dispositions. And our Saviour tells us what is "the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent."-John vi. 29. As the devil gives his servants wages (for they earn them) does not Christ offer a reward to His? Yes. But their services cannot earn, or deserve it. Eternal life is a gift.--Rom. vi. 23. Not a debt.-Rom. iv. 4. Christ says, "When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do."--Luke xvii. 10. To what are the different hours of the day compared ? To youth, manhood, and advanced age. You told me the call to enter into God's vineyard was made at your baptism, but are you, not continually reminded of it? Yes. By conscience-" Is my heart right with God."?-1 Kings viii. 61. By scripture" What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or, what shall a man give in exchange for his soul."?-Matt. xvi. 26. By ministers, the flight of time, and the death of those around us, all of which must, if "we think on these things," (Phil. iv. 8,) remind us of the interests of our souls. called "a day," to Can you not repeat called a day? may rest, till he ac The time for working is express the shortness of it. a few texts where this life is "Turn from him, that he complish, as an hireling, his day."-Job xiv. 6. "I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day."-John ix. 4. "I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."-2 Cor. vi. 2. As the time is so short, in what manner should we perform our allotted task, and bear the difficulties and trials of life? With diligence and cheerfulness, for if our work be not done when the night of death comes, it will remain undone for ever. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."-Eccle. ix. 10. Why are so few chosen out of the many who are called? Because they attend only to the outward call, are content with the name of christian, and obey not with the heart. What will be the doom of such? "Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear com eth; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: they would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them."-Prov. i. 24-33. I must beg you to ask yourselves whether you have listened to God's gracious invitations, and are now employed in heart and life in his service, or are still halting between the deceitful paths of sin, and the safe, though narrow road to life everlasting. We all require constantly to be reminded that a mere profession of religion, or a half, or wavering obedience will not save us. Indeed you must pray to God to assist you to ascertain upon what you are resting your hope of salvation. me what is the only ground of reliance? Tell "Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste."-Isa. xxviii. 16. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."-1 Cor. iii. 11. "Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."-John xi. 26. It is now time for us to conclude by repeating a suitable hymn. HYMN 137. 1 A charge to keep I have My never dying soul to save, WESLEY. 2 From youth to hoary age, may it all my pow'rs engage 3 Arm me with jealous care As in Thy sight to live; And now Thy servant, Lord, prepare 4 Help me to watch and pray O let me not my trust betray THE LOST SHEEP. LUKE XV. 1.-MATT. Xviii. 12. UPON what occasion was this parable of the lost sheep spoken? When many publicans came to hear Jesus. The collectors of the Roman tribute, and, therefore, much hated by the Jews, who classed them with the worst of men. The reason of this will be better seen by stating, that Judea was at this time a province of the Roman Empire. "The sceptre had now departed from Judah."-Gen. xlix. 10. The Jews im. patiently bore this yoke, and paid their taxes with great reluctance. These were usually let by pub lic auction, and those who farmed them were called "Publicans." Some of them were receivers for a considerable district, as Zaccheus, who is termed a "chief publican."-Luke xix. 2. These had officers under them, as Matthew, who sat at the place where duties were paid on exports and imports.-Mark ii. 14. Many of these were persons of infamous character, and oppressive in their exactions. The office was considered disgraceful among the Greeks, and still more so among the Jews. Were there others present when these came? Yes. Pharisees and scribes. As these were proud and self-righteous, what was their behaviour? They murmured that Christ should receive and eat with sinners. How did Jesus answer them? By this parable. If you attend, I hope you will see in it the rebuke given, and Christ's loving and gracious dealings in our salvation, so that, with God's blessing, we may increase in humility, love, and thankfulness. Of the hundred sheep that this man possessed, how many went astray? Only one. When sheep wander, do they easily find their home again? No-they do not possess the sagacity of other animals they are very timid, and require the constant care of the shepherd to guard them from danger. If you have been in the country you may have |