for time than eternity? Are we more anxious, and do we labour and strive more for the fleeting vanities of this present life, than for all those glories of the eternal world, which the God of mercy has promised us in his blessed Son? With humbleness of mind and deep contrition of heart and soul, let us deplore this our weakness and folly, and earnestly beseech God that he will renew our hearts day by day, and sanctify us more and more by his Holy Spirit; and let us by all means, and in every way apply ourselves, and exert every power of body and mind, to become more deeply concerned for our future welfare, and more zealous and active in the Redeemer's cause. What of all things we should most desire is, that the Spirit which was in him may be in us. He has taught us by his apostle, that if any man lack wisdom he must ask of God, without whom we can do nothing. Next after praying for his grace, it is most important to hearken to the counsels of his word. "We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." We should endeavour, in a greater and better degree, to be doers of the word, and not hearers only," in which no doubt many deceive themselves, supposing that reading the scriptures or hearing sermons, is in itself meritorious, or doing God service, though we do not obey his word. To hear his word and yet neglect to do his will, is adding to our sin.

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By reflecting too on the short period of this sent life, and how imperfect at best and unsatisfactory are all terrestrial enjoyments, we should endeavour to esteem them less, and so to use the world as not abusing it. And by duly considering how incom

parably greater are the joys of heaven; how infinitely important are the concerns of the soul, and our eternal salvation in Jesus Christ, we should strive to be more interested in religion. For this end it will be of much use to observe the wisdom of worldly men, what they willingly do to obtain doubtful and temporal things. Their labours and perseverance, and self-denial, show you what may be done, and what we ought to do. Will not we be as careful for our souls, as they for their bodies? If the avaricious are never weary of labouring to increase their wealth, shall not we be as diligent to grow in grace?

God's mercies which are past, if we rightly view them, will encourage us to hope for future blessings; he that begins in you a good work will finish it; the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. The progress which you have already made in the Christian life, may well encourage you to press forward towards the mark of the prize of your high calling. When the psalmist was dejected, and it seemed that God had forsaken him, he acknowledged that this was his own infirmity, and encouraged himself to trust in God and go forward by calling to mind his former mercies. "I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most Highest. I will remember the works of the Lord, and call to mind the wonders of old time." Finally, while worldly men are bowing to a thousand idols, let us fear and serve the living God. They rejoice in their own wisdom and their own works; "Let Israel rejoice in him who made him, and the children of Zion be glad in their King." If songs of joy and exultation are sung to the gods of this world, let us chant still louder strains

of glory and praise to the Lord Jehovah. If to accomplish their favourite pursuits, they are selfish and unfeeling, and elated with pride, let us "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God."

And may the God of all mercy awaken our zeal, direct our hearts, and strengthen our hands to do his will; and to him be rendered eternal praise. Amen.

SERMON XXIV.

ON HASTY, INCONSIDERATE ZEAL.

1 Chron. xv. 12, 13.

Sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. For because ye did it not at the first, the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

ST. PAUL writes to Timothy, "If a man strive for masteries he is not crowned, except he strive lawfully." And the same apostle testifies of the Jews, "that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." Their striving was in their own strength, and according to their own wisdom and corrupt desires, and of course they were not crowned, but rejected. In regard to the moral conduct of mankind, their motives and intentions are no doubt of most importance. But in regard to positive institutions, and religious rites and performances, they are generally of little use but as they are conformable to the will and appointment of Almighty God. On this subject, the history with which our text is connected, will give us useful instruction.

When David was raised to the throne, the ark of God had probably remained some time in obscurity, at a place called Kirjah-Jearim, and the nation had not made that religious use of it which their law required. But when this monarch was well established in the government, and had taken possession of the Hill of Zion, he summoned a large assembly, even thirty thousand chosen men of Israel, that they might remove the ark to the city of David. But in doing it they did not strive lawfully. "They set the ark of God upon a new cart," which was imitating the Philistines, rather than obeying the law of God; for his law required that it should be carried upon men's shoulders. For a while they proceeded with great joy and thanksgiving, but at length the oxen which drew the cart stumbled, and the ark was shaken; and Uzza, one of those who drove the oxen, and perhaps one who advised to this mode of conveying it, fearing that the ark might fall, or receive some injury, "took hold of it." This also was contrary to God's law, which forbade any one but the priests to touch it, on pain of death. Presuming thus to violate the law, he incurred the penalty; the Lord smote Uzza, and he immediately died.

This signal manifestation of divine displeasure, filled David and all the people with such awe and fear, that they durst not then proceed. And it had the intended effect of setting them to inquire with more diligence and care, how the ark should be removed. And when for this purpose the king had summoned the heads of their tribes, he explained to them the right manner of proceeding; and calling the priests and Levites, he added the words read for