affections gather. Nothing is denied them, that is considered likely to advance them, or do them good. And in many things they are honourably distinguished, for they are sober, and thoughtful, and moral. They believe the bible, respect the sabbath, and attend the means of grace. They appear likely to be very useful, for they have respectable gifts, a generous disposition, and if their hearts were right with God, they would be shining and useful characters. But they are exposed to many temptations, for Satan lies in wait to mislead them, the flesh is strong within them, and worldly companions, would like to ensnare them. Nor are they free from infirmities, some of them need more courage, some more simplicity, and all of them need decision-I mean decision for God, and devotedness to him. But we are introduced to A HOLY AGENT. "The Spirit of the Lord." The Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with the Father and the Son, consequently, the true and eternal God. But he has undertaken a distinct work in creation, providence, and grace. In creation he moved on the face of the waters, or brooded over the abyss, and gave life, vegetable and animal life. In providence he works for the saints in a secret, certain, and mysterious manner. his principal work is in grace. He inspired the prophets and holy men of old, he began to move, or prompt, or influence Samson at But times, and so he does our young people now. He is the gift of God, and is generally communicated and received, through the preaching of the gospel. He is the author of all spiritual good in the hearts of the Lord's people. He generates every good desire, directs to the use of every good word, and prompts to every good action. His presence, power, and agency, are absolutely necessary for man; as without these there would be no regeneration, conversion, or sanctification. He is possessed by all believers, and works in them to will and to do of his own good pleasure. To be without the Spirit, is to be without life, without power, and without spiritual wisdom. The Son of God is not more necessary to be our Redeemer, than is the Spirit of God to be our quickener, teacher, and sanctifier. Therefore we have set before us A DIVINE OPERATION. "The Spirit of God, began to move him at times." The mind of of man is naturally restless, it is always in motion, but of itself, it never moves aright toward God, or divine things. The motions of the Spirit are always in accordance with our nature, and suitable to our condition and circumstances. He never acts upon men as he would upon matter, or as he would upon the brute creation; which is only saying, that he acts wisely in his dealings with us. work is in accordance with the end to be ac complished, hence in some he acted as a Spirit of prediction, in some as a Spirit of govern His ment, and in Samson principally as a Spirit of strength. In us he acts as a Spirit of grace, or a Spirit of truth, or a Spirit of life. In his work, he not only has regard to our nature, but to our age, circumstances, and distinction. He moves the young often, when they little suspect that it is his divine agency at work with them. There is a thought, it may be of death, of eternity, of sin, of salvation, of God, or of Christ-or there is a fact, perhaps a very solemn fact, presented to, and fastened upon the mind-a solemn sense of danger and fear is produced -a desire for salvation, or to escape the wrath to come is felt-a prayer, simple but fervent is put up a hope that mercy will be shown and deliverance be wrought, is excited-a sense of pleasure in reference to divine things is realised—and at length the soul's interest in Christ is cleared up. In all this, we trace the moving of the mind, and heart, by the Spirit of God. For we ascribe every good motion, every good desire, all real prayer and every good action to him. Perhaps the Spirit of God has begun to move the reader of these lines, you may have felt under a sermon, while reading a good book, or hearing an address, or through some startling providence. If so, the design is to lead you to God, to bring you with weeping and supplication to his throne, that you may seek and obtain the forgiveness of sins, and a part in the heavenly inheritance. See then, from whence your convictions and alarms come, from the Spirit of God; and to whom you are to look for conversion, for conversion work, is his work. Beware therefore how you resist, quench, or grieve the Spirit of God-for some resist him in his word, quench his gentle flame in the heart, and grieve him as the Spirit of love. How this can be done, is not for us to say, but that it is done, the Scriptures plainly testify, let us therefore beware, and yield ourselves unto God, encouraging conviction of sin, impressions of the importance of salvation, and the desires that suddenly or occasionally spring up in our hearts to pray and seek the Lord. Let us seek converting grace, if we feel we need it; sanctifying grace, if we really desire it; and the sealing of the Spirit, if we have any measure of it. Whenever the Spirit of God moves us, it is against sin, and to some good; let us then yield to his promptings, and surrender ourselves to his teaching. Reader, the personality and divinity of the Holy Spirit are solemn truths; and the work and operations of the Holy Spirit in the heart, are absolutely necessary to salvation. If you resist the Holy Ghost, if you neglect salvation, if you reject the Saviour, you plunge your own soul into ruin; and will everlastingly condemn your present conduct, in the world of endless torment and despair. THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS. SIN is the most terrible subject that can engage our attention, but we are become so familiar with it, that it scarcely affects us at all. Not so the Lord, he calls it that abominable thing which he hates. Yea, God hates nothing but sin, and no one but for sin. God never did hate a sinless being, and he never can. If we could get rid of sin, we 'should have nothing to fear; therefore we bless God that deliverence from sin is promised. But sin is not only dangerous, but it is bitter, and is the fruitful source of all bitterness. Hence the language of the prophet, "It is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart." Jer. iv. 17. It is called the root of bitterness. It may appear pleasant at present, and may taste sweet to the depraved palate of the sinner; but as Joab said 'It will be bitterness in the latter end." Let us therefore think of of war, THE BITTERNESS OF SIN. It is bitter in its nature, as it is a departure from God, the source of all real happiness-opposition to God, the giver of all true pleasure-rebellion against God, the righteous ruler, who is pledged to punish it-and the degradation of |