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condition; beyond the reach of those misfortunes, by which the enjoyments of human life are perpetually embittered. But, what is the remedy, which can afford relief under such circumstances? It is the Gospel of Christ, by which life and immortality, the prospect of wh-h was almost entirely obscured by the fall, are agen brought to light. Hereby we learn, how the mage of God, which was lost in Adam, is resored in Christ, and how the gates of Paradise, which were closed by transgression, are again opened by him to all Believers.Consider,

2. Who Jesus Christ is. Consider his Person, his Undertaking, his Work, his Suffering, his Death, his Burial, his Resurrection, his Ascension, his Glorification, and how, being now exalted to the right hand of the Father, he gives repentance, and intercedes for every sinner, who, being convinced of his deplorable state by nature and practice, comes to him, pleading the merits of his blood, and desiring to make mention of his righteousness, as his sole title to the blessings of the Covenant of Grace. Search the Scriptures, and especially that part of them called the New Testament, and you will find that they treat much of this precious Saviour, and never suppose you can know too much of him, whom to know is

eternal life. Indeed, the more you know, the more you will desire to know; for the love of God, which is manifested through Jesus Christ, has a height, and depth, and length, and breadth, far beyond what the utmost powers of the human mind can reach. It affords tr the redeemed sinner here a subject of sreet meditation, and will also afford him a ong of praise throughout eternity; for so speaks the highly favoured John concerning those, whom he beheld in vision, as alread fixed in a state of glory. "I heard ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice-worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." What a subject for consideration then is our adorable Redeemer! How should our thoughts dwell on him! How should we feel affected on account of his love; and how should we delight to hear of his precious name! Consider,

3. The nature and offices of the Holy Ghost, whom you are taught in the Scriptures to regard as one God with the Father and the Son, proceeding from both, and sent forth to render the salvation, which has been wrought, effec tual to the happiness of every penitent sinner. To him it pertains to take of the things of

* Rev. v. 11 12.

Christ, and shew them to us.

He works in us

:

the grace of humiliation on account of sin he brings us to deep repentance: he sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts, and causes us, if we be Christians indeed, to exhibit in our tempers, and in our practice, every amiable virtue that can adorn our conversation, and prove the excellency of that Religion, by which we profess to be regulated. The same blessed Spirit is also the comforter, the strengthener, the enlightener, and the director, of the people of God; so that, under his guidance, they shall pursue their course steadily and safely to the end of their days.

We should be disposed to say, if experience did not teach the contrary, that no Christian, having such subjects for his consideration, could fail of being serious, and of giving attention to matters, which are so interesting, and so important; but we know that the case is otherwise, and that, though warnings, threatenings, promises, exhortations, and every method of instruction that can be devised, are made use of for the benefit of mankind, yet, for the most part, they pay them little or no regard; though, at the same time, they are eager in the pursuit of pleasure, and busily employed in accomplishing various schemes, which, even supposing (which is seldom the case) that their

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desires and expectations are crowned with complete success, cannot afford them solid and durable happiness. Now, who is to be blamed for such inconsiderate conduct but themselves? They will not listen to what is likely to do them good, but, on the contrary, give heed to what is likely to do them harm. So shall they eat of the fruit of their own ways. They shall have their heart's desire; but, withall, God shall send them leanness into their souls.*

But, there are others, who, we may hope, are better disposed, who will not only hear about eternal things, but also think of them, with the most serious and devout attention. This is every man's duty, and what, I presume, every man may do. You may, at this hour, or when you leave the Church, either employ your thoughts in meditating upon what you have heard, or about your farm, your merchandize, or your other temporal affairs. If you think about the latter you may enter into such schemes and contrivances as shall conduce to

your worldly prosperity; but, if you think of the former, you may then be able to make a much greater advantage of your meditations. You may discover the means of obtaining the favour of God, and learn how to live a peaceable, holy, and happy life, rejoicing in Christ

*Psalm cvi. 15.

Jesus, and looking forward to future times, with a hope full of immortality. But, it must

be remembered,

2d. That while you give that consideration, which it is your duty to do, to serious things, you are to look to the Lord for the blessing of a right understanding. That is to be obtained,

1. From the study of his Word. The Scriptures were written by men under the influence of the Holy Ghost, who were directed to reveal the mind and will of God; and that they have done so clearly, that no one, who walks by their light, can be in danger of missing his way. Consult what they have delivered, and you will find them all conspiring to enforce one truth; but consult the opinions of other men, not so inspired, and what diversity and confusion will you discover! One points this way, another that, while many contend fiercely, and even unto blood, for the maintenance of doctrines and customs of merely human invention. But, it may be objected: "That diversity of opinion, of which you speak, does not arise solely from human invention, but from the various interpretations, which are given of the sacred word, and, seeing this is the case, are not we as likely to go astray as others have done before us? This depends upon the disposition of the mind. "If thine

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