Christ's name, and in his name have done many wonderful works, and yet not be acknowledged by him, much less recognised as his faithful followers.

Again-are there none here who have fallen back, or may be in danger of doing so? Are there none on whom Christ's yoke begins to sit uneasily? who feel it a burden too heavy for them to bear, who are anxious to throw it off, and only wait for a plausible opportunity of doing so? There are few such perhaps, if those only be included who contemplate a final and entire renunciation of the Christian's title, and the Christian's privileges; but shall we be justified in limiting the application of Christ's threatenings to this small number?-Why should they be excluded, who knowing that the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness whatever, still persevere in the indulgence of some favourite sin, despising the warnings, and setting at nought the reproofs of their God. Surely such men are gone away after idols. They are worshipping and serving the corrupt imagi

nations of their own hearts, and must, therefore, be apostates from Christ, unless indeed, it can be shown that a man may serve both God and mammon.

And finally, with regard to the last class mentioned-there undoubtedly are many, though not perhaps within these walls, who have determined to pay no attention to the remonstrances of the Gospel, who have resolved to shut their ears against the voice of the charmer, charm he never so wisely.-Shall they escape?—Yes, if that man escapes who thinks to avoid the precipice merely by closing his eyes as soon as he approaches its brink.

But why, it may now be asked, have I adduced these examples of the terrors and the threatenings of the Gospel ?-To show that such things really exist?— Scarcely that, my brethren, for no sentence has been brought forward which is not, I should conceive, familiar to all of

you. But it has been done to remind you, not only of the existence of these

hard sayings, but also of the wide extent

of their applicability. We are all of us ready enough to appropriate the soothing consolation, while we pass by the unpalateable but wholesome reproof. I would have you consider, how many among us deserve reproof, and exhort you to pray to God, that you may receive and profit by it. If our views of Scripture have been correct, we have seen to-day, that it speaks the language of wrath to at least four very numerous classes among men.-To whom then does it address its mercies, the glad tidings which are its characteristic feature ?-To two descriptions only, namely, the consistent, persevering, obedient believer, and the humble, contrite, heart-stricken penitent.Not that the former classes are excluded at once and for ever. They too may repent; they too may return with the prodigal to the house of the Father whom they have forsaken. He is ready to receive, and eager to pardon them. He is willing to blot out every word which threatens judgment and wrath, and to remember those only which speak of

reconciliation, and pardon, and peace. The Lord, in short, is waiting to be gracious. It is for you, my brethren, to decide, whether ye will tempt him more and more, or make this-even this-the day of salvation, and turn to him with all your heart, so that your souls may live

for ever.

G

SERMON VII.

WARM FEELINGS IN RELIGION.

LEVIT. vi. 13.

The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

THIS was an ordinance for Israel, when it pleased the Lord to "dwell in temples made with hands"-when he deigned to hallow with his presence, first, the humble tabernacle in the wilderness-and afterwards the more fitting habitation which was prepared for him on the chosen hill of Sion. In each of these, there was an altar of burnt-offering, and the fire upon the altar was to be burning in it—it was never to be allowed to go out-but when once kindled, it was to glow for ever, a