[Respecting too many of you, alas! it imist rather be asked, ' What! Is he not yet among the prophets?' Has he heard the word so long and so faithfully preached in
vain? Has the Spirit of God so often striven with
him m vain? Has he made so many good resolves in
vain? Alas! how aggravated is his guilt! and how
awful vidll be his condemnation! Yes, Brethren, you must, many of you at least, be sensible, that no great and visible and lasting change has taken place in you, nothing that has excited the admiration of others, nothing that has called forth thanks- giving in yourselves. If you compare yourselves with the Prophets and Apostles of old, you can find in yourselves no real resemblance to them, either in zeal for God or in devoted- ness to His service. I would not. Brethren, that you should continue in this unhappy state. You may perhaps, when you see the prophets with " their tabret and their pipe," be ready to account it all enthusiasm: and I readily acknowledge, that now the melody must be rather in the heart, than in any external and audible expressions. But there must be the praises of God both in your heart and in your mouth; and your whole life also must testify that " God is with you of a truth." Be in earnest, then, and seek without delay converting grace : and, " whilst ye have the light, walk in the light, that ye may become the children of the light '^."J
■f John xii. 35, 36.