to be repeated aloud by the whole congrega tion, they and the Minister, all upon their knees; all in the humblest and most reverent posture that which becomes miserable sinners, such as they confess themselves to be; and each making the confession his own, by repeating it in an humble voice.

Need I say how conformable this is to the rules of right reason, the dictates of piety, the practice of devout persons, or the language of Scripture? The style of expression, the intenseness of devotion, and the humble posture which we find there recorded of the servants of God, are truly affecting, and calculated to put us to shame for much of coldness, of languor and inattention, which we feel in ourselves. It is too much the custom for our congregation to sit and listen to the prayers read by him who ministers, instead of joining in them with heart and mouth. Now, the very first point to be regarded, as distinguishing the worship performed in the house of God, is, that it is public worship; and that by which the services of our own Church greatly approve themselves to us, as far superior to those of the Romish Church, where much is unintelligible and inaudible, and to those of other congregations, where prayer is offered at the will of him who officiates; is, that they are required to be made the act of all who meet together. If this be not done, we depart from the spirit of our Church and the letter of her instructions. And this, let me

observe, is a general rule to be observed in every service performed here. If a woman returns thanks after childbirth, the congregation join with her in praising God, and assist her by their prayers. If a child is brought to baptism, all who are present are expected to take part in the interesting ceremony, and unite their prayers to those of the minister, parents, and sponsors.

So admirable are the rules prescribed by our Church for the use of her members. Let me most earnestly recommend them to your adoption, brethren. There is nothing of greater importance than to attend diligently to the duty of prayer, and the right performance of it; to keep strictly to the prescribed forms, without suffering that strict attention to forms to chill or check the spirit of devotion in the heart. If a coldness and languor be suffered to grow upon us, if our attention wander, if we do not utter the words at all, or do not send up our hearts with them, do we offer a reasonable, an acceptable service to the Most High? Do we not " offer the blind and the lame for sacrifice," as the prophet speaks? And is it not evil? Offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of Hosts." Beware that you do not dishonour God in the very act by which you profess to do him homage. And remember, I beseech

* Mal. i. 8.

you, that in order to perform properly the act of worship, in such a manner as may bring glory to God, and a blessing from him, your own hearts must be rightly framed, and severely disciplined. Make it your business at other times, and at all times, to subdue all irregular desires, and study to bring the whole spirit, and mind, and will, into subjection to his holy laws. Let me conclude with expressing my anxious desire, that a diligent and devout attendance may be given to the service of God, now happily provided for you, brethren, in this place; attendance both morning and afternoon,-marked by a solemn devotion of heart, reverent posture of body, and humble utterance by the lips. "Search

your ways, and turn unto the Lord: lift up your hearts with your hands unto God in the heavens."

"I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son; and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first born.”

THIS is a gracious promise made to the people of God when they shall return to acknowledge Him whom in their pride they had refused for their king. Bitter, exceeding bitter, no doubt, will be the grief which many will feel in that day, when the veil shall be taken away from their hearts, and they shall see the dealings of God with their nation, and confess His mercies, and their long unbroken course of rebellion against Him. And shall the sorrow be less intense which wrings the bosoms of those who in every age are brought from unbelief and ungodliness to a knowledge of

the truth, and a serious consideration of their state? who look with an eye of penitence and faith upon the Son of God as upon Him whom their own sins have pierced? whose thoughts are carried back to a life of forgetfulness of God, of disobedience, perhaps of rebellion against Him? Should any of us, my brethren, be less deeply moved by the recollection of the mercies which we have diregarded, and the sins by which we have. dishonoured our holy profession? by the thought that our Lord and Saviour was "wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities, and the chastisement wherewith our peace is effected was laid upon Him?" Surely, even the lukewarmness, and indifference, and worldly-mindedness of those who neglect God their Saviour, should bring them to shame and confession of sin: how much more the open profligacy of such as "profess to know God, but in works deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate!" Such shame and sorrow of heart will be felt by every sincere penitent, when he is sated with sinful pleasure, and with the husks which an unfeeling world throws to its votaries, and turns to humble himself before his Father and his God.

There is no more precious gift bestowed by our heavenly Father upon his children, than that mentioned in the text. "I will pour upon them the spirit of grace and sup