(

proachful epithets of visionary, and enthusiast, to the humble Christian who might indulge the hope of receiving an answer from Heaven to such a prayer. 'True,' they say, 'the Israelites were supplied with water from the rock, and with manna from heaven; Elijah, on an extraordinary occasion, was fed by ravens; and the widow of Zarephath was preserved from the horrors of absolute want by the miraculous increase of her little store.' But all these were supernatural interpositions; to expect any thing similar, therefore, in the present day, would be unreasonable and presumptuous. This is readily admitted; still,-Is it not an undeniable fact, that the Supreme Benefactor has sometimes, even by ordinary dispensations, so interposed for the relief of peculiarly distressing cases, as to give his conduct the aspect of almost miraculous interference? Have we not heard of wellattested instances to this effect? Have we not known individuals who, in a season of pressing want, when the peculiarity of their situation would not allow them to divulge the secret of their distress, have put their trust in God, humbly and firmly relying on him for an answer to their petitions, and have at length obtained the relief which they sought? And may we not presume, hence, that, if Christians in general, who are conscious that their trials do not arise

from ther own imprudence, were to cast their care on God, and patiently expect an answer to their prayers, they would be favoured with similar interpositions? But herein lies the secret of our error; we read the Divine promises as though they all related to an age of miracles; and pray, as though we had little reason to expect that our prayers will be heard. But why should we deny the applicableness of general promises to ourselves? Why should we hesitate to appropriate them, or to repose our hope and confidence in Him who has pledged the glory of his name for their accomplishment? Has he not declared, that he will provide for his people by giving them bread, and making their “water sure;" and that he will "withhold no good thing from them that walk uprightly?" Has not the Redeemer assured us, that all things which are necessary shall be imparted to them who seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness? Has he not taught us to derive encouragement from the care with which his Heavenly Father supplies the fowls of the air? The Scriptures are true; and Christians, without doubt, would much oftener know the fact by experience, were they disposed more to honour their Divine Benefactor, by placing in him an humble and implicit reliance. "They that trust in the Lord shall be like Mount Zion, which cannot be

moved." Let us not adopt the sentiment of the wicked, who say, "What profit shall we have if we pray to the Almighty?" Let us not desist from urging our request at the Divine throne, because there is no immediate probability of receiving the blessing which we need. No argument ought to have the effect of inducing us to restrain prayer, and cast away our confidence, since He who has invincible dominion over all hearts, and all events, is "the Rewarder of them that diligently seek him;" and has promised us, that, if we call upon him in the day of trouble, he will deliver us. "Ask," then, "and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find." "Have faith in God." "Believe, and so shall ye be established."

But, while we are encouraged to pray for temporal benefits, it behoves us to cultivate moderation in our desires; lest, by "asking amiss," our hopes should be disappointed. The petition of pious Agur admirably exhibits the spirit of our text; -"Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me, lest I be full and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in vain!"

Both wealth and poverty expose to peculiar dangers. The former tends to pride, sensuality, and forgetfulness of God; and the latter, to

Р

envy, fretfulness, and despondency. The golden mean, therefore, would be preferred by every wise man, were he indulged with the choice of his own circumstances. At the same time, it may be proper to remark, that, as the Divine Ruler has not left the situations and fortunes of his creatures to their own choice, it is allowable that they should pray for such temporal blessings as are suited to their rank in society. The magistrate, whose respectability, authority, and influence, are essential to the order and peace of the community; the philanthropist, whose munificence softens and relieves the distresses of the suffering poor; the merchant and the manufacturer, whose success conduces to the support and comfort of the labouring classes, may reasonably ask for blessings which a person in an humble situation could not desire, without incurring the charge of ambition, and inordinate attachment to the present life.

It should not be forgotten, however, that, though the higher classes are permitted to disclose their wants at the throne of mercy, and to ask for blessings adapted to their elevated stations; it is incumbent on them to be watchful against those aspirings which betray a vain and worldly heart, and to chasten their wishes, and to regulate their prayers,

*

agreeably to the sober dictates of moderation and piety.

I have no doubt, my brethren, that, during the preceding observations, you have frequently adverted in your own minds to a much higher subject than that of your temporal supplies. You are aware that I allude to that bread which the Son of man hath given for the life of the world. To direct your attention, at the conclusion of this discourse, to such a topic, will not, I am persuaded, be unacceptable to you, who, amidst all your anxieties and cares, are chiefly desirous of that spiritual nourishment “which endureth to everlasting life."

When the miracle of the loaves excited the attention and surprise of the Jewish people, our Lord addressed them in this language; "Labour not for the meat that perisheth, but for that which endureth to everlasting life." And in a subsequent part of his discourse, he solemnly affirmed, "I am the living Bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live for ever."

As the spiritual and eternal life which Jesus Christ has procured, is infinitely superior to life in every other sense; so that spiritual food with which he condescends to supply us, is infinitely more excellent than all the dainties and luxuries of the world; for, "this is the true