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contrary, we can hardly discern any thing but the evil effects which their rashness, sensuality, and imprudence have brought on their constitution, family, or property!. Now he who looks higher than the present scene, who, while he thankfully enjoys the blessings of Providence, and seeks the one thing needful, finds a different reward: his voyage indeed is not without difficulties, he is not disappointed in his object; he does not labour for nought; his vessel contains the inestimable treasure which cannot be taken from him. "Happy therefore, it is said, is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandize of it is better than the merchandize of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honour.

Her

ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths She is a tree of life to them that

are peace.

lay hold upon her; and happy is every one that retaineth her."*

* Prov. iii. 13-18.

It is this then that makes us rich toward God, and produces real contentment in the mind. Here is no emaciated constitution through sin; no bitter work for repentance; no stinging reflections on lost character; no wishing for annihilation; no cursing the day of our birth; no black despair, and fearful looking for of judgment. No! guilt is done away; divine light cheers up the countenance; peace sways her sceptre over the soul, and sweet hope brightens into radiance in the view of an eternal world. What are all things here in comparison with this? Why, even the poorest Christian may vie with all the world." Drop millions of gold, boundless revenues, ample territories, crowns and sceptres; and a poor, despised Christian lays his one God against all these, and beggars them all."*

* Hopkins.

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.

HAVING now taken a short survey of earthly good; having endeavoured to answer the enquiry as to the present state, let us proceed to make some enquiries as to those important objects which relate to our future welfare. And now, my reader, have you ever seriously considered that there is a God? Can you for a moment suppose the contrary? What rational account could you give of the existence of all things, without believing in a Supreme Power? How extraordinary is it, if there be no God, that a sense of a divinity is impressed upon every man's mind. How strange would it sound, if one should say, the house in which you now are, erected itself, or came there by chance; that the different apartments all arranged themselves just as you see them; that the furniture happily met together without the contrivance and design of any living creature; or, that the whole was there from eternity? Would not this be absurd in the extreme: but how much more

E

suppose that the

the

80, to the trees, the seas, the mountains, all came by chance, or existed of themselves from everlasting. But, my reader, I will not insult your understanding so much, as to suppose you are an atheist. I will suppose you do believe in the existence of a God. This being granted, let me ask, have you ever considered what he is? has your mind ever been solemnized with the becoming thoughts of his greatness? If not, is it not absolutely necessary, is it not high time, that you, as a rational, accountable creature, should seek to know him? What! live in his world, fed at his table, clothed by his liberality, supported by his power, and not know him? What! not know your friend, your maker, your benefactor, your preserver? What! at his disposal; your life dependent on his will; your happiness derived from him alone, and your all at his control-and not know him? What! behold the heavens, adorned with light; the earth, variegated with ten thousand beauties; the pas tures, clothed with flocks; the vallies, covered over with corn; and the years, crowned with his goodness, and all for your benefit and plea

sun, moon, the stars,

you

sure--and not know him? What! behold his lightnings dart their fires; hear his thunders roll along the heavens; feel the earth trembling under you, while the dark and awful tempest is sweeping all before it-and not know him?O, reader! with what have you been engaged? what objects have exercised your attention, that should not have considered your obligation to him," in whom you live, move, and have your being?" Have you not been lost to reflection, have you not been guilty of the highest ingratitude? Come, then, and let us with reverence contemplate his perfections. Observe his spirituality; for he is not flesh and blood as we are, but a spirit invisible, whom no man hath seen or can see; neither hath any man heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.* His unity; for though there be a plurality of persons in the divine Essence, yet there is but one God. "Hear, O Israel, for the Lord our God is one Lord. I am the first, and I am the last, and besides me there is no God; before me

John iv. 24. 1 Tim. vi. 16. Hebrews xi. 27. John ii. 18. Job v. 37.

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