were displayed in constituting the person, atonement, and redemption of Christ for our souls. This work is perfect; so complete, that while it requires not the aid of human merit, it bids defiance to all the rage of hell to destroy. It is equally true, that it is the work of God, by the power of his Spirit, to make Christ more precious to the souls of men than the golden wedge of Ophir. Gold is the object of the carnal heart; and Christ is disesteemed. But, when the Spirit regenerates the heart, reveals its vileness, and shows the richness of Emmanuel; there is an incessant desire for the possession of Christ, the gold of Ophir. May this be your happy case! Where the treasure is, there will your heart be also. Jesus is attractive gold to the conscious sinner; none will pant after him, till they are convinced they must perish without him. In the possession of Christ, you will be rich in the midst of poverty; you will enjoy pleasures in extremities of pain; possess an hope of life in the agonies of death! Then, farewell all ye treasures of a deceitful world ;farewell ye votaries of worldly bliss! Thanks be unto God for the unspeakable gift of his Son Jesus; more precious to me than ten thousand mountains of the gold of Ophir.

CONTENTMENT is a cheerful acquiescence in that

station which providence hath assigned us; and a satisfaction with that portion of temporal good which we enjoy, without an eager thirst for more. Since our judgments are so imperfect, our affections so carnal, and our wills, naturally, by sin, so rebellious against God, no wonder that contentment is possessed by so few, and that even those who have it, find many occasions for an increase of this charming temper. Discontent, the offspring of pride, turned Angels out of heaven. The same evil temper was the procuring cause of Adam and Eve being expelled the garden of Eden; and it too often occurs, that by discontent our condition in life is rendered worse. Let us then, at least, begin, with Paul, to learn in whatsoever state we are, therewith to be content. Christ is the only TEACHER at whose feet we can learn contentment with real advantage; and under his divine instruction we shall find that this temper does not float on the surface of the mind, but takes its seat in the heart; becomes habitual, diffusing peace, tranquillity and blessedness in the

soul. In our acquiring contentment, under the instruction of our Divine Teacher, we will, at least, look into three volumes.

The first we will read is what I shall call THE BOOK OF HUMAN LIFE. Herein we may learn, that however diversified the scenes of mankind, high and low, rich and poor, ignorant and learned, healthy and decrepid, the whole are apportioned by one supreme infinitely WASE BEING. Consider for a moment how many persons are ensnared by the very treasures which you are so anxious to grasp. Look around, and see how great the number of those whose case, in person and circumstances, is infinitely more painful and wretched than your own. Ask yourselves, Would you be willing to exchange with those afflicted, distressed persons? Review your past life; has not providence to you been exceedingly kind; and his goodness much greater than you could have expected or desired? Were there not some dark, intricate, dangerous scenes in your life, in which the hand of God, unseen, was extended for your relief, and conducted you in paths much safer and more advanta geous than your own sanguine wishes could desire? Are not these strong reasons for contentment in your present state? Why not be satisfied that the same divine hand should guide you through your future path, which hath hitherto conducted you with so much care. Even now, if left to your own choice, are you certain you should choose that path, or that object, which would issue in your happiness? Alas! how many instances are there, when men of supposed sagacity have extended their arms, and, instead of embracing an expected object, have found nothing but a shadow to mortify their ambition !! Besides, consider the brevity of human life. Go, visit the

tombs of the miser, the ambitious, the voluptuary, the enterprising; and there learn how short are the gay scenes, and the most promising gratifications of our carnal appetites. Death may soon cut your life short; and the very earthly enjoyments you are now so anxious to possess, may not find you to receive them. Learn, therefore, to be content with your present portion. Painful anxiety for future, always imbitters the present possession of what we enjoy. Act the part of a dependent creature upon an independent God, living upon his daily bounty; and express your contentment and gratitude for the numberless instances of his goodness towards you. If the book of human life afford us such moral lessons to produce contentment, let us now open

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The BIBLE. If you are Christians indeed, in this volume you may acquire contentment in higher perfection than nature can teach you. Herein you learn, that by your unnumbered sins you have justly forfeited your right to the least comfort of life; and that all you enjoy is the grant of rich, unmerited mercy. This persuasion will lay you low in the dust of self-abasement, and lead you rather to thank the good hand of God for what you enjoy, than murmur that you possess no more. As one justly ac knowledged, any thing short of hell, is our mercy By the Scriptures you will bring to recollection the po verty, tears, sufferings, and death of your dear Saviour, who hath redeemed you by his blood; and through whom alone all the blessings, even of this life, are bestowed upon you. Can you cultivate discontent in your present situa tion, when Jesus left the bosom of his Father, became a man of sorrows, and acquainted with griefs; had no where to lay his head; hungry, thirsty, cold, afflicted, despised, crucified, for you? Impossible! Besides, in the Bible

you learn the infinite value and happiness of a saved soul; in preference to a decorated, well-fed body, which, at any rate, will only give a better meal to the worms of the grave. It is generally found, that when God denies the outward comforts and luxuries of life, it is to answer some valuable end, and make up the supposed loss in the more sensible communications of himself. Hence it is many Christians have been more humble, lively, and useful while treading the path of adversity, than when surrounded with affluence. You should ever bear upon your mind, that if God is your Father in Christ Jesus, all his conduct with you is in love. If, therefore, you have but little, your Father's blessing makes that little truly sweet; and is more highly to be prized than the abundant riches of the wicked. If you could change your present condition and temporal circumstances, are you certain that you would commit less sin, have fewer temptations, and bring more honour to God than you now do? Perhaps not. If such a station would be attended with spiritual advantages, be assured the love which God bears to you would soon accomplish it. Ministers, above others, need to cultivate a large share of contentment, because they are often led into dark and apparently discouraging paths. Satan is more busy with them than with others; and they are equally anxious with other men to see good in their days. Hence they are often faint, and cast down, ready to leave their work and their station. This was not only the case of Jeremiah, but we have an affecting instance of it in the history of Jonah. How much better for him to have been content to go to Ninevah, than to have dishonoured his profession in the ship, and provoked God to give him bed in the whale's belly. The best consideration fory Ministers, as well as others, is, first to determine if you