the Lord for mercy, and did not find more satisfaction in that hour than in all the pleasures he ever enjoyed ? Who does not look back to such a period, as the happiest hour of his life ? I will gladly concede to every man the liberty of passing judg- ment on himself; and will venture to abide the verdict which every man shall give. Into whatever state of carnal pleasures such an one may have turned aside, I can have no doubt but that, in seasons of reflection, he says, " Oh that it were with me as in times past !" ]
2. It renders us happy amidst all the most afflictive circumstances of life —
[Every man is, sooner or later, brought into trouble : for " man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward." But a sense of God's pardoning love upon his soul will more than counterbalance all his afflictions. " Being justified by faith, and having peace with God, he will glory in tribulations," of whatever kind they beh. He will see his trials to be a rod in his Father's hand1 ; and he will acquiesce in the dispensation, from the hope that " all things shall work together for his goodk," and shall ultimately " work out for him a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory1." ]
3. It administers consolation to him, even on the bed of death —
[How blessed were the reflections of St. Paul when in the daily expectation of a cruel death ! " I have fought a good fight ; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith : hence- forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me in that daym." Such was Jacob's consolation in his dying hour: " I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord"." Yes, Brethren, a sense of God's pardoning mercy upon the soul will take away the sting of death, and make us rather to " desire that we may depart and be with Christ0," in the full fruition of his glory. ]
Address —
1. The young —
[It is never too "early" to seek, and to obtain, "mercy" from God. We read of several who from their very infancy were sanctified unto the Lord : and why should not you be numbered amongst that highly -privileged class ? You have an idea that the good things of this world, and the enjoyment of all pleasurable amusements, will make you happy. But if you will transfer this notion to spiritual things, and seek your happiness in them, I pledge myself that ye shall be satisfied
h Rom. v. 1, 3. i Mic. vi. 9. k Rom. viii. 28. > 2 Cor. iv. 17. m 2Tim.iv.7,8. n Gen. xlix. 18. <> Phil. i. 23.