I am sick and dying, but here is a Physician. I am guilty and weak, but here is One in whom I have righteousness and strength.

They are also exceeding precious in the esteem of real and confirmed believers. Let us go through the Scriptures, and we shall find how the saints always delighted in them. The patriarchs "embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Job said, "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." David said, "I have taken thy testimonies as my heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart." "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." Jeremiah said, "I found thy words and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." The noble army of martyrs overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony, and loved not their lives unto the death. And now, in the soul of every Christian, "this is the victory that overcomes the world," "even" their "faith."

And no wonder they are in such estimation with them. They do not judge of them by report, but from experience. To a sense of want, they have added the relish of enjoyment: and therefore, as new-born babes, they desire the sincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby, having tasted that the Lord is gracious. They have tried these promises, and can trust them. They repair to them as to wells of salvation from which they have derived refreshment in many a fainting hour. They have had proofs, blessed proofs, of their influence and efficacy -First in preserving them from despair, in bringing

way

peace into their troubled consciences, and enabling them to joy in God under a sense of their guilt, unworthiness, and imperfections. Secondly, in supporting them amidst all the trials of life. For where is the Christian who cannot say, with David, “This is my comfort in mine affliction; thy word hath quickened me?" Thirdly, in animating them in all the duties of religion. How often have they found "the joy of the Lord," which they have derived from them, their "strength;" freeing them from fear, depression, and formality; and enlarging their heart to run in the of his commandments! Fourthly, in promoting their mortification and sanctification. This is their ultimate design: "That by them we may be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the pollutions of the world through lust." For they are not only intended to afford us consolation, but to draw us from earth to heaven, from the creature to God, from the life of sense to the life of faith, and from the life of sin to the life of holiness. And Christians feel this effect from them far more than from the dread of wrath, or the author ity of command; according to the language of the Apostle: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

Are you an heir of promise? "Oh that I was! I know that these promises are exceeding great and precious; but they often make me shudder, lest I should come short of them. Oh that I knew whether I might claim them as my own!" Wait on the Lord, and keep his way. Pray for the testimony of his Spirit, as he imparts it by his work in the heart and by his rule in the word. Observe the characters he

has given of the subjects of his grace. "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." "Blessed are the

poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be com forted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God"—

But if I am an heir, what is my duty with regard to these "exceeding great and precious promises?" It is, to believe them. They are nonentities without faith. It is only by faith they can live and operate in the soul. It is to remember them. You should not have your resources to seek when you want them to use; but be of a ready mind to apply these divine encouragements as your various exigences may require. It is to plead them before God. They are good bills, payable at sight. Present them, and say, Fulfil thy word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. It is to publish and recommend them. It is a good day with you; and if you nold your peace, some evil will befal you. Go therefore and tell the King's household. Say to your relations, friends, and neighbours; Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Yea, to all you find, say, with Moses to Hobab; "We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you; come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel."

JULY 6.-MORNING.

"What went ye out in the wilderness to see?"

MATT. xi. 7.

THESE are the words of Jesus to the multitude, concerning John, to whose preaching they had repaired. "There were many of you-and persons of all ranks and conditions and some from a great distance. What did you think of the preacher? What induced you to attend his ministry? Surely you have some reason for it; some design in it-What was it?"

May we not learn from hence that we should always have an end in view in repairing to the ordinances of religion? and be able to answer the question, Why we attend the ministrations of the word?

This becomes us even as men. Men ought not to act at random; or like the inferior creatures, who are led by blind impulse or instinct, without reflection or motive. They, as the Scripture says, have no understanding; and must be governed and guided by those above them. But God teaches us more than the beasts of the field, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of the air: there is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding. And wherein is this pre-eminence to appear, but in our acting wisely, and with design?

We rise higher, and say, that without this we cannot please God. There can be nothing religious without design. Intention is essential to moral conduct. And though a good motive cannot sanctify a bad action, a bad motive will always vitiate a good action. The Pharisees fasted, and prayed, and gave alms; but it

was to be seen of men; and thus all was corrupted in its principle.

Without an aim in our attendance, we have nothing to pray for before we go; nothing to make the subject bear upon while we are hearing; nothing by which to examine ourselves when we return. How can we decide whether our meeting together is for the better or the worse? whether we have failed in the opportunity, or succeeded? Success is the accomplishment of an end; and must be judged of by it.

A man that acts without an end, never acts in earnest. It is the end that stimulates zeal; that sweetens labour; that repays every expense. What would induce a patient to the taking of medicine, or the losing of a limb, but the thought of restoring or preserving health and life?

To finish the argument-the concern itself here should be taken into the account. In common and trivial matters, we may act without motive; but in momentous ones, every kind of deliberation is wisdom. And how important is our attendance on the word of life! It regards God. And the soul. And eternity. Its consequences will remain for ever. It must furnish the most awful part of our future account. We forget these exercises; but they are all recorded in the book of God's remembrance. have soon done with the sermon; but the sermon has not done with us till it has judged us at the last day. What an insult is offered to God to come before him, and, by an appearance of devotion, to call forth his attention, when, in reality, we have nothing to do with him! What a trifling is it with divine things! And what can be so dangerous as this! It impairs

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