on the soul is of a piece with this, and meant to promote this. Let Christians cherish the Divine salt in one another, by godly conversation and prayer, and by offices of kindness and charity. Learn to forbear, to forgive, to behold one another as brethren, to have hearts of tenderness for all the brethren of Christ. Well would it have been, had all Christians continued with one name only; but as the sin and folly of men have prevented this, at least all true Christians should feel themselves bound to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." We must not be united in religion with the evil world. There are certain fundamentals, without which men cannot be Christians. Brethren, you know what these are. Stick close to them; be moderate in all other things; and look on all God's people, who live by the faith of Christ in humility and love, as one family. Be these your companions and friends; let those who fear the Lord, often speak to one another. It is a grievous thing to see Christ's church rent into schisms without end; and to observe the pharisaic spirit of some, who can strain at a gnat and swallow a camel; can break Christian concord and unity, for the sake of one is ashamed to mention what-the veriest trifles; and yet plead conscience in defence of their obstinacy. And it is no less grievous to see persons, who do give hope that they love the

Lord, estranged from one another, and divided in heart for trifles, instead of shewing which can most readily forbear and forgive. I have seen both these evils among us. This is not to keep the salt, but to wash it away. May we be wise in time, keep up the life of godliness, preserve brotherly love, die in peace, and be re-united in glory!

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SERMON V.

A CALL TO REPENTANCE AND CONVERSION.

ACTS ii. 37-39.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Ir will be proper to illustrate the case here stated in Sacred History, and to shew what was the real doctrine, and the real influence of that doctrine, by which these men became true Christians. I may then proceed to apply it to the several sorts of persons among ourselves concerned in the subject.

It was not long since Jesus Christ had been crucified, through the malice and impiety of the Jewish nation. His followers were a very small handful indeed, little likely to keep up the credit of their Master's character and doctrine in the world. The rulers and chief priests

plumed themselves, no doubt, on the good success of their management, and expected to hear no more, either in this life or the next, of Jesus Christ. For three years his holy doctrine, just reproofs, and unspotted life, had been very troublesome to them; but now they had, as they thought, put a full end to his kingdom. See here how God taketh the wise in their own craftiness: for now began the Christian church to be raised up into a dignity that soon was to astonish all the world. Politicians were totally confounded in their schemes. The Gospel, thus low and contemptible as it might seem, gathered strength from that period, and is supported to this day. Jesus Christ, I need not tell you, was raised again, and ascended into heaven. He had left a promise behind him of the Holy Ghost to be with his small number of followers, and with all who should afterwards be added to the church in all ages, who should not be of the world, and who should love Jesus; for to all such our Saviour himself promised the Holy Ghost. His Apostles continue praying for this great gift and on the day of Pentecost they are fully anointed with it. In the might of the Holy Ghost Peter boldly preaches to the Jews; testifies the holy character, truth, and resurrection of Jesus; and solemnly convicts them of great wickedness in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory. It pleased God to accompany his preaching with prodigious effect:

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"When they heard this, they were pricked to the heart." Yes, the very people who a little before thought they had done well in slaying the Son of God as an impostor, see now that they have fought against God in the most rebellious manner. And, before we proceed, I would just remark to you, how powerful, piercing, and deep is the influence of the Holy Spirit, when he is poured on men as a spirit of conviction. They see now their sin in a strong light; are beat off from all excuses; are sensible of their danger of perishing; do not know how to help themselves; and, with the simplicity of frightened children, they ask Peter and the rest, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter addresses them in the language of comfortable exhortation: Change your minds,' says he (for that is repentance); be altered in the whole state and frame of your souls; and, instead of slighting or scorning Jesus Christ, receive him now as your only and true Saviour for the remission of sins. Your sins will ruin you for ever, if he be not your Saviour: forgiven they cannot be, but in his name; and he suffered for you, that you might be forgiven. Believe in him, then, for that purpose; and, as a token of your cordial reception of him, and according to his prescribed mode, be baptized in his name. For surely as water washes filthy vessels, so does his blood wash away all sin. And to this I call every