soul; I long to have my thoughts more raised and refined, and ny affections more holy and ardent; I do follow his steps, whether men praise or blame me—and copy his example, though in a very imperfect manner; I pray to be a living epistle of Christ, known and read of all men ?" These are marks of sincere repentance.

From what has been said, I shall make a few observations.

1. Observe it is highly important that you should know whether you are truly penitent or not.

The generality of men are in no degree concerned about this matter. Some imagine, though without ground, that they have repented already, and therefore conclude they are safe, at all events. It is easy to see how dangerous such a notion is; and yet how prone we are to entertain it! Most are glad of any thing, which will save them from present pain and trouble.

Suppose a man have a deep and dangerous wound in his leg or arm; be goes to a surgeon and has it examined. The surgeon says," Friend, I am sorry your case is so bad: but, I must faithfully tell you, amputation is absolutely necessary!" The man turns pale, and cries, "Oh, Sir! I hope not you must try to cure it without such a painful operation!" He replies, "It is impossible! I tell you plainly, you must lose

your limb or your life; for both cannot be preserved!" The man then goes to some ignorant pretender to skill, and opens his case to him. He looks at it, and then wonders that any one should be so rash or cruel, as to talk of amputation. "It is, indeed, (says he) a dreadful wound; but, with a little mollifying ointment and proper care, I have no doubt it will soon be healed." We may easily judge which of the two, the poor man would be most ready to believe; and the advice first given might, after all, be the best. The same reasoning will hold good in regard to the state of the soul. Our Lord speaks of cutting off a right hand, and plucking out a right eye, to denote the necessity of a total separation from every beloved sin.

A day is coming that will try every man's state and work. You can lose nothing by examining yourself impartially before the Judge appears. But should you rest on an ill-grounded assurance of your salvation, and find your mistake when there can be no opportunity of rectifying what is wrong, or repenting at the foot of the cross, your state will be desperate. When Christ comes, he will bring his fan in his hand and thoroughly purge his floor. If the devil were allowed to winnow, he would soon blow away both the chaff and the corn as with a whirlwind, but

Christ will separate them, and while he gathers the wheat into his garner without losing one precious grain, he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. You may be thankful that the fan is in safe and good hands.

2. Observe it is very necessary to be careful in examining yourself, or your labour will all be lost. Four things have been mentioned as evidences of repentance. I shall briefly review them, and beg you to make an application to yourself as I proceed.

It has been said, the true penitent forsakes sin. Let it, however, be remembered, that it is possible to forsake the act of some particular sin for a time, and not put off the habit. We do not say the moment it ceases to rain, the weather is fine, when we see the tempest still thick in the wind. It is a fit and familar comparison which Gurnall' uses, "We do not say that a man forsakes his house every time he leaves home, but only when he quits it with the full purpose never to return." The same may be said with respect to our forsaking sin. Where sincere repentance takes place, there will be no allowance of iniquity. He that walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and

shutteth his eyes from seeing of evil, proves that the root of real religion is in him.

I have said that a true penitent renounces the world. You may reply, I have now given up my youthful follies and vain pursuits. But you have need to be careful how you judge by this rule. A man may quit the circle of fashion, plunge into the tumults of business, and at last sink into the stupor of ease and indolence, and all the while remain wedded to the world. To be carnally minded, though with a considerable variety of feelings and pursuits, is death. The fever may be followed by a palsy, and the issue be still fatal. The wild worldling and the tame worldling are of the same species. The difference between the youth and age of many persons, is similar to the difference there is between a gay butterfly on the wing, and a sluggish worm grovelling in the dust.

I have said that a true penitent resists the devil, You may reply, This too I have done. Many temptations have been laid in my way with which I have refused to comply. But what made you refuse? It might be your convenience, not your conscience. Some change their sins as they do their clothes, and so wait upon their old infernal master in a new livery.

I have said that the true penitent loves Christ,

and longs to be like him. You may say, I think highly of the Redeemer, and hope to be saved by him. And how is this manifested? If you have an earthly friend, you burn with indignation to see him ill treated, or hear him slandered and dishonoured. And can you sit unmoved while Ecoffers blaspheme that worthy name by which we are called? Can you witness dishonour cast upon Christ and his truth without being grieved, and roused to take off the foul reproach? Is this thy kindness to thy best friend ? A real love to Christ, and a desire to be like him cannot be hid, You must shew them in various ways. amine yourself by these evidences.

Now ex

But what shall I say to you, if, by the foregoing pages you are fully convinced that you are yet in a state of impenitence? There is not a moment to be lost. O, weigh well the worth of your immortal, soul. Set death and judgment before you. Christ stands with open arms ready to receive you. While the gospel sounds, hear and your soul shall live. Let not gains and cares entangle you; let not toys and trifles divert you; let not errors and vain hopes delude you. Fly, fly without delay to the Redeemer. Are you saying, Lord, I come to thee. Lo! I fall at thy feet, that I may put off the iron yoke of bondage, and put on thy easy yoke of obedience. I have