decision from a tribunal not indeed remote from any influence of affection, but not under so controlling a bias from self-love, as our own judgment. Mistakes in conduct, long indulged, become habitual; errours in opinion, long cherished, become deep rooted. We discern them with greater difficulty, we canvass them with more complacency, than would another. Here then is one most important service, one most kind office of the friend; to point out with scrupulous exactness every foible that violates the decorum, or lessens the usefulness, or impairs the dignity of a rational being; still more to mark and reprobate whatever is a failure of duty, or verges towards guilt. They who thus probe us to the quick, not to inflict suffering or display skill, but to convince and to heal, these are our benefactors indeed. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." "Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness, and let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head."

If the subject now discussed, appear of less magnitude, than those on which it is usually my effort to engage your attention; still

it is hoped, that it will not be regarded as unuseful, especially to the younger part of those to whom it is addressed. Be exhorted to examine the views given, from time to time, of the great doctrines and the momentous duties of our holy religion, by the unerring oracles of GOD. There too you are desired to look for the sublimest maxims, and most captivating patterns, of all the social virtues. It is peculiarly congenial to your susceptible age, to ponder on the precepts and examples which enforce and illustrate the nature and operation of friendship. To the gospel you are referred for information, what is its pure and spotless form. Of this, as of every possible excellence, JESUS has given a perfect model. To remind you of what was before mentioned, respecting the happy family at Bethany, might suffice to justify this remark. But allow me to ask you particularly to notice the more explicit and more affecting illustra tion he gave, in the prospect and under the sufferings of death. See the preeminently favoured disciple indulged with the sacred privilege of leaning on JESUS' bosom. Mark him, alone of the little fraternity, attending

with the most blessed among women at the foot of the cross, the witnesses of all its agony and of all its triumph. Listen to the touching expression of confidential friendship which the DIVINE SUFFERER gave; at once the most decisive evidence of his perfect self possession, and compassionate solicitude for others. "When JESUS saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Behold thy son. Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother." Let the admirer of the truly sublime, in character or composition, relinquish the fruitless, search after one parallel to this, in all the compass of human history or literature. Let the enthu-. siastick student of classick beauties, or the votary of sensibility make no pretence, that in all the treasures of eloquence or poetry, produced. by human genius, is one passage of comparable simplicity and pathos. If the scriptures had not infinitely higher claims, they would be inestimable, as the most important and authentick history, the most perfect models of beauty and sublimity in writing. Be intreated then most diligently to study, and to make perfectly familiar, this blessed volume; in

which is contained, all counsel, and all wisdom, and all excellence.

Its truths are of divine authority, let us all, beloved in the Lord, sincerely believe them; its laws are just and benevolent, let us conscientiously obey them. It is in all respects adapted to our necessities, accommodated to our wants, promotive of our happiness. The affection, now contemplated, is believed to ac.. cord with its spirit, and to cooperate in its design, to make men happier, more virtuous, more pious, more conformed to the will of God, more instrumental to the happiness of each other. If this be its tendency, we surely, need not extinguish those strong desires, which are implanted within us; or resist those considerations of utility, as well as of gratification, which impel to friendship. But these impulses and estimates are to be sanctified by the spirit of our religion, that their result, to-. gether with all our sentiments and actions, be made subservient to this noblest cause. To this let reference be had in the happiest intercourse of prosperity, by tracing up the streams of joy to the source of felicity; ascribing the beauty, and fertility, and plenty, and

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health, and every good gift, which we behold or enjoy, to the munificent author of all our blessings. Let sympathy, too, aim to lead us in the sorrows of life to eye the hand of mercy. The stormy wind, or the blasting mildew, that lays our hopes low in the dust, fulfils his word; as the smiling sunshine reflects his light. Let warm sincerity secure all practicable exertions for advancing the intellectual, moral, and religious character of our valued friends. Thus, as well as by participation in joy and sorrow, is attachment strengthened and enliv. ened. While then we delight to believe and proclaim the just deserts of those, whose praise is musick to our ears, in reference to the powers and attainments of their minds, as well as the good dispositions and amiable qualities which they display; let us above all other things be glad when in truth we can claim the highest title for those we love, the reconciled friends, the obedient children of GoD.

And, finally, let all be included in the arms of our love who love the truth as it is in Jesus, and who hold fast the blessed doctrines and hopes of his gospel, walking in newness of life, and in new obedience. Let the bonds of