has " the goodness of our God led us to rejoentance1? "
But what shall I say, if I put the question in reference to spiritual blessings? God has given to us, not merely "the bread that perisheth, but that also which endureth unto ever- lasting life." And not only has he sent us rain to refresh and fructify the parched ground, but he has sent us also his Holy Spirit, to revive and fertilize our barren souls. Whatever may be said of less-favoured places, I trust tve have reason to acknow- ledge the bounties of heaven in these respects. What, then, should be the state of our minds? Should not we be penetrated with a sense of gratitude to God? Should not we determine for ourselves, and stimulate one another to fear and serve him? Yea, might we not expect that the very stones should cry out against us, if we neglected to express our gratitude in this way ? But how is it with us ? Where are the persons who are so impressed ? Where are the persons who are so exercised ? Where are the persons who thus " fear the Lord and his good- nesk?" Alas! alas! We may condemn the Jews for their obstinacy ; but sure I am we have far greater reason to con- demn ourselves as the most ungrateful of men, when not even the mercy of redemption itself has been able to bring us effectually to our God ]
And now, what shall I say unto you ? Two requests I would make :
1. Mark the dealings of God with you —
[Mark those which relate to you as members of the commu- nity at large ; for in those you are deeply interested : let not the gift of rain, or genial seasons, and of abundant harvests, be overlooked, because they are common ; but let them all lead you in devout thankfulness to your God. And mark still
s Deut. xi. 13—15. h See Joel ii. 23—27.
1 Rom. ii. 4. k Hos. hi. 5.