6thly. The inquiry is frequently made, whether the greater part of the human race will be saved or lost?

A certain one asked the Saviour, "Are there few that be saved?" And he said, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." The man does not appear to have had any ill design, although he proposed a curious question. Our Lord, therefore, did not give him a direct answer; but took occasion to inculcate this important exhortation, that mankind should not be solicitous to know how many will be saved, but to secure their own salvation. In the thousand years of the millennium, doubtless the chief part will be saved. But in that period a far greater number will people the globe, than all who shall have existed before. The consequence must be, that a far greater number of human beings will finally be saved than lost.

7thly. Another inquiry is often made, in what part of the universe are heaven and hell?

Some conjecture, that one of the planets or fixed stars is the place of the blessed; others, that it is far beyond the starry heavens, and that this earth will be the final abode of the wicked. But to every query of such a nature, the proper answer is, "What is that to thee ?" The Lord hath not revealed this, and we are not immediately concerned to know, where is the place of final destiny either for the righteous or the wicked. The doctrine of future rewards and punishments is fully made known, and we are deeply interested in these solemn truths. Then our serious inquiry should be, to know how we may avoid the second death, and inherit eternal life. It is of the utmost importance for us, to be delivered from the bondage of sin and death, and to obtain that holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. To follow Christ is both our duty and our immortal interest. There is such a place as a heaven, and also a hell. To be an inhabi

tant of the former, will be infinite gain; but of the latter, infinite loss. Where these places are, availeth not; but to know what manner of spirit we possess, is to foresee our eternal doom. In the word of God we may behold, as in a glass, our own character as saints or sinners; and discover our future glorious recompense, or dread inheritance. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear, from the several views which we have taken of this subject, "What is that to thee? follow thou me."

REFLECTIONS.

1st. Discourses of a novel nature are calculated to please some, although they may not feel deeply interested.

A spirit of novelty is in some degree common to all men; and to some, peculiarly so. Such, like the Athenians, would spend their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing. And should they be gratified, their imaginations would be entertained, but their understandings would not be edified with the most solemn and important truths. To grow in knowledge, seems to be natural to the mind of man. But he should be careful not to indulge a vain curiosity for mere novelty; but to add to his stock of knowledge, by treasuring up new ideas from the many varied and interesting topicks, which relate to present usefulness, and future felicity. The field is so vast from the word, and the providence of God, that we may ever be improving in the knowledge of those things,' which are suited to the dignity of rational and immortal beings. New and interesting scenes and events will ever be before us, and we shall never be circumscribed for the want of proper objects to excite our wonder and admiration. Then may a taste for novelty be in subordination, and the queries of a lively imagination in subjection to the nobler powers of reason and understanding, that

our inquiries and improvements may be suited to the dignity of our nature and high responsibility.

2dly. Then may we search the scriptures, and grow in the knowledge of those things, which the Lord has abundantly and clearly revealed.

While in the pursuit of any other knowledge to the neglect of this, we are only catching at shadows, while we lose the substance. We are not made merely to amuse ourselves, but to grow wise for eternity. All those doctrines and truths contained in the sacred pages, and which are peculiar to revelation, are new. None of the human race could ever have discovered them, had they not been blessed with a divine revelation. The particular account of the creation and the fall of man, the work of redemption and way of salvation through Jesus Christ, are peculiarities of revelation. Hidden beauties, new and rising wonders, are concealed from the view of many of the curious between the lids of the Bible, because they do not make the word of life the man of their counsel. How various and interesting are the subjects of divine revelation, of things both new and old, of those which are past, and which are yet to come. The account

of the conduct, condition, and designs of those invisible spirits, the holy and sinning angels, should most seriously affect us; for like them, and even with them, we are deeply interested. O the wonders, the beauties, and glories of the person, character, and offices of the Redeemer, the only Mediator between God and man! How sublime, and amazingly momentous the description of the general resurrection and great judgment day. In the word of God we have an interest vast as eternity; and to have a saving knowledge of its sacred truths, is to be an heir of immortal glory. Amen.

SERMON XI.

THE VALUE AND USE OF MONEY.

ECCLESIASTES X. 19.

Money answereth all things.

To esteem every thing according to its real worth, is the part of true wisdom. But, for this it is necessary to have correct views of things earthly and temporal, and of those that are heavenly and eternal. As mankind are in a state of apostacy from God, so they are prone to idolize the good things of this life, by making temporal pleasures their chief joy. On the other hand, some of a religious and melancholy turn of mind, have turned away from the sweets of social circles, have sought solitary retreat, and shut themselves up in cells, to live a secluded and monastick life. Notwithstanding it is true, the Lord has given man the world to be used, though not to be abused. Earthly enjoyments should not be viewed with indifference, for they demand gratitude and thankfulness. It is only by comparison, or by contrasting them with the glorious and eternal blessings of the gospel, that they are to be considered as vanity, and to sink into nothing. All the blessings of this life are worthy of some attention; and, says Solomon, "Money answereth all things."

The experience of every one, as well as the general tenour of scripture, evince that the word all, is not used in this place in its universal and unlimited import. Money will not answer all things, in every respect that might be mentioned; still, in a certain sense, it is true that it does or would answer all things. It answers for all the purposes

for which it is designed. There is a value attached to it which renders it useful; and for which it is desirable to be obtained. No doubt the true import of the word of the text is this, Money will answer all things as it respects the purposes of commerce. To illustrate this idea, I shall undertake to show the value and use of money, by noticing some desirable purposes which it answers. 1st. The necessaries of life.

In the present state, we have animal frames, dependant on food and raiment for sustenance. Although mankind are directed to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, still it is essential to human existence, that the body be fed and clothed. That bread of life which cometh down from heaven, is infinitely more valuable for the soul than earthly bread is for the body; but this truth does not in the least invalidate the fact, that without provision for eating and drinking, death would be the inevitable consequence. And no case perhaps can be mentioned, where food and raiment could not be obtained from any one for money, unless in a time of siege or necessity, when individuals would only have a bare pittance, merely sufficient to prevent final starvation. As it is important, that life should be prolonged, so is it equally necessary, that the means of subsistence be procured. But money is the most convenient, advantageous, and effectual for this. Other things might be mentioned as the necessaries of life, and they might be obtained by various means of commerce; yet certainly money will have the pre-eminence as the best circulating medium.

2dly. The varied comforts of life.

The privileges and enjoyments of this world are many and greatly diversified. And though they be not essential to mere subsistence, still they are desirable and worthy of some degree of attention. It is not only commendable to seek for food, but for that which is wholesome and agreeable; and