spectator remarked to another, "what a mystery in providence it was that the child of such advantages should be so abandoned in his conduct," to which the other replied, "that he did not yet despair of him; that he thought it improbable or impossible that the child of so many instructions and prayers should finally perish." These hopes were happily realized in his future conversion: He was not only reclaimed from this licentiousness of conduct, but afterwards shone as a distinguished luminary in the primitive church. The other instance of success, crowning the exertions of parents after many discouraging appearances, occurs in the history of Col. James Gardiner, which is familiar to many in this assembly. His mother, who was eminent for her piety, devoted her attention almost exclusively to his spiritual education; she particularly aimed at diverting his attention from the military life to which he discovered an early and ardent attachment, but her efforts in this respect were unsuccessful. He obtained a commission in the army, and for many years was as distinguished for the profligacy of his conduct, as for the eminence of his rank: But in this instance the old Dutch proverb was literally realized," that the "that the prayers of the righteous will not rot in the clouds."The petitions which had been devoutly of fered up in his behalf descended in showers of blessings upon his head; the influence of the holy principles early infused into his

mind happily revived, he became an eminent example of holiness on earth, and probably he is now shining in heaven as a star of superior lustre. The relation of these facts, I hope, will not be pronounced altogether foreign to the subject as they tend to shew the connexion between the means and the end; they may animate parents to persevere even" against hope" in the instruction of their offspring, and in fervent supplication both for them, and with them.

May the Lord God give you "one heart, and one way to fear him for ever, for the good of you and of your children after you : May your houses henceforth become little sanctuaries consecrated by prayer and praise and your hearts living temples for the residence of the Holy One of Israel. By constant communications from the ever-living Jesus, may you be ripening for that world where you shall worship not with the small circle of your own families, but with ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; where you shall serve your God not occasionally, not at distant intervals as in the present state, but day and night for ever and ever. AMEN.

SERMON VII.

JOSHUA, XXIV, 15.

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

I HAVE frequently endeavored, according to the ability which the Lord hath given, to enforce the duty of family religion; of regularly worshiping God morning and evening; of instructing your household, whether children or servants, in the principles of religion; and thus giving diligence

to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Yet I feel no inclination to apologize for dwelling so frequently on this duty, and again recommending it to your particular attention. Influenced in some measure by the same spirit, I would, on this occasion, venture humbly to appropriate the same language with the apostle, "to speak or write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe." The uniform, upright discharge of these private duties may be pronounced of the utmost importance to yourselves, your families, and to the church of the living God, both in the present and future generations. If we are strangers to the exercises of religion in our closets, and with our household we can expect little delight or enlargement in the sanctuary; little comfort in speaking,

or edification in hearing the message of life and salvation. It is no breach of charity to maintain that he who was never constrained to serve the Lord after some form in private, was never constrained from proper motives. to serve him in public.

Being led, I humbly trust, by the spirit of God to enforce the ordinance of family religion, I have chosen this resolution of Joshua as the subject from various considerations.. He was a man eminent in rank, the prince and leader of a nation "numerous as the stars of heaven." By this we are instructed that the service of Jehovah is no detraction from earthly greatness; it really reflects. splendor and glory on the highest stations. among men. Again, Joshua was placed in a situation not only eminent, but difficult and embarrassing; he was entrusted with the management of nearly a million of people; and consequently perplexed with innumerable cares of a public, national concern; hearing their complaints, redressing their grievances, stilling their tumults and marching before them as a military head to encounter their adversaries; yet notwithstanding this pressure of public employment he solemnly resolves to serve the Lord.. This circumstance evidently shews that where the person is properly impressed with his duty to God, neither the hurry of worldly occupations nor the multitude of worldly concerns will discourage or divert him from discharging that duty. Where there is a

real inclination in the heart to perform the divine will, opportunities are rarely wanting. The living fountain may as readily cease to issue forth its refreshing waters, or the flourishing branch to bud and blossom in its season, as the lively christian to express his gratitude and love to the Father of mercies. Abraham in travelling from country to country erected his altar and "called upon the Lord his God:" Job who had men-servants, and maid-servants, and oxen, and sheep without number, "offered up sacrifices for" his sons "continually:" David exalted to the throne of Israel and Joshua at the head of their armies found leisure to "serve the Lord with their families:" When therefore, this ordinance is neglected, its neglect must proceed not from the want of time, but the want of inclination. example of Joshua for enforcing family devotion is instructive from another consideration equally important. He was a magistrate and therefore obliged to perform different duties of a civil nature: He was in a certain sense, a minister, and called publicly to officiate in spiritual exercises; yet he acknowledges his obligation to worship alone and with his family. This consideration may teach us that the faithful discharge of those duties which are incumbent upon us as magistrates or ministers will by no means justify our neglect of those duties which are binding upon us as men. watching over the souls of others, our own VOL. 3.

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