the "depth " of ruin in which they lay, and of suffering to which he condescended for them: the "breadth" or compass of the world to which his redemption extends-of the sins for which he suffered, and which he is ready to pardon; and of the blessings which he bestows upon every believer: and the " length" to which his love reaches: which is "from everlasting to everlasting," towards all that truly receive him as their Saviour.

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As the issue of the whole, the Apostle prays, "That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God; an expression of which it is impossible to give any adequate illustration. "With all the fulness" of blessedness which, in "the riches of his glory," he has to bestow: "with all the fulness" of conformity to his image, according to which they are ultimately to be made “ pure even as he is pure."

We might well have supposed the Apostle had now carried his petitions to the utmost limit, not only of what might be hoped for, but of what was possible. But he concludes the prayer with this doxology: Now unto him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us;" -not only "above" what even he asked, but above what his thoughts and conceptions (which are apt to be bigger than words) reached-" abun

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dantly above" them-yea, exceeding abundantly above them all." And he even implies that this was but "according to the power that already worketh in us," that " quickeneth "the sinner who was dead in trespasses and sins "—and sanctifieth, and preserveth, and saveth the Christian believer. To him who is thus able and thus willing to do for us, he ascribeth "glory, in the church, by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen!"

"the

And should not we, with our whole hearts join in this ascription of praise to God for riches of the glory" of his grace; for "the love of Christ which passeth knowledge; " for his combined " willingness and ability to do for us exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think?" Can we ever dwell enough on the contemplation of "the things which are freely given to us of God" in Christ Jesus our Lord? May God give unto us "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him." Brethren, let our prayers for ourselves, and for the whole Christian brotherhood, be conformed to such models as that before us. Let us indeed implore of "the God of all grace "—' that all who profess and call themselves Christians, may be led into the way of truth; may hold the faith in the unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness

of life:' and that all who are, or who thus become, true Christians, may be " strengthned with might by God's Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith; that they being rooted [and grounded in love, may know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge," and may constantly live and act under the due practical impression of it; that, as the Apostle's prayer in the next epistle is, "their love may abound yet more and more, in knowledge, and in all judgment; that they may approve things which are excellent; that they may be sincere and without offence unto the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the praise and glory of God."

But, brethren, are these the things which really engage our hearts and affections; which call forth our prayers and our exertions? I fear I fear many hear and read these petitions without feeling that they present any object suited to excite their longing desires; any such desires as are excited when great worldly hopes and prospects are proposed to you! Alas! you are yet carnally minded: " you "mind earthly things."

But the end of that Implore of God that

state of mind is "death." he would teach you, according to the expressive language of our collects, to love the things which

he doth command; and to desire,-supremely to desire, the things which he doth promise.' So only can you expect to obtain the desires of your hearts; and so only, if obtained, would they conduce to your real good.'"Delight thyself in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart." But even if taught to do this in some measure, yet how cold and languid are our desires; how low our conceptions and expectations. O Lord, enlarge our scanty thoughts. And to that end let us dwell, brethren, upon the meditation of such passages, till we rise to a higher level. "Ask and receive, that your joy may be full."

SERMON XIV.

PHILIPPIANS IV. 5.

LET YOUR MODERATION BE KNOWN UNTO ALL MEN : THE LORD IS AT HAND.

IT has often been shown that Christianity is suited not only to teach us the way of everlasting salvation, but also to make us the most happy of men in this present life. A striking illustration of this truth might be drawn from the passage to which the text belongs. Let a man only comply fully with its directions, and what could he want more.

Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice." This is evidently spoken to those who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them." To the impenitent and unbelieving, to all the workers of iniquity, "God is a consuming fire." But to those who are in Christ by faith, he is a reconciled Father: and they have good ground to rejoice in him at all times. It follows, Let your moderation be known unto all men : the Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but

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