but common sincerity and an ordinary capacity? A debtor finds no difficulty in producing his bondsman, when all parties are agreed. Neither does the man that is really in earnest in his endeavours to secure the redemption of his soul, perceive any thing inexplicable in the Gospel method of reconciliation to God. He sees nothing here that is too hard to be understood. The path to life and liberty is so plainly described in Holy Scripture, that the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. (Isa. xxxv. 8.) If the penitent be only sincere in his inquiries for heaven, he cannot miss the way. He knows that he has contracted a debt, and has nothing wherewith to discharge it. He can easily comprehend, therefore, when he reads, that Christ has paid it for him, and he produces Him as his surety, without ridiculing the singularity of the plan, or disputing its wisdom. He is too much in earnest to trifle, and therefore seeks to make his peace with God, while He may be found.

Chris

In this search after God, the utmost diligence we can command is essential to success. tianity is perfectly distinct from that lifeless form which appears to be all the religion of too many among us. It is a subject of constant solicitude with the devout man, how to become personally interested in the covenant of redemption. What is it to him that his forefathers, or all his countrymen beside are saved, if he be lost? What satisfaction can it give him, to have had his

covenant with God drawn up by others at his baptism, if not signed and sealed by himself! He cannot take up his religion as a popular thing. He will not be satisfied until he has examined the Scriptures for himself, and sought the remission of his own sins. And when he has attained a good hope, through grace, that his iniquities are pardoned; it becomes the object of his earnest solicitude, not to annul this covenant of peace, by a life at variance with his creed. In his daily walk and conversation, he gives diligence to make his calling and election sure. (2 Peter i. 10.) In all things he studies to approve himself acceptable to God, and a blessing to

man.

Is it possible then for any one to be at a loss to solve the question, whether God be still his adversary or his friend? Every man must know whether he has really sought Him, and taken pains to be delivered from the judgment to come. If this has been the first object of his anxiety, the chief subject of his prayers; if, moved with holy fear, he honestly, diligently, habitually seeks pardon and acceptance with God, through the mediation of His beloved Son, doubtless God is reconciled to him, for He is faithful that promised. But if not, should he never have thought seriously about it; if he has not properly calculated the amount of the debt he owes, much less attended diligently to the manner in which it is to be discharged, what can he really think of

his character and situation? Conscious of having given but little diligence to be reconciled to God, he cannot surely think that he is in no danger of being called to account at the last day for the deeds done in the body. Is it to be imagined that the Judge will discharge the prisoner who has never properly acknowledged, much less paid his debt? Such an expectation is vain indeed, and can arise only from the ignorance of the mind and the passions of the heart. The Lord declares Himself to be a jealous God. He is jealous of His rights and honour, and not to be slighted with impunity. Seeing that we have rebelled against His authority, and denied His claims upon us, how great a provocation must we offer Him by making light of repentance, and pardon, and holiness. If we are to be brought to judgment for our ordinary crimes, such inattention to the Gospel of His grace must increase our punishment tenfold. It is written that He will come in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thess. i. 8.) This then cannot be a mere matter of opinion. It is not a question, which to neglect will but leave us where we were. If we are not diligently seeking God, we are receding from Him. There can be no standing still in His ways. Then be persuaded to seek Him with a constancy and an energy that shall prove you sincere. To procrastinate argues indifference about the object before you, and

God

renders its acquisition the more uncertain. is to be sought while He may be found, and we do not know that the opportunity may extend beyond the present hour. Throughout the period of this life He waits to be gracious, but who can tell how soon His patience will be wearied out? Life is uncertain to all. Now then is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor. vi. 2.) Our eternal salvation is suspended on the short span of our existence in time. If while here we make our peace with God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, (Rom. v. 1,) hereafter we shall enter into life: but if we live and die at enmity with God, nothing is before us but unutterable, interminable woe.

DISCOURSE VI.

PEACE THE RESULT OF FAITH.

THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE: BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE.-Isaiah xxvi. 3.

PEACE of mind is the consequence of a right faith in God. Through belief in the atonement of His Son for the remission of sin, we are led to regard Him as our reconciled Father; and we no longer approach Him with the fears of a criminal, but with the affections of a child. When we have learned to commit our souls to Him, in hope of enjoying an eternity of peace, we are taught and encouraged to intrust to His care all that relates to the body, and the interests of the present life. To believe in Him for the greater blessing, implies a dependance upon Him for the less. To be adopted as a child of God, is to be admitted to all the privileges of His family: and certainly these privileges include the bounties of His providence, as well as the riches of His grace. The Christian knows and feels, that there