exemption from the temporal evils connected with it, is not to be expected. It seems good to the Almighty to visit us with these, and this procedure is not only consistent with justice, but accords with the divine goodness. For, since death is inevitable, this circumstance which we have in view, is calculated to render it more tolerable.

Were this world altogether a scene of brightness and joy-were our happiness to flow in a full, continuous stream,-we should experience far greater difficulty than is now felt in renouncing its possessions and gratifications. With all the trials to which we are subject in life-with all the disappointments which occur-with all the severe and numerous calamities which we endure,-how reluctant are we to undergo the great change which is appointed for

us.

Temporal happiness is therefore made uncertain and perishable, that the too strong love of life may be subdued. Not finding an opportunity of rest in this world, we may be forcibly induced to seek it in another and better. Experiencing much affliction here, we may finally be brought to contemplate death with less terror-we may learn to regard it not as the end of existence or of happiness, but as the last trial, issuing in pure, exalted, and undecaying felicity.

In view of all these things, brethren, there are two reflections with which I would conclude. In

the day of prosperity let us be considerate;-in the midst of adversity let us not despond. When life wears its most enchanting aspects—when all things combine to give promise of much and permanent pleasure-let us be suspicious of these appearances, let us know that a reverse may be at hand, and let us wisely prepare for its approach. And when God our Disposer disappoints our hopes, and causes our earthly joys to perish; let us understand the language of his dispensations. Let our minds be carried forward to the period when worldly joys and worldly sorrows, as to us, shall neither exist nor be remembered-when the former will be merged in the fullness of everlasting happiness, or the latter sunk in wretchedness which is indescribable.

Let us, in fine, not take up our rest in this life; but, while the blessings dispensed to us are cheerfully and thankfully enjoyed, let us endeavor to have our thoughts, and affections, and hopes, centre in heaven.

41

SERMON III.

THE RICH MAN.

LUKE Xii. 20.

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.

THE stroke of calamity is most terrible when inflicted without any previous warning. With opportunity for preparation, the most appalling evils may oftentimes be steadily encountered. For their severity may be diminished if they cannot be altogether obviated, or the mind may be braced up to such a tone of desperate determination, that it becomes competent to sustain any earthly trial. But when there are no monitions of approaching evil, when all is tranquillity and happiness at one moment, and all is alarm and agony in the next, then is human nature taxed in its utmost powers of

endurance; it is as though a thunderbolt were to strike us when the atmosphere was serene and bright, as though the gentlest breath of heaven were instantaneously to swell into the desolating tempest. The mind has not time to collect its energies, but sinks under the calamitous visitation; and an unexpected evil is encountered with more fear, and productive of far deeper affliction, than would exist under other circumstances. Confirmation of these remarks occur in our every day experience; and, connecting our own observation with some of the narratives contained in the sacred volume, we shall be led to indulge in reflections which are of a solemn and may be of a useful character.

The observations which I have made are remarkably exemplified in the instance of the deluge. It cannot be said, that of this awful and wide-spread calamity there were no intimations given to men. They were warned of its approach; but being altogether incredulous, it was to them utterly unexpected; and it furnishes a melancholy subject of contemplation, to consider the awful scene which must have been then presented. On one day, there was, save in a single family, all that confidence in the continuance of the existing state of things, which we now cherish. Men enjoyed the gratifications of the present hour, and looked forward to many and distant pleasures as we do. According

to the practice of men in every age, they formed plans for the future and images of happiness to come. That any extraordinary visitation of Providence would thwart all their schemes and expectations, they did not believe; and in that age, the period for natural death was deferred long beyond the limits to which it is now affixed. On the one day, such was the state of mankind; on the next, the causes had began to operate by which the submersion of the earth was to be effected. Doubtless, the extent to which they would proceed, was not at first apprehended. But when this was fully understood; when there remained no longer any possibility to doubt concerning the impending ruin of the human race; when the waters were spreading and deepening in their course; when one eminence after another was becoming covered by a boundless ocean; when the globe's beautiful surface was hidden from the eyes of men; when its productions necessary to their subsistence were destroyed, and they had not where to rest their feet;-how complete was the change in their circumstances! how awful and sudden the transition of feeling which they experienced! Their joys and hopes were gone; they were left in utter desolation; evil had come upon them when they were least expecting it; destruction was before them and deliverance was hopeless. Oh, how deep must have been their regret! how poignant their remorse! and yet how unavailing