pentance, and a godly life, is a great work, which not only requires all our time, but our most vigilant exertions. None have time to spare; for the moment they have finished the work allotted them, and ready for their departure, they are called home. Methinks I see yon ardent spirits in glory, looking down upon us with astonishment, that the shortness of time itself does not inspire us with vigilance in the service of God, for those joys which are on high.

5th. To serve God with alacrity, is a means best calculated to promote our own happiness through the journey of life. Trials and difficulties must be encountered by all mankind, in their pilgrimage state, whether their journey be in the service of God, or in the service of satan. The future prospects of the former, are glorious: those of the latter, dreadful. Then which is preferable? The pathway of life, or the road that leads to death? The greater the alacrity in the strait and narrow way, the greater the joy: but the greater the exertions in the broad road, the greater the sorrow. The way of the one is in the light: but that of the other, in darkness. Our apostacy from God, is our wo: but our return unto him, the balm of life. To yield to the temptations of the adversary, is to increase our difficulties: but to resist them, is to renew our strength. To serve self, is to be a slave: but he that serveth Christ, is free. Then can we have any hesitancy to choose this day, whom we will serve? The way of transgressors is hard, and forbids us to walk therein. Then may we serve God with alacrity, as the means best calculated to promote our own happiness through the journey of life.

6th. To serve God with alacrity, we may do much good, and be a blessing to the world. Alacrity in the common pursuits of life, is commendable; but how much more so then, is it becoming in the service of God. To benefit mankind in their temporal concerns, is laudable; but to promote their spiritual interests, is glorious. The blessed Saviour went

about doing good, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and speech to the dumb. How was he the benefactor of mankind by his acts of humanity and charity! But the great end of his mission was to heal the maladies of souls, and to save mankind from remediless wo. His life is an example of perfection; and how conspicuous is it for his alacrity in doing his Father's will. Whilst he did not neglect the temporal interests of men, his zeal was exercised for their eternal welfare. And who can tell how great a blessing to the world, a faithful, zealous christian may be, by spending his days with alacrity in the service of God? Let ministers of the gospel be inspired with alacrity in the discharge of their duties; and their examples may have a goodly influence over the minds and lives of others.

To what were the successes of Cæsar owing in his wars? To his alacrity. Then let us imitate his conduct in our christian warfare. As his watchful and ready movements gave him superiour advantages over the enemies, so may our watchfulness and devotedness enable us to triumph over our spiritual enemies. Washington was distinguished for his wisdom in counsel. And we can see in several instances, that the American revolution turned on the alacrity with which his plans were executed. So may we be successful by a zeal for God, according to knowledge. The apostle Paul was a bold, intrepid, and zealous preacher of the gospel. How extensive are the blessed effects of his unwearied labours. He counted not his life dear, in comparison with serving God with alacrity. His own age, the present and future, were to reap the glorious fruits of his vigilant exertions. Little did the apostle foresee what glory to God, and good to man, would be the result of his faithfulness. Though now in glory, he must wait till the end of time to behold the wide-spread, glorious consequences of his toils. Let us take courage then, my brethren, not to be slothful, but faithful in spirit, serving

the Lord. We know not the good we may do. Let us press forward; for to be inspired with alacrity in the service of God, we may do much good for mankind, and be a blessing to the world.

IMPROVEMENT.

Our

1st. From this subject we may see the propriety, of always acting under the influence of proper views of God. Superiour beings are thus influenced, and in all our conduct the eye of God is upon us. various situations in life call for praise, thanksgiving, and submission. Whether in prosperity or adversity the hand of God is to be acknowledged, for he giveth the kingdom to whomsoever he will. On the sabbath or in the pursuits of our worldly concerns, we should consider that we are accountable for all our conduct. Let us remember, how the seraphim employed his six wings. With twain he covered his face; and with twain he covered his feet; and with twain he did fly. Then from the consideration of his adoring views of God; from his humility in the view of his own performances; and his alacrity in the divine service, how should we be careful, always to act under the influence of proper views of God.

2d. From this subject we may see how foolish is the sin of pride. What has man, which he has not received? and of which he has reason to boast? Has any one great attainments, personal accomplishments, wealth, learning, or honour? And should these fill his heart with vanity, with inordinate self-esteem, and excite to insolent treatment of others? How do the highest orders of angels with all their dignity and excellence, exercise a spirit of meekness! As soon as pride entered the heart of Satan, he fell. Pharaoh, Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, and Herod were exalted above measure, with pride; and how did its towering height have a fall. The Saviour, the Lord of angels, was not a pattern of pride, but of humility. What a barrier is pride to our communion with God, and

our felicity? Pride is the contrast of humility, as meanness is to dignity. It is not only a sin, but it is foolish and vain.

3d. From this subject we may see, that to work for God, is very honourable. They who are engaged in his service, are joining hands with angels. And how frequently do those exalted, invisible spirits, come down to earth, as messengers and servants to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Does not their still whispering voice, frequently inspire believers with alacrity in the service of God? Do believers earnestly pray for the prosperity of Zion? How are hovering, attending angels solicitously waiting and watching for her interests? What a glorious work! what union of exertion with the powers above! Then the service of God is not only reasonable, but it is very honourable to be engaged in his work. Amen.

SERMON VI.

LITTLE THINGS BLIGHT THE FAIREST PROSPECTS OF MAN.

Solomon's Song, ii. 15.

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

HIGHLY figurative is the book, from which these words are taken. It contains peculiar beauties, and invites the delicate and refined mind to a close search for their discovery and excellence. Christ and the church are the general subject of discourse; and the prospects and glory of both may be considered as one. Whatever is for the honour or dishonour of the church, has a direct bearing on the person, character, and offices of Christ. And although believers are primarily intended in the wonderful theme of Solomon's Song, yet the instruction should be improved by all mankind. The words of the text will admit of a varied and highly interesting explanation. The fox is an animal, noted for his cunning, craft, and mischievous tricks. Foxes used to injure the vines by trampling on them, and they destroyed the grapes of the vintage. And little foxes would spoil the vines, which were loaded with clusters of tender grapes. Hence not only the old and cunning fox, but little foxes must be taken and secured, lest they destroy the labours of man. Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. This figurative expression teaches this simple truth, That little sins, little failings, and little things do sometimes blight the fairest prospects of human happiness, and destroy the fondest hopes and dearest privileges of man. The subject will apply