deviations, and "to guide his feet into "the ways of peace.” note. By whatever means this conviction. is wrought, the foul foon becomes fenfible of its mistaken choice, and foon determines to withhold its attention from the calls of earthly objects, In vain does the Syren fing her delufive fong, it ceases now to charm; for the finger of GOD ftops the outward ear, that the inward ear may be opened to a sweeter The awakened finner looks up up his head, for his redemp"tion draweth nigh"-looks up to Heaven-For what? for the healing hand of his Redeemer to interpofe, and remove every remaining obftruction-looks up, and fighs-no defire of deliverance, without a previous fenfibility of diftrefs-a figh is the true language of defire; it is more effectual than long prayer; it is prayer itself, in its true fpirit words do frequently render it lefs less spiritual. The figh of a contrite finner brings down Heaven into his heart. JESUS often fighed. He loves a figh; it invites him into his own Temple; and "Ephphatha, be opened!" is the bleffed voice that precedes his falutary entrance. Be opened!-Opened, to what?-To the Harmony of Heaven; to the fymphonies of angels; to "the Voice of the Bridegroom." "The marriage of "the Lamb" is come; the Bride is prepared; the filver chord is tied; the blessed union is completed! The foul is now all eye, all ear, all heart, all tongue: and eye, and ear, and heart, and tongue, are all employed in receiving the gifts and graces, and celebrating the beauties and perfections of him, who is "fairest among ten thousand, "who is altogether lovely." O BLESSED JESUS! vouchfafe, we beseech thee, fo to manifeft thy power VOL. I, N in |