extended distribution of the Scriptures, and the mission of its duly authorized ministers into those situations where the gospel is unknown. There are nations into which the light of revealed truth has not penetrated;-there are those in lands generally Christian, who sit in darkness. Faith in Christ is the appointed way of salvation. And in the language of the apostle, "how can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard; and how can they hear without a preacher; and how can they preach except they be sent.' We who enjoy the light of truth and numerous spiritual blessings, are bound to impart the same knowledge and privileges to others. It was thus Christianity was propagated at the beginning. Men zealous for the glory of God and the good of souls passed from nation to nation preaching Christ crucified as the only Saviour of men. It is in this manner we must expect the conquests of the cross still farther to extend. The Almighty does not usually operate otherwise than through the instrumentality of human agents. And he calls upon us to bear our part in communicating the blessings of salvation to the whole human race. The good will and the assisting hand should not, therefore, be withholden from this great and excellent work, otherwise we are guilty of mockery when we pray, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." There is another view in which this petition may

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be regarded. In praying for the universal prevalence of holiness, we pray for our spiritual improvement. With respect to our own conduct, we pray that the divine will may be done by us in earth, as angels and perfected spirits perform it in heaven. In this view, the petition is a most comprehensive one. It has for its object the sanctification of all men, and our own with theirs.

My brethren, while we offer up this prayer, let us have our hearts deeply impressed with the importance of the object had in view. We indulge a hope that when the trials of life are passed, we shall be admitted to the divine presence. But how can we cherish this hope, unless we are earnest in our exertions to obtain the character which will qualify us for this privilege? If we are not deceived in our expectations, we shall hereafter perfectly do the divine will. Let us therefore now diligently endeavor to make approaches toward this perfection, by growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have yet one more observation to make, which relates to the order in which the petitions are placed in the text. The first of these, which has been most under our view, relates to spiritual blessings; the one which succeeds, has for its object temporal good. This arrangement denotes the estimation in which we should respectively hold these blessings. The former we should first seek,

and that with the most earnest desire. The reason of this is obvious. The former are connected with the interests of the soul; the latter with those of the body. The former are therefore far the most worthy the pursuit of a rational being. But the most striking difference between them is, that the one relate to eternity, the other are limited to time. The one make us happy for a few days and years, the other ensure our eternal well being. Are you not then satisfied which deserves your preference? Your judgment cannot hesitate. Act then consistently with its dictates; and, whether Christians. or otherwise, I pray you to obey the Saviour's injunction, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these" inferior "things shall be added unto you."

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SERMON XI.

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.

MATTHEW vi. 11.

Give us this day our daily bread.

WE are ready always to acknowledge that spiritual blessings flow immediately from the Almighty. Forgiveness of sin and a title to eternal life, are not to be expected from any other source. As these most obviously depend solely upon the will of God, no one presumes to seek them in any other way than by obtaining the divine favor. The case is different with respect to temporal good. In regard to this, we are apt not to be so sensible of our entire dependence. We imagine that our own exertions are sufficient to compass this object. And thus there is a species of atheism cherished by those who would shudder at the name. For this charge is not

merely applicable to those who deny the being of a God; but in a subordinate manner may be directed against those who detract from his perfections, or limit his operations. By the mass of men it will not be denied that God created all things; but that all things are ordered by his providence, is often forgotten-or at all events we admit this truth in a very general sense. We may perhaps adopt the notion so derogatory to the Almighty, that created things have such tendencies given to them, and are subjected to such general laws, that like a well constructed machine, they discharge their appropriate functions independently of any subsequent care of Him who formed them. And thus it is concluded that God concerns not himself with the affairs of But this idea is in itself, most erroneous; in its consequences, most fatal. The Scriptures not only teach the general doctrine of providence, but the petition of the text inculcates that it extends to the minutest circumstances. It concerns itself with our most common wants. Our very subsistence depends on the care and goodness of God. Do you doubt this fact? Reflect for a moment, and you will be satisfied with regard to it. It rests solely with the Almighty how long the means of support which we now enjoy will be continued to us. A single one of the many calamities with which he could visit us, would reduce us to poverty and distress. Moreover the success of our daily ex

men.