how or whither to return. That they may not irremediably perish, God has appointed ministers, to go forth, as under shepherds, to search out the wandering sheep, and to bring them hack to his fold. '1 'his is the one object of our lives ; to shew you how far you " have erred from the truth ;" to con- vert you from the error of your ways ; and thus eventually to save your souls. In our execution of this office we perhaps appear to some to be uncharitable and harsh. But if we do believe that death, even the death of your immortal souls, will be the end of your wanderings, does it not become us " to lift up our voice like a trumpet, and to shew to the house of Israel their sins" with all fidelity? Suppose a person taking the soundings of a ship in full sail, were to find, on a sudden, that the ship were running upon rocks or shoals, and would speedily, if the helm were not instantly turned, be irremediably lost ; would he not feel it his duty to apprise the pilot of his danger? or would the passengers, whose lives were in such imminent peril, be offended with him, if he spake as one who believed what he said, and as one who had the safety of the crew at heart ? Methinks, if there were somewhat of vehe- mence in his words and manner, all would readily excuse it ; and not excuse it only, but applaud it also, as the proper elfect of fidelity and love. Then consider us as placed in that situation by Almighty God. You are all embarked on board the vessel, and we are appointed by God to take the sound- ings : and we do declare unto you, that, unless your course be changed, you must inevitably and eternally perish. If you doubt it, take the line in your own hands, and examine the chart by which you are to steer. We do not wish you to take our word, but to see and judge for yourselves: and, if our testimony be true according to the written word, then be thankful for our labours ; and, instead of being offended at our fidelity, adore your God, who has appoined us " to watch for your souls," and has connected our welfare with yours : for it is only by a faithful discharge of our duty to you that " we can save ourselves, or them that hear usc."]
2. What should be your view in attending on the ordinances of the Gospel —
[You should not come to be amused, but to be instructed and edified. You should come desirous of knowing wherein you have erred, and how you may get safely into the way of truth. Your minds should be open to conviction. You should be aware of the danger of self-deception. You should beg of God to instruct his ministers how to speak most to your edification ; and should entreat him to accompany the word
c 1 Tim. iv. 16.