our usefulness; and instructed in attending to duties hitherto neglected or improperly performed; and enabled to bear a decided and honourable testimony to the great truths of Christianity, and that holiness by which they are adorned and recommended.

This is peculiarly needful in these days of prevailing infidelity, heresy, and impiety, as well as of most deplorable immorality. At such a time all, that "love "the Lord Jesus in sincerity," should unite in a bold and zealous attachment to the grand doctrines of his glorious gospel, a constant and reverent attendance on his sacred ordinances, a strict but cheerful observance of his holy day, a diligent and unreserved obedience to all his commandments, and a close imitation of his bright example. The revival of pure Christianity should be our object: but in this every one ought to begin at home. As far as this is done a revival will take place: but we are not warranted to expect it in any other way.

In this view the importance of family-religion, and a careful performance of the duties incumbent upon parents, and masters, and other superior relations, must be manifest to every reflecting person. The notice which the Lord took of Abraham's conduct, in this respect, has been mentioned: but we may here remind the reader of its subserviency to the accomplishment of the promises to his posterity. "He will com"mand his children and his household after him: and

they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice "and judgment, that the LORD may bring upon "Abraham that which he hath spoken of him."-In like manner Joshua, when zealously endeavouring to promote true religion among his people, declared without hesitation, "As for me and my house, we will "serve the LORD." On the other hand, the indolent, timid, and indulgent conduct of Eli, respecting his sons, brought ruin on his family, and dreadful calamities on Israel: and the misconduct even of Jehoshaphat, in forming an affinity with the family of Ahab, did not fail to produce even still more fatal effects.

It is seriously apprehended, that remissness in family-religion, relaxation of domestick authority and regularity, and the adoption of worldly maxims in the education and disposal of children, constitute a considerable part of the sins of the church in the present day, as distinguishable from the sins of the irreligious part of the nation. These evils seem to have made way for the apostacy of great numbers from evangelical principles to heretical systems, nay, to scepticism, infidelity, or open impiety; even from among those who

were educated in religious families. And we may be confident, that nothing short of a very strict and zealous attention to these most important duties, with an ardent desire of perpetuating vital religion in our families and to posterity, will be permanently and decidedly successful, against the bold, and strenuous, and indefatigable attempts of the enemies of our holy religion.

If we prevail by prayer with the Lord to spare us, and to "pour out his Spirit from on high upon us;" this will certainly be one effect of that merciful dispensation: men, professing evangelical godliness, will spare no pains, but will forego every flattering and advantageous prospect, in order to "bring up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." They will become far more desirous, that their children should be pious Christians, than accomplished, learned, wealthy, or honoured in the world; and will be especially concerned, that they may possess the dispositions and qualifications, requisite for serving their generation, for supporting the interests of religion, and for transmitting this invaluable blessing to posterity.* Finally, every man has his talents. Statesmen, senators, magistrates, ministers of religion; the rich, the learn. ed, the ingenious, should avail themselves of their peculiar advantages and influence, to "serve their gene❝ration according to the will of God," while they continue instant in prayer for the church and nation. They ought to distinguish themselves, by a valiant,

Ps. lxxviii. 5--7.

decided, and zealous conduct, in countenancing and supporting the cause and the friends of truth and righteousness: and in this course, they may hope, like Moses, to be honoured of God, to "stand in the "breach, and to turn away his indignation" from our guilty land.

Even they, who are placed in a more obscure station, and are known only in a narrow circle, have some little influence; and they should be careful not to bury their one talent in the earth: for a pious conversation, an attention to relative duties, and a readiness to every work and labour of love, may accomplish more than they suppose, in promoting the grand object of all our supplications.

These things, as connected with an habitual and manifest endeavour to shew ourselves peaceable and peace-makers, in the church and in the community; steady friends to social order, and to the constitution and government under which a kind Providence has placed us, (yet avoiding all the violence and bitterness of party-disputes;) dutiful and loyal subjects to our king; harmless, blameless, and kind among our neighbours; contented in our station; staying our minds on God, in cheerful and humble confidence, amidst dangers and alarms; and following after meekness, temperance, truth, and righteousness in our whole conduct, seem to constitute our present duties. And as far as the Lord shall be pleased to bless our endeavours to increase the number of those who thus pray, and who thus aim to act consistently with their prayers, in reliance on the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ;