teachable, and humble manner, from sabbath to sabbath, manifest a daring contempt of divine mercy, practically bid defiance to almighty wrath, and render their destruction nearly certain. Those, who are destitute of the gospel, and neglect any reasonable sacrifice to ensure the invaluable blessing, treat themselves as unworthy of eternal life. They prove that they love darkness rather than light, falsehood rather than truth, that the love of God is not in their hearts, nor the fear of God before their eyes. They seek the ways of death. They reject the grace of God, to their own destruction. They build the walls of their own prison, whence they will not be released, till they have paid the uttermost farthing.

SERMON XVII.

JAMES v, 17, 18.

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her

fruit.

MAN is the most useful study of man. To ascertain his moral character, his capacity for obedience, the limits of his power, or extent of his attainments, is a duty of high importance. As in the glass, face answers to face, so, in some measure, do the minds of men correspond to each other. Particularly is this the case with those in the same degree of improvement, whether saint, savage, or sage. By analyzing the conduct and motives of other men, you may learn more of your own. By observing what they accomplish, you may discover your own powers, the latent resources of your own minds. No study, no science, is more interesting. Should a wise man land on a

newly discovered island, he might, perhaps, readily remark some peculiarities in the soil, the animals, the plants and minerals; but before he fully investigated them, unless his profession directed him to a particular pursuit, he would examine the character of the inhabitants. Their descent, their language, their customs, their laws, their government, their religion, and the state of the arts, would be objects of his diligent inquiry. What is the colour of a flower, compared with the morals of an accountable being? What is the texture of a shell, or the height of a mountain, compared with the attainments of immortal man?

Of all men, Elias, or Elijah, is one of the most remarkable. He rises eminent among the sons of Adam, and well deserves particular attention. Of other prophets, something is said respecting their parentage or early life; but this man is abruptly introduced; he seems to drop from the clouds, a prophet in mature life, with the message of God on his lips. Hence the Jews and some christian commentators have supposed him an angel. This, the text seems to contradict, asserting that he had our passions; was a man like us.

Will you accompany me, the moments before us, in contemplating his character?

I. He was a man of remarkable faith. He believed in God. In what God revealed, he put unlimited confidence. He said to Ahab, "As the Lord God of Israel liveth, there shall not be dew nor rain these years; but according to my word." Here was unmixed, unwavering faith. Had he not enjoyed the

faith, which is a demonstration of things not seen," his self-respect, his vanity, would have preserved him from such a daring declaration. Had one doubt chilled his heart, he would not have presumed to express himself in such unqualified terms. The next evening dew might have detected his rashness, and rendered him the sport of the king and country. But believing in God, he is not afraid to proclaim what God has revealed. Afterwards, God commanded him to retire to one of the branches of the Jordan, assuring him that the ravens should supply his wants. What could be more improbable, or a more severe trial of his faith? What could be more dismal, than to dwell in this solitary spot, ravenous birds his companions and stewards? Feeding on carrion themselves, whence could they procure wholesome food? From whose table or oven could they obtain bread?

Here, I should not do justice to you or myself, did I not remark, that some difference of opinion has prevailed on this subject. The word orebim, translated ravens, is by some of the learned thought to signify merchants. They suppose that travelling traders, constantly passing by the retreat of Elijah, sold him provision. Others suppose the word signifies Arabians, and that these wandering people supplied the prophet's table. The Jewish Rabbis say, that a town in the vicinity was called Orbo, which is nearly the same word, rendered ravens; and St. Jerome says the inhabitants of this place supplied Elijah with bread and meat. Jerome had lived in that country, and taken great pains