cloud, to which

you

look up

with so much SERMON

dread, may pass by harmless; or though it should discharge the storm, yet before it breaks, you may be lodged in that lowly mansion which no storms ever touch.

In the next place, there are in futurity some events which may be certainly foreseen by us, through all its darkness. First, it may be confidently predicted, that no situation into which it will bring us, shall ever answer fully to our hopes, or confer perfect happiness. This is certain as if we already saw it, that life, in its future periods, will continue to be what it has heretofore been; that it will be a mixed and varied state; a checquered scene of pleasures and pains, of fugitive joys and transient griefs, succeeding in a round to one another. Whether we look forwardto the years of youth, or to those of manhood and advanced life, it is all the same. The world will be to us what it has been to generations past. Set out, therefore, on what remains of your journey under this persuasion. According to this measure, estimate your future pleasures; and calculate your future gains, Carry always along with you a modest and a temperate mind,

Let

III.

SERMON Let not your expectations from the years III. that are to come rise too high; and your disappointments will be fewer, and more easily supported.

Farther; this may be reckoned upon as certain, that, in every future situation of life, a good conscience, a well ordered mind, and a humble trust in the favour of Heaven, will prove the essential ingredients of your happiness. In reflecting upon the past, you have found this to hold. Assure yourselves that in future, the case will be the same. The principal correctives of human vanity and distress must be sought for in religion and virtue. Entering on paths which to you are new and unknown, place yourselves under the conduct of a divine guide. Follow the great Shepherd of Israel, who, amidst the turmoil of this world, leads his flock into green pastures and by the still waters. As you advance in life, study to improve both in good principles and in good practice. You will be enabled to look to futurity without fear, if, whatever it brings, it shall find you regularly employed in doing justly, loving mercy, and walking bumbly with the Lord your God.

Lastly

III.

Lastly, Whatever other things may be SERMON dubious in futurity, two great events are undoubtedly certain, death and judgment. These, we all know, are to terminate the whole course of time; and we know them to be not only certain, but to be approach ing nearer to us, in consequence of every day that passes over our heads. To these, therefore, let us look forward; not with the dread of children, but with that manly seriousness which belongs to men and Christians. Let us not avert our view from them, as if we could place them at some greater distance by excluding them from our thoughts. This indeed is the refuge of too many; but it is the refuge of fools, who aggravate thereby the terrors they must encounter. For he that cometh, shall come, and will not tarry. To his coming, let us look with a steady eye; and as life advances through its progressive stages, prepare for its close, and for appearing before Him who made us.

THUS I have endeavoured to point out the reflections proper to be made, when the question is put to any of us, How old art

thou?

III.

SERMON thou? I have shewn with what eye we should review the past years of our life; in what light we should consider the present; and with what dispositions look forward to the future: In order that such a question may always leave some serious impression behind it; and may dispose us so to number the years of our life, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

[61]

SERMON IV.

On the DUTIES belonging to MIDDLE
AGE.

I CORINTHIANS, xiii. II.

-When I became a man, I put away
childish things.

To every thing, says the wise man, there SERMON

is a season'; and a time to every purpose under heaven *. As there are duties which belong to particular situations of fortune, so there are duties also which result from particular periods of human life. In every period of it, indeed, that comprehensive rule takes place, Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. Piety to God, and charity to men,

* Ecclef. iii. 1.

+ Ecclef. xii. 13.

are

IV.