weight in determining us to wait upon God in his house of prayer, is, that there in an especial manner may we expect the divine blessing. The Almighty of old declared, that "he loved the gates of Zion, more than all the dwellings of Jacob." There accordingly the pious and the holy men of old resorted for presenting their morning and evening oblations, and for hearing the words of the law read and expounded for their instruction in righteousness. And often doubtless did they experience the loving-kindness of the Lord, and rejoice in the God of their salvation. The Christian in these days of the gospel, may cherish the same expectation, of deriving gracious communications from on high, when inquiring in the temple of God. For his Saviour hath promised, that where two or three are gathered together in his name, there is he in the midst of them. By the secret influences of his Spirit, he will quicken the devotions of the pious worshipper; by kindling in his soul the holy flame of sacred love, he will inspire him with ecstatic rapture; by convincing his understanding of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, he will excite him to purposes of new obedience; and by soothing his mind with the consolations of the gospel, he will produce a joy unspeakable and full of glory. If such be the effects arising from the holy use of religious ordinances, is it not incumbent on every Christian, to employ the means which may be blessed with the communications of grace, and strength for every time of need? If we would have the ordinances of religion beneficial for our sanctification, let us not cease to assemble ourselves together, and implore that divine assistance, which is usually bestowed on those who worship God in spirit and in truth.

A last motive which should influence us, not only to attend the ordinances of religion in public; but also to engage in the duties of reading and meditation, self-examination of our own conduct, and communicating instruction to our dependents, in private, is; that thereby we may impress upon our minds, by our own reflections, the sacred truths which we learn from the scriptures, and render them effectual for inspiring our hearts with the love of holiness. It is only by our own resolutions formed upon

serious reflection, that we can profit by the means of grace afforded us for our edification. It is only by considering in the hours of retirement the sins that most easily beset us, that we can be brought to a sense of their demerit; it is only by communing with our own hearts, that we can perceive the obligations of new obedience; and it is only by private devotion, that we can earnestly implore the divine aid to help our infirmities, and strengthen us for the performance of our several duties.-When then, the sabbath has been appropriated for these important purposes, let us employ it in those spiritual exercises which are so indispensible for our improvement. Is not the well-being of our souls the most momentous concern of every one who would secure his salvation? And are not the means of grace as necessary to be used for attaining everlasting life, as labour and industry for procuring the meat which perisheth? Shall we spend a whole week in providing for the body, and allot no time for the sanctification of the soul? Alas! our worldly occupations render us so much cumbered about many things, that we have no leisure to attend to the one thing needful. But, when the sabbath is appointed, for the purpose of affording us an opportunity of withdrawing our affections from the world, that we may think of God and the things above; is it not incumbent on every one, who would prepare for that future state which awaits us, to inquire diligently at this season of leisure what he must do to be saved? Is it not the duty of every one, who would wish to see his domestics and children walk in the truth, to instil into their minds on this day of relaxation from the business of life, such principles as may direct them in the path of righte ousness? Let then every one be duly sensible of the importance of consecrating the Christian sabbath to those public and private exercises, which may enable him so to pass through things temporal, as not finally to lose the things eternal. That we may be excited to do this, consider, shortly,

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IV. As the application of the subject;

How thankful we should be for the institution of pub

lic ordinances. They are the ordinary means of profiting by the dispensation of the gospel; and should be esteemed by us as the power of God, and the wisdom of God for promoting our salvation. Are we grateful for the enjoyment of the comforts of the present life? let us be no less sensible of the value of those privileges, which minister to our preparation for the life to come. Let us esteem the house of prayer and religious instruction as that sacred sanctuary, in which we may be admitted to communion with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ; in which our souls may be nourished in the principles of holiness, which may bring forth the fruits of righteousness. It is to the practice of assembling together on this sacred day, in places dedicated to the service of our Maker; that we must ascribe, in a great measure, that regard to decency and propriety of conduct, which still characterizes us as a people. It is by the serious impressions which are here produced, that the profession of Christianity is maintained, and the practice of it still attended to, by every serious man. If this be the case, how careless, therefore, must they be, who neglect the assembling of themselves together; who come hither only occasionally, as their humour or inclination may suggest? Can they expect to be equally pious, who seldom join with their brethren in adoring their Creator, as those who rejoice when it is said unto them, let us go up to the house of the Lord? Can they expect to be equally virtuous, who seldom hear the lessons of religious and moral obligation; as those who statedly give heed to the words, by which they and their house may be saved? Can they receive as much edification at home, where they are perhaps engaged in the most trifling avocations; as those who continue stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer? "I speak not these things, to shame you; but as my beloved friends, to warn you.'

It is surely much to be regretted, that, when all of us might so easily attend the weekly devotions and exhortations of the sabbath, many, who have no sufficient reason to withdraw themselves from the communion of the faithful, should be found so indifferent to their own edification,

as to forsake the ministrations of the church, according to their pleasure. Can they be employed at home in any other offices that are equally useful, and equally conducive to their improvement? Do they think the time spent in the house of God too long, and that they cannot command their attention, for engaging in the exercises which are there prescribed? Or have they no relish for such services, and consider it a weariness to which they cannot submit, without a painful effort? Alas! how shall they be qualified to serve God day and night for ever and ever, who could scarce support the burthen of ministering to him at distant intervals, for a short season in his temple on earth. If there be any such in a Christian assembly; it must not be dissembled, that their hearts are not right in the sight of God; and that they should endeavour to acquire a relish for devotional exercises, as the most effectual means of converting them from the error of their ways; that they may henceforth delight to do his will after the inward man. If any are conscious that they have hitherto neglected religious ordinances, and been remiss in their attendance upon the house of prayer; let them be persuaded, by a regard to the welfare of their souls, to give heed to the things which belong to their peace, before they be hid from their eyes. "Now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation; let us therefore seek the Lord while he is to be found, and call upon him while he is near." We shall find, that by worshipping God in the beauty of holiness, we shall gradually improve our devotional feelings; acquire an increase of useful knowledge, and be stirred up to the practice of righteousness. Then shall the sabbath be our delight; then shall we experience more joy and gladness in the service of the sanctuary, than the men of the world enjoy, when their corn, and their wine, and their oil do most abound.

While we would thus exhort those who forsake the assembling of themselves together, to do so no more, by every motive arising from their present and future welfare; it is delightful to congratulate those who regularly attend the ministrations of the sanctuary, for the regard

which they pay to so important a duty, and for the good example which they exhibit to others. Surely your labour shall not be in vain; ye shall reap the advantage of your faithful services, in the improvement of your minds, in the reputation of your characters, and in the approbation of God and man. Continue to assemble for the worship of your Maker, and to render him the glory that is due unto his name; continue to inquire in his temple, and hear what he will speak for your edification; continue to listen to the words of everlasting life; continue to teach your children and household to keep the way of the Lord; and ye may verily expect, when ye have finished the course of your pilgrimage on earth; that ye shall be admitted, through the merits of your Saviour, " to the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to an innumerable company of angels, and to the spirits of just men made perfect."