sinneth, it shall die." And why then does man, | pressed with a sense of its obligations, and the divine mercies in redemption are felt in something of their greatness and preciousness, not only is it that all nature seems to put on new beauties, and life possesses fresh charms, now that the gathering clouds of divine wrath no longer lower, but upon that heart is indelibly written by the finger of the eternal Spirit the apostolic admonition, "Ye are not your own: ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor. vi. 20). the sinner, still walk the surface of this earth? Why does the sun shine and the rain fall upon one who now, at least, has forfeited every claim upon his Maker's bounty? You can be at no loss, brethren, for the answer. It is because that very Son of God, whom we own as our Creator, has interposed for our deliverance, and by his mediation averted the stroke of avenging justice. A promise of him, like the bow amid the storm, was mixed up with those words of terror and solemn retribution which man's transgression Such, then, are the principal grounds, drew from the lips of Jehovah. To that pro- arising from what Christ has done and sufmise did the faith of the undone, trembling fered for our sakes, upon which he rests his criminal cling; and by virtue of the great high claim to the devotedness of our life. propitiation to which saints of old looked for- There are others, depending upon the doings ward, and which in the fulness of time was of man himself, as upon bonds voluntarily offered for sin, the wrath of heaven was re-entered and obligations personally contracted, strained. And thus to that divine Being, in particular that first baptismal vow which who came down for our sakes from his throne of glory, we stand now in a new and endearing relation. In addition to his claims, as he is the Author and Preserver of our existence, and the Donor of every earthly good, has he imposed those of a Redeemer. He has bought us; and we are his. For, when no less a sacrifice was needed for sin's expiation than that of One who is God as well as man; when a divine surety was needed for our acquittal, and without the obedience and the blood-shedding of One equal to the Father justice could not be satisfied, nor the law of offended Majesty magnified; he paid willingly the wondrous price, and gave himself a ransom for our souls. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us" (Gal. iii. 13). We had, likewise, sold ourselves to the great enemy of God and man: we were the captives of Satan and the slaves of sin; and, though God, as the supreme Governor of the universe, still retained his authority over us, and his inalienable right to our allegiance, yet it was not by the simple exertion of his omnipotence and the crushing of the usurper, but by the paying down of an infinite ransom that we were rescued from the thraldom of the evil one. If Christ spoiled principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly, it was on the cross that his victory was won, on the cross that he triumphed. It was by death that he destroyed "hin that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Heb. ii. 14). And "not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, have we been redeemed from our vain conversation; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Pet. i. 18, 19). Wherever, therefore, a heart is found duly im binds every member of Christ's church to continual obedience. But on this part of our subject we shall not further enlarge. II. Let us proceed to consider, in the second place, the believer's practice. To him, as to the apostle, " to live is Christ." It is indeed true, as St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, that Christ "died for all, that they who live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again" (2 Cor. v. 15). But then it is a fact, as plain as it is lamentable, that multitudes of redeemed creatures are not living to him; nay, even of those who have been devoted to him by the solemn vows of their baptism, numbers have practically renounced the allegiance that is his due. Other lords and masters have dominion over them; they are serving divers lusts and pleasures, and are led captive by the devil at his will My brethren, the words of our text describe the experience of those only who have believed with the heart unto righteousness. And in their case "to live is Christ; for, as we remark first, Christ's will s their law, and his example their pattern. It is with a constant reference to his revealed will and his recorded example that they pursue their heavenward course. Their religion is not a thing of times and seasons: it influences them continually. Not merely in the closet and in the sanctuary, but in their dealings with the world and amid their solitary labours, on the public stage of busi ness and in the privacy of domestic life, in all their plans and purposes and pursuits, is Christ acknowledged, honoured, and obeyed. Does the word of Christ warrant this action? Is it consistent with my Christian profession? How would my Saviour have acted under such circumstances? These are questions ich, in substance at least, the believer will bitually ponder, and to which he will quire a satisfactory answer. And then, if ty to Christ demand the denial of self and taking up of the cross, he may not, he ll not shrink from the painful task. The th which he has to tread may be rugged 1 toilsome and arduous; but it is the King's ;hway it is the one which the divine word 3 marked out; and in it he perceives not ly the footsteps of the flock, but those of great Shepherd himself. Therefore, in te of its difficulty, however unpleasant and volting it may be to flesh and blood, he severes, he turns not aside to the right nd or to the left: he follows without hesiion the Saviour's guidance. And what think you, brethren, is the true son of conduct such as this, of a course of ! so far removed from what the carnal nd of man would dictate? Is it a tornting dread of judgment, or a gloomy ticipation of coming wrath, which keeps the ristian in the narrow path? Is it with vish step, and the shackles which fear tens upon its victims, that he pursues life's urney? O no: "the love of Christ conaineth" him. No duty appears irksome revolting when the heart is engaged, and re enjoins the performance. And, there e, it is with the buoyancy and vigour and eerfulness of the free man that the believer ns the way of God's commandments. The cred ties of gratitude and love unite with ose of interest and obligation to bind him his Lord. He has to tell not only of eating and preserving mercy, but likewise atoning grace and love. A view of the ing Redeemer, obtained by faith, has ftened the once stony heart, and divested ensnaring world of its meretricious charms. nd, though Calvary and its cross may prent no attractions to the self-sufficient reaner, and may be a stumbling-block to the humbled heart, yet around that cross his oughts fondly linger, and his affections are dissolubly entwined. And, while faith zes upon the wondrous spectacle of a crufied Immanuel, and the mind dwells upon e amazing exhibition of unmerited mercy, d a sure and elevating hope springs up thin the bosom, O how forcibly then do ose solemn but tender accents come home the soul, "If ye love me, keep my comandments"! Yes, and it is at the foot of e cross that sin is seen in its most revolting atures, and holiness appears in its perfecon of beauty. True, sin by the commandent becomes "exceeding sinful," and the ghteous law of God serves to expose the ulness of transgression; but in nothing are its evil and bitterness so strikingly manifested as in the crucifixion of the Lord of glory. And thus redemption is not only the solid foundation of a sinner's hope towards God, but also the means, in the Spirit's hands, of a new creation in holiness. As that Spirit takes of the things of Jesus and shows them to the soul, and the doctrine of Christ crucified becomes the object of unwavering reliance, the devout inquiry is called forth, "What shall I render to the Lord?" and the divine promise of the new covenant receives its fulfilment, "I will put my laws into their minds, and write them in their hearts." Then the word of God is taken as "a lamp to the feet and a light to the path :" its testimonies become the rejoicing of the heart, and are legibly transcribed in the walk and conversation; and thus, while a willing obedience is rendered to Christ's commandments, and his spotless character is admired, loved, and imitated, may it be said concerning the man in whom these characteristics are found, that to him "to live is Christ." But we will endeavour to sketch yet more fully the life of the Christian. And, therefore, we remark, further, that, as the will and example of Christ are his rule and pattern, so the service of Christ is his chief business. He is not called to a life of slothful inactivity, or simply a life of meditation. He has a work to do for his Master upon earth; and that work admits not of the loitering step, or the trifling spirit. It is enough to bring into exercise his loftiest energies, and to call forth his most vigorous efforts. Innumerable, indeed, are the duties incumbent upon him, and demanding his faithful observance. And, as many of these vary with the individual, according to the station which he occupies in the world, I shall not attempt here (for my limits allow not the attempt) to enter into detail. Suffice it to say that, as the word of Christ is the believer's continual study, that word leads him to continual practice. And, not to mention those spiritual exercises which require his first attention, the transactions which are carried on between himself and his God, on his common engagements, plans, and purposes must be written, "Holiness to the Lord." In every business which he undertakes, and in every employment which engages him, must there be a reference to Christ, and the feeling of the great apostle must predominate in his mind, "Whose I am, and whom I serve." And every duty is invested with a new dignity, as well as stamped with a more solemn obligation, when it is regarded as done for Christ, and as done to Christ. Life is seen under a new aspect, when it is considered as the entire property of him who bought us with his blood; when | Herein, therefore, are the Father and the Son it is remembered that to him every por- glorified. tion belongs, and that no works but his must at any time be undertaken. Yet such is the experience of the spiritual man. As in the case of his divine Master when upon earth, it is his meat and drink to do the will of God; it is the one great object of his life to finish the work which his Redeemer has given him to do; for not otherwise can it be said of him, as it was said by the apostle concerning himself, that "to live is Christ." And in close connexion with the preceding remarks, it may be likewise observed that the glory of Christ is the believer's habitual aim. "Herein," said the Saviour, "is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples" (John xv. 8). And so intimate is the union between the Father and the Son, that what belongs to the one belongs likewise to the other, and the glory of the one is the glory of the other. For thus did the Redeemer address his Father, in that remarkable prayer for his people which he uttered before his passion, "All mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them" (John xvii. 10). Not, indeed, that it is in the power of any human creature to add any thing to that transcendent glory which the divine Mediator essentially possesses. He has left those earthly scenes of humiliation and sorrow, amid which he tabernacled for a season; and, arrayed in the glory which he had with the Father before the world was, he now appears "on the right hand of the Majesty on high." In that upper sanctuary, as yet indeed concealed from sense, but which the eye of faith penetrates, even principalities and powers pay their adoration to the Lamb that was slain, and acknowledge him in their worship as the everlasting God. But, even when we consider him in this his essential dignity, there is a glory which accrues to him from the obedience of his people. We are commanded, "whether we eat, or drink, or whatsoever we do, to do all to the glory of God." And, mean and unworthy as we are, from us, and from this polluted globe of ours, may a revenue of glory redound to the infinite Jehovah, the same in kind, though not in perfection, as that which is offered in his presence-chamber above. It belongs to us (and this is all which the most exalted creature is capable of doing) to manifest his glory, and to show forth his praise. And this the believer does, not only by the words which he utters ascribing to Jehovah the glory due unto his name, but especially by a walk and conversation becoming the gospel, and a life which reflects the holy image of his Lord. And you are to mark, too, that the glory of Christ, as Mediator, is indissolubly bound up with the spiritual welfare of his saints. "For this purpose was he manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil;" and, if apostatizing professors "crucify the Son of God afresh, and put him to open shame," it is indeed true that in every humble and consistent believer he beholds the fruits of his passion and a monument of his victory. I that one believer he sees of the travail of his soul, and rejoices in the triumph of his grace over the powers of darkness and evil. And you may say that Christ is pre-eminentiy glorified in the homage which archangels render, and in the praises which the seraphin sing, I tell you that he is yet more eminently glorified in the case of every faithful disciple. who, once an enemy in his mind by wicked works, and the slave of Satan and of sin, now exults in the liberty wherewith grace has mai him free, and willingly devotes every pow and every energy he possesses to the service of his Master in heaven. This glory, then, is the believer's aim. A the love of Christ is his governing principle, the glory of Christ must be his suprene desire. He fears, above all things, to d honour his Redeemer by a walk inconsiste with his high profession, and to open the mouths of the blasphemers of his Lord throug some sinful indulgence. He longs to show before men and angels the power of that grat which visited him in his extremity, and so w let his light shine in the world that others may be led to bow beneath the same sceptre and to seek the same Saviour. The exte sion of Christ's dominion, and the commence ment of that universal kingdom which is he set up, are the object of his fervent praye and his unwearied labours; and it will is deed be to him a day of high exultation a rejoicing, when "the earth shall be full of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea, and the shout of the angelic messenger shall echo through the vault of heaven, "Hallelujah! the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of be Christ." And, therefore, for the dawn that blessed day does he earnestly pant and sigh; and his daily petition at the throne of grace is, "Thy kingdom come; thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." Yet these his anxious longings for the future lead hic not to overlook the duties of the present; for to Christ's glory he lives, and for Christ's glory he works and strives; and not merely the offerings of his lips, but the incense of s grateful heart and the actions of the daily walk are consecrated to his Redeemer. And by the devotedness of his obedience and the fervency of his zeal does he prove the sincerity of that song, which he joins with angelic hosts in raising, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing" (Rev. v. 12). But we forbear. Our subject, indeed, is not yet exhausted; for, in the words of our text there is, we are persuaded, a depth of meaning and an extent of application which it night well employ the enlightened mind of an postle himself fully to fathom and to unfold. We might tell you, further, how in every joy nd in every sorrow, in every season of gladness r of depression, in every trial and in every onflict, in every variety of circumstances in which the believer can possibly be placed, here is a looking to Christ, a following after Christ, a leaning upon Christ; or, in short, n the words of scripture, that "Christ is all n all things." Enough, however, we trust, as been said already to enable you to listinguish between a mere profession and he religion of the heart, and to show you omething of the nature of that life which is hid with Christ in God." But this, you say, is a high standard. And, erhaps, the impression of some minds at the present moment is, that we have been decribing the life of the Christian as it ought be, rather than as it is really found. I im well aware, beloved brethren, that in the nost advanced believers sanctification is imperfect, that iniquity mixes itself with all our services; and that, were it not for the cleansng efficacy of the Mediator's blood, our most self-denying performances and our very holiest offerings would be nothing better than an abomination. But this, at least, I will venture to affirm, that the life which has been represented is both in some measure the experience, and in its full extent the aim, of every true Christian. And my wish now is to stir up those among us who have indeed believed through grace, to a higher improve ment of their privileges, and a closer walk with God. Do the things which you have heard, beloved brethren, constrain you to confess with the apostle that you have not "already attained, either are already perfect"? Then, like him, (6 press toward the mark for the prize of your high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Be diligent in your attendance upon all the means of grace; be much in secret prayer, and in holy meditation. Dwell often upon the marvellous instances of divine goodness to your souls, especially upon the love manifested in your redemption. Let your watchword and your motto be, "Looking unto Jesus." And then, though earthly vanities still present to your eyes their dazzling forms, though Satan still may harass you, and the flesh struggle for the mastery, through Christ animating and strengthening you, you will come off more than conquerors. Then life will be prized, because furnishing continued opportunities of labouring for Christ: then death will be welcome, because ushering you into the presence of him, whom, though unseen, you love. And with a holy calmness, and quiet composure (the blessedness of which experience alone can teach), you will be able to resign all your concerns into the hands of your merciful Saviour, and to say from the heart, as saints of old could say, even in the prospect of the solemnities of dissolution or the pains of martyrdom, "Whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's" (Rom. xiv. 8). But what shall we say to those who are not living to Christ, who are serving divers lusts and pleasures, and not the Redeemer of their souls? My dear brethren, reflect, I beseech you, that a life devoted to the world or to self can issue only in a death of despair. "To die is gain," was the apostle's declaration concerning himself; but he could say, "To me to live is Christ." And, would you possess his prospects for eternity, you must learn to follow him as he followed Christ. If you are not living to Christ, O it is indeed sad to think whose work you are now doing, in whose snares you are now entangled. And it will be a fearful thing to pass into eternity under the guilt of divine obligations disregarded, baptismal vows broken, redeeming love slighted. In proportion to the magnitude of the privileges unimproved will be the severity of the everlasting doom. I urge you, therefore, with all earnestness, while your day of grace is yet lengthened, to seek help from on high, that you may be delivered from the captivity of Satan, and freed from the chains of the destroyer. I press upon your most serious consideration the sure and certain truth that, just as you now sow, hereafter you must reap. The word of God, believe me, cannot be broken; and that word declares, in clear, solemn, authoritative terms, "He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal. vi. 8). PSALM LXIII*. A PSALM of richest value, experimentally, to the Christian, whose walk is with God. Its title should be noticed. The wilderness of Judah was the scene in which those experiences were known which enabled the sweet psalmist of Israel thus to write. David was never more with God, and God with him, than in the wilderness of Judah. It was there that, while an outcast from the face of Israel, he could do valiantly for God. Jehovah's prophet had assigned him that retreat. He went there in obedience to him. Deeplysearching trials, indeed, befel! him there; but they were precious trials of a faith which grew but the more vigorously under the healthful discipline through which it passed. Realized dependence upon God turned, on each occasion, his weakness into strength. God kept him from the hand of Saul, and led him, and used him, as Israel's true deliverer from the spoilers of the Philistines (1 Sam. xxii. 5-23, xxiii. 1-15). Tasting thus, in the dry and weary land, the realities of divine loving-kindness, his soul, sustained in conscious blessing through the knowledge of delivering mercy, is growing ever in the knowledge of God, is thirsting more intensely for him. Considered in its practical bearing on Christian experience, it is evident that this psalm applies only to those who are realizing in some degree what is expressed in the opening verse. Believers may be divided, with reference to their spiritual condition, into three classes. There are Christians who are in a decidedly careless state. There are those who, while in the main walking wisely as to their practice, are yet indifferent to the solid growth and progress of their souls in Christ. There are, lastly, some who truly walk in him, with desire only to be well-pleasing to him in all things, and to increase in the knowledge of God; to be sincere, and without offence, until the day of Christ (Col. i. 10; Phil. i. 10). It is to the last of these that the language of this psalm applies. The world may be found a wilderness in more ways than one, and by other means than the faith of heavenly things. It is the Spirit of Christ alone that finds it always such. A spiritual man, having tasted Christ, has tasted divine love, and has beheld in spirit the light of glory. God is desired, because known. The recognition of mercy from God is compatible with practical indifference as to that knowledge of God which the Holy Ghost imparts increasingly to the partakers of the heavenly calling, as he opens, in Christ, the deep treasures of spiritual blessedness to the thirsty and inquiring soul (1 Cor. ii. 9-16). If Christians are satisfied with getting such a view of divine redemption as may assure them of the soundness of their hope in Christ as believing sinners, and, consequently, of their safety in him from coming wrath, they are as yet incapable of thoroughly enjoying this psalm. For it is an expression of healthy spiritual growth, of ardent desire to Godward. Calm and sober confidence, and quiet assurance of hope, are the ground and basis upon which the livelier and more positive energies of the inner man rest, * From "Notes and Reflections on the Psalms." By A. Pridham. Bath: Binns and Co. 1852. We have previously noticed this book.-ED. and from whence arise (where they are not checked in their rising by the neighbour growth of a allowed fleshly will) the ever-growing desires of the Spirit. God is desired. Not the knowledge merely e truth by which the mind may be interested, but that which fills the heart while it stimulates the couscience. Such knowledge is of impossible at tainment apart from practical obedience and devotedness to Christ. He will not reveal himse to hearts that are not truly thirsting for his love (John xiv. 21-23). To bring the soul to that condition, and to keep it there, is the perpetua striving of the blessed Comforter in the sai Joy unspeakable, and full of glory, is the presenti experience of the soul that waits with patien upon God (ver. 3-5). Christ is to such the ma row and fatness of heavenly blessing. The watches of the night (now far spent) of earthly trial, are made light to the believer whose hea has learned the secret of true strength (ver. Col. i. 11). Past mercies are reviewed in pro of the faithfulness and power of God. Former experiences, both of trial and of deliverance, called to remembrance (ver. 7), and found to be of active power as present arguments of joy azi peace. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, is the needed and appreciated Sa and Portion of the really growing Christi Hopeful patience fails not to result and to abouté with present joy, from looking immediately him (Heb. xii. 1, 2). Divine mercy, tasted here below with the keen appetite of personal nerd and traced upward to its ever-living Spring, found to be better than life. It comes from his who is our Life, savouring of him with a reviving freshness in the soul. The lips, thus fed, ope willingly in acceptable praises, making glad co fession to the name of Jesus (ver. 5; Heb. KË 15). Praise, joined with prayer, is the cons occupation of a soul that is abidingly in the pr sence of God. Jesus found solitary places le before the dawn (Mark i. 35), to seek this sola in the thirsty wilderness of a world which ke not God. And such is now the Christian's ca ing. To joy in God through Jesus Christ. F ing tribulation in the world for Jesus' sake rejoice evermore in him, rejoicing in Christ Jesu and having no confidence in the flesh; watch meanwhile, with thanksgiving, in contis prayer (Col. iv. 2); recognizing willingly contrariety between the Father and the wor and wholly choosing him. Kept thus of he preserved in Christ, kept by divine power thro a faith that already sees Jesus crowned with glary and honour, and looks, even now, for the hour c his appearing. The world is a thirsty land t such. But godliness, with contentment, make rich their souls with an exceeding gain. Mean while, the Lord knoweth them that seek hi Jesus is not indifferent to that which is done a suffered for his sake. He is capable of sympath with every heart whose desire is to find and follow the footsteps of his way. He is a merciful as faithful High Priest to every believer at his need. His friendship (John xv.), in the condescending nearness of his love, is appreciable only as we are like-minded to himself (Phil. ii. 5). ference to the suffering remnant of Jewish faith, The psalm has, I conceive, a prophetic r |