2 Kings x. 15.-Middle right?" clause." Is thine heart WITHOUT noticing the occasion on which this question was proposed, we intend to found upon it a few observations, for the purpose of shewing, what must be the state of our hearts, before it can be truly said, They are right in the sight of God. It will be perceived that the subject is one of great importance, inasmuch as we are distinctly assured, "If any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his." In order that our hearts may be right before God, they must be cast in the mould of the gospel. This mould makes those hearts contrite which once were impenitent. It makes those hearts sincere which once were deceitful. It makes those hearts humble which once were proud. It makes those hearts holy which once were depraved. It makes those hearts resigned which once were discontented. It makes those hearts cheerful which once were unhappy. It makes those hearts obedient which once were rebellious. It makes those hearts liberal which once were covetous. It makes those hearts zealous which once were lukewarm. If then, our hearts are not right, let us place them, without hesitation, in the gospel mould. Psalm ix. 14.-I will rejoice in thy salvation. LOOKING at these words in connexion with those which immediately precede them, we are led to the conclusion, that their original reference was to a temporal, or bodily, deliverance. We intend, however, to apply them spi ritually, noticing, I. The salvation which is offered to sinners in the gospel. This salvation, Delivers us from spiritual bondage. See Romans vi. 14; Galatians iv. 4, 5. Removes the guilt of sin. See Rom. viii. 1. Gives us access to God. See Ephesians ii. 18. Leads to holiness of life. See Titus ii. 14. Makes us victorious in death. See 1 Corinthians xv. 56, 57. Insures a joyful resurrection. See Philippians iii. 20, 21; 1 Corinthians xv. 42-44. Prepares us for the day of judgment. See 2 Timothy iv. 7, 8; 1 John ii. 28. Entitles to a happy immortality. See 1 Peter i. 3-5; 2 Corinthians v.1. Notice II. The joy which the salvation of God is adapted to inspire. "I will rejoice in thy salvation." 1. We ought to rejoice that salvation is attainable. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." 2. We ought to rejoice that the terms on which salvation is offered are adapted to the circumstances of all who need it. "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." 3. We ought especially to rejoice if we are amongst the number of those who enjoy salvation. B Romans xii. 1.-I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. THE epistle to the Romans may be divided into two parts. The first is doctrinal: the other is practical. The latter portion commences with the words now before us; in which we shall notice, I. The duty enjoined: viz.-the presentation of the body as a sacrifice to God. Jehovah looketh at the heart: but there is an intimate connexion between the state of the heart and our outward actions consequently, faith and works must never be separated. The presentation of the body as a sacri : fice to God includes, 1. Careful abstinence from all sin. 2. The steady use of such means as are adapted to promote personal holiness. 3. The active performance of our social duties. 4. Diligence and perseverance in attempts to promote the glory of God, and the salvation of our fellow-creatures. |