Now all these various desires, employments, and pursuits, however superior some of them may, on comparison, appear to be to others, terminate generally in the nourishment and growth of that fallen life, under which man, in consequence of an original apostasy, is born into this world; and it may truly be said, with respect to them all, that "he is only making provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof:" for when the seeming good of this world is the sole object of his attention and affections, he must necessarily be regardless of the real good of another, and a better world. Whatever his desires center in, that constitutes his life; and his own will may be said to create or call forth, from surrounding nature, every thing that can feed and nourish those desires. He stands in the midst of three worlds, principles, or kingdoms, earth, hell, and heaven; and to which soever of these he surrenders his heart, he becomes subject to its power and influence; so that the real state of every man's soul depends upon the exercise of his will: his will constitutes his faith; and "according to thy faith," says the unerring Standard of Truth, "so shall it be done unto thee." An afflicted parent brings to our BLESSED LORD a favourite child, who was sorely vexed and tormented by an evil spirit, and in the most earnest manner entreats his advice and assistance. The compassionate JESUS, after having enquired into the nature and circumstances of the disorder, and observed the distress and solicitude of the father, tells him, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." This answer abundantly evinceth the truth of the observation above-mentioned, that our state depends entirely upon the inward exercise of our will or desires. A sensibility of distress naturally disposes us to seek for relief. Nature, without GOD, is nothing but restless want and anguish: and though fallen man is possessed of the powers and principles, by which this want may be supplied, and this anguish effectually relieved, yet he too frequently seeks the remedy in a wrong source; and cannot be convinced of his error, till the pangs of disappointment succeed to the delusive assurances of worldly faith, and the vain anticipations of worldly hope. Upon this view of human nature it was, that the BLESSED JESUS founded his reply; "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." As if he had said: