Is it necessary for us to feel a lively hope by which we draw nigh to God? The cross inspires it. Surely he hath borne our grief and carried our sorrow; the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed. He that spared not his own son but delivered him up for us all; how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Has gratitude an influence in forming the christian character? Here, here it is inflamed. For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead; and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and to his father: to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Finally. Is an example of holiness indispensable? Here we behold a representation of all the graces and the duties he recommended. Here we see an entire obedience and submission to the will of his heavenly father-humility the most profound-patience the most astonishing-forbearance the most free from revenge-the love of relations and friends the most exquisitely tender-He suffered for us leav

ing us an example that we should follow his steps. And thus all the principles and assistances of the christian life are furnished by the death of the Saviour. Let us conclude by three reflections.

And first. Let us render the works of nature instructive and edifying. Let us not be of the number of those of whom the prophet speaks, when he says seeing many things they observe not. Nor let us contemplate the creation with the eye of a naturalist only. Let us go over it as christians; let us hold communion with things unseen and eternal, by means of those which are seen and temporal. Thus our Saviour has taught us to find the influence of the gospel in the leaven hid in the meal, the agency and comforts of the Holy Ghost in the blowing of the wind, and in rivers of living water; and the efficacy, utility, and necessity of his death in the sowing, corruption, and the revival of corn.

Secondly. God is wonderful in council and excellent in working. His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are his ways our ways. The enemy supposed he had completely succeeded when our Lord was crucified-now his cause is crushed, his followers will be dispersed and annihilated, and his name will be heard no more. But all this was according to the determi

nate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Death was the road to life, and shame to everlasting renown. They were sowing him to make him fruitful. In falling a victim he conquered, and from the cross he passed to the possession of a throne in which he reigns king of saints, and will reign king of nations.

Thirdly. What think ye of Christ crucified? I know what prophets and apostles thought of it. I know the importance his death occupies in the scriptures of truth. I know that when Moses and Elias appeared in glory, they spake of the decease which he would accomplish at Jerusalem. I know an ordinance is expressly appointed to shew forth his death; that the preaching of the gospel is called the preaching of the cross; and that the praises of heaven are ascribed to him as the lamb that was slain and has redeemed us unto God by his blood-But what are your views of this interesting subject? To the Jews it was a stumbling block; to the Greeks foolishness; and to thousands now it is a thing of no importance. Is it to you the wisdom of God and the power of God? Our creed and our experience will be found very defective unless they have much of the sufferings and death of Christ in them. Spirit of grace and truth take of the things of Jesus and shew them unto us.

May we know the fellowship of his sufferings; may we be made conformable unto his death: and be enabled individually to say I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.-God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

DISCOURSE VI.

CONFIDENCE IN GOD COMPOSING THE

MIND.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.-Isaiah xxvi. 3.

IN many things people differ widely from each

other, but in one thing they are agreed-they all wish for satisfaction, they all desire inward tranquillity. And indeed what is every thing else without this? What is ease of circumstances, and even health of body, if the mind be perplexed, distracted, tormented? The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can bear?

Now Isaiah tells us how we may obtain and preserve a blessed composure in a miserable world. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace

whose mind is stayed on thee. These words require some explanatory remarks, and furnish us with some practical reflections.