III. _The means appointed for the soul’s spiritual welfare_. _Ministers labour_ continually. “They watch for your Souls as they that must give an account.” (Heb, xiii. 17.) They are the appointed messengers of God to warn men to flee from the wrath to come, and to invite them to lay hold on eternal life. (Col. i. 28. 1 Tim. vi. 12.) By them the blessing and the curse are continually set before you. (Deut. xxx. 19.) _The Gospel is preached_, that faith may come by hearing. (Rom. x. 17.) And the spirit of God waiteth to apply it, and make it effectual. (Isa. xxx. 18. Rev. iii. 20.) It is brought near, and its blessings freely offered. (Rom. x. 8–13,) and the consequences of neglecting it are fully stated. (Acts iv. 12. 2 Cor. iv. 3, 4.) _The holy scriptures are written_ “for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.” (2 Tim. iii. 15–17.) They are an infallible guide, “a sure word of prophecy,” (2 Pet. i. 19,) a light to guide the soul into the way of peace. (Ps. cxix. 105–130.) _Conscience_ admonishes and accuses. (Rom. ii. 15.) Oftentimes, with a voice too powerful to be altogether resisted, it whispers, “Take heed to thy soul.” (Acts xxiv. 25.) _Providences_ are arranged by infinite wisdom in such manner, that they may speak a warning voice. (Luke xiii. 4. Mark xiii. 37.) _Afflictions_ are sent to awaken a concern for eternity. (Isaiah xxxviii. 1.) And the _Holy Spirit strives_, yea, condescends to invite to a conference, with the promise of a happy result. (Gen. vi. 3. Isaiah i. 18. Acts iii. 19.) _Destruction has no covering_, that we may not fall into the pit, (Luke xvi. 23,) and _Heaven darts its splendours_ from afar to attract the notice of immortal souls. (Ps. xvi. 11. Rev. xxi. 23–27.) Then neglect not to use those means which are placed within your power. _Wait on God_ continually. (Isa. xl. 31.) _Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day_. (Isaiah lviii. 13, 14.) _Search the scriptures_ daily. (Acts xvii. 11, 12.) _Be earnest in prayer_. Cry mightily unto God, to enlighten your mind, and renew a right spirit within you. (Luke xi. 9–13.) Plead the promises of God, and you will find them faithful and true for the welfare of your souls. (Isa. lxv. 24.) Upon the whole, therefore, observe.—They who neglect the means of grace deprive their souls of good. (Heb. iv. 1, 2.) They who do not reverence the Son of God and trust in him, lose their Souls for ever. (John viii. 24.) In this there is great folly, as well as guilt. He who is more anxious about time than eternity, and disregards spiritual things, is more foolish and cruel than the man, who, when his house is on fire, looks after trifles, and exposes himself, or leaves his child to perish in the flames.