human interests; our object being, not the acquisition of a knowledge simply ornamental, but that which is substantially useful. Nor is it needful that we should aim at the reputation of eminent statesmen, or profound philosophers. We are not required, nor are we all able, to enrich the world with the fruits of intellectual research, or to charm it with the splendours of genius; but every Christian is bound to occupy and improve the talents committed to him, so that the usury may go to promote the social good and the glory of God. It ought never to be forgotten that a talent not used is a talent abused: the Master who gave it will reckon it so when he comes to demand an account. To withhold from society whatever good a single talent might have rendered, will incur the charge of slothful ingratitude and injustice. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Let the Christian, then, to qualify himself for general benefit, cultivate a public spirit—a universal charity. Nothing that is human should be foreign to him: he lives not for himself alone, but for his fellow men. "He looks ont

:

on his own things only, but also on the things of others." Yes, my brethren, our holy religion is essentially benevolent, and therefore social. A state of entire seclusion cannot belong to the Christian; many of his duties relate to society, and he must be found in it. It is, however, no less true, that retirement from the busy scenes of life is often a decided duty it is peculiarly the season of collected and serious thought. The hour of retirement is the hour for prayer; the hour best adapted for communion with God and our own souls. It is also the hour most favourable to undisturbed meditation on all truths, whether of public or private interest. If we would obtain knowledge for general utility, we must not only gain materials from intercourse with society, but we must also bring them before God in retirement, and thence carry them out thoroughly concocted for the uses intended. Withdrawn from the world, and divesting ourselves, as much as possible, of its passions and prejudices, let us humbly and devoutly approach the pure source of light and truth; let us "ask wisdom of God, who giveth to all

shall keep us."

men liberally, and upbraideth not." Then shall discretion preserve us, understanding Then shall the wisdom that cometh from above commend itself to the acceptance of those with whom we have intercourse; and our communications will gain an influence at once easy and beneficial. It was when possessed of knowledge from this source that Job could say, "Unto me men gave ear, and waited and kept silence at my counsel. After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them. And they waited for me as for the rain, and they opened their mouth wide, as for the latter rain."

And now, brethren, there are certain christian exercises which this entire subject seems to suggest to our special attention; these are deep humility, constant vigilance, and fervent prayer.

1st. Deep humility before God becomes us. We have had occasion, in the glance we took of the aspect of the times, to lament the awful prevalence of sin in our day; but we do not lament this fact with a right feeling of mind, unless we humbly acknowledge our own

individual share in the national depravity. To bewail the variety and extent of crime chargeable on the nation, while our own personal guilt is neither felt nor owned, is, in the sight of a heart-searching God, false and hypocritical dealing. O let every one see to this. Here, it is not a fellow-creature we have to do with, but an omniscient, a holy God, who searches us, and knows us; who understands our thoughts afar off, and from whose ear we cannot detain a word that escapes from our lips; "who is of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look upon iniquity." To Him, then, let each of us make confession of our sins. Who among us is conscious of having indulged worldliness of mind, intemperance, carnality, covetousness, abuse of the Lord's day and his holy word? Who among us feels that he is chargeable with the anti-social vices of "bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking, and malice?" Let him, whosoever he may be, consider that he is accumulating the causes of God's indignation against the land. "Shall I not visit for these things," saith the

Lord, "and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this." But let him also consider the awful position of his own soul before God. That God is now his witness, he will hereafter be his judge. O, I would entreat him to humble himself at the cross of the Redeemer there is no other way to the heart of God, as the dwelling-place of mercy. It is in Christ that God is found " reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." Sinner! go, afflict your soul before God in humble confession; let your convictions have their full force upon you; check them not, they are needful to make the Saviour precious to you. Look to his atonement; trust in his grace; then listen to his own assurance, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." Our subject suggests also:

2dly. Constant vigilance. It is not enough that we are convinced; not enough that we make humble confession; we are still frail creatures, ready to err. In ourselves we have