much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God." The fact that the work was so soon accomplished, proves the truth of good old Matthew Henry's saying, "that many hands make light work;" it certainly did in the case before us. Let this then encourage us in whatever we undertake, whether it may have reference to the public good in a temporal point of view, or to the glory of God in the redemption of a perishing world. I beg your

notice to another fact recorded in the connexion of the text, and it is this, that honorable mention is made of the DAUGHTERS of a distinguished citizen, who were also employed in a way worthy of themselves in forwarding the good work. But Nehemiah is by no means, the only inspired writer who records the valuable services rendered to the cause of God by pious females-by no means; even a Paul could not forget to speak of "those women who had labored with him in the gospel," and whose services were, I doubt not, both efficient and useful. Only let the female piety and energy of our churches and congregations, be brought more than ever to bear on the destinies of a fallen world, and much greater success than now would characterize our efforts, to bring back that world to its only God and Saviour. Surely, it becomes us to be animated with the prospect of success in whatever we are engaged, provided the end contemplated, be approved of God, and be sought out in the use of right means. Only let us have minds to work, let our souls be thrown into it, and as certain it is that success will attend our efforts as that God is faithful to his promise. As one section of the church of Christ in this

town, and by no means the least important, whether we speak of influence or numbers, let us brethren, live up to our privileges-let us act the Christian citizen-and be devoted to God in our several spheres, and the results will be those for which we pray, and which Heaven approves. The field is before us-it is an open field, there is room for all; yea, for more than all, who are at present to be found as faithful laborers in it. It becomes us not to be slothful, but diligent, and I would again add, that we have not time to be idle. Of us may it be said by generations to come, "For the people had a mind to work."

Let our energies and resources be well directed, accompanied with unceasing prayer to God, and its influence will tell upon the moral and spiritual condition of the town and neighborhood, nor would it end here but extend to other churches and localities, and thus be the means in some humble measure of blessing the entire world. What we want to see is the entire machinery of the militant church, well arranged, in good order, and put into active operation, and all that would be needed would be the promised and propelling influences of the Holy Spirit, and then would hasten on the day when a ransomed world would be familiar with the anthems of the blessed above.

My hearers, have you minds to work? and have you nothing to do? Come with us, and we will find you employment such as angels would delight to perform! Can you preach the gospel to the poor? Can you visit, pray with, and minister to the necessities of the afflicted and dying? Can you instruct the young, the hopes both of the church and the world? Can you swell the tide of charity by your grateful munificence ? Be as

sured, that, such are greatly needed amongst us; and if you have the "minds to work," then all things are ready, and in the name of Jesus and of a dying world, I call upon you to give yourselves to his service.

Allow me in conclusion, affectionately and faithfully to ask you two questions.

1. Are there any present who are engaged in the Lord's service, but whose hearts are not in it? Oh if there be, of this I feel assured, that you find it drudgery indeed, and the reason is, that you cannot serve two masters-Oh see to it, that you love the master you profess to serve.

2. Are there any present who have no disposition to labor for the Lord Jesus Christ? Permit me, my fellow-sinner, to remind you that those who are not for Christ are against him, and though you shall continue his enemy, his work shall go on, and how fearful will it be, should you die, as you have lived, worse than idlers in the midst of a dying world.

Be persuaded this morning, to cast in your lot with the Israel of God, and seek instantly the mercy and the grace which alone can pardon and save your immortal soul. Make from this hour, Christ crucified, the theme of your song and the glory of your future days; seek to be found with those who draw not back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul: for this, it becomes us, who profess to be Christians, both to labor and pray. That to us the Lord may give "minds to work" and strength to perform it, is the prayer of my heart for you all. Amen and

Amen.

THE LIFE OF FAITH,

RECOMMENDED IN A LETTER FOUND IN THE STUDY OF A REVEREND DIVINE, BEING AN ANSWER ΤΟ THE QUESTION, HOW TO LIVE IN THIS WORLD SO AS TO LIVE IN HEAVEN?

DEAR BROTHER,

YOUR'S I received; and thought on that question, being "How to live in this world, so as to live in heaven?" It is one of the common pleas of my heart, which I have often occasion to study, and therefore takes me not unprovided. It is hard to keep the helm up against so many crosswinds as we meet withal upon this sea of fire and glass.

That man knoweth not his own heart that finds it not difficult to break through the entanglements of the world. Creature-smiles stop and entice away the affections from Jesus Christ; creaturefrowns encompass and tempestuate the spirit, that it thinks it doth well to be angry. Both ways grace is a loser. We all need to watch and pray lest we enter into temptation.

The greatest of our conflicts and causes of complaint seem to have their original here: Temptations follow tempers. As there are two predominant qualities in the temper of every body, so there are two predominant sins in the temper of every heart. Pride is one in all men in the world. I will tell you familiarly what God hath done for my soul, and in what trade my soul keeps towards himself.

I am come to a conclusion, to look after no great matters in the world, but to know Christ and him crucified. I make best way in a low gale. A high spirit, and a high sail together will be very dangerous; and therefore I prepare to live now. I desire not much. I pray against it. My study is my calling; so much as to tend that without distraction I am bound to plead for, and more I desire not. By my secluded retirements, I have advantage to observe how every day's occasions insensibly wear off the heart from God, and bury it in self; which they who live in care and lumber cannot be sensible of. I have seemed to see a need of every thing God gives me, and to want nothing that he denies me. There is no dispensation, though afflicted, but either in it or after it I find I could not be without it, whether it be taken from me, or not given to me; sooner or later, God quiets me in himself without it. I cast all my concerns on the Lord, and live securely on the care and wisdom of my Heavenly Father. My ways, you know, are in some sense, hedged in with thorns, and grow darker and darker daily; but yet I distrust not my good God in the least, and live quietly in the absence of all, by faith, than I should do, I am persuaded, if I possessed them. I think the Lord deals kindly with me, to make me believe for all my mercies before I have them; they then will be Isaacs, sons of laughter. The less reason hath to work upon, the more freely faith casts itself on the faithfulness of God. I find that whilst faith is steady, nothing can disquiet me; and when faith totters, nothing can establish me. If I tumble out amongst means and creatures, I am presently lost, and can