Who that is interested in the welfare of this branch of the Christian church, can view this elegant and valuable building, without feeling the lively emotions of a peculiar satisfaction and gratitude, while it is contemplated as the Ebenezer, which we have raised, testifying that "hitherto the Lord hath helped us."

Let us then here pause and recollect the first rise, the feeble origin, the remarkable prosperity, the rapid growth, the present numbers and strength of this church; the two commodious houses of worship, with which we are now provided; and all the advantages for attending the ordinances of the sanctuary, and supporting the institutions of the gospel, and transmitting its privileges and blessings to succeeding generations, which we enjoy under the smiles of a beneficent Providence; and let the language of our admiring, adoring hearts be, "What shall we render unto the Lord for all his benefits?" "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake!" "For it is thou who performest all things for us."

Having thus obtained help of God, and being thus highly favoured of the Lord; and thus encouraged to hope, that "he will still send us help from the sanctua ry, and strength out of Zion;" let us now, not reluctantly, but with a cheerful zeal, fulfil our engagements in defraying the whole cost of this very expensive, but most valuable building. Although the sum expended upon it, greatly exceeds our first expectations, yet, it will not, I am persuaded, exceed the funds of this church, united with those private resources of its members and supporters, which may, with convenience, be applied to this important object. Has there been any

departure from the principles of a rigid economy, in respect to the dimensions, the style, and cost of this edifice? But in regard to these circumstances, has the credit of religion, and the lasting benefit, as well as thepresent convenience of this church, been consulted? May we not then, reasonably hope, that what has been done in this case, with such worthy motives and views, will not be displeasing to our gracious Lord, who loves a cheerful giver, and delights in repaying what is freely given to him, with a becoming regard to his glory, and zeal for the promotion of his interests in the world? Did he not highly commend the affectionate piety of the woman, who poured upon himself the box of precious ointment, which might have been sold for much, and given to the poor? And by that example, are we not instructed, that them who honor him, by devising and doing liberal things, according to their abilities, for his sake and the gospel's, he will also honor with his ap probation, and with the distinguishing blessings of his favour? Are you not also taught by his word, that the silver and the gold are his, which you employ in build ing an house for him, and in providing for his worship; in a word, that all in the heaven and in the earth is his; that riches and honor come of him; that he reigns over all; that in his hand is power and might; and that in his band it is to make great, and to give strength unto all? And do you not also know, that of all which you receive from him, you are only stewards, accountable to him as the Lord and owner of all, and under every obligation of duty and interest, to improve the talents, with which you are intrusted, to his glory? Wherefore attending with reverence to these intimations of his will, encourage yourselves in the Lord your God;

persuaded, that as it was in your heart to build such an house to his name; so now, if it be the sincere desire of your hearts, that you may see it filled with his glory, he will graciously accept and establish the work of your hands, and still be with you, and bless and prosper you, while you continue to love his church, and seek its good. And for your particular encouragement, with respect to this great undertaking, you may rest assured, that the worldly substance, with which, from the dispositions of a pious heart and willing mind, you thus honor the Lord, will be munificently recompensed to you, in the course of his good providence; perhaps, in part, with a visible and rich increase of the good things pertaining to this life; but more especially, in an abundant supply of the goodness of his house; of the blessings of his gospel, showered down upon your own souls, and descending to your children, and children's children, for a long time to come.

Not satisfied with the honor of consecrating a portion of your worldly interests, to the worthy design of building this house for the service of the Lord, would you now see it filled with his glory? This should doubtless be one of the favourite desires of all our hearts; and for this should we earnestly pray to Him, who will be inquired of by us, that he may do it for us; while he is as willing, as he is able, to do for us in this case, as in all other instances, exceeding abundantly, above all that we can ask or think.

To him then, let our fervent, and continued petitions be offered up, not only in the congregation, but in the family, and the closet, that he may condescend to be present with us, on all the occasions of our solemnly assembling together in his house, and favour us with the

desirable displays of his saving power, and of his amiable glories, in his sanctuary. Let it be our heart's desire and prayer, that here the heavenly doctrines of the gospel may be preached, and its holy ordinances administered, in their genuine purity and simplicity; that here an uninterrupted succession of able ministers of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit, clothed with the mantle, and actuated by the princi ples, which distinguished those faithful and zealous servants of the Lord, who have in former times laboured in this part of his vineyard, may here stand and minister in his sanctuary; and in this golden candlestick of the Lord, appear as burning and shining lights, and prove the honored and happy instruments of turning many sinners from darkness, to light; from the power of satan to God; and of building up believers on their most holy faith, and in their meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light; even the incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading inheritance, reserved for them in heaven. Let us pray without ceasing, that here, one generation after another, through the word of truth, and by the spirit of grace, may be born to God, and nourished and strengthened by the provisions of his house, and thus be prepared and trained up for the glory and felicity of Heaven. Thus continuing instant in prayer, and still praying in faith, we may then rejoice in the assured hope, that the Lord will hear and answer us in mercy; that he will condescend to come and dwell in this house, as the place of his rest, because he hath desired it; that his eyes will be open, and his ears attentive, to the prayers that are made in this place; and that here he will clothe his priests with salvation, and abundantly bless the provisions of his sanctuary; so

that the poor, the hungry, waiting soul, shall be satisfied with bread, and his saints be made to shout aloud for joy. But not confining our views to ourselves, let us embrace in our affectionate regards, the church of Christ, in all other places, and let it be our earnest, constant prayer, that all the nations of the earth may be brought into it, as the willing people of our Lord, in the day of his power. Then may we, with a joyful hope, proportioned to the strength of our faith, and the ardor of our desire, anticipate the approaching happy day, when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow into it. And the Lord shall be unto his church an everlasting light, and her God her glory.

Would you, my friends, in answer to your prayers, see the glory of the Lord, and taste of his goodness in this house? Here then let your attendance upon the worship of God, be as regular and constant as your circumstances will permit. When you are under the restraint of afflictive providences; or when your situation will not admit of your waiting upon the Lord in his house, if you at the same time really desire his presence and favour, he will be as a sanctuary to you at home, or wherever you may be in the way of duty; and he will bless you there, and bless you even by the trials which prevent your improvement of the ordinances of his public worship. But when no insurmountable obstacle lies in your way, never allow your attendance on those services, in which you are called to appear before him in his house, to be prevented by the indulgence of a spirit of sloth, by an unhallowed attention to the affairs of this life; by the unseasonable entertain