that will not hear, in the language of scripture, "the word of the Lord is line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little, that they may go and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." In other words, it is for judgment upon the proud and the scoffer, and will prove an aggravation of their sin; but to the faithful the doctrine of the Gospel, while it is a stone of trial to them as well as to others, is moreover "a precious corner stone, a sure foundation ; and he that believeth shall not be confounded."

Let me, then, in conclusion, entreat you to inculcate diligently the great fundamental truths of the Gospel upon the minds of your children of all committed to your care: teach them to know Jesus Christ, and him crucified; to love God as their Father, for all his goodness, and above all for the riches of his mercy in their salvation; to pray for his grace and Holy Spirit to guide them aright, and keep them from falling; to copy diligently the pattern exhibited in the life of the blessed Jesus, and study and strive to adorn the doctrine of God and their Saviour in all things. By the help of God, lay deep and firm that sure foundation of which the prophet speaks, and build thereupon the goodly structure of holy living. So, by little and little, line upon line, and precept upon precept, shall those who are babes in Christ grow even unto the measure of His stature; and, "continuing in

the faith grounded and settled, not moved away from the hope of the Gospel," shall never be ashamed. How great will be the shame, and unutterable the loss, if, while your care is employed to instruct them in earthly science, and adorn them with elegant accomplishments, the heart remain unadorned and undisciplined, and they be ignorant of those things which make for their everlasting peace!

And let one word be spoken of kind concern for those who are likewise, in the intention of the church, objects of catechetical instruction-I mean, servants. The bond which unites every part of a household is a bond of Christian fellowship: the moving principle, by which all are to be actuated in the performance of their several duties, is a religious principle. All is to be done, "as to the Lord, and not unto men:" Servants are to obey," as the servants of Christ;" and "masters to give unto them that which is just and equal, knowing that they also have a Master in heaven." And is it not "just," is

it not due to those who are taken into our family, to give them that instruction which may induce them to shun what is evil, and lead them to God? Is it enough to give them their portion of meat in due season, and their stipulated hire, and leave them hungry and naked, and destitute in spiritual things? Have we a right so to occupy their thoughts, that

there shall be no room for God to enter, nor time to do Him service? Is it "just" to complain of neglect or misconduct, if no pains be used to instil right principles into their minds, and to place continually before them the benefit of a good example? How sad and defenceless is the state of many a young person, separated from both parent and friend, without experience, and exposed to much temptation! Let both tender compassion and a sense of duty plead, brethren, in behalf of those who are under your roof. Be it your care to serve God with all your house. Teach them the good and the right way, and lead them to their heavenly Master: lead them to Him daily in prayer; give them the opportunity of attending Him in his house; and instruct them in the duty and privilege of worshipping him there, and of eating and drinking at his table. Guard your lips and all your conduct, and show them the excellence of the Gospel, and the beauty of holiness. A few minutes spent every day in family prayer, and a few more (if it be only on the Lord's day) in family instruction,-how easy the practice in a well-ordered house! how great the comfort! how rich the blessing!

And let me not close this discourse, without addressing a word to those for whose benefit the instruction mentioned herein is chiefly intended; who are young in years, or lowly in station. Let not the smiles of a deceitful world beguile you, nor your daily occupations

draw off your attention from your great, your immortal concern-the one thing needful. Lay up in your heart, and in your soul, the principles of faith and obedience revealed in the Gospel. Remember the examples of God's children set before you in holy writ: the tender affection of Ruth, the diligent attention and love in Mary, who sate at Jesus's feet, the praise of others mentioned by the Apostles: remember how Joseph, separated from his father's house, and serving in a strange land, feared to do evil, lest he should "sin against God," and the Lord was with him, and made all that he did to prosper: remember how Samuel "let none of the words of the Lord fall to the ground;" and how Timothy "learned from a child to know the holy Scriptures." Above all, remember the early piety and filial submission of the blessed Jesus- the pattern of all perfection. Though he was a Soneven the Son of the Most High-yet he practised the obedience of a servant: he was patient and gentle, meek and lowly in heart. Let his words be written upon your hearts, and his example be lovely in your eyes. So shall you be indeed the children and servants of your Father which is in heaven, and made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.

172

SERMON XI.

BAPTISM.

JOHN, iii. 5, 6.

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

THE first public administration of Baptism* in this place affords an occasion which I willingly embrace, of making some remarks upon this sacrament, and upon the mode in which it is appointed to be used in our church. And let me ask, brethren, if the ceremony which we have now witnessed be not most interesting and affecting? What can be more so, if we except (so far as the feelings are concerned) that service with which we take leave of our brethren departed in the Lord? Think of the

Notice had been given that Baptism would be administered after the second lesson in the afternoon, on the third Sunday in each month.