stacle is removed, and the way is prepared. Remarkable is the instance of an Indian female of rank, who dwelt on Martha's Island, narrated by Mr. Mayhew in his Indian Converts. Her husband and herself had buried their first five children successively in spite of their exertions to save them. A sixth was born to them a few years before the English settled on the island. The mother being then greatly distressed with fear that she should lose this child, as she had done the former, and utterly despairing of any help from such means as had been formerly tried without any success, as soon as she was able, with a sorrowful heart took him up, and went out into the field, that she might there weep out her sorrow. But while she was there, musing on the insufficiency of human help, she found it powerfully suggested to her mind, that there is one Almighty God to be prayed to; that this God hath created all things that we see, and that the God that had given being to herself and all other people, and had given her child to her, was able to preserve and continue his life. On this she resolved that she would seek to God for that mercy, and did so accord

ingly. The issue was that the child lived, and afterwards became a Minister of the

Gospel. His mother finding her prayer thus answered, dedicated her son, thus spared to that God to whom she had prayed. Aft er doing this, she early informed him of it, and did as far as she could, educate him accordingly. She was, however, a heathen, who had never heard of the true God; but she and her son were chosen vessels. In God's own time the Gospel reached the island, and she was one of the first converts to the faith.

The history of the Church abounds with cases equally strong. Thus, in Corinth, God encouraged Paul, and supported him, because he had much people in the city He sends the Gospel to the heirs of life, or brings them to Christian lands.

2. The subject teaches us the connexion between the use of means, and God's blessing.

The Eunuch was reading the Scriptures, when he was met by Philip. His employment fitted him more particularly for listening to the preaching of Christ and him crucified. Thus it is, that all the means of God's institution, in their nature, are calcu

lated for producing attention and obedience to the word of God. Having explained my views on this subject on another occasion', it is unnecessary to enlarge here.

3. We see in the conversion of the Eunuch, that the direct tendency of real religion, is to produce cheerfulness and joy. He went on his way rejoicing.

His case was not a singular one. The grace of God, exactly as its power is experienced in the heart, fills the believer with gladness. But there is in him still a body of sin and death, which mars his comfort, and impairs his enjoyment. His sorrow, however, you will recollect, is the result of sin, not of grace. "Wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." The believer alone knows, in his own experience, the meaning and force of the poet's words," the joy of grief;" grief for sin, but joy in redemption from sin. The world can behold only the trials of the children of God. They cannot enter into their hearts, and see their consolations and enjoyments. Nothing but real religion can impart happiness to man, because nothing

b Lecture i.

else is suited to his constitution and intelligent nature. He is composed of body and soul, and exists not merely for a day, but is destined to exist beyond the grave throughout eternity. The grace of God alone can satisfy his boundless desires, by making him a partaker of immortal glory. Well then may they who have this hope rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of their salvation. What though they are called to suffer in the world, their reward in eternity is sure, and will more than counterbalance their sufferings. In the mean time their fellowship is with the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. They walk in the liberty of the sons of God, and enjoy the comforts of the Holy Ghost, They have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but the spirit of adoption, whereby they cry Abba, Father. As children, they can come with boldness to the throne of grace, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in every time of need. Goodness and mercy follow them all the days of their lives, and they shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. AMEN. 56

VOL. II.

FINIS.

ERRATA.

Page 28, Note, for Minucii Feliciis, read Minucii Felicis.

114, line 5 from top, for in this way sins are covered, read in this way

our sins are covered.

117, line 8 from top, for brings along with its own delight, read brings

along with it its own delight.

149, line 9 from bottom, for transgressed read advanced.

309, for Hosea v. 14. read Hosea v. 15.

367, line 7 from bottom, for baffle read trifle.