souls must be lost. The rejection of the offered mercy of the gospel by any human being, is a great aggravation of his guilt. It is peculiarly the case in the instance of those who have been early dedicated to God, and who have enjoyed all the advantages of Christian instruction even from childhood. Let me beseech you, my young friends, to consider these things. The gratification of the warmest wishes of a pious parent, the honor of religion, the glory of the Almighty, the prosperity of the church, your own everlasting welfare, all require you to seek and attain forgiveness and grace, and to live in the service of your God and Redeemer. Do not resist the united force of these considerations. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth; pray for his mercy and grace, and submit yourselves to all his commandments. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go; keep her, for she is thy life; she will secure for you honor and prosperity on earth, and endless happiness in heaven.

365

SERMON XXXII.

THE WEDDING GARMENT.

MATTHEW Xxii. 12, 13.

And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither, not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to his servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

THE system of instruction by parables, adopted by our Lord Jesus Christ, was exceedingly impressive, and calculated to do much good. Under various representations, grounded upon the common transactions of life, he imparted much spiritual knowledge. The parable which you have just heard, has many interesting correspondences in the economy by which sinners are invited and brought into the kingdom of God. The marriage feast provided by the king for his son, is designed to

represent the spiritual blessings, which in consequence of the incarnation of Jesus, are offered to mankind-the servants sent out to bid the guests, are the ministers of the blessed gospel.

There are many important facts referred to in this parable, upon which we cannot dwell. The reception which this message met with, and the various excuses offered for non-attendance, might furnish us with much matter of solemn and improving meditation. It is not however, intended to examine the parable in all its details. There are only one or two leading points upon which I shall make a few plain remarks. The consequences attendant on the want of a wedding garment, will be considered.

In illustration of the literal meaning of the parable, we have to observe, that among the eastern nations, anciently, it was the custom to provide for their guests splendid apparel, which they were required to put on during the feasting in which they were engaged. The neglect to do this was deemed a great indignity offered to him who had given the feast. Hence the severe treatment inflicted on him who was found without a wedding garment-he was bound hand and foot, and cast into outer darkness. This is termed outer darkness, as contrasted with the brilliantly illuminated apartment in which the festivities were performed-the darkness without, seemed much more deep when compared with the light within-and from the privation of enjoyment,

and the intensity of cold, there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The spiritual signification of the marriage feast which has been provided, has already been suggested. It refers to the privileges of a religious nature, which under the gospel dispensation, are offered to men. What then is the garment with which we must be clothed, in order to the enjoyment of this spiritual feast? It is holiness of heart and conduct which renders us fit partakers of the ordinances of Christ. If we possess it, when the great King shall come, we shall be approved in his sight. If we are without it, the consequences will be awful. To you, brethren in Christ, I wish to exhibit a distinct view of this solemn subject, that you may be induced to examine with earnest care, whether you have on this wedding garment. In the parable before us there are these weighty truths inculcated:

I. God will finally come to judge whether you are meet for the enjoyment of his kingdom, and will perceive in many a fearful deficiency.

II. Those who cannot stand his scrutiny can render no excuse.

III. They will be punished severely.

I. God, the great king, who has provided the blessings of the gospel, will finally inspect the condition of the visible church. For a time saints and sinners bear the same name, and mingle together in the participation of the same ordinances.

To human observation there is in their characters no difference, or if there be, it does not lead to their exclusion from the society of the faithful. The wheat and tares grow together until the harvestthe grain and chaff lie on the threshing floor until the appointed period for their separation-the guests sit together at the marriage feast, however differently attired, until the appearance of the provider of the feast. The time expressed by these different terms is the day of judgment. Then will the question be addressed to him who has borne the name of Christian, without having experienced the sanctification of the Spirit, Why hast thou not on a wedding garment? To many this inquiry will be proposed, for there are many who are members of the church below, who are not fitted to mingle in the communion of saints above. And it will be with them as it was with the guest in the parable, who appeared in an unauthorized manner-they will be speechless-utterly destitute of any thing to allege in extenuation of their guilt. Their appearance in the presence of God, without the robe of righteousness, is not a matter of necessity-holiness is attainable by them, for God has graciously promised to produce it by his Spirit, in the hearts of those who humbly seek his favor. There are many ordinances of divine appointment which are are designed to strengthen our faith, nourish our hope, animate our love, and lead to holiness of life. If these be dili