How utterly absurd then is the notion of superabundant merit attributable to others? This doctrine, with all the superstitious practices connected with it, is totally contrary to the closing circumstance and application of the parable; "Doth he thank that servant, because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do."

To conclude: in all the difficulties of our Christian course, springing both from within and without, whenever despondency comes over us, and we fly from refuge to our Saviour, saying, "Lord, increase our faith," let us bear in mind the answer which the apostles received. Let us remember, that even they were not exempt from weakness, and were fain to pray for supernatural inspiration. And if living under a dispensation of miracles, when the power of God was present in his Son to heal all disorders of mind and body, they received no such gift; but were

bidden to seek the growth of faith through obedience; let us not expect to tread an easier path, or find a shorter way. Sufficient it is for us to know, that the Spirit of God is ever ready to help our infirmity, and to give us the victory over the world; but that victory is not to be won without a struggle, or in a moment. Rather let us "gird ourselves" and "serve" our heavenly Master, and then we shall be bidden to eat and drink. We shall then haply attain unto full assurance of faith; but if not, and such a privilege be denied, still let us not grow weary, nor faint in our minds; let us continue "stedfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord";" being assured, that faith will grow by obedience, and shall abide, until it be swallowed up in fruition.

a 1 Cor. xv. 58.

H

SERMON VII.

WHO ARE CHRIST'S.

ROMANS Viii. 9.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

It is a pleasing but mistaken idea, that the infant Church, though planted by apostles and watered by the blood of martyrs, realized the wishes of its divine Founder; "of Him who loved it, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,"

that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemisha." We are apt to transfer the holy ardour of a Philip or Stephen to the mass of the converts, and to attribute an irresistible effect to the Eph. v. 27.

a

preaching and sufferings of St. Paul. But if even of the chosen twelve one was a hypocrite and traitor, it is a fond imagination to consider the apostolic Churches as wholly made up of devout and pious members; as affording no instances of lukewarm and inconsistent practice. Assuredly there could be little inducement for men of worldly or self-indulgent habits to hold fast their profession, when once persecution arose because of the word; and therefore they who endured to the end were doubtless crucified unto the world, and endued with heavenly virtues. But in the large numbers who were daily added to the Church, there must have been many, who had never counted the cost; and, like many in our own day, awakened by a sudden impulse, again in time of temptation fell away.

That such should be the fate of the visible Church, was foretold by our blessed Saviour, when he compared the kingdom of heaven to a "net cast into the sea", "which gathered of every kind both good and bade;" or to a field in which an enemy Ibid. ver. 25.

b Matt. xiii. 47.