longer or shorter day, they are but transient and are

at best; they soon pass away, gone. Oh, what infinite importance does this give to time! There are only "twelve hours in the day;" or only the short span of human life, to accomplish a work upon which an eternity of happiness or of misery depends. How ought this thought to awaken us, "There are but twelve hours in the day;" and when these are past, "the night cometh, wherein no man can work." Where are those great captains, those mighty men of renown, who made the earth to tremble? Their "twelve hours" are past, and they are now lying in the grave, like those who stumble in the night. Where is that nation over whom our Lord poured forth that deep lamentation," If thou hadst known, at least in this thy day, the things that belong to thy peace; but now they are hid from thine eyes?" They had their twelve hours, or their appointed day, but they profited not by them; and now their temple is destroyed, their city is in the hands of infidels, they themselves are scattered through all lands; and

at this very time are groping, alas, as men walking at midnight, although it is, to us Gentiles, the clear sunshine of the gospelday! There may be some present who remember the words spoken by an eminent statesman in the night that the Act of Parliament was passed which authorized the admission of Roman Catholics into our Protestant legislature, that "the sun of England's glory had set on that night." Whether this was so, or not, time alone can fully make known. But this we may surely say, that the rapid succession of events, both in Church and State, since that period, and the great crisis in which we are at this moment placed, give peculiar weight to the counsel given by our Lord to the Jews when he visited their city for the last time: "Yet a little while is the light with you; walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of the light." For although the hours of their day were in great mercy extended a short season longer, whilst the Apostles and others called them

to repentance; Jerusalem's sun set, or their doom as a nation was fixed, only a few days after our Lord gave this warning; when they filled up the measure of their sins, "by crucifying the Lord of glory."

Surely, then, when so many events seem to say, "The end of all things is at hand," or the times of the Gentiles are drawing near to a close, it behoves us "to consider our latter end," that "now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation." Now, therefore, seek salvation for yourself. Now, also, follow out our Lord's benevolent principle, and strive to the uttermost to promote the salvation of those around you. Remember "there are twelve hours in the day." Be not deterred by unmanly fears; for who shall harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? Our Lord declares, “He that loves his life shall lose it; but he that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal." "Be therefore stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

Thus would I counsel all who are present: not to fall into the carnal mind of the disciples, influenced only by a fearful unbelieving spirit; but to rise to that high and holy principle of benevolent love, exemplified by our Saviour, not only in this narrative, but throughout his whole course. In a more particular manner, however, would I desire to impress upon the young these important words, "There are twelve hours in the day." The Lord has appointed a day-time, or a season, when, speaking after the manner of men, not only the great work of saving the soul, but the most important events of life, may be more easily accomplished. "Work then whilst it is day." Be beforehand with your work. Do the duty of the day in the day. Postpone not the performance of any thing of real importance to the last hour. Remember that what is done hurriedly, is seldom done satisfactorily. That they were the foolish virgins who delayed till the last moment the procuring the oil. They set out too late; "and while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that

were ready went in with him to the marriage:" and the door was shut." Once more, then, I repeat it: Remember, my dear young friends, "there are twelve hours in the day." Let not any be lost by sloth, or unprofitable occupation; but so redeem the time, that whatever length of hours may be allotted to you, your path may be like that "of the just, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day."