goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee." Israel possessed no distinction from which Hobab, though a Midianite, should be excluded. Every mercy by the way, and every benefit which the possession of Canaan might afford, was to be freely imparted to him. Nor is there a blessing which the disciples of Christ possess, a hope they form, an enjoyment they cherish, which they are not anxious to communicate to others. Freely they have received, freely would they give. Their heart's desire, and prayer, and effort for others is, that they may be saved. Are they themselves justified from the condemnation of sin, and freed from its dread penalty, by having taken refuge in Christ Jesus, as Noah within the appointed sanctuary of the ark? They long that all around may share the same forgiveness. Are they the divine workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus, unto good works? They are anxious to bring others to the knowledge of the same transforming energy. Have they a present interest in the love of the Eternal Trinity? They would lead their friends and neighbours, and all mankind, within the comprehensive embrace of the same mercy. Have they a hope full of immortality? They would gladly know, that every child of Adam were enabled, like themselves, "to re

joice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory." They have some participation in that universal charity which filled the heart of the beloved John, when he cried, "I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in the truth," or that of the apostle of the gentiles, "Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." If there be a joy, for which more than another they are anxious on this side the world of joy, it is, that all whom their influence, example, or exertion, can possibly reach, may be won by the power of the Holy Spirit, to cast in their lot with the sincere and holy members of the church, as they pass along that highway of faith and virtue, that terminates in the felicities of the everlasting city, and say, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.

I. Are we professedly journeying to the place, of which God hath said, I will give it you: and hath the Lord spoken good concerning Israel? Is heaven the declared goal of our desires? and do we, indeed, acknowledge, that they only are blessed, who by faith are interested in the covenant, and soldiers of the camp of God? Judge then with what unwearied zeal we should press toward the mark for the prize of our high calling of God in Christ Jesus. They who confess such things acknowledge plainly that they seek a country. Can you then, in

deed say, We are journeying? Have ye truly turned your backs upon Egypt? and are ye enquiring the way to Zion with your faces thitherward? Have ye cast yourselves upon divine protection and support, as you pass the wilderness? Are ye looking towards the appointed guide for direction; and to the hand of God for such mercies as his wisdom sees fit to provide? Act consistently with this high and honourable profession. Use all diligence to make your calling and election sure. Let it be seen that your hearts are, indeed, weaned from the land which, in name and confession, ye have quitted, no more to return, and be entangled and enslaved by the chains of its bondage. "If ye be risen with Christ" from the death of sin-from that prostration of soul, which bows it beneath the love of earthly seductions, "seek those things that are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God." Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. Would it have been answerable to the engagements and prospects of the Israelites, that they should return to Egypt, or loiter in the wilderness, and encamp longer than was needful amidst its wastes and barrenness, when the glory of all lands was before them? Such a procedure would have been mournfully inconsistent with their duty. And shall ye, whose acknowledged principle

and impulse is, the demand of mercy, the distinction of your service, and the glory of your reward, linger on the way in heartless listlessness? Rather, lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset you; and run with patience the race that is set before you, looking unto Jesus. Review your privileges and prospects, in order that a principle of holy love, whose tendency is invariably heavenward, may be awakened or invigorated within you. The vessel may leave the port with a favouring wind, and her prow may be directed towards the haven where the mariners would be: but if her course be not governed according to the mysterious influence of the magnet, she will be the sport of every wind and current that may assail her. Love and hope must quicken you in the way of God's commandments. They will enable you to pass through the difficulties of the wilderness, without fainting. They will make duty pleasant, and self-denial easy through every part of the pilgrimage that may be yet before you.

II. Is it a Christian's duty to invite others to partake his happiness, and to say with Moses, "Come with us, and we will do you good?" Reflect then with what zeal, disinterestedness, and self-denial, common consistency in religion demands you to labour for the spiritual welfare

of your fellow sinners. While ye aim to adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour in all things, aim also to have companions in the way to heaven. Especially, aim to open the riches of that gospel which may make the most ignorant wise unto salvation. Have ye the record of the faithful and true witness, that not even a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple shall be forgotten by him? Are ye commanded to minister to all the wants of the body? And shall ye suppose God unmindful of, or indifferent to that higher and more momentous labour of love which aims to enlarge the gracious dominion of the Son of God, and the mild triumph of the cross, over the principles of unbelief and sin within the minds of fallen men? Spiritual benevolence exceeds temporal liberality, in its very nature. The former is only a confined exercise of love; the latter a manifestation of faith and love. In the former case, we look for an immediate result; in the latter, we cast our bread upon the waters, hoping to find it after many days; or, at least, to behold some blessed result, in the full disclosures of eternal judgment. O then, by every method which Christian compassion can devise, endeavour to spread the glad tidings of that invitation, which God permits you to make; and which the course of his wise and wondrous providence is