of our nature, we create general and individual happiness, and we glorify God, who has published by his gospel, "on earth, peace, goodwill towards men." Our Christianity has two opposite aspects, suited to the two opposite tendencies in the moral world. To whatever is evil, and adverse to the entire welfare of man, it turns a frowning aspect; to whatever is really good-whatever promotes his best interests for time, or for eternity-it has a smiling, an approving, an encouraging aspect. It rebukes, and would banish from the heart of man, every selfish, every unsocial feeling. It condemns, not only all deeds of dishonesty and rapacity, but the slightest desire to possess ourselves of another's good. It denounces envy as an "earthly, sensual, devilish" passion,-the source of "strife, confusion, and every evil work." It admits not even of discontent; and it classes "the unthankful and covetous" with those who are exclusive "lovers of themselves;" who are blasphemers, disobedient to parents, without natural affection," and under the dominion of every unholy and anti-social principle; com

manding us "from such to turn away." But whatever bears on human improvement; whatever mitigates the ills to which our nature is liable; whatever tends to make man better and happier, is taught and enjoined upon us by the religion of Christ. By his own example, and by the whole tenour of his teaching, Jesus Christ encouraged the exercise of the social affections;-his law forbids every unkind emotion; and its language to them who bear his name is this:- "I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you. Be ye, therefore, perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven, is perfect." But in reviewing our subject we have reason

2. To lament before God the neglect, or imperfect discharge, of our relative duties, with which we are chargeable. Yes, let each one bring himself before the bar of conscience, and put the question, "How have I discharged, or how am I discharging my relative duties?" and if it be answered honestly; -answered as in the sight and hearing of

God, a confession I fear must, in most, if not in all cases, be made of fearful neglect, or sad deficiency. Is it not so? Who among you, parents or children, masters or servants, can answer to your consciences and to the Searcher of hearts," Thank God, all these things I have done, I am doing?" If such an answer cannot be made: if, on the contrary, your neglect, or defective obedience, stare you in the face, then what remains but to humble yourselves before God, and with contrition of heart to seek forgiveness for the past, and wisdom and diligence and zeal, and every needful grace, for the time to come! Brethren, our term of life is short, and we know not what a day may bring forth;-but this we know, that our family connexions will soon be broken up. Death is rapidly removing one and another from us. The last opportunity of redeeming time may hurry by us, and leave us to lament without hope. Let us then make it our immediate concern to study the duties of our respective stations, to seek light and energy from above, and proceed with heart-felt desire for the glory of God and the good of souls, to

the diligent and faithful discharge of every "work of faith, and labour of love," given us to do. "Blessed is that servant whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing."

3. Let a review of our subject stimulate the young to an increased seriousness and carefulness in fulfilling their filial obligations. My young friends, I have been briefly, and but imperfectly, reminding you of the duties belonging to your standing in your respective families. Have I succeeded in making an impression? Has the Holy Spirit caused his own word to tell upon your consciences; and have you felt condemned by recollections of past undutifulness,—of acts of disobedience offensive to God, and painful to the hearts of your parents? Resist not, I pray you, these convictions; suppress not these upbraidings; let them awaken contrition of heart-let them impel you to confession and prayer before God, and detain you there until, renewed by his grace, you are enabled to bring forth the lovelier fruit of cordial obedience to his will. Cultivate at all times a deep respect for the duties of your station.

Let your filial obligations be ever considered as having the most solemn claims upon your regard; think of them as the best means afforded you, in your present stage of life, of giving proof of your piety, and of your devotedness to the service of God. Make the God of your fathers your God, by the early dedication of yourselves to his glory. Engage yourselves to Him as your covenant God, in Christ Jesus, his Son; through whom alone you and your services are accepted of Him. Then will your steps be ordered of God;you will rise into life with still increasing wisdom, usefulness, and true enjoyment; while in your happy experience will be fulfilled the promise of the Lord, "I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people." Once more, in reviewing our subject we see

4. That it supplies to servants, and all in subordinate stations, the most forcible considerations for the performance of their various duties, strictly on christian principles. To those of this class I would say,