undergone these indescribable operations; and, indeed, is daily undergoing them. Because, as stringed instruments by the mere action of the air, and even by their very use, lose something of their perfection; so the soul of man, even by its common intercourse with the world, loses something of its sacred tone and temper, which must every hour be restored by the rectifying hand of God. He alone can so adjust and keep in order the numberless strings of this living lyre, as to render it capable of sounding out his praise, and glorifying his name. And while this complicated instrument is happily preserved in such a state, every touch will call from it something like an angel's song: yea, such a soul will be, like David's harp, continually tuned to some immortal subject, and ready to declare the wonders God hath wrought in heaven above and in the earth beneath, the mysteries of his providence, and the miracles of his grace. As Jesse's favoured son could say on all occasions, My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready; I will sing and give praise with the best member that I have so the renovated soul stands constantly prepared to

take up some celestial theme, and carry it most ravishingly through a thousand unexpected changes.

How great and powerful a charm must necessarily be produced, by a company of devout spirits harmoniously engaged in setting forth and celebrating the divine perfections! To come within the sound of such an animating act of worship, even here below-to hear a whole assembly of God's people lifting up their voices with one accord, praising his name with a song, and magnifying it with thanksgiving-must needs affect the passing stranger in a way not easy to be told. In crowded cities, I myself have passed by, more than once, at such a season, where the mingled voices of a thousand worshippers have broken upon my ears, arresting my steps, engaging my attention, and making my whole soul, or ever I was aware, like the chariots of Amminadib. My willing spirit, on such occasions, has listened with delight, till all within me has responded to the strains of my adoring brethren.

Thus it happened to Saul, shortly after his first conference with Samuel. As he

went on his way, he met a company of prophets coming down from the high place, with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp before them; and, as they passed along, they prophesied. And the Spirit of the Lord descended upon Saul, who instantly became another man-and, finding his excited soul in unison with this consecrated band, he followed on with them, bearing his part in the delightful exercise of prophecy and praise.

Thus too it was, in an especial manner, with the beloved John, when he beheld, and, lo, there stood a Lamb upon mount Sion, surrounded with an incalculable number of his followers, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And, while he gazed upon the scene in a state of sacred transport, the heavenly company engaged at once in a new song of praise, which none could learn but those who were divinely taught.

How rare a privilege was John permitted to enjoy—to see, and hear the secrets of the upper world! We look not for a participation of this high privilege: but there are moments in our tiresome pilgrimage, when

the sweet songs of paradise strike on our ear, and feast our ravished souls. All heaven seems then approaching to salute us in our course, to cheer us on our way, and strengthen us with prelibations of its own superior blessedness. And though these golden intervals are as unfrequent in their recurrence as they are rapid in their passage, yet do they never fail to sweeten our travail, to quicken our pace, and to increase our desire after divine enjoyments. This is what the Scriptures term, drinking of the brook by the way. But, when we reach our home, we shall find our dwelling fixed where there is fulness of joy, and where rivers of pleasure flow for evermore.

To this blessed state the favoured John

alludes in the following passage -And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.

Such, my brethren, are the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. And with such a weight of blessedness in view, it becomes us at all times and in all places to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving, still holding on our course in full assurance of faith, and daily rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.

But, alas, how few can be found thus happily engaged, or in any reasonable degree qualified for these spiritual exercises! The discordant voices of an unruly and tumultuous world threaten wholly to overwhelm and silence among us the voice of adoration and praise. Here and there, perhaps, a solitary individual may sit and tune his soul to sacred themes; and now and then a select assembly may unite their better powers to raise his triumphs, who is King of kings and Lord of lords: but these are to be considered, for the most part, as striking exceptions to the common practice of mankind. May the voice of love and peace, of adoration and praise, at length prevail; charming the unquiet multitude to attention and acquiescence, till the name of