defects, in order to their being remedied : and if only a doubt were suggested, he would endeavour to ascertain how far there was any foundation for it. He would say, I am about to commit my life and property to this vessel, and I must not stay till I am got into the midst of the ocean before I search into her state : it will be too late to do that when I am in the midst of a storm : I must do it now, before I go on board. Precisely in this way should you come up to the house of God. You are about to embark for eternity : and the in- structions given by your minister are intended to point out every defect in your vessel, in order to its being remedied in time. Shut not then your ears to his instructions ; and close not your eyes to your defects: but bless God for every assistance which you can obtain in a matter of such infinite importance, and endeavour to improve it for the salvation of your soul. In particular, search out your defects ; and cry mightily to God to pardon them for the Redeemer's sake, and to repair them by the influences of his good Spirit : so may you hope to navigate in safety this tempestuous ocean ; and in due season to " have an abundant entrance" into the haven of eternal bliss.]
Jam. v. 7, 8. Be "patient, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient ; stablish your hearts : for the coming of the Lord draiveth nigh.
CHRISTIANITY, even in the apostolic age, was professed by multitudes who neither understood its doctrines nor obeyed its precepts. The great and fundamental doctrine of justification by faith was denied by some, and abused by others ; who took occasion from it to "turn the grace of God into licentiousness," and to " continue in sin that grace might abound." To this latter class more especially St. James directed his epistle. He did indeed write to the unbelieving Jews also : for his epistle is addressed " To the twelve tribes who were scattered abroad :" and, as they were in no state to receive such affectionate salutations as are observable in the