came to die, for us there would be no heaven. Furthermore, it is written that Christ came "to destroy the works of the devil:" the work of the devil is sin, which, if it exists any where but in the fiery prison of hell, is not destroyed. He "came not to destroy the law, but to fulfil it:" but the law is not fulfilled whilst a shadow of sin is allowed to stand in opposition. These considerations give birth to the second question proposed-how may sinful men be made fitting inhabitants of heaven? How may their evil nature be so changed as that they may relish the joys of heaven, be beloved by the fountain of all goodness, and from the heart love his commandments? By the grace of God's Holy Spirit. We "must be born again." To all who turn to Christ, and unfeignedly resign themselves to him, the Comforter is given. If carefully guarded by watchfulness and prayer, the new spirit now dwelling in the Christian's heart, "according to the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself," treads under foot the carnal spirit of the e 1 John, iii. 8. f Matthew, v. 17.

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;

g 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!" lieve 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.

Be

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 more? Have then the laws of God put into your heart, and written on your mind."

no

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, not one." ." The knowledge of the true God