open before us, the scene closing upon us in which we must bid adieu to all this world can afford, we are necessarily driven to the thought of what may be hereafter, and what -account we shall be able to give before the Judge of the whole earth. Happy are we if we can appeal to God as did Hezekiah, "Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is g good in thy sight."* If our consciences condemn us not, then shall we have confidence towards God, and rest assured that when this earthly tabernacle is dissolved, and the message is sent, which informs us that we must die and not live, we shall have a habitation in the heavens, a crown of globy, that will never be taken away.

"Hear, O Heavens, and give ear, O earth This solemn call seems to fill the mind with a peculiar awe, and prepare it for attention to the most important truths. The same call is yet extended to us, in this generation. Be instructed, O my people, is the voice of the Father of Mercies. To hear the words of instruction, we must withdraw from the alluring pleasures of a sinful world, come out * Isaiah, xxxviii. 3.

+ Isaiah, i. 2.

of Babylon, and partake not of her idolatries; for though the visitation of the Most High is extended to all mankind, that all may repent and live; yet the first command is, "Cease to do evil,”* and then shall we be instructed how "to do well." In the hour of cool meditation, how frequently do we hear the soft whisper of conscience, not only condemning the evil, and leading us to repentance, but pointing out to us the way by which we may arrive at happiness and glory. Inward retirement helps to show us ourselves; the weakness and poverty of our situation, and the necessity of receiving strength and consolation from Him, who can remove all difficulties, and is "As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.”+ How earnest, then, should be our endeavours to make God our friend! How necessary is it for us to retire inward, that we may hear and receive with deep attention the voice of instruction, knowing that it is only by obedience that we can inherit the promise. But let us not deceive ourselves with vain imaginations, and think that a form of godliness will serve, without the power.

"My son, give me thine heart," is the call to each individual. It is not a partial * Isaiah, i. 16, 17. + Isaiah, xxxii. 2. Prov. xxiii. 26.

obedience with respect to moral rectitude, that will do for us; but the obedience that is by faith: for without faith no man can please God. If we would be heirs of the kingdom, we must be disciples of Christ. Self-righteousness must be brought low. All pride must be laid in the dust, all high-mindedness be done away. We must learn meekness and humility of heart, and sit as at the footstool of Jesus, waiting for the gracious words which proceed out of his mouth.

O Father of all creatures, Author and Creator of all good, condescend, I beseech thee, in thy never-failing mercy, to instruct us, who are the workmanship of thy hands, how we shall come before thy throne with an acceptable sacrifice.

Whilst in this world of doubt and perplexity, wandering in the mazes of error, and bewildered in the paths of uncertainty, do Thou, O God, enlighten our understandings, and make us perfect in that knowledge, which maketh wise unto salvation. Suffer not our minds to be cast down with finding our incapacity of clearly discovering those things, which thou hast placed beyond our reach; but grant, O Father of Mercies, that we may rest satisfied with those capacities which

thou hast given us; and be content to walk in humility and fear before thee, waiting for the glorious appearance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when that veil which now obscures our sight shall be drawn aside, and we shall see things clearly, as face to face. Suffer not our minds to be puffed up with the vanity of fruitless inquiries into things beyond our depth, but rather let us endeavour to acquire meekness and humility of heart, the most truly valuable accomplishments; that, through the assistance of thy holy Spirit, we may shine as lights in the world, and live to the praise and glory of thy name, desiring that our spirits may be bowed before thee in awful reverence, and that we may return thanksgiving for all thy mercies, under a deep sense, O Lord, that thou art worthy of all adoration and praise, both from thy dependant creatures in this world, and those blessed spirits, who are ever ministering before thy throne.

1772.

January. Since the nature of man requires constant watchfulness, and a close inspection into our conduct is necessary, I think it may not be unprofitable to ask our

selves the following, or similar questions, at the close of each day, before we go to rest.

1st. Did I rise at a proper time in the morning, and, not having indulged sloth and laziness, endeavour to collect my thoughts, for the purpose of devotion; with thankfulness, reflect on the continued mercies of my Creator, and, from a deep sense of the necessity of divine grace, ardently pour out my soul, according to the ability given, in fervent supplications at the footstool of His throne, who is ever ready to give to those who ask aright?

2d. Have I endeavoured, in every occurrence of the day, to preserve a meek and humble deportment: discarded every emotion to anger and resentment; not given way to any perverse thought or act, but checked every imagination that tended to evil?

3d. Have I avoided all untruth and dissimulation; endeavoured that my words might be few and savoury, and that temperance in all things might be preserved?

4th. Have I in no instance omitted to do good; administering according to ability given, both to the spiritual and temporal wants of my fellow-creatures; remembering that time is not to be spent in idleness; and that it becomes those who have not their