and should sustain the tender flock of Christ's fold, and lead them into the paths of righteousness and peace. They are especially bound to set an example of all holy conversation and godliness, so may they adorn the gospel of their Saviour. And then would they as it were with one mouth glorify his name together. Then would their songs be of him, and they would praise him, and be telling of his salvation from day to day.

And let us ask ourselves, whether we really do this from our hearts? and if, when we pray to God, "Hallowed be thy name, we do indeed hallow his holy name, not only when we pray, but in our daily conversation, ordering our words according to the word of God; so shall no wickedness have dominion over us. Or is our religion a mere lifeless form; a body without the soul? And I must here remind the heartless professor, if such be present, that he will have his portion with the hypocrite; and that the awful doom which awaits the impenitent transgressor, the unbeliever, and the liar, is thus declared in the book of Revelations that they shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; and there shall in nowise enter into the gates of the

heavenly Jerusalem any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie, but they only whose names are written in the book of life. O let us then pray earnestly that ours, my brethren, may be found there, and that the blessed Spirit would enable us to cast down imaginations, and every high thought, and every thing which would exalt itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, and that no revilings nor evil speaking be heard among us; ever remembering, that Christian love and charity never even thinketh evil, therefore can neither speak evil, nor accuse or suspect any one of evil, but will be constantly aiming to disseminate every thing which is good, and endeavouring to be made meet for the blessed society of the saints in light: which that we may all attain, God of his infinite mercy grant through the merits and mediation of his Son, our Saviour.

DISCOURSE IV.

ST. LUKE, ii. 34.

Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against.

THESE Words form part of that remarkable prophecy which was spoken by the devout Simeon, who, it is said, in a preceding verse, was waiting for the "Consolation of Israel;" to whom it had been revealed by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And when he came by the Spirit into the temple, and the parents brought in the child to Jesus to do for him after the custom of the law, then Simeon took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the GLORY of

thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Be hold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against.

It has been said that some persons object to a text which is taken from any prophecy in the New Testament relating to the Jews, as they will not acknowledge their authenticity; and that as Christians do, it is altogether useless and unprofitable. But I cannot see any weight in the objection, and shall hope that the consideration of this which is now chosen may benefit those who are only searching into the truth of Christianity; and they as well as the Jews may possibly be induced to seek more closely into that which was spoken by an aged and pious Israelite, and be led to perceive how exactly the predictions of the New Testament harmonise with those of the Old, as in regard to this; and that even the prophet Haggai foretold the glory which should visit the temple. And in the prophetic words of my text there is so clear a prefiguration of the Messiah, and so much of the prophecy has been fulfilled, that we expect the fulfilment of the whole. It

can scarcely be imagined howlany unpreju diced mind could doubt that this was the Christ, by whom cometh salvation, that God had prepared before the face of pall people; who was indeed a light which hath enlightened the Gentiles, and is, in a peculiar manner, to be the glory of Israel.As this part of the prophecy is that which re mains to be completely fulfilled; nay, which we have reason to believe is even now ful filling; it is my intention, by the divine blessing, to endeavour to show in this dis-course, that," to be the glory of Israel," and the words, "rising again of many in Israel," clearly foretell the final restoration of this people; and which alone might justify our expectation of this glorious event, were there no other prophecy or promise in the sacred volume to warrant us in believing it. But when the Jews are restored, it can only be through their acknowledgment of him whom they have pierced, and for whom they shall

mourn.

And really the aspect of the times, and many recent circumstances, lead us to conclude that the period is not very far distant when the Lord will gather together the outcasts of Israel, and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before him. And blessed be God that many are already