So.

It would also be inferred from what has been said, that these Sermons are evangelical. They are strictly They seem to have come from a mind, which had been "instructed unto the kingdom of heaven," and from a heart, which had received " an unction from the Holy One."

At a day like the present, when there is reason to fear, that many take upon themselves the mere exterior or the mere name of a Christian, we feel persuaded, that a wide circulation of these Sermons would be a great blessing to the cause of pure and undefiled religion. Although written more than a hundred years since, they are not in the least deficient in pertinency of application to all who have named the name of Christ, in our own time and in our own land. It appears to have been the object of the author, to give a truly Scriptural view of the morality, which may be taken as evidence of "the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." In doing this, he has stripped off the disguises of hypocrisy, and laid bare the corruption and uncleanness, which often lie concealed beneath a covering of plausible professions of piety.

The present age in New England, has been blessed with many revivals of religion. For these we have great reason for gratitude. Under the excitement of animal feelings, however, it often happens, that many imagine themselves to have received a vital renovation of their moral affections, and perhaps continue for many months or even years, to cherish a hope of heaven, until at last, it is too painfully manifest, that they are still "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel." A large proportion of those, who are usually affected by revivals, are in the morning of life. They are young in every thing, which relates to the deceitfulness and desperate wickedness of the heart. They need a guide to self-examination. They need instruction from those who have had experience in the divine life. They need a map of the country through which the pilgrims must travel, before they reach the prom

ised land. Whatever will render tnem assistance in respect to any of the great points of practical religion, urges a claim upon their patronage. To the young, as well as the old, therefore, in the profession of the gospel, these Sermons may be earnestly recommended, as worthy of serious and prayerful attention.

It surely is not easy to exaggerate the importance of a true Christian profession. We are exposed to errors within and without. We dwell in a world of tempta'tion. While we have "a name to live," we may be "dead in trespasses and sins." We may go regularly to the sacramental table, and partake of the emblems of our Saviour's sufferings and death,-while we are only aggravating the guilt of impenitence, and preparing ourselves for a heavier condemnation and a more withering curse, at the dread tribunal of the last day. What language can describe the agony of those, unto whom the Lord shall say," I never knew you; DEPART from me, ye workers of iniquity!"-On the contrary, what emotions of rapture shall inspire the anthems of those, to whom he shall address the salutation, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom, prepared for you, from the foundation of the world!"

It is possible, that in remarking upon the Sermons, which follow, our feelings may have betrayed us into terms of unwarranted encomium. We would not excite expectations of any thing magnificent or unpar-alleled. But we feel assured, that this little volume possesses a large share of sterling excellence, and that its merits cannot fail to be appreciated by all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, and who wish to be "always ready to give an answer to every man, that asketh the reason of the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear."

To these observations, we have thought it would. not be uninteresting, to subjoin a brief analysis or outline of the author's illustration of the interesting parable, which is the theme of his discourses.

After some explanatory remarks, he proceeds to

specify five general propositions. (See Sermon f. p. 17.)

The principal object of the first Sermon is, to illustrate the proposition-" That among such as make a profession of Christianity, many are mere professors."

1. Some make a profession from the influence of education.

2. Some from the influence, of an awakened conscience.

3. Some from a regard to reputation.

4. Some from a regard to secular advantage.

5. Some from a desire to conceal their wickedness. These are represented by the foolish virgins. Their folly is manifest, because

1. They practically prefer living under the displeasure, to living under the favor of God.

2. They practically prefer dying accursed, to dying in the Lord.

3. They prefer the agonies of hell to the joys of heaven.

Practical reflections.

1. We ought not to draw conclusions to the prejudice, of religion, from the miscarriages of such as profess it.

2. We ought to guard against an empty profession of Christianity.

3. The Christian should bless God, for his goodness in making him a true believer.

In the second Sermon, the author shows, "That the truth of grace infers not an absolute freedom from infirmities. As it is said of the wise and the foolish virgins, that they slumbered and slept."-He first explains what is meant by this charge, when applied to a real Christian.

[1] When applied to a Christian, it may intimate 1. An abatement of his first zeal for God.

2. The child of God may have fallen from his first works as well as from his first love.

3. He may also have fallen into some gross sin.

The author then explains

[2.] What is meant by the charge of slumbering and sleeping, as applicable to the mere professors of godliness.

1. They may be less anxious to be considered religious.

2. They may throw off the disguise, and die open apostates.

These considerations open the way for the inquiry,. "what is meant by the bridegroom's tarrying?"

Under this head the author adverts to some of the circumstances, which, during the season of probation, serve as occasions of slumbering.

1. The matters of religion appear to be of peculiar solemnity and importance, while they are conversed with under the apprehension of approaching death. Hence

2. This world and the things of it, have a vast advantage over us when we believe that our Lord has deferred his coming, and put the evil day far from us. In applying this part of the subject, we are reminded,

1. that a man's spiritual estate cannot safely be determined from a few remarkable incidents in his life. We are exhorted,

2. To habituate ourselves to the thoughts of Christ's coming, as a preservative against slumbering Christianity.

The third Sermon illustrates the proposition, " That Christ often comes to our particular judgment at the time wherein he was the least looked for." The author here alludes to death. He

I. Substantiates the proposition, by quotations from the Scriptures. He

II. Inquires why unthoughtfulness of death is so general a failing.

1. There is a natural desire of life.

2. Thoughts of death are apt to be considered needless, when we are in flourishing health.

(2.) If you are not thus animated by the views of heaven, you will experience but little of the Christian's peace, either in life or death.

In the fifth Sermon, the author applies his fourth proposition to those who are found unready at Christ's coming.

I. Those who are unready will have their condition accordingly.

This point is proved by the Scriptures.

II. The condition of those who are lost.

1. They are excluded heaven.

2. Prayers and tears will be no alleviation of their doom.

3. They shall be under immediate impressions of divine wrath.

III. All this is consistent with the perfection of the divine nature.

1. It is worthy of God to shut out of heaven, all who refused it.

2. It cannot be injurious to any of the divine perfections, that those should be sent to Hell, who have freely chosen it.

IV. Application.

(1.) What terror does this doctrine speak to those, who under a profession of godliness, are strangers to the grace of God.

1. Think what is put to the hazard.

2. Think for what such things are put in jeopardy. 3. Think of the positive evils, to which one is exposed by such conduct.

(2.) It is to fare with the sinner to all eternity, according to the state of his soul at death: then let us lay a good foundation against the time to come.

1. Consider how very soon death may overtake you. 2. Your neglecting this call, which God has given you may make your death less easy and your account more dreadful.