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actual existence and peculiar properties of which we are bound to believe by the evidence of our senses, although we cannot possibly comprehend the manner of their existence, or how their properties act. And so also is it with respect to the union of body and soul in man. We fully believe that they united constitute one man, although we do not comprehend how the one acts upon and influences the other, or by what tie they are connected. In like manner we believe that God and man were one Christ, though it "marvellous in our eyes." But you will again ask, is it possible that the Lord and giver of life, should himself suffer death? Is it credible that he would permit his own creatures to nail his bleeding body to the cross? That the body, which Christ took on coming into this world, did suffer death in the manner mentioned, there is no doubt: but it was the human nature only that so suffered; the divine part suffered not. For our doctrine is, "that Christ was at once Son of God and Son of Man: he was at the same time, both mortal and eternal; mortal, as the Son of Man, in respect of his human nature; eternal, as the Son of God, in respect of his divine nature: each kept his respective properties distinct, without the least confusion in their most intimate union"." Keeping this distinct notion in

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mind, concerning the nature of the incarnate Son of God, you will not find much difficulty in understanding that he might undergo the death of the cross, without any infringement of the dignity of the heavenly properties of his character.

I trust that you have now a sufficient apprehension of the nature of Jesus Christ, and of his design in coming into this world: but nevertheless, in order to impress this article. of our faith more deeply on your minds, I will repeat to you the substance of what has been now said, in the words of the venerable founders of our church. "The Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man's nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin of her substance; so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one person never to be divided; whereof is one Christ, very God and very Man, who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men"."

It remains now only for me to make a few practical observations on the doctrine we have been considering.

z Art. II.

St. Paul assures us, "that Christ died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them." To devote himself therefore to the service of his Lord, is the first duty of a Christian; and this devotedness consists in a holy reverence for his authority and a general conformity to his precepts, animated with a feeling of love and gratitude to him for his wonderful favour to

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If, indeed, we justly value the blessings of the Gospel, and entertain a proper sense of our own imperfections, we cannot but be desirous of bringing our wills to a conformity with HIS will. For " he that loveth me," says the Redeemer, keepeth my commandments". Let him then, who professes himself a faithful follower of the Son of God, shew his sincerity by leading a Christian life. As Christ came upon earth to "purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works," you cannot be reckoned amongst his people if you persist in following your own evil imaginations. If "after light has come into the world, you love darkness rather than light," it will certainly be "to your condemnation." Beware then, of shutting your eyes to that light of truth, which the God of mercy has caused to shine upon you.

* 2 Cor. v. 15.

John xiv. 21.

• John iii. 19.

Since Christ has set us an example of brotherly kindness, let us avail ourselves of every opportunity to promote the welfare of our fellow disciples.

Since he chose a life of poverty and lowliness, let us not think ourselves disgraced if our lot should be cast in such a state; and if we should be placed by divine Providence upon higher ground, let us not despise those of low degree, but rather strive to render their situation as comfortable as may be possible, or expedient.

AS HE submitted without a murmur to the dispensations of heaven, and obeyed alike the laws of God and of his country, let us also bow with pious resignation to the decrees of Providence, and yield a dutiful obedience to the statutes of the land in which we live.

Such are the lessons of moral virtue which we may learn from the contemplation of" God manifest in the flesh." But in order to avail ourselves of his atoning sacrifice, one condition is essential to be observed; without which, indeed, Christ will have died in vain for us; and that is FAITH. It is through faith in his name, that we can alone hope to apply to ourselves the fruits of his passion and death. The time, however, will not admit of my entering upon this part of the subject; which must, therefore, be deferred to another opportunity.

SERMON VI.

JOHN iii. 16.

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

HAVING shewn you that it is to God's mercy, in Christ Jesus, that we owe our rescue from eternal death, and our only title to everlasting life, I proceed to consider the means whereby we are to apply his merits to our spiritual necessities.

Nothing is set forth with greater plainness in the scriptures, than that it is by FAITH We are saved. Faith, therefore, is the instrument by which we lay hold on that eternal life, which was purchased for us by Jesus Christ: and that this is really the case I propose to prove to you, as well from the words of Christ himself, as from those of his holy apostles, And since it is of great importance to your spiritual welfare that you should enjoy just and accurate views of this subject; I shall, in the second place, direct your attention to