more conscientious, universal, and unwearied we shall be in our obedience to him. Subjection, then, instead of a task or burden, becomes a delight and pleasure. It is no longer rigorously forced upon us, but freely chosen by us; and his service is felt to be perfect freedom. That knowledge that reaches the heart will regulate the life and conversation. To enter upon a life of godliness, or attempt a course of religious duties, without a previous acquaintance with Christ, is a more hopeless labour than rolling a stone up a hill, or swimming against the stream; but, on the contrary, by the spiritual knowledge of Christ, the heart that was bound up is loosed, the mouth that was closed is opened, and those members which were instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, become the instruments of righteousness unto God. In the words of the evangelical prophet, "The lame man leaps as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sings; for waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert." The spiritual energies, which were before dull and languid, become sprightly and vigorous. Thus, when the apostle prays that the Colossians might increase in light and knowledge, he knew that the natural and genuine fruit thereof would be, that they "would walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing."

4. The Apostle Paul was a minister; and this revelation is absolutely necessary to form the ministerial character. Certainly that man is not fit to preach Christ who has not an experimental knowledge of him. Every faithful minister will, like Ahimaaz, be a good man, as well as bring good tidings; nor will he attempt to reveal Christ to others, till Christ has revealed himself to him. "When it pleased God to reveal his Son in me," says the apostle; and then it immediately follows, "that I might preach him among the heathen." He would have trembled at the thought of only opening the gate of salvation to others, with the dreadful prospect of having it shut against himself. It is the knowledge of Christ that forms a minister's mind for his work,

Such an she will meditate upon spiritual subjects with pleasure, having tasted their sweetness: preach with authonity, as having heari, seen, and handled the word of life; all not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, as having find it to be the power of God to his own salvation.

5. T.. revelation is connected with eternal life, and a certain pledge of as well as necessary preparation for, a future state of happiness and glory. "This is life eternal. says the blessed Saviour himself, and certainly he who had always possessed it knew both what it was, and which was the way to it. to know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." If we are ignorant of Christ we cannot believe upon him, we cannot be saved by him. Adam's eating of the tree of knowledge was death to him, but it is life to the saint; and Christ's powerful entrance into his heart secures him a glorious entrance into heaven. Hence the apostle uses the expression, "Christ in you"-not Christ in the manger, on the cross, in the grave, or in heaven; but "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Christ in us is the life of grace; and what is grace but glory begun? and what is glory but grace consummated and made perfect? Ignorance as much bars the way to heaven as open profaneness." By his knowledge," says God, shall my righteous servant justify many." And the apostle tells us, "whom he justified them he also glorified." I shall draw to a close by a few inferences.

1. It is no wonder that so many men of great and shining abilities are enemies to the gospel, and the doctrines. of salvation therein contained; God has never yet revealed his Son in them. The Apostle Paul was not only a great enemy, but a bitter persecutor, till God revealed Christ in him; and then he became a zealous preacher of that religion which before he endeavoured to subvert and destroy. Christianity will never be heartily embraced till Christ be known.

2. How should we pity such as are destitute of this revelation! A state without Christ is a hopeless state. Other

wants may be afflicting; but the want of Christ is a damning If Christ be not revealed to us in this world, the wrath of God will not only be revealed, but poured out upon us, in the next.

3. What reason have those to be thankful who are blessed with the spiritual saving knowledge of Christ, as the Apostle Paul was! They may say with him, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was exceeding abundant." God is the Lord who hath shewed them light. Let them bind the sacrifice, the sacrifice of a humble, contrite, thankful heart, with cords,—the cords of love,—to the horns of the altar. Let them also seek after further discoveries-more of that unction that will teach them all things; do all that lies in their power to reveal him to others, whom God has revealed to them; "make manifest," as it is expressed, "the savour of the knowledge of Christ in every place;" and, by their remaining darkness and ignorance, be led earnestly to long for that world where they shall see as they are seen, and know as they are known.

SERMON XIX.

ON THE FOLLY OF PROFESSION WITHOUT

FORETHOUGHT.

LUKE XIV. 28.

Which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

CONSIDERATION is necessary in natural things, and what is done in a hurry is of ten repented of; so that a wise and prudent man, when he undertakes any thing of importance, will think of the advice of the town-clerk of Ephesus, and be calm and deliberate in his measures. Thus, when any matter of considerable consequence was brought before the elders and rulers of the congregation of Israel, it is said, "they sat down to examine the matter;" but this is especially necessary in those things which concern the wellbeing of the soul, and our happiness in a future state. This our blessed Saviour illustrates in the parable before us, in which we may observe the three following things: 1st, The entrance upon, and progress in, a religious life, is like building a tower. 2d, This calls for great caution and circumspection. 3d, Where this is neglected it is an instance of folly, and will expose to shame and contempt.

I. The entrance upon, and progress in, a religious life, may, with some considerable propriety, be compared to the building of a tower. The parable before us certainly intimates, that there is something to be done by us, which cannot refer to the procuring of salvation; for that has been

done by Christ already, and his work is perfect; so that nothing can be added to it, or taken from it. "In him we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." Nor can it mean the application of salvation, for that is the work of the Spirit. By him sin is discovered, Christ revealed, grace implanted, corruption mortified, and spiritual comfort afforded. Thus we are said to be saved by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." Yet there is what the apostle calls "a working out our own salvation with fear and trembling." Though we cannot expiate our guilt, satisfy the justice of God, or renew our corrupt natures, yet we may "give all diligence to make our calling and election sure." There are many

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graces to be exercised, many temptations to be resisted, many enemies to be vanquished, and many duties to be performed. The power of religion must first be felt, then a profession of it made, and, last of all, care taken to adorn that profession; the whole of which may be compared to building a tower, because,

1. There must be a foundation to support the building. It is a lofty structure, and therefore must have a firm and strong foundation. Now, Christ is that foundation,the foundation of doctrinal, experimental, and practical religion. Our graces and comforts, our present peace and eternal happiness, are derived from him, maintained by him; and however magnificent any fabric may seem to be, it will soon fall to the ground if it has not this foundation to support it, and this corner-stone to unite all the parts of it. Behold," says God, "I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure foundation:" and then it follows,-" He that believeth shall not make haste;" as he certainly does who builds without a foundation, or upon any other than this.

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2. It is a work of labour and difficulty. It is an easy matter to build a booth with the boughs of trees, such as the Jews made use of on the solemn feast of tabernacles, or a cottage for a labouring man to dwell in; but not a