learn mercy and forgiveness. If God could forgive injuries heightened by so many aggravating circumstances, sins against his power and authority, sins against his mercy and goodness, what provocations can we ever receive that ought not to command the same pardon and condescension from us? Shall not we be mer ciful, since our Father which is in Heaven is thus merciful? Let it be our concern not to forfeit these mercies by neglecting the overtures of his grace, remembering that there remains no further sacrifice for sin, no fresh covenant to be proposed, no new Redeemer to be offered. And that it may not be in vain for us, that Christ this Saviour is come into the world, let his doctrine engage our faith, and his commands our obedience; so shall we be enabled to join with lively devotion in the sacred hymns of that heavenly choir which surround the throne of God, saying,

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to "receive power and riches, and wisdom, "and strength, and honour, and glory, "and blessing; and therefore blessing,

and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever,"

SERMON XXXVII.

ON EASTER DAY.

ST. MARK, CHAP. xvi. VER. 6. Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified-He is risen.

THESE words naturally lead to some considerations on the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour; a truth of so much importance to our holy religion, that the whole system of Christianity must rise or fall with it. It was absolutely necessary that a matter of such infinite consequence should be attested by the strongest proofs

the nature of the thing could afford; such proofs, as were beyond a possibility of any reasonable objection, and open to the apprehension of the meanest capacity; accordingly, the least attention to the account given by the four Evangelists of this circumstance, will discover, that no testimony was wanting to strengthen the belief of this article of our faith. The conversation of the angels with the holy women of Galilee, who came to seek the body of Jesus; the evidence of his disciples, and many others to whom our Saviour himself appeared, for forty days after he was risen, and even the testimony of his most inveterate enemies, are but a small part, amongst the variety of proofs which serve to confirm the reality of Christ's resurrection from the dead.

There is a very remarkable circumstance attending this sacred mystery, which is, the great unwillingness the Apostles