and we cannot help esteeming in some degree, the man, however unworthy, who has been our benefactor. We behold with horrour that man who has received of our kindness, but who has made us no returns of love and regard.

If these are the principles which regulate our conduct and judgment concerning our fellow men, with how much greater force ought they to influence our conduct towards God! to whom we owe every thing which we enjoy, and who is every way worthy of our holiest esteem. If the obligation be increased in proportion to the favour; if our esteem correspond with the merit of the object, what infinite obligations are we under to God! What friendship is like to that of the Almighty ?— Who among the sons of men can be compared unto him? Neither are the returns which he requires grievous nor hard to be paid. They are no costly sacrifice nor offering; but the simple incense of prayer and praise, and the sacrifice of a broken and a contrite heart. O! then, give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever. O! that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Bless the Lord, O ! my soul! and

forget not all his benefits who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases, who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies. Amen.

J

48

SERMON III.

On the nature of repentance; and the motives furnished by the gospel for engaging in this duty.

BEFORE Jesus Christ, who came to finish transgression and to make an end of sin, appeared in the character of a publick teacher, the world was involved in the double night of ignorance and errour. The heathen nations were sunk in the grossest idolatry, superstition, and wickedness. Both the religion and the lives even of the favourite people of God were sadly corrupted. They were divided into innumerable parties and sects; and, as, usually, happens, amidst their eager contentions for their own particular opinions, true religion and virtue passed unregarded. The Pharisees and Sadducees, the two principal sects, follow

ed roads directly opposite, but both equally averse from the true spirit of religion. The former taught,as the doctrines of God,the commandments of men; and the latter overturned all religion and morality, by denying their first principles, the resurrection of the body, the existence of spirits, and consequently a state of retribution after death. In such a situation of things, a forerunner was necessary to clear the way for our Saviour's appearance, and to prepare the minds of the Jews for the reception of the gospel. This forerunner was John the baptist. The principal subject of his preaching was repentance. This was most likely to answer the end for which he was sent; and this duty he enforced by a powerful consideration, which the old prophets and preachers of righteousness could not make use of, namely, the near approach of the kingdom of God. 66 Repent ye;" said he, "for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." By the kingdom of heaven, in the New Testament, and, particularly, in the discourses of our Lord, is commonly meant the gospel state, that kingdom which God hath erected on earth, and the administration of which he hath committed to his Son, for bringing back the rebellious

to their duty, for delivering them from the power of sin and the dominion of the devil, and for bringing many sons unto glory. Under this dispensation, new motives to repentance are afforded, and God, though he suffered the former times of ignorance to pass without condemnation, now calls all men, every where, to repent.

In

But repentance was, not only, a necessary preparation for the kingdom of heaven; it, also, continued to be the subject of frequent and earnest exhortation with Jesus and his disciples. Our Lord began his ministry in the very same words with his forerunner; and explained and inculcated the duty of repentance in various parables and discourses. the beautiful and striking parable of the prodigal son, the progress of vice, and the return to duty are delincated in the plainest and most forcible manner. A young man, prompted by curiosity and a love of pleasure, leaves the peaceful retreats of his father's house, and ventures forth into the world, in quest of enjoyBut the sea of life was too stormy, a id beset with too many dangers for so unsteady and inexperienced a pilot. He falls into the snares of the wicked; he goes with the

ment.