scarcely be doubted; and if the approbation of our minds be necessary to authorize and make perfect our enjoyments, in what way can that be so well secured, as by living under the influence of religion? For what can be more consonant to that reason, which God has given us; what to that station which he has assigned us, to be chief among these his lower works; what to that consciousness of intellectual power and endowment which we possess; what to those asperations and desires after happiness which he has implanted within us; what to the dictate of grateful feeling, not only for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life, but especially for the inestimable benefits of redemption, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory; in a word, what can be more fitting our dependence and our duty, and God's excellence and his greatness, than that, having his word to instruct and guide us, we should make it our endeavour to ascertain his will, and act conformably to it-that in all our ways we should acknowledge him, that he may direct our paths?

And when we think of that scheme of salvation which is so fully disclosed in the Gospel, and of the obligations which it imposes to newness of life; when, weak and unable as we are perfectly to fulfil this reasonable service, we reflect upon his goodness in imparting in answer to our prayer, grace to enable us to obey him, and then acceptVOL. II. 32

ing and rewarding our sincere though imperfect obedience; when we regard the promises which he has given us in his word, by virtue of which we can extend our view with triumph beyond the bourne of this mortal pilgrimage, rising superior to death, corruption, and the grave; what new and superadded motives do we discover to "live "soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present "world; looking for that blessed hope, and the "glorious appearing of the great God and our "Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and

purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous "of good works?"

These are motives, my brethren, and claims upon our obedience, which we cannot set at nought and disregard, without violating the highest obligations and duties, hazarding our interest and peace, incurring the positive disapprobation of our own minds, and going far towards depriving ourselves of all fitness for pure, cheerful, and rational enjoyment. But if any, unmoved by these claims of religion, and unconscious of that inward feeling of disapprobation for their neglect of them, are still content to limit their views to the uninterrupted pursuit of the world, it might be sufficient to suggest to such, (and that upon the authority of those whose experience could best enable them to make a right decision,) that even if the world were gained, their desires, and if not

their desires, their apprehensions and fears would yet reach beyond it; and the consciousness of immortality, which is found in every mind, would respond to the declaration of Scripture, "One "thing is needful."

But, my brethren, that the world is not gained, that its promises are not realized, needs no other proof than that which would result from observing the eager haste and restlessness of men in general, or from appealing to the experience of every individual in particular. And if this be granted, to what can any look for solid satisfaction or support, when the world deceives them, but to something which shall be independant of its successes and disappointments? And where shall this be sought so well as in the hopes and consolations which religion offers in the consciousness of employing our best knowledge to promote our happiness, by a diligent observance of those safe and reasonable rules of conduct which God has made known for our obedience; in a word, in truly loving that which he commands, and desiring that which he doth promise, that so among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found?

To seek first the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof, would, therefore, be a most sure and efficacious way to rise above the uncertainties and disquietudes which are inseperable

from the pursuit of earthly advantages, even if it had not the promise that all these things shall be added unto us. It would be to give the mind that on which to rest amid the ceaseless agitations, the changes and chances, of this mortal life. It would be to implant there, in the sense of God's favour, and in the hope of his final approbation and reward, somewhat in expectancy to which to look forward for an increase of felicity, even when blessed to the full measure of our capacity and desires, in the possession and enjoyment of earthly advantages; somewhat on which to repose, some hope of amends, some alleviation, some prospect of retrieve, in the hour of apprehension, and in the view of danger; somewhat which, under the actual pressure of evil and misfortune, should be as the bow of promise in the threatening cloud, a pledge of deliverance and safety; somewhat which, amidst the storms of life, when "the floods “are risen, and lift up their voice," when "the " waves of the sea are mighty, and rage horribly," shall be "as an anchor of the soul, both sure and "steadfast."

This, my brethren, is the high prerogative of religion. To be guided by its influence, is to secure for our journey of life, cheerfulness and contentment for the passing hour; joy and selfapproval, on its latest retrospect; and hope of heaven, as its rich reward.

If any choice be enviable, it is that of such a

life, the only one which can claim the praise of being truly elevated and dignified-a life in which God is supreme, and in every part of which he is recognized inspiring submission in suffering, trust in danger, confidence in apprehension, gratitude in deliverance, joyfulness in the participation of his bounties and his benefits; and spreading over all a peace which passeth understanding, and which the world can neither give nor take away.

Here, then, I may safely leave the first proposition with which I set out-that the formation of a religious character is highly needful, if we would secure the enjoyment even of the present life; that its salutary effect is felt and perceived in shedding a most benignant influence over this, independently of its influence upon our future existence.

But, my brethren, it is in respect of considerations drawn from that future existence, that this subject chiefly concerns us, and to these let me now draw your attention, with a view to show, in the last place, the indispensable necessity of religion, in order to secure the happiness of the life to come.

The holy Scriptures, which offer to our persevering endeavour, all the happiness of which our nature is capable, do so only upon the terms of religion, upon our denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and living soberly, righteously, "and godly in this present world." Upon these,

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