Similar remarks may be made, concerning all those divine ordinances and means of grace, with which this privileged land has been so richly provided. The public worship of Almighty God, the holy sacraments of our Church, the instruction afforded to her children, the means of private devotion and godly advancement, all these are pressed upon the notice and acceptance of all; it is not enough to say, that we are invited; we are _urged_ to the participation of these abundant blessings; yet how often are we urged in vain. At this moment, in some of our countries or dependencies abroad, where Churches are sparingly scattered, and the visits of ministers are few and long between, these divine ordinances are coveted with a painful anxiety, and no opportunity is ever lost: here, in the mother country, is the fountain of blessings, and the “streams are ever flowing withal;” but thousands esteem not these waters of life, and many never care to taste them. It is impossible, that the truth of these observations can be denied; and to every sincere and serious Christian the subject must afford a painful reflection. And well does it become us all, each in our several vocations, to exert our utmost power for the abatement of so crying and alarming an evil. Many of us, I trust, are gratefully sensible of the goodness and love of God, in having so liberally bestowed upon our land the blessings of the word of life; grateful from the experience of its inestimable benefit to our own souls: let each then in his station, and according to his influence and ability, recommend the word to those around him; and assist in waking a slumbering people to a sense of the glorious opportunities awaiting them. Many, from their education and rank, have it in their power to contribute largely to the success of this glorious cause, to become instruments of righteousness and salvation to their lost fellow-creatures: and the poorest may do much in this blessed work; they may train their families in the study of the Bible, may lead them to adore the God of mercy and of truth, and to save their souls alive; considerable also is the impression, which, by prudence and friendly care, they might make upon their poor neighbours; bringing them to join together in happy union, for the perusal of that word, which is their common interest and hope; which would elevate them above the troubles of a stormy world, would lead them to “lighten one another’s burdens,” and to “go on their way together rejoicing.” And, to say the least, every one has the power to recommend the holy scriptures by the light of his own example; by shewing, on all occasions, his love for the Saviour’s marvellous goodness; by duly reverencing and reading the word of truth; and manifesting the blessedness thereof, in the decided change of his own heart and temper, in his own character and life. And all such recommendations, let me add, the Lord is demanding at our hands, in return for His unspeakable mercy.