sickness, and the prospect of his grave must sometimes pass transiently his view. This is the moment for a word in season. The poor delinquent who has offended God by crime, who has plundered his neighbour's property to support his own profligacy and extravagance, is arrested by the hard grasp of law, and immured in the doleful solitude of a prison. Here then is ample scope for reflection on the one side, and for a sermon of instruction on the other. Both are grand objects of conversion; and the season presented by the personal situation of each, most favorable to the important work of radical reformation. The changes of every man's life are generally upon so interesting a scale, (certainly always so to himself) that the impression to be made on such

occasions, is both strong and lasting. Though there is something that may be called mechanical in the structure of the body, let us not forget that this machine is animated by a soul, a divine, immortal principle, which will never die. But as we live in a world which requires outward exertions, we cannot doubt but that our outward actions are influenced by this inward principle; and that on the contrary while the body suffers the mind is corrected. What a motive for watchfulness in every rational being!

In casting our eye over the various changing scenes of life, how many might be selected peculiarly appropriate to the conviction and conversion of a sinner. The whole range of bodily infirmities, the sudden ravages of a fever, the slow-consuming disease, the

Per

casualties and calamities which befall mankind, are all messengers of love, and by the kindness and interposition of Divine Providence are all to be received as divine instructors. To assist the mind labouring under such convictions is one of the objects of the following Meditations. In the midst of distress, whether the mind or the body be affected, there are few of us able to administer to our own relief. sonal sufferings absorb all our attention; and it is not till a kind and af fectionate friend takes upon himself the office of a Comforter, that we can either see the argument of consolation, or feel the blessedness of its effects. But no consolation can be given, till the soul is emptied of sin, and the body purified by the Spirit. Seize then every change of outward circumstances to

endeavour to accomplish the much more important purpose of changing the heart. Mercy then will be a gift indeed!—and, "O God, whose nature "and property is ever to have mercy "and to forgive, receive my humble

petitions, and though I am tied and "bound with the chains of my sins,

yet let the pitifulness of thy great

mercy loose me for the honour of "Jesus Christ our mediator and ad

"vocate !"

3. The third

distinction necessary to be observed in the applica tion of the means of grace to the person of the sinner, arises from an attention to the disposition of his mind:-" of some have compassion

making a difference, others save "with fear pulling them out of the

fire*." All have not equal ac tivity of mind in accepting the offer of salvation; and therefore, not only a variety of address is required, but also a less repulsive manner in restoring wanderers to the fold. This intimation is not intended to recom mend a qualifying conduct, or a time-serving servility in our treatment of a sinner-for the strenuous Paul would not "give place by subjection, "no not for an hour," to any enemy of the Gospel,-neither should we be tray our trust by any flattering concessions or deceitful accommodations; but, like the same Apostle, we should

speak the truth in Christ and lie not, as teachers of the Gentiles " in faith and verity."-Far be it