lies in the relation we stand in to God.

Deut. ii. 13x. 20; Joshua xxiv. 14-18. In order to resist temptation, we should be well grounded in our supreme duty to God. Man was made to honor God: he is the priest of the creatures, made capable of loving and serving God. In the fall, the very essence of the transgression, as well as the misery of man, was the turning from God to set up his own will, and to do his own pleasure. In redemption, God again ascends the throne of the heart.

Let the young Christian prepare for temptation; for it will assuredly come. Watch, therefore, and pray. Do not, with our first parents, parley with temptation: it is our duty not to listen to Satan's proposals-not to argue, or debate, or hesitate: safety lies in flight: like the Saviour, we should resist his suggestions with abhorrence. In faithfully resisting, you have a right to ten thousand promises. The Christian does not attempt to resist temptation in his own strength. His watchfulness lies in observing its approach, and telling God of it by prayer. Like a sentinel, who gives notice of the approach of danger to the commanding officer, let us watch against the occasions of sin. An occasion exactly fitted, is more than half a temptation. It is Satan's cunning to draw a man within the reach of an occasion. Gilpin says, "Satan succeeds more, in his evil designs, through subtlety than force." The latter stirs up an opposition; it alarms to caution. Where force should but gain its thousands, subtlety will gain. its tens of thousands.

Satan inquires into a man's state, whether regenerate or not-into his constitution, disposition, place, calling, age; and his next care is, to provide suitable temptations. He retains still the character of a serpent, and will use his utmost skill.

There are not only common times of danger, but there are also critical times; such as was Peter's. Satan's point, at all times, is to make a Christian quit his ground and his place: and when he has done this, one thing more remains to complete his plan; namely, to get the man to be self-confident and headstrong.

Beware of running into danger: you are only safe in the narrow way. Christ was led up of the Spirit, into the wilderness: He had a special call. We must take heed not to go on Satan's ground of ourselves: but if we are suffered to be brought into temptation, let us say with Jacob, "I am in the way thou biddest me go." However crafty and violent the tempter, he can do no more than make the assault; but he cannot carry his point, without our consent: he is held by a chain. Temptation puts nothing in the mind, but only draws out the evils that are latent in our hearts.

Take care of whatever would endanger you; such as bad company, where the Enemy lies in ambush ;— fear, which says, "There is a lion in the way;" unbelief, which cries, "You will not hold out;"-sloth, which complains, "There is too much required." All these are Satan's emissaries.

Our safest way is, to stand prepared for the attacks of the Enemy: we should know he is coming on: and we should consider how it has been with such men as David, Peter, and others, when Satan has come in like a flood. We cannot be too cautious: past experience will tell us what weak creatures we are: a secure state is itself a temptation. Satan never more succeeds, than when he endeavors to persuade men he has no existence that there is no "roaring lion going about seeking whom he may devour." If he can persuade men to be at ease, he is almost sure of his prey. One of the endeavors of an able general, in time of war, is,

to make the enemy believe he is doing nothing: he would surprise the town unprepared.

Lastly. If we have not a high place, let us seek a hiding-place. Satan has furnished us with a valuable piece of instruction in the affairs of Job, chap. i.—that he could not touch him without God's permission: "Hast thou not made a hedge about him?" Dreadful as this Enemy is, he can go no further than he is permitted: therefore, let us not be driven from our post because of danger. Christ liveth; and therefore we shall live also. Fear not, if you have secured a friend in him that is mighty. Put each day, and all its concerns, into his hand; in him alone you are secure. is the most safe, who can take every thing to Christ, and say, "Lord, consider my danger! Thou knowest where my faith will fail." The greatest advancement in the divine life is that perfect confidence in God described in the Canticles, "I sat down under his shadow, with great delight."

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CHRIST'S LAST PRAYER FOR HIS DISCIPLES.

O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.-JOHN xvii. 25, 26. [1804.]

CRITICS have marked in this chapter what may be appropriate to the particular case of the disciples, and what may be appropriate to the Church at large. But this will not interfere with our inquiry; for the 20th verse clearly shows, and proves, that the blessings here

spoken of belong to every believer to the end of the world. Our Lord says, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word."

Having premised this, let us consider more particularly the import of the text. Our Lord says, ver. 11, "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are" q. d. I am now speaking of the covenant blessings which thou hast provided in me, as the Head: "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee:" the world continue in blindness and hardness of heart: and though the Sun of Righteousness hath arisen with healing in his wings, yet they love darkness, rather than light but, O righteous Father, "I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it :" i. e. I will more fully declare it, on my ascension; and, on the day of Pentecost, the whole truth, the end of all the dispensations, shall be seen to be this: That the love wherewith thou hast loved me the Head, may be communicated to them the members.-I shall proceed to consider, from these words,

I. THE BLINDNESS IN THE MINDS OF THE UNREGEN

ERATE WORLD.

II. THE CONTRAST WHICH THIS PRESENTS TO THE ILLUMINATION OF THE TRUE CHURCH.

I. THE BLINDNESS OF THE UNREGENERATE WORLD. "The world hath not known thee." Then what has the world known? Not known God! Not known him with whom it has to do! Not known its Saviour -its best Friend! What then does it know, to pur

pose? If you inquire of the world, it will not only tell you, that the present age in particular is the most illuminated of any; but it will tell you of its wonderful discoveries in science, its great knowledge in politics, its progress in the arts, &c. Some will profess to tell you what progress religion has made in the world; and they will go on to say more, as knowing what progress it will make the world is so illuminated—so comprehensive!

Now, with all this knowledge, discovery, and instruction, I read the text: "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee!" Not known thee! and yet so wise? With all its little discoveries, cannot it discern the things belonging to its peace? Then, it is but telling me of the bustle and industry of ants-of the ingenuity and politics of bees! All this is trifling to him who wants a shelter. Moreover, we can tell them, that even the heathen excelled in these acquirements: and yet, what is said of the heathen? Ask the Bible, the true book of revelation: "When they knew God they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened," Rom. i. 21. It is plainly declared that man by nature is like the wild ass's colt, till the Holy Spirit shines into his heart. Let us consider for ourselves. If we give full evidence that we know not God as our Father and our Friend-if we know not Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, and are not united to him by faith-what is all our knowledge worth? No one is more pitiable than the celebrated wretch who is only this world's votary!

But, perhaps, it will be asked, May not men be guided by their private opinion? Must all think with the preacher? If you turn to the ninth chapter of the Prophet Jeremiah, you will find there is but one opinion.