by the rest of the world as comparatively little worth attention.

This, to say the least of it, is an error of judgment; for the scriptures decidedly instruct us upon this point in a way which ought not to be misunderstood. Men are put into the ministry for the purpose of gathering in, or feeding the remnant. It is true the office of feeding the flock, and of dispensing bread to such as are already called in, may be considered as most precious, and a delightful occupation: but the duty of seeking up the scattered ones is equally important and interesting. There are as it is said, "Virgins without number," Can. vi. 8. that is, souls that are yet unespoused to Christ by an effectual call of the Holy Ghost. These are to be bidden to the marriage, and compelled to come in. Now, it is not by a bare proclamation of privileges that this is usually effected; for sinners must be addressed correspondently with their condition and circumstances, so as to be made to recognize their own character as addressed with, thou art the man." Therefore the scriptures are replenished with overtures and addresses of this description. Some in our day have, however, in defiance of the Bible testimony affirmed, that there is no such method adopted in the scriptures. What, then, is to be understood of these express passages, "And hath committed to us the word of reconciliation." "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ; as though God did beseech you

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by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, Be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. v. 19, 20.

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We then as workers together with him, beseech you also, that ye receive not the grace of God (that is this gracious dispensation) in vain." 2 Cor. vi. 1. Paul, myself beseech you," 2 Cor. x. 1. beseech you therefore by the mercies of God," &c. Rom. xii. 1. "The Spirit and the bride say, Come," Rev. xxii. 17. What is the signification of those entreaties, remonstrances, tender expostulations, &c. with which the Bible ambassadors filled their mouths in obedience to the divine voice speaking by them? Thus, "Turn ye, turn ye why will ye die," Ezek. xxxiii. 11. “Repent and turn yourselves," Ezek. xiv. 6. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," Matt. iii. 2. A method adopted by our Lord himself, Matt. iv. 17. and enjoined by him to his commissioned witnesses, Luke xxiv. 47. Rev. ii. 8. iii. 3, 19. That the ambassadors themselves thus understood their office is manifest. Then Peter exhorted the multitude,

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Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost," Acts ii. 38. Repent, ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out," Acts iii. 19. "But now God commandeth all men every where to repent," Acts xvii. 30. Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ," Acts xx. 21. And even in the instance of the

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wretched Simon, the sense of responsibility was urged home, and he was exhorted both to repent and to pray, Acts viii. 22. These considerations should be laid up as a shield against erroneous opinions and false statements, especially as the opinions of those who limit their addresses is presented under the plausible notion of exalting the covenant, whereas it is a limitation of the ministry to one branch of the service, and an interference with the mode appointed by the Lord. Congregations are composed of two parts:-the church, or persons already savingly influenced, who must receive the food suitable to their advance and consolation; and those who are yet in a state of ignorance or indecision, who must be warned, encouraged, and pressed upon the grounds whereby they may appear most likely to be arrested. This is the scriptural method of discharging the duties of an ambassador. And this gives most glory to God, leaving it for the Holy Spirit to work invisibly and invincibly as he pleases, whilst he as an ambassador goes forth on his way working with persevering charity and hope.

Our subject upon the will, will manifest, that we do not by this reasoning ascribe any thing to man, of merit, power, or right upon this subject; but as he is always addressed, and to be judged, as an intelligent creature, it becomes needful to shew him that as such he is bound to seek, to knock, to ask. Matt. vii. 7. And that not doing so, he will be condemned for his unbelief and disobedience. Prov. i. 23-29.

Let us on this occasion put the inquiry to our own hearts, of whether we are discharging this responsibility, whether as rational creatures we are making trial of the overtures of mercy proclaimed in the gospel, being persuaded that whilst continuing unaffected and uninterested, we are manifestly in a perishing state, and are dooming ourselves to perdition? Opportunities are rapidly passing away, let them be seized ere they are past for ever. Isa. lv. 6.

But possibly the former part of this subject is most applicable to us. We have heard and obeyed the call, we have contended with our spiritual adversaries, we have had experience in the battle. O should this indeed be our case, let us increasingly cherish whatever may promote self-emptiness, taking up all our mortifying experiences as serviceable for the reduction of pride, vanity, and love of human applause; and striving to demonstrate more decidedly that we have been taught to appreciate the covenant provision of strength in the Lord. This is a state of soul highly estimated by its divine Author; and blessed promises are given for the consolation of all who in this sense possess a broken and a contrite heart. "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of an humble and contrite spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite For I will not contend for ever." Isa. lvii.

ones.

15, 16.

THE POURING FORTH OF THE
HEART BEFORE THE LORD.

LAM. ii. 19.

WE must here pursue our inquiry into the experience of the pilgrim, as following upon that state of contrition which he learns through the sanctified use of spiritual mortification. We have seen him, under a sense of his own impotency in the warfare, humbled and laid low before the Lord; and we have contemplated him in the midst of internal contrition, bursting from his heart in expressive sighs which proclaim his soul's distress. But this is not the full result of such exercises; there is a yet further demonstration of penitence and faith, which is to be considered as belonging to an advancement in the way. Abased and humbled as he is, and made willing to receive the most painful accusations of personal guilt and desert of punishment, he is not hereby rendered reserved with his God. The same Holy Spirit, who is the author of his contrition, is the author also of his confidential affiance; in which disposition, he comes to a state, which we may describe as the pouring forth of the heart before the Lord.