I may be permitted to add a few words to those present
who are no longer children. The duty of whioh I have
this morning been speaking, is one, dear brethren, incum-
bent upon you no less than upon the young persons who
have been more immediately addressed. To you equally
with them, Scripture and reason unite in saying, "The fear
of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

Let me inquire, then, whether or not you are spending
your days in God's fear? I trust, indeed I am persuaded,
that not a few are doing so, but it would be a charity as
unkind as false to suppose that it is so with all. It cannot,
be doubted, though the conviction is a very sad one, that
of the men and women on whose faces I now look, a con-
siderable number are yet "without God."

If my persuasions could prevail with these persons, I
would have them think seriously of their state. I make a
calm appeal to their judgments. I would urge them to
ask themselves such questions as these, — questions which
sober reason must aknowledge to be proper: — Do I intend
to live all my days without the fear of the Lord, as I am
now doing? If I should do so, what will the result be? —
must I not die without hope, and have my portion among
the lost? If I intend to turn to God, when do I mean to
do it? Is not the present time the best? Is it not the
only time that I can calculate upon? Is it not the time
when I would take the decisive step, if I were sincere in
resolving to turn at all? If I should be cut down in my
iniquities, while thinking of a future repentance, will not
my blood lie, deservedly lie, upon my own head? What
keeps me from turning to God? — The love of sinful pleasure.
