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old man, seizes the reins, and directs his conduct through "the narrow way that leadeth unto life " The actions, nay the inclinations of believers become heavenly, for the spirit that produces them is of heaven: in a word, God, according to his promise, "has put his laws into their hearts, and in their minds has he written them." Henceforward their service is a labour of love. Their sanctification is gradual; during its progress they may struggle much with the in-dwelling power of sin; they may often be vanquished-" the just man falleth seven times a day;" but, while the spirit of Christ abides within them, they hold fast on him who is " the anchor of their souls, sure, and steadfast." They have failings; they have sins; but, while the law of God continues written on their minds, they cannot love and choose iniquity. They "know in whom they have believed, "their sins therefore may create humility, but they will not produce despair. They do not stake salvation upon their own righteousness, therefore they fall and rise again; s Proverbs, xxiv. 16.

continually mortifying their corrupt affections, and daily proceeding in all virtue and godliness of living." "Sorrowful yet rejoicing:""confident that he who hath begun a good work in them will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ."

This I repeat is the new covenant, the gospel of repentance. These are the terms of salvation. If any have different views, let them search the scriptures-they will testify of these truths. Do your judgments allow their force? Open then your hearts to receive them wholly. Away with selfdependance! Away with pride! Listen to the Prince of Peace--to Jesus, who calls in mercy-who will call, till the tone of entreaty changes to the voice of judgment, "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; come ye, buy wine and milk without money and without price!" Believe in Christ Jesus: trust in him entirely, as your rock of defence, your only Saviour, " and you shall find rest unto your souls ;" such rest as no confidence in your own works can lastingly supply. But, while

h Isaiah, lv. 1.

h

your eyes fix thus upon the cross, think always that they behold this sentence inscribed upon it-written even in the blood of the lamb "would you that your sins and your iniquities be remembered no more? Have then the laws of God put into your heart, and written on your mind."

SERMON IX.

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

COLOSSIANS, i. 18.

And he is the head of the body-the church.

WITH the condition and manners of all nations, who were not utter barbarians, at the time of our Saviour's first coming, we are made sufficiently acquainted by ancient writings of various descriptions. The picture which they present to us is indeed dark and melancholy, bearing the fullest testimony to the truth of the scriptures, which state that "the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth." "They are all gone aside, they are altogether become filthy, there is none that doeth good, no, ." The knowledge of the true God

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had almost vanished from the earth; for though the Jewish nation had been chosen for the express purpose of preserving it, though in their hands were placed the sacred books of the Old Testament, yet as even their teachers and rulers bowed the knee to Mammon, took away the key of knowledge, and made the word of God of none effect through their traditions; can we wonder that the people, trusting blindly to the ceremonies of the law, knew little of the will of the Most High, and loved not the little that they knew? "Saying to the seers, see not; and to the prophets, prophecy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits; get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us!" Far less need we feel surprise that Gentiles, who "knew not God," should have been given up to the worship of devils, and to work all uncleanness with greediness. Among the Jews, it is true, some few, as Nathaniel, Anna, and Simeon, continued faithful children of

c Isaiah, xxx. 10.

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