dened, and rebel against God. So it was that Herod feared, and Felix trembled, and the Pharisees were convicted; but, lest conscience should do her perfect work, there was one at hand to bribe her to silence-with pride for Herod, and sensuality for Felix, and malice for the Pharisees. And so it is still with egregious and hardened sinners-harassed perpetually with the whips and stings of conscience (for there is no peace for the wicked) they fly for succour to the bewitching cup of pleasure, and so they drug and dissipate her influence, till death puts forth his hand to change the scene. Then conscience, too, shall change her office, and from being the watchful guardian of the soul, shall become the messenger of doom and woe -the ruthless instrument of sorrow and remorse the worm that never dieth! Let us, then, brethren, learn betimes the value of this inestimable friend, while she yet speaketh. Let us listen. to her voice, with the same implicit confidence, as to the still small voice which Elijah heard, when he wrapped his face in his mantle: and what we hear, let us be careful to mark and to obey! The brethren of Joseph, no doubt, considered him unkind, and they might have looked upon him as an enemy; but he probed the wound only that he might effectually cure it, and the result proved him their best and dearest friend. And let this be an admonition to you, my brethren, against taking offence at your minister, when, in obedience to the dictates of his office, he challenges your offences, and tells you the truth, however contrary to nature's pride and nature's inclinations; in the end, be assured you will find him indeed your friend. Though a foe to every sin, he is a friend to every sinner! The good and gracious God send forth his Holy Spirit into the midst of us, that no word of his unworthy ser Ꮐ vant be ineffectual to awaken the sinner's conscience; for, if he fail, the hour is quickly coming when the voice of the archangel and the trump of God shall startle her from the deep sleep of death, to give her witness against the shivering soul! From which Jesus defend us all; and be it ours now, and eternally, to ascribe to Thee, O Holy Redeemer, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, honor, and glory, and blessing, and salvation! Amen, and Amen |