to the words of the text. To the man whose hand was withered, says the Saviour, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored whole as the other. The question now arises, Why was the man commanded to stretch forth his hand, when he laboured under a natural inability. I answer, because means or human exertion was to be made to appear, to be inseparably connected with the end, or the restoration of the hand. The moment the man made an effort to raise his hand, which he was unable of himself to do, power was communicated from the Saviour to restore its vital energies, that it might be raised. Divine agency immediately accompanied human; and unless the man had made an attempt to comply with the command, we have not the smallest evidence, that his hand would have been restored. Though means are to be used, the power and excellence must appear to be from God. Thus we may see, that in time of sickness or some natural calamity human activity and means are necessary in order to obtain a blessing from him.

4th. It is through the blessing of God and by human activity, that our natural talents are improved. In the first period of our existence, we are human beings only in miniature. The works of nature and the privileges of society, are the great inlets of knowledge; but these are so varied and extensive, that we may make constant improvements in learning those things, which are becoming dependant and accountable beings. When we behold the wonders of creation, if we duly exercise our minds, we may contemplate the being and perfections of God; for the invisible things of him may be clearly seen, from the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead. And from the blessings of educatin and society we may obtain clear and enlarged views of the various doctrines and duties of the gospel. Some have far more extensive opportunities of instruction than others; yet, still, in all cases much depends on

human activity. The light of creation, Providence, and revelation, must not be shut out of the mind, but improved, would we form consistent and exalted views of the character of God and of his wondrous works. It is not only through human activity, that the mind is expanded in all its faculties; but human exertions are necessary, that it make use of proper means, and be engaged in suitable employments. Our dispositions and manners depend much on our own forming. It is true, that our gifts and privileges are blessings from God; but our improvement of them, are inseparably connected with human activity.

5th. It is through the blessing of God, that the minds of any are deeply impressed with a sense of divine truth; still the agency or activity of man is not excluded. It is the work of grace, that any of the human race are awakened and convicted; for mankind, in a moral point of view, are asleep, and do not wish to be disturbed from their slumbers. The Holy Spirit is the great agent to awaken and convince men that they are sinners, and make them feel their guilt; but their activity is necessary in order to cherish the strivings of the Spirit. The light and force of divine truth, will now and then break in and shine into the minds of men, which, by their exertions, they may either kindle or quench. To have the mind habitually impressed and open to conviction, requires serious meditation and prayer. Some have their minds occupied with light and trifling thoughts, much of their time; because they are pleased with vain things, and exert themselves to bar the avenues of the soul against the arrows of conviction. On the other hand, those who have generally solemnity of mind, strive to banish sinful and vain thoughts as an enemy to seriousness. Some resort to the pleasures and amusements of life, that they may lose their serious impressions. Others seek serious company and religious conversation; deeply solicitous, lest they resist the strivings of the Spirit. From experience, and from the warnings and

cautions to men not to quench the Holy Spirit, we may see that human activity is a means of obtaining the blessing of having the mind deeply impressed with a sense of divine truth.

6th. The work of conversion is truly the work of God; yet human activity is a means of obtaining this blessing. To be converted, is to be created anew in Christ Jesus unto good works. It is to be transformed from the kingdom of Satan, and to be brought into the kingdom of God's dear Son. To be brought out of darkness into God's marvellous light. But it is said to be the work of God, to take away the old and stony heart, and to give a new heart or a heart of flesh: that is, a heart of supreme love to God, repentance for sin, faith in the Son of God, and all other christian graces. Yet mankind are commanded to make them a new heart, and to exercise holy or gracious affections. Hence, we may be led to see in the work of conversion, that although the Lord is the efficient. cause, yet man is active in the work. Divine and human agency are inseparably connected; and both essential, that the sinner may be born again. In this great and all-important, essential work, the time and degree of conviction are greatly varied. Some, for a considerable time, are distressed in their souls; and burdened, as it were, with the pains of hell. Others, with sharp and pungent convictions, are quickly delivered from the bondage of sin and death. Some are more peculiarly excited by terrour and guilt; others are most deeply impressed and affected in view of the grace, mercy, and forbearance of God. But the effect is the same; from children of darkness to become children of light. Perhaps some are ready to say with Nicodemus, How can these things be. Receive light from the words of the text, Stretch forth thine hand. The man, sensible of his natural inability, was stript of all hope or confidence in himself; therefore his only encouragement and trust, were in the compassion and power of the Saviour.

Thus he was enabled, and did stretch forth his hand. Then let those who despair of help in themselves, on the account of their moral inability, their guilt, pollution, and wretchedness, submit themselves to God, relying solely on his grace and mercy through his Son, for pardon and salvation. This is the straight and narrow way, that children of wrath and heirs of hell may become the children of God and heirs of heaven. It is through the grace of God alone, by the use of means and human activity, that any can escape the wrath to come, and lay hold on eternal life. Would any desire to have the deadly leprosy of sin healed by some pompous, external reformation or performance? They must be disappointed; for the great physician of souls, alone can heal them. Let them not, like Naaman, despise the means and way which God has appointed, and glory in the device of human wisdom. None can possibly merit heaven and would they gladly purchase it with silver or gold, as Simon Magus would the gift of miracles, they and their money must perish together. As heavy laden, humble, penitent, of a broken and contrite heart, their language must be, God be merciful to me, a sinner. It was truly the work of God that the apostle Paul was converted; and yet how active was he in the work. The light from heaven brought him to the earth; and, with deep humility, he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord what wilt thou have me to do? And now, Behold, he prayeth. Here we have exhibited a most pungent, sudden conviction, and an instance of wonderful conversion. The trembling jailor, under keen conviction, cries out, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And with ready and active obedience, he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and was converted. Then let those who are dead in trespasses and sins, arise and call upon God, if peradventure the thoughts of their heart be forgiven them. Repentance is the gift of God; yet it is the sinner who repents and awakes to newness of

life. In this view we hear the command, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. Mankind naturally are willingly bound with the bonds and adamantine chains of sin and death; and it is the agency of the divine Spirit, which makes them willing to be released, and active. in being delivered from the powers of darkness. They are the willing slaves of sin; but divine grace enables them to become the willing servants of Christ. From christian experience, and from the examples recorded in the sacred oracles, we may be led to see, that human activity is connected as a means of obtaining the inestimable blessing of conversion, which is acknowledged to be the work of God.

7th. Human activity is a means of obtaining the blessing of sanctification from God. In conversion that good work is begun, which is to be perfected unto the day of Jesus Christ. The soul that is renewed by the Spirit of God, is to grow in grace and christian knowledge. And the one who is active and faithful, will have his path like that of the just, which groweth brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. The christian warfare cannot be successfully maintained without persevering, human exertions; although thanks belongeth to God, who giveth the victory. The scriptural direction on this subject is, Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God, who worketh in you to will and to do, of his own good pleasure. Although believers are dependant on the grace of God, that they be more and more conformed to the image of his Son, still their activity and exertions are not to be diminished. They must lead watchful, prayerful, and godly lives; and glorify God in their bodies and spirits, which are his. The scriptures abound with exhortations, warnings, and encouragements towards believers, that they be not slothful; but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Whilst they are not to trust in themselves, but in God,