are all controlled, over-ruled, and governed, as the all-wise Governor sees best. In all cases, therefore, though our own prudence and best endeavours must co-operate, we must leave the event with confidence in the hands of God. Another use arising from the doctrine of a particular providence, is to check all thoughts of vanity, self-conceit, and self-importance, and to impress ourselves with that almost greatest of all christian virtues-humility. On nothing does our blessed Saviour lay a greater stress: as it is the foundation of almost all other virtues. How naturally therefore is this impressed, when we consider ourselves only as instruments in the hands of Providence. Our stations, our abilities, our wealth, whatever we possess, are not given us for any reward due to us-nor for any worth that we possess; but merely to fulfill the purposes of Providence. How absurd therefore is it to raise ideas of vanity, or self-importance, on what we do, or on what we are? All mankind, high and low, rich and poor, in fact differ from each other, only as stones laid higher or lower in a building. To raise the walls of a house these different courses are necessary: but it gives one course no intrinsic value over another. They are all equally instruments in the hands of the builder. Thus, though human society requires there should be some outward respect kept up among the higher orders of men-that in this world some should range higher than others; yet it is the business of religion to prevent the rules of society from making improper impressions on the minds of men. While the rules of society therefore oblige the higher orders of men to keep up something of rank, the precepts of christianity, as far as the heart is concerned, counteract those rules; and enjoin all mankind to consider themselves as instruments of equal value in the hands of that Providence, which professes to be no respecter of persons. The As the consideration of our being mere instruments in the hands of Providence, should check our vanity and self-importance, so is it equally adapted to suppress malice and revenge. christian religion is consistent in all its parts. One part strengthens and supports another; and here we have a great instance of it. Our blessed Saviour lays a principal stress on the forgiveness of our enemies and in the doctrine of a particular providence we have a reason for it. This doctrine plainly shews us that our enemies must be considered, so far as they concern us, as mere instruments in God's hand; and we might as well bear malice against the fire that burns us, or the flood that overwhelms us. They are the means of trial to us; and we must practise our holy religion through these means. But now, my friend, if you wish to excuse your wickedness, by supposing you work God's will, you will find yourself mistaken. Consider the - case. If you had a headstrong obstinate beast, and could not work with him in the way you desired, I suppose you would endeavour to work with him in some other way. You do not make him a bad beast: you wish him to be otherwise: but being a bad beast, you make what use of him you can. Thus God does not make you wicked but being wicked, he uses you for his own wise purposes. And though he makes you the means of trial to others, he will still punish you for your wickedness; just as you correct your beast for its obstinacy.-Thus then, as no event can fall out without the direction of God, we must believe that all the schemes and wicked projects of our enemies against us, are likewise under his direction. Nor do I know any thing so effectual in keeping down revengeful thoughts, and perfecting a christian life in this hardest of all lessons, as this very consideration, that our enemies are only mere instruments in the hands of God.. ance; SINCE then we may make such excellent use of the christian doctrine of a particular providence; drawing from it contentment of minda preservative against the mischief of vain hopes and vain fears-against vanity and self-importand lastly against malice—it is our interest to impress our minds strongly with it. Consider how safe you think your affairs in the hands of a wise and prudent man. Dare not you give equal credit to God? Trust then to him. He is your truest friend. In his hands, who created and preserves you, you must be safe. Leave him to be the conductor of your affairs. He knows them intimately by him the very hairs of your head are all numbered. SERMON SERMON XVI. 1 CORINTHIANS, X. 31. WHETHER YE EAT OR DRINK, OR WHATEVER YE DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD. SIX days shalt thou labour, says the command ment, and do all that thou hast to do, but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God. This commandment some people are inclined to interpret very literally: as if all religion were confined to the sabbath; and had little or nothing to do with the other six days of the week. If they go to church regularly on Sunday, the business of religion is well performed for the week; and on this stock they go very unconcernedly about |