Some remarks have thus been made on the prayer before us, and I would now close by exhorting you, earnestly and at all times to use this supplication. You are exposed to many temptations-you are liable to many afflictions-evils of the most awful character, in another world, await the impenitent. From all these evils God can deliver you and you have every encouragement to you—and seek deliverance. Come then to a throne of grace that you may obtain mercy and strength to support you under every difficulty.

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SERMON XIII.

FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM.

MATTHEW vi. 13.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Amen.

for ever.

We are not inclined to repose confidence where we believe it to be undeserved. We will not exercise dependence upon one whom we believe unable to benefit us. And God will not be the object of our reliance, the Being to whom we direct our prayers, unless he is in our apprehension, an object worthy of the highest regard. It was therefore most proper that a perfect formula of devotion, such as our Lord designed to give his disciples, should have reference to the reasons which authorize a full reliance upon the Supreme Being. This is contained in the doxology which

closes the prayer-" For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."

To God belongs the kingdom of universal nature, and the fullness of Almighty power, and the glory of infinite perfection. And should he not be loved, and honored, and obeyed, and trusted, by all his creatures?

"To God belongs the kingdom of universal nature." This we had occasion to consider while explaining one of the first petitions of the prayer under view. We endeavored to represent in a striking manner, the control which the Most High exerted over the destinies of nations and individuals and we thence made a transition to the administration of grace under which men were placed, and which had reference to their spiritual interests.

2. This kingdom of nature, providence, and grace, is supported by the fullness of almighty power which distinguishes the Supreme Being. By that power every creature was formed, and to its sway is the universe subjected-and this dominion is founded in justice and characterized by equity, for God is distinguished by the glory of infinite perfection. He is infinitely good-he is most holy-perfect wisdom is his. Were he not therefore our Maker and Benefactor demanding the homage of gratitude, his perfect righteousness would require our adoration and love. If such be the

character of God, then should he be the object of our fear, and we should desire that his name might be "hallowed by us." Religious reverence becomes us whenever we present ourselves before the throne of the Most Holy-neither is it allowable in us at any time to cherish any other feeling, for God is ever with us, and he is ever equally glorious and venerable. Moreover, if these be the attributes of the Almighty, we should expect and pray for the manifestation of his kingdom, and long to have our hearts subjected to his influence. All things are within the compass of the divine power, and when it shall please him to exercise it, the souls of all creatures shall be filled with holy affections; their lives shall be examples of righteousness, peace and happiness shall prevail on earth, and a foretaste of heaven be given to us here below. And seeing that all this is not only very desirable, but to the Almighty quite practicable, we should unceasingly pray-Thy kingdom come, thy will be done."

3. Again, since to God belongs the kingdom, and the power, we should seek from him every temporal as well as spiritual gift, and we may do this with full reliance. The almighty Being who formed us, is alone able to preserve us, for we are feeble, perishing creatures, liable to be destroyed every moment by numberless evils. The operation of these can be resisted only by Him who possesses the kingdom of providence-upon him should we

feel dependent, and to him should we address our supplications.

4. But the sentiment contained in the doxology also shows in a striking manner the necessity of praying for the forgiveness of our sins-and the propriety of forgiving others, as we ourselves desire to obtain forgiveness. When we consider the glorious perfections of God, we must be struck with. awe-we must be deeply sensible of the propriety of our rendering to him entire obedience-we must be convinced of our frequent failure in rendering itwe must perceive how impure, disobedient and ungrateful we must appear in his sight. And then, when we think of his awful justice, and the power which is prepared to enforce its decisions, can we avoid experiencing a sense of our danger?-will not the conviction arise in our minds, forgiveness must be obtained, or I am lost!

5. Yet again, since all things are under the control of Him whom we worship, we may with confidence pray that "we may not be led into temptation, but delivered from evil." Nothing can take place in the world without the permission of its divine Governor. The events which exert an influence upon our spiritual or temporal welfare, are all within his control. Our career in life will be that which he allows it to be.

This rapid review of the petitions contained in the Lord's prayer, has been taken for the purpose of