into existence, and already they are almost utterly destroyed. But the sacred history affords us the link that connects the two together. Creation, transgression, and destruction, follow each other in natural order: and know, O man, who art living here, that in thy individual case, no less than in the general procedure of God's judgments, sin and ruin are as closely connected together as ever they were in the early ages of the world. Yet be it remembered also, and let it be most thankfully remembered, that there is, even at this day, an ark for the preservation of sinners that are ready to perish, an ark that will receive all that run into it for safety, and which will bear its important freight above those deep waters and raging floods of divine wrath, which will overwhelm the world of the wicked who despise it.

Though these interesting and awful transactions follow each other in the history, in quick succession, yet the actual period between the creation and the flood had been upwards of sixteen hundred years. During all that time had the wickedness of the world been

increasing but its measure was become full; it could no longer be borne with. "God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." It is a dreadful description: and the lamentable fact of this universal corruption is a practical comment upon the doctrine of the fall of man, which must needs carry conviction to every mind.

So the Lord said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air, for it repenteth me that I have made them." I need scarcely observe, that when God is said to repent of any thing which he hath done, it is spoken only after the manner of men. When he acts as we do under the influence of our human emotions, he uses respecting himself the language which is descriptive of our feelings. But what an impression does this language convey of the terrible nature of sin, and of the certain punishment which it must receive! Believe it, sin is no light matter and if the

daring wickedness of man is not always, or not often, visited with such alarming judgments as this, it is not because he does not notice, or is not angry with it, but because he is full of forbearance and mercy, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Even after he had denounced his vengeance against the old world, he yet spared them a hundred and twenty years; but at the expiration of that time, his wrath fell upon them to the uttermost, and they perished. And is he not an unchangeable God? Is he not "the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever?" Then must sinners ever look for vengeance upon their ungodly ways. If they are rebellious, and disobedient, and remain impenitent, nothing can, by any possibility, be experienced, but tremendous, everlasting, infinite destruction.

the Lord."

"But Noah found grace in the sight of "Noah was a just man, and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." An honourable exception from the universally prevailing wickedness is found, and a miraculous deliverance

from the general doom appears in his favour. For God in mercy warns him of the approaching desolation, and instructs him how to provide for his own safety. "God said unto Noah, the end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and thou shalt pitch it within and without with pitch." Particular directions are then given concerning its dimensions and form; and Noah is assured, with the solemnity of a covenant, promise and engagement, that it should prove the means of safety to himself, and his family, and to all the living creatures, which he was commanded to take in along with him of every kind.

"Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he." His obedience was prompt, and unhesitating. He believed the Lord's word, and acted upon it. He shewed his faith by his works. He listened not to various objections which might have been suggested to his mind but since

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into existence, and already they are almost utterly destroyed. But the sacred history affords us the link that connects the two together. Creation, transgression, and destruction, follow each other in natural order: and know, O man, who art living here, that in thy individual case, no less than in the general procedure of God's judgments, sin and ruin are as closely connected together as ever they were in the early ages of the world. Yet be it remembered also, and let it be most thankfully remembered, that there is, even at this day, an ark for the preservation of sinners that are ready to perish, an ark that will receive all that run into it for safety, and which will bear its important freight above those deep waters and raging floods of divine wrath, which will overwhelm the world of the wicked who despise it.

Though these interesting and awful transactions follow each other in the history, in quick succession, yet the actual period between the creation and the flood had been upwards of sixteen hundred years. During all that time had the wickedness of the world been