and trembling," and seek " the things belonging to their peace, before they be for ever hid from their eyes."]
Address —
1. Those who are postponing their work —
[Like those who neglected the rebuilding of the temple, we are apt to say, " The time for this work is not yet come." Youth look forward to adult age ; and they who are grown to manhood think that a more advanced period of life will be more favourable for the exercises of religion : and even the aged put off the work from day to day, hoping for some " more convenient season." But how many thousands perish by deferring that work which they acknowledge to be necessary! Sickness and death find them in an unconverted state, and hurry them un- prepared into the presence of God. O that all of us, whether old or young, would guard against these fatal consequences, and turn to God " this day, while it is called To-day."]
2. Those who are trifling with their work —
[There are many who would be offended, if they were thought regardless of religion, who yet by their listlessness and formality shew that they have no real delight in it. They are exact in their attendance on ordinances ; but they engage in them with a lukewarm Laodicean spirit : they have " the form of godliness, but not the power." But what can such persons think of the representations which the Scripture gives us of the Christian life ? It is there described as a race, a wrestling, a combat ; all of which imply the strongest possible exertions. Would to God that this matter were duly considered ; and that we called upon " our souls, and all that is within us," to prosecute this great concern. To every thing that might divert our attention from it, we should answer with Nehemiah, " I am doing a great work, and cannot come down ^." It is in this way only that we shall ever be enabled to adopt the words of our dying Lord, " Father, I have glorified thee on earth, I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."]
3. Those who are heartily engaged in their work —
[While the greater part of mankind make their worldly duties an excuse for neglecting religion, there are some who run into a contrary extreme, and make their religious duties an excuse for neglecting their worldly concerns. But this wdU bring great dishonour on religion. We are placed in the world as social beings, and have civil and social, as well as religious, duties to perform. These must be made to harmonize : and all must be attended to in their order. We must " not be slothful in business, though we must be fervent in spirit ; for
f Neh. vi. 3, 4.