taught and directed by the same master, will fulfil his wishes in different ways; yet still, though one is more and the other less diligent or capable of comprehending his rules, what knowledge each has, is derived from the same source-the instruction of their employer. Thus, although there are different and sometimes even contradictory methods adopted (such as draining and irrigating lands,) and though improvements are continually making, the truth of our text is demonstrable. "This also com"eth from the Lord of Hosts."

It would not be proper on this occasion, to dwell on the several modes of agriculture, as exemplified in modern times, or as practised in earlier ages, at whose labors we often smile, without remembering that the light of knowledge, like the light of the sun, gradually advances; at the early dawn of day we see things indistinctly, the clear light of morning succeeds, and at length the full splendors of noon arrive. Doubtless, we reap much advantage from their discoveries, and even from their disap pointments; these, like stones projecting in a steep mountain which we have to ascend, should rather be steps to our advancement, than stumblingblocks to our incredulity. Others may deride our ignorance; successive ages may smile at our diminutive attainments. Well would it be if this conceit of superior wisdom, which is the strongest

evidence of folly, were merely discerned on mat ters of passing and perishing interest; but too frequently we see that the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. It is to be regretted, that the grossest ignorance is observable in matters of the greatest importance.

The skill required for farming, has, by many, been considerably underrated; and because persons who have received no other education than what qualifies them for the labors of the field, ap→ pear to disadvantage in company, they are supe posed to be stupid or ill informed; but no inconsiderable share of useful and valuable knowledge is in his possession, who can practise the most suc cessful and approved methods of causing the earth to yield her strength. The science itself is yet in its infancy; and it should be remembered, that, till lately, persons of higher rank and more liberal education, did not appropriate their attention of turn their talents to this pursuit: information on this subject was principally traditional, not written, and the mind and memory of the farmer and the peasant, were the depositories of this useful learning.

Much instruction is required, and large discretion needed, as to the choice of season for the services of the field; the selection of appropriate soil

for different crops, and the succession of seeds which may promise a rich abundance. On these subjects, "his God doth instruct him to discretion, "and doth teach him." To illustrate and improve the position in our text, is our present purpose; and

I. Let us enquire, in what sense is instruction on the subject of husbandry, derived from God.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from "above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, "with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of "turning." Among the richer bestowments of the "all-giving God," must we not specify the capacity necessary for learning? Many of our fellow men are but little removed from "the beasts which per. "ish," whose " spirit goeth downwards to the earth "at death;" we pity them: to endeavor to instruct them would be to attempt impossibilities; they are burdens to society instead of benefits: it is not for us to condemn them, for it has pleased God, for wise and inscrutable ends, to withold from them those intellectual faculties which he has given to you; and, indeed, if such were his sovereign pleasure, he could in one moment, and by the most trivial instrument, deprive you of those mental powers which qualify you to be a learner. Your reason might depart from you, until those times had passed over you which he might have appointed,

"who doth according to his will among the in"habitants of the earth."* He who is the father of the spirits of all men, by his daily visitation pre'serves them.'

Learn then, the extent of your obligation to God, remember his mercy in bestowing and continuing a capacity to receive instruction; "This "cometh from the Lord of Hosts."

This view of the fact as affirmed in our text, is generally applicable to every species of human knowledge; but proceed and enquire further, whence originated that peculiar bias of mind, that genius for husbandry, that singular taste for agriculture, for which they have been distinguished who have become proficients in this practice.

He who formed our bodies with a general resemblance, has created them specifically different, so that we can easily distinguish each other; the minds of men are as dissimilar as their faces. Whence this variety? How is it that some from their infancy have evinced a taste for mechanism; and when children, displayed in their sports the ingenuity for which they are distinguished in after life, while others are naturally disposed to tend

* Daniel, iv. 31, 35.

G

cattle or till the ground? "And Abel was a "keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.' The wisdom and utility of this arrangement, proclaims that it cometh from Him who is wonderful in working, and excellent in counsel; for society like the church has gifts differing according to God's dispensation." If the "whole body were an eye, where were the hear"ing? If all were one member, where were the "the body? but now God hath set the members "every one of them in the body as it hath pleased "him." In society we all find our level, and the exact spot in which the talents God has given us may be most usefully exercised.

These tastes are generally cultivated by provi dential occurrences: much are we indebted to situation; and by whom are the bounds of our abode fixed or ordained? Our text ministers an appropriate reply, "This also cometh from the "Lord of Hosts;" he hath chosen our inheritance for us.

Our skill in useful arts is derived from God ; nor was Bezaleelt more certainly filled with the spirit of God in wisdom and in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship

* Genesis, iv. 2. +1 Cor. xii. 17, 18. Exodus, xxxi. 1, 3.