of all them, who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." And thus is our name One, or no more than one simple, entire, blessed, heavenly quality, like the Lord's name, that being written upon us in everlasting characters? What is it, my brethren, but the breach of the first commmandment, makes us break all the other commandments? What is it that hinders us from acknowledging the Lord aright? Is it prejudice, fear, shame, human authority, tradition, obstinacy, pride, unbelief, a worldly minded spirit, fashionable example, hypocrisy, or any thing else? Why do not all, as well as some professing christians, wholly believe, and thoroughly acknowledge, that, "in Jesus Christ dwelleth all the fullness of the godhead, bodily?' Why, my dear brethren, it is not the Lord's fault, that, we cannotall answer these questions to our satisfaction. But it is because, like obstinate Jews, Infidels, Arians, Socinians, and half-formed christians, the precious truths of God's word affect us not as they ought to do. It is because our base, stubborn, and unruly wills, are at variance

with their spiritual and holy admonitions.

1

But, nevertheless, "where sin abounds, grace shall much more abound." It is said, that "they shall make war with the lamb, but the lamb shall overcome them, for, or BECAUSE, he is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings." And this applies to his friends, as well as his enemies. The Lord shall be acknowledged with increasing effect. For, "of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end." Let us, therefore, see that we are of that blessed number, "who count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord." Let us "search the scriptures," with repeated diligence: for "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy," and the spirit of prophecy, as it may be equally translated, is the testimony of Jesus. Let us never separate any more, the two capital essentials of eternal life and salvation, which are faith and charity, and which Christ "hath joined together." Let "the word of Christ dwell in you plenteously in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another, with psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord."

Thus shall we be truly, though never sufficiently thankful, for the inestimable blessings and privileges of the gospel revelation; which will otherwise rise up in judgment against us for non-improvement. For, how shall we escape if we neglect. so great salvation?" At the same time, we shall ever use the utmost charity, forbearance, patience, and humility, accommodation and condescension, which is most characteristic of the christian temper and doctrine.

In short, love to God and man will be the best and surest proof, that we belong to Christ, and that the text is already accomplished, or accomplishing, in the souls of all them, who cultivate and demonstrate those simple, sublime, and efficacious qualities. But take especial notice, that ALL our affections must be consecrated to the Lord alone; that the glory of his name, and the progress of his kingdom, may be our chief delight. And suffer me to repeat it, that the more exalted, manifold, and particular, the divine truths we know; so much the more exemplary, pure, simple, and faithful ought to be the life we live :

which if not so, we do not really and entirely believe them. For he who knows the Lord the best, loves him most, and resembles him the most completely. And in proportion as this is the case, divisions, distractions, and animosities, will subside. Divine prophecy will be accomplished: spiritual regeneration will be understood, and experienced: the christian church will flourish and be extended: "the word of God will be glorified:" and the natural, as well as the spiritual, order and prosperity of the world, will be established.

To such a blessed state, let us look forward with faith and hope, and endeavour to attain in our own individual, respective, and relative capacities, which is our only present duty, through the infinite mercy, grace, wisdom and power of our God: saying, from the inmost ground of our hearts, and earnestly breathing after its eternal consummation, "come Lord Jesus come quickly. Thou art worthy to receive glory and honor and power; for thou only art he that doest wonders, thou art God alone." Amen.