THIRD ADDRESS. ON Sunday last, my dear children, I addressed you a few remarks upon the narrative of David the son of Jesse, and Goliath of Gath:-upon the triumph of the one, and the defeat of the other, in the valley of Elah. We told you that God had often been pleased to employ young persons and children to accomplish the ends of his providence, as in the cases of Joseph and Samuel, the little maid of Israel that waited on Naaman's wife, and others that are mentioned; thus "ordaining praise as it were out of the mouths of babes and sucklings," because of his enemies. In the story already alluded to, namely, the story of David and Goliath, the enemy and the avenger were stilled in a most remarkable and wonderful manner. The subject which we considered at large last Sunday, will suggest a few thoughts for present reflection, which we would hope will help you on in that good and perfect way of God's commands, in which we cannot but hope that some of you are striving to walk. And first, we would say to you, don't be surprised at the wicked appearing to prosper. God often permits it that he may, in the end, the more forcibly exhibit their overthrow. You remember the Children of Israel at the Red Sea; the wicked children that mocked Elisha as he went to Bethel.-Good, in the end, must triumph over evil. Sin cannot always have dominion over righteousness. Satan never was, and never will be stronger than God. But again: learn to cultivate a quiet and peaceful temper towards those who may seek your hurt or wish you evil; to observe also the sin of envy, hatred, malice,—in the instances of Joseph's brethren-Cain and Abel. Further: In all troubles, in all dangers, make the Lord your confidence, and pray unto him for deliverance:-not when or where, but now. Not the length of the prayer, but its character, its spirit, its motive: not the lips or the appearance, but the mind; the disposition; the affections; the heart. David in his house of cedar, David's Son, yet David's Lord, even Jesus, in the desert place, not having where to lay his head,-Joseph, in the house of Potiphar at one time, in the prison of Egypt at another, Hezekiah in his palace,—Daniel in the lion's den,-the beggar by the road side,the thief on the cross:-in all these varied places, and under all different circumstances, prayer was heard; and, because it came from the heart, prayer was answered! Remember then, that it was not the sling and the stone; not the good wish of the wicked Saul; not the daring and bravery of the shepherd boy, but, the arm of the Lord that brought salvation to his people, and got them the victory above their enemies. Then, I would say to every child before me, cultivate a spirit of prayer,-cultivate a spirit of prayer! PRAYER. Almighty and most merciful Father, who art the author and giver of all good things, without whose furtherance all our designs must fall short in their accomplishment, and all our efforts at good, prove ineffectual, be pleased to bless the duties and instructions connected with this place, to the glorifying of Thy Holy Name and the setting forth of thy praise. May all our works be begun, continued, and ended in Thee. May the grand object of our labors, and the chief end of our discourse, be, in simplicity and truth, to point the minds of youth to Thee, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Give unto us that ask; let us that seek, find. Open the gate unto us that knock, that these children may, by our instrumentality, (unworthy though we be), be made partakers of thine everlasting kingdom! Aid them, O Lord, in receiving instruction, as well as us in communicating it; and create their minds anew in Christ Jesus unto faith and holiness, by the mighty working of thy Spirit! For all who are engaged in like works, we would as for ourselves, implore thy gracious assistance; that unity, peace, and good-will may ever reign among them to the glory of thy great Name. Dispose the minds of the parents of such as are committed to our care, to co-operate with us by their example and attention during the week; and to such as are D |