to the day of twenty-four hours, so do spring and autumn to the twelve months of the year, that we may not pass immediately from one extreme to another, but gradually be disposed for so great a change as is between summer and winter, and winter and summer. So merciful and gracious, and infinitely wise, is God in all his works! so that we cannot say one part of the year is more necessary than the other. The winter is as useful, for the good of the universe, as the summer. In this we are supplied with what is necessary to maintain us in that. And the admirable situation of the sun, seems much to contribute to it. If it had been at a farther distance from us, our earth would have been in a manner desolate; because the influence of the sun could not have been considerable. And, if it had been nearer, the planets would have wanted light, and this earth under been burnt up. The excellent order which it hath now obeyed for almost six thousand years is also wonderful. The sun never stood still but once, and that by a miracle; though much inferior to that of its daily progress. What a subject is here to admire the power, goodness, wisdom, and faithfulness, of God! Lord!

what is man, for whom thou dost all this! And, because I find every year that the day dies into night, the summer into winter, and herbs and plants lose their beauty and verdure, and shed their blossoms; may I not hence learn to consider, and prepare for my own approaching change! In prosperity, health, and ease, and life, to expect, and make provision for, trouble, sickness, pain, and death, as every wise man in summer would do for

winter! and work with all my might, while it is called to-day, while the light continues; because the night of darkness is at hand, when none can work.

SECTION VIII.

Of evils to be expected in this year; the wisdom and mercy of God, in concealing from us the knowledge of future events.

NOT only few and uncertain, but evil likewise, are the days of the years of my life, may every one say, with the patriarch Jacob. A sufficient portion of evil for every year may well be expected, when our Lord tells us, there is a certain measure allotted for every day. "Sufficient to the day is the evil of it." Not only is our life short, but troublesome, full of vexatious mixtures. We cannot sing a requiem to our souls when one great calamity is past; for, we know not, in this region of changes, but another, a greater, may be at hand. One messenger of ill-news may succeed and out-do another, as it was with Job. We come weeping into the world, in a most helpless, forlorn, state; and, if we escape the dangers of infancy, and the casualties of childhood, and after that outlive the snares and follies of youth, we are tossed upon the pikes of time and chance, and sadden and disquiet ourselves with a thousand griefs and sorrows, by inevitable and unexpected occasions; though we increase the number of needless cares, and fears, and discontents;

till, at length, a sudden stroke arrests us, we fetch a groan, and die!

We can give a catalogue of the afflictions and calamities, perplexities and disappointments, incumbrances, crosses, and evil accidents, of human life! By means whereof millions are disconsolate and sad, mourn and complain, weep and sigh, and from day to day, are "fed with the bread of affliction and the water of adversity." Not to mention men's fluctuating restless thoughts of heart, importunate desires, baffled projects, defeated purposes, which suppose or bring vexation. A good share of these is not to be avoided; and yet very few can be particularly foreWho could prognosticate, a year ago, the mercies or the evils which have happened since, public and private, personal and relative, to the countries, cities, families, and persons, we are concerned for? And who can certainly foretel the events of this ensuing year? God hath intermixed good and evil in the life of man: he hath set " prosperity against adversity," saith Solomon, "to the end that man should find nothing after him;" that he may not know what shall come next, whether a prosperous or a calamitous event.

seen.

What a change may be made in a year by the mere casualty of human events; by the treachery of friends, or the malice of enemies, or the more immediate hand of God! We know not "what shall be on the morrow," much less what a twelve-month may produce. Because whatever may be disposed to happen, from natural causes, or civil councils, may be altered by a particular decree of providence. Prepare me, Lord! and every one of those in whose

felicity I more especially take part, for all the calamities and sorrows thine infinite wisdom shall think fit to exercise us with this following year: and, by thy merciful providence and gracious conduct, cause them to work for good: furnishing us with suitable strength and wisdom to acquiesce in thy good pleasure, and obey thy will. Let me follow thee, as

though I know not Knowing the wisdom

the Father of the faithful, whither thou wilt lead me. and faithfulness of my pilot, let me therein be satisfied, though I know not particularly what course he will steer!

I thank thee, O heavenly Father! that thou hast reserved the knowledge of future times and seasons to thyself, and hid events from men; lest, by considering them certain, we should presume in case they are good; or should despairingly afflict ourselves, by foreseeing the evil we know to be inevitable. Did we certainly foreknow the good that would befal us, we should not trust in thee to bring it to pass, or heartily implore thy care and conduct. Did we foresee the evils we should suffer, before they overtake us, we should be overwhelmed with diffidence and despair. Many a mother, who rejoiceth at the birth of a son, would mourn to foresee what a man, what a son, he will prove. Such an increase of knowledge would increase our sorrow; such a prescience would transport and discompose us by unseasonable joys and sorrows, born out of time; make us remiss in our duty to thee, and weaken our dependence on thine own unerring wisdom, truth, and power!

SECTION IX.

The supposition of dying this year should be improved: the consequence of redeeming time and providing for eternity farther pressed. The folly of elder persons is condemned and checked from the example of children. It is advisable to familiarise the thoughts of death, and to imagine beforehand what apprehensions of things we shall then have.

And have

THE longest life is but a day multiplied; and who can certify, or assure me, which will be my last! He only, who was God as well as man, could say, "Mine hour is not yet come." Is all my life given me to resolve this question, "Whether I shall be in heaven or hell for ever!" I any time to lose and squander away as superfluous! Have I any more than need! It is no impossible or unreasonable supposition to make, that I die this year. may Let me admit that thought, and imagine myself on a bed of sickness, wearied with pain, and ready to leave this world; the physicians gone, despairing of my recovery; my friends about me weeping; and all things in a doleful melancholy posture, suited to such a state; feeling within myself the presages of death, expecting the final stroke in an hour or two more; what is then the value of sensual pleasure! Can I then relish or savour them! What then is honour to me, who shall never go abroad more to receive it, till carried Will it then comfort me to have

to my grave!