Let us now consider what they are, and how they are to be observed. 1st." Thou "shalt have none other gods but Me." We need but to cast our eyes on any one object of the creation to be firmly persuaded that there is a power above, which created all.

The whole astonishing system of heaven and earth--the order and harmony that appear conspicuous in every branch of this visible world can never be the effect of inactive matter or blind chance.

If we examine the frame of man, so fearfully and wonderfully made, it is enough to convince us, that nothing less than a Being who is all perfection could be the author of so perfect a work. As there is such a Power then, on whom we are so evidently dependant for our daily preservation, as well as existence itself,

we cannot doubt that He alone is the proper object of our worship, that He alone is entitled to the small tribute of our praise and thanksgiving.

It is necessary to explain in what respect we can ever be said to have other gods before Him. This act of idolatry does not consist merely in paying that adoration to false deities, which is due to God alone, as was the error of former ages but also in placing our affections on earthly vanities to the neglect of the Almighty; in preferring the riches and pleasures, which are the idols, of this world, to the service of the true God,

But those things will be more largely treated on under the second commandment. It is sufficient at present to shew, that to employ our thoughts upon any worldly object, which is capable of enticing our attention from the knowledge

and worship of the Almighty, is to have other gods before Him.

I shall conclude this discourse with examining in what manner he is to be worshipped. In this point we are instructed by our Saviour himself" Thou shalt love "the Lord thy God with all thy heart, "and with all thy soul, and with all thy "strength." To love God is, to look up to Him as the author and fountain of our being, with gratitude and submission, returning Him our unfeigned thanks for all his past mercies, for every blessing which He has already bestowed upon us, and imploring the continuance of His protection for the time to come; not only promising Him with our lips, but honouring Him with our hearts; endeavouring by our lives and actions, as far as the frailty of human nature will permit, to deserve His goodness; fearing to offend against His divine Majesty either by word or deed;

yielding obedience to His laws and submission to His will. In a word, approving ourselves to Him by righteousness and holiness through all the paths of this mortal life, that we may render ourselves worthy to be admitted to a more certain and glorious knowledge of him in the life

to come.

This is truly and sincerely to

love the Lord our God; and this is the first and great commandment,

May God of his infinite mercy incline our hearts to keep this law-through the merits of his only Son Jesus Christ.