Page:Sketches of conversations with James Wilson, alias M'Lusky.pdf/10

 breaking, gambling, and dishonesty, he was led on from one degree of vice to another, till he was doomed to die an ignominious death.—If any of the above de- scription of character should cast their eyes over these pages, we would say to them, with all the earnestness of entreaty, “Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke, then a great ransom cannot deliver thee,” Job xxxvi. 13. You cannot but be aware, that the courses you pursue are full of misery and wretchedness. The way of transgressors is hard; and there is no peace to the wicked, saith God. It is said of such as you, in the greatness of their folly they go astray, and do not live out half their days—sentence against your evil works has gone forth, and may with respect to you be executed speedily. O, then hearken to the voice of God in his word: “Wisdom crieth with-out; she uttereth her voice in the streets, she crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the opening of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,—How long, ye simple ones will ye love simplicity, and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn ye at my reproof; behold, I will pour out my Spirit upon you, I will make known my words unto you, Prov. i. 20.

To youth, in general, we would say, Guard against the society of those who are "haters of that which is good." You live in a world where you are exposed to many temptations. Your own heart is deceitful and des-perately wicked. Many there are who lie in wait to de- ceive, and draw you into the vortex of ruin. Learn, in all your ways, to acknowledge God, and he will direct your steps. Seek his direction-Seek his protection, that it may be well with you in time and for ever. Remember there is a high responsibility connected with the privileges you enjoy. Your lot has been cast in a land where the Gospel is published in its purity-where you have every opportunity of knowing the will of God, and the way he hath revealed for the forgiveness of the guilty, and the recovery of lost sinners. If such opportunities are