and credulity of his neighbour. The Son of God himself stands over the grave with looks expressing the assurance of his efficacious power; but marked, at the same time, with the pleasing expectation of soon embracing his reviving friend. But the sisters, the faithful and affectionate sisters, see with what anxious eagerness they bend over their brother's grave! See how trembling expectation waits for the first signal of life! In this case perfect love doth NOT cast out fear, nor doth faith itself attend the issue without wavering. See how their eyes strain to catch the returning sense! Hah! it returns-the colour returns to the pale lips--they move-the blood wanders over the countenance-the eye-balls move-the eye-lids open-he lives-Lazarus lives! Need we pursue the scene further? Need we dwell upon the cordial effusions of grateful friendship, or the tender embraces of brotherly love? These circumstances we need not exhibit, as they are obvious to every imagination.

From the contemplation of such wonderful events as these we may derive much religious improvement. They animate our devotion, confirm our faith, and even exalt our ideas of that glorious Being whom we serve. At the same time, scenes of pathetic tenderness,

where the gentle affections are exercised and called forth, soften and subdue the mind; they recall us from the idle pursuits of festivity, or the more laborious vanities of false ambition.

Who that contemplates the lamented death of Lazarus, but would rather wish that his remains might be embalmed by the tears of private friendship, than that the report of his death should spread from region to region, and be heard with indifference, till it was heard no more! Who, that considers the miraculous circumstances of his resurrection, would think it worth his while to labour for the interest of any power but that which shall re-animate the dead! Is it possible to reflect on the story of Lazarus, and not wish to have partaken of that tender affection which wept over his grave? To have been distinguished by the favour of that gracious Redeemer, who feels so tenderly for the sufferings of his creatures; who died for their sins, and rose again for their deliverance from the grave? If it be natural to form these wishes, let us reflect that this Redeemer still liveth, and liveth to make intercession for us; that, like Lazarus, we may be distinguished by his friendship, and, like him, through his power, rise again from the dead.

SERMON III.

THE DIFFERENT CONDITIONS OF THE WICKED AND THE RIGHTEOUS CONSIDERED IN SOME PARTICULAR VIEWS.

PROV. iv. 18, 19.

The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. But the way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble.

NEVER was there a more just or a more striking picture than that which is exhibited in these two short verses. It appears, indeed, from all the writings of the son of David, that he had a consummate knowledge of human ́nature, and a deep penetration into the minds and manners of men: but in this passage he has even outshone himself, and has added to the solid truths of the moralist the strength of the poet's imagination.

1. The path of the just is as the shining light. And what wonder? since his way is directed

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by that word of truth, which is a lantern to his feet, and a light unto his paths-since he derives his intelligence from the fountains of eternal knowledge, and follows the guidance of infallible wisdom! Is it possible that darkness should fall upon his path, or that his life should be misdirected, while it is conducted by the rules of him who gave it? Is not he who constructs a machine most capable of ordering its motions, and of giving laws for its due regulation? While the actions of man are directed by the laws of God, it is so long impossible that he should go blindly forward, or that his feet should not walk in the way of knowledge. He moves in one certain and limited sphere, where his way is plain before him; and his guide is continually at hand to direct him, that he turn not to the right hand, or to the left.

Can any thing be more desirable, in this valley of darkness and uncertainty, than to walk under the brightness of perpetual day? than to have our paths illumined by that glorious Being, who has arrayed himself with light as with a garment?

This is nothing more than what a good man continually enjoys. While he makes the revealed will of God the rule of his actions, he walks for ever in the light of his counte