abate our ungodliness, and to
become as a nation wise and understanding.

One remark as to the popular interpretation of the text. You will have
to meet God speedily in your death. You should prepare to meet Him, for
you cannot resist; you cannot flee from Him. Let us prepare to meet Him
by embracing the mercy which He offers, receiving the love which He
communicates to us, and devoting the rest of our lives to his service and
glory. You are called upon, then, and I think for these reasons properly
called upon, to contribute to and to promote the humiliation of the
nation. Whatever other people do, humble yourselves before God. And let
not the impression be a temporary one, but in the future seek that
practical love which constitutes the repentance necessary to the nation,
and necessary to you that you may prompt the repentance and reformation
of those about you, and which can alone save the land of our fathers from
calamity and make her more fully what she ought to be, "a praise in the
earth." Amen!

THE PROPHETIC THEME.
REV. GERVASE SMITH.

"Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched
diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
Searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ which
was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings
of Christ, and the glory that should follow."--1 PETER i. 10, 11.

There is a peculiar interest attaching to the writer of this epistle.
Although it was probably in old age, when a large experience of labour
and sorrow had chastened his spirit, and in prospect of martyrdom, that
he composed these chapters, they bear unmistakable proofs of his own
vigour of thought, and suggest many reminiscences of his remarkable life.
Whether you regard him as a man, a Christian, or an apostle, he presents
an illustrious subject for the student of these modern times. His
history puts before us many and serious defects; but there is much more
to approve and admire: and while a feeling or sorrow lingers over the
one, the other is so marked and prominent that it secures your sympathy,
and you are drawn towards the man with an ineffable affection. There is
a candour, and honesty, and generosity, and heroism, which gives to his
character a most healthy tone. The qualities of his mind and heart, when
sanctified by grace, become really noble; and if it were right, you would
like to forget his failings in