misery of those whom he came to save, the happiness to which he raises them, and the wonderful plan and progress of redeeming love. But who is sufficient for these things? Alas! how small a portion of his ways are we able to trace! But I would be thankful, that the desire of attempting this great subject was put into my heart, and that having obtained help of God, I have been preserved and enabled to finish my design. Imperfect as my execution of it has been, I cannot doubt that the various topics I have been led to insist on are the great truths of God. For what is properly my own, the defects and weaknesses which mix with my best services, I entreat his forgiveness, and request your can dour. But I do not hesitate to say, that the substance of what I have advanced deserves and demands your very serious attention.

It is probable, that those of my hearers who admire this Oratorio, and are often present when it is performed, may think me harsh and singular in my opinion, that of all our musical compositions, this is the most improper for a public entertainment. But while

it continues to be equally acceptable, whether performed in a church or in the theatre, and while the greater part of the performers and of the audience are the same at both places, I can rate it no higher than as one of the many fashionable amusements which mark the character of this age of dissipation. Though the subject be serious and solemn in the highest sense, yea, for that very reason, and though the music is, in a striking manner, adapted to the subject, yet, if the far greater part of the people who frequent the Oratorio, are évidently unaffected by the Redeemer's love, and uninfluenced by his commands, I am afraid it is no better than a profanation of the name and truths of God, a crucify

ing the Son of God afresh. You must judge for yourselves. If you think differently from me, you will act accordingly.-Yet, permit me to hope and to pray, that the next time you hear the Messiah, God may bring something that you have heard in the course of these sermons, nearly connected with the peace and welfare of your souls, effectually to your remembrance.

I would humbly hope, that some persons, who were strangers to the power and grace of MESSIAH when I entered upon this service, are now desirous of seeking him with their whole hearts: Yes, I trust I have not laboured wholly in vain. The Gospel is "the rod of "his strength," which, when accompanied by the power of his Spirit, produces greater effects than the wonder. working rod of Moses. It causes the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the dead to live. A faithful minister will account a single instance of success a rich recompense for the labour of a life. May this joy be mine! May the Lord encourage you to go on seeking him! Then he will surely be found of you. An open door is set before yout; and if you are truly willing to enter, none shall be able to shut it.

But may I not fear, that I am still speaking to others, who, to this hour, have no cordial admiring thoughts of the great Saviour? Alas! should you die in your present frame of mind, let me, once more, entreat you to consider, what your situation and employment will be, when all his redeemed people, and all his holy angels, shall join in worshipping and praising him, in the great day of his appearance.

Unless you repent, lay down your arms, and submit to his golden sceptre, your doom is already pronounced.

Awful are the words of the Lord, by the prophet, and very applicable to your case, if, (which may his mercy prevent!) you should die in your sins. "Therefore, "thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall

eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants "shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my ser"vants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall 66 cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation "of spirit." If the Scribes and Pharisees were filled with envy and grief when the children in the temple sung Hosanna to the Son of Davidt; what must be their anguish and remorse, their rage and despair, when the "whole creation" shall join in his praise? If your thoughts of him now are like theirs, tremble at your danger; for unless you repent, your lot must be with them hereafter.

*Isa. lxv. 13, 14.

† Matth. xxi. 15.

END OF THE FOURTH VOLUME.