Levit. iv, 8, so he looks for no less now: for unless we offer up our hearts to him on the altar of Christ's merits, with the fire of zeal, our duties will never be acceptable to him.

As Old Testament saints had sacrifices under the law, so New Testament saints have under the gospel; for every duty in which saints consecrate themselves, is called sacrifice. Psa. iv, 5—cxvi, 17. Heb. xiii, 16. And we may parallel law and gospel sacrifices thus: Repentance is a trespass-offering, zeal a burnt-offering, praise a free will-offering, and sincerity the obligations of unleavened bread.

A Christian's birth is like the red-sea, that brings him into the wilderness: his death is like Jordan, that brings him into Canaan.

As the waters that sunk the men of the old world, raised up Noah in the ark; so death, which sinks sinners into hell, raises saints up to heaven.

As lamps fed with sweet oil, cast a sweeter smell when they are put out, so

after death, the memory of the righteous is precious.

A wicked man is like one that hangs

over a deep pit by a slender cord with one hand, and is cutting it with the other.

CHAPTER III.

Containing Serious Advice to Youth.

1. CHOOSE God for your portion; remember that he is the only happiness of a rational and immortal soul. The soul that was made for God can find no happiness but in God: it came from God, and can never be happy but by returning to him again, and resting in him. Mic. ii, 10. Arise, for this is not your rest. Col. iii, 1, 2, 3. If ye be then risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth; for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

God is all sufficient; get him for your portion and you have all; then you have infinite wisdom to direct you, infinite know

ledge to teach you, infinite mercy to pity and save you, infinite love to care for and comfort you, and infinite power to protect and keep you.

If God be yours, all his attributes are yours; all his creatures, all his works of providence, shall do you good, as you have need of them. He is an eternal, full, satisfactory portion. He is an ever-living, ever-loving, ever-present friend; and without him you are a cursed creature in every condition, and all things will work against you.

2. Consider, that by nature you are dead in trespasses and sins; a child of wrath, a stranger and enemy to God: and while such, the thoughts of God are terrible to you; you can expect nothing from him but wrath and everlasting burnings. God is ever angry with the wicked: his holiness hates all sin; his all-seeing eye beholds it, and his justice will punish it.

While you are in a state of nature you can do nothing but sin, Gen. vi, 6.-Matt. vii, 18. Every thing is a snare, and a

wicked heart is apt to be taken. Labour to be sensible of this, and let the sinfulness of your nature be your greatest burden. Strive and labour against this principally. Get purity of heart, and a holy life will follow upon it; but if you strive only against outward acts of sin, while your heart is let alone, your labour will be in vain, your heart will tire you out; or if it doth not, yet remember, that God's eyes are in the heart, and he hath provided a hell for hypocrites. Nothing more damnable than a wicked, unrenewed, heart.

3. Consider, that Christ alone is your way to God. Justification, pardon, and acceptance with God, is by faith in him. alone. Sanctification, and a new nature is by the power of his Spirit alone. Let Christ therefore be precious to your souls. Labour for true faith in him. Take him for your Lord and Saviour? Submit to his commands in all things; and rest your souls upon him alone for reconciliation and peace with God. Open your heart to the motions of his Spirit; welcome the prin