that "Balaam the son of Bosor loved the wages of unrighteousness," and from Saint Jude, who speaks of some, that ran "after the error of Balaam for reward." Thus, then, pondering upon the advantageous offers made him by the king of Moab, as he was going, or when he went (so the word may be rendered) with this thought in his mind, the anger of the Lord was kindled against him.

Here let us make a few reflections before we proceed. Whoever professes to be the servant of God ought to obey his master's will in all things. As God can order nothing but what is holy, just, and good, a strict obedience to his commandments is our most reasonable service, and we may be sure, that in every business we undertake by his command, he will enable us to go through with it. Moreover, our duty is so clearly defined, that we cannot easily mistake it; for the whole is comprised in these two precepts: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and thy neighbour as thyself;" which is as much as to say, "Thou shalt fix thy affections on the centre and source of all happiness, and live in the sweetest concord and harmony with thy fellow mortals upon earth." What can be more desirable than conformity to these precepts? The service of God is indeed perfect

freedom. But, however we may be convinced in our judgments concerning the truth of what I have just observed, do we not commonly turn our thoughts from the Creator to the creature, and expect more satisfaction from worldly pleasures, than from the good things, which God hath prepared for those that love him? Do we not act from selfish principles, and, if we consider the benefit of our neighbour, is the attention we pay him noble, generous, disinterested, and regulated by our master's golden rule-" Do unto all men, as you would they should do unto you?" As the conscience of every man, who is acquainted with the Scriptures, will tell him what he owes, in a general way, to God and his neighbour, I need not be particular in the definition of his duty. It is enough that I bid him take heed to his ways, and see that his heart is right with God. Let him remember that there is One, from whom no secrets are hid, and that if he cherish a desire contrary to his will, he will, like Balaam, find the anger of the Lord kindled against him. But, let us proceed with the

history.

As Balaam, intent upon rebellion, proceeded on his journey, behold "the Angel of the Lord stood in the way, for an adversary against him. Now, he was riding upon an ass, and

his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand; and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field, and Balaam smote the ass to turn her into the way. But the Angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the Angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall; and he smote her again. And the Angel of the Lord went farther, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand, or to the left. And when the ass saw the Angel of the Lord, she fell under Balaam. And Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote her with a staff."

We may reap very profitable instruction from these verses, in as much as they shew to us God's gracious dealings with sinners, and the efforts he uses, if I may so speak, to reclaim them from their folly and perverseness.

When a man acts the part of Balaam, and determines to gratify his own will, he walks in the way that leadeth to destruction, and did not the Lord, by some providential interference, restrain him, he would shortly complete his ruin. It is possible, and indeed very probable,

that he will begin his career, through inconsideration, fancying, perhaps, that the schemes, which he has planned for himself, are salutary and beneficial; therefore he will seek their accomplishment by every means in his power. Or he will, with less integrity, endeavour to attain his favourite object, flattering himself, that the evil attending the pursuit of it is trifling, and framing excuses to silence the whispers of his faithful monitor. To exemplify this doctrine, we may adduce a variety of instances recorded in the Scriptures, and which are brought to our recollection by daily experience. Our first parents had a command given them, and they knew they should incur punishment by disobeying it; but they cast their eyes upon the forbidden fruit, and then they longed to taste it. But, did not conscience check them? Yes, undoubtedly, and happy had they been had they listened to its dictates, but that they refused to do. This emboldened the Tempter, who argued the case with them, and seemed for a while to argue in vain; for the woman declared her respect to the commandment in these terms-" God hath said, ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it lest ye die."* No, said the serpent, this is false; "ye shall not surely die." Again Eve felt the re

* Gen, iii, 3, 4.

monstrances of conscience, for she did not eat. immediately, but having learnt, that she might know good and evil, she would know them. She would not be stopt by the gentle admonitions, which had been given her; but ate, and fell immediately.

The Israelites in general shewed a singular obstinacy and perverseness, insomuch that they are denominated a rebellious and stiff-necked people. Again and again did God display signs and wonders before their eyes; and again and again did they reject the evidence, which these afforded them, of the omnipotence of Jehovah. Sometimes, indeed, we hear of a temporary repentence, and of amendment taking place after some particular judgment. But, this was of short duration; for they did, and would transgress, till they brought upon themselves swift destruction.

The misery, which every sinner experiences, he brings upon himself, and must justify God in all his proceedings against him. He knows that punishment is necessarily connected with transgression, and that, whenever he deviates from the path of duty, he will become a sufferer. Disorder is the infringement of order, and arises from men pretending to arraign the wisdom and goodness of God. Let me apply this consideration to my hearers. You have