derived from Divine mercy through the mediation of Jesus Christ his Saviour. In the Commination Service, and in all other parts of the Liturgy, the language of the publican, and not that of the.. pharisee, is the language which the Church has prepared for the lips of her worshippers. Whether the heart unite in it, is a question that must be decided by the consciences of individuals in the sight of God.

The use of the word AMEN, in our Commination Service, may also be considered as an appeal from the curse of the law to Him who "was made a curse for us."— Gal. iii. 13. It is a declaration that by the works of the law can no man living be justified.—The use of it is an act of faith in the atoning Saviour of the world;-" O Lord, Holy and True, thy law denounces its curse upon me as a transgressor, and I acknowledge the justice of the sentence. My natural and acquired guilt exposes me to the danger of eternal death. But blessed be thy name: Thou hast made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.'

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Lastly-The AMEN implies a solemn resolution of leading a new life-Repentance is a forsaking of sin. Thereby, while we assent to the law, that it "is holy, just, and good," we add to the cry for mercy, Incline our hearts to keep this law"Write all these laws on our hearts, we beseech thee." The hope of forgiveness, unless it be accompanied with a desire after holiness, is delusive and vain.

A remark or two naturally arise from what has been said:

Every real Christian, that is, every true believer, assents to the law that it is good. It has his unqualified approbation, both as to its precepts and its sanctions.

12 On the Nature and Necessity of

He consents to, or approves of, the precept, whatever it may enjoin or prohibit. He consents to the precept in all its spirituality of import, as requiring uninterrupted and supreme love to God, with all the heart, and mind, and soul, and strength; and as condemning every failure in thought, word, or deed. He does not think it hard, nor wish the standard of duty lowered. His falling short of that standard, and not the standard itself, is the object of his regret. I abhor myself, and repent in

dust and ashes."

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He approves of the penal sanction of the law, that is, of the punishment threatened against transgressors, while it declares that "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law to do them." "The wages of sin is death." He does not arraign the justice of God, nor call his goodness in question. He does not wish the strictness of the law to be removed

or altered. He perceives the claims of the Creator and the obligations of the creature, to be such, that the offender is worthy of the threatened penalty. He does not therefore labour to explain away the awful denunciations of Scripture, but admits them in their full force of interpretation.

It may further be remarked, that none but a believer in Jesus can consent unto the law that it is good. Till Divine mercy be revealed to, and experienced by the soul, the heart will revolt against both the precept and the penalty of the law :against the precept, as requiring too much, and against the penalty, as exceeding the desert of the offence. The evil of sin must be learned from the sufferings of the Saviour in atoning for it,-the lawgiver must be seen on the mercy seat,—the judge the cross,-before His character or acts can be considered as amiable, and cordial acquiescence in them be produced. Every man who is not a true

upon

believer, objects in his heart to the law,-he is against it; he makes it void, and condemns it. He dissents from the law as well as from the Gospel of the ever blessed God.

The cordial use of the AMEN after the denunciations of Divine displeasure against sin and the sinner, and the application of the denunciation to ourselves as transgressors, may be considered as a test of true repentance aud of unfeigned faith. Do I consent to the law that it is "holy, just, and good?" Can I join the congregation of penitent believers in their AMEN to its curses? When the Apostle says, Rom. vii. 16. "I consent to the law that is is good," he appeals to the state of his heart, in proof of his being interested in the great redemption, and in the hope of the Gospel of his Saviour. Let us examine ourselves by this test, and let us pray for an increase of light and grace, that our consent may become daily more decisive and cordial. With this view let us meditate often and seriously on the awakening exhortation of our Church in her Commination Service, and often and earnestly use the prayers that follow it.

Now seeing that all they are accursed (as the prophet David beareth witness) who do err and go astray from the commandments of God, let us (remembering the dreadful judgments hanging over our heads, and always ready to fall upon us) return unto our Lord God with all contrition and meekness of heart, bewailing and lamenting our sinful life, acknowledging and confessing our offences, and seeking to bring forth fruits worthy of penance (or repentance). For now is the axe put unto the root of the tree, so that every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. He shall pour down rain upon the sinners, snares, fire and brimstone, storm and tem

16 On the Nature and Necessity of Repentance.

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"O most mighty God, and merciful Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but that he should rather turn from his sin and be saved; mercifully forgive us our trespasses; receive and comfort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; to thee only it appertaineth to forgive sins. Spare us therefore, Good Lord, spare thy people whom thou hast redeemed: enter not into judgment with thy servants, who are vile earth, and miserable sinners: but so turn thine anger from us, who meekly acknowledge our vileness, and truly repent us of our faults; and so make haste to help us in this world, that we may ever live with thee in the world to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"Turn thou us, O Good Lord, and so shall we be turned. Be favourable O Lord, be favourable to the people, who turn to thee in weeping, fasting, and praying. For thou art a Merciful God, full of compassion, long-suffering, and of great pity. Thou sparest when we deserve punishment, and in thy wrath thinkest upon mercy. Spare thy people, Good Lord, spare them, and let not thine heritage be brought to confusion. Hear us, O Lord, for thy mercy is great, and after the multitude of thy mercies look upon us, through the merits and mediation of thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. "The Lord bless us, and keep us; the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon us, and give us peace, now and for evermore. Amen."

FINIS.

J. Chilcott, Printer, 30, Wine Street, Bristol.