together for good to them that love God. The completeness of that salvation which God has purposed for his people-the costly means by which it was purchased the unrestricted freeness with which it is offered the sovereign operation by which it is applied the wisdom, and power, and goodness by which all things, and all events, are made subordinate to the accomplishment of its ends-its admirable adaptation, in every part, to the case of each individual-and the wonderful views it opens up to us of the Divine government, throughout all the extent of his dominions, and throughout everlasting ages-it is by the display of these views, that the Holy Spirit fills the heart of the believer with adoring love. In considering the subordination of all objects and all events, throughout immensity and eternity, to the will of the Most High, the spirit is prostrated to the dust before the glories of the great I AM; but in considering that this infinite greatness, dwelling in light that is inaccessible, has had compassion upon a sinful and ruined world --that he has sent his only Son to die for it-that he cares for, that he watches over, the lowest and the least of his people that with the kindness of a parent and the bounty of a God, he has made provision for the minutest variety of our circumstances-that his eye is continually upon us-that his hand is never withdrawn from us-that he encompasses us with the majesty of his power, and the wonders of his wisdom, and the riches of his grace-that we cannot go where he does not accompany us-that we cannot have a want which, with anticipating kindliness of affection, he has not provided for-that the very hairs

of our head are all numbered-when we consider all these things, the tenderness of filial devotion mingles with the depth of our reverence and veneration; and the heart is sick of love.

We have only to observe in the third and last place under this particular, that the feelings of the man who is in Christ, are new in regard to God, from the extent to which they prevail. Upon this point I shall merely observe, that in the renewed mind, love to God is sovereign and supreme-it is with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his strength, and with all his mind, that he loves God. Not that it absorbs every other emotion-but it regulates them all, and sheds its glory over them, and is the ruling principle of the life. In the unrenewed mind, a certain species of devout feeling may at times be found; but in the Christian, it burns with a constant flame. The same exception must be made as in the former heads, for the remains of indwelling sin-but even with this exception, love may be considered as the ruling principle of the believer's life. Every object that he witnesses lifts up his mind to its Creator-in every event that takes place the eye of faith sees new cause to glorify God. A divine light is shed on all around him—the heavens declare the glory of God-every object is bright with the tokens of the divine presence-like the bush that burned and was not consumed. The glory of God is his great end-the will of God his constant rule. In prosperity, he acknowledges the goodness of the Lord, and his heart glows with gratitude to the bounteous bestower. And when he is visited with affliction, he does not repine. Wherefore should a

living man complain-a man for the punishment of his sins? He acknowledges the chastisement of a wise Father, and though it is not for the present joyous but grievous, he considers the end of the dispensation, and accommodates himself unto it-kissing the rod. Often, indeed, does he fall short of all this often does remaining corruption show its power. But still he mourns over the coldness of his affections, and as the hart panteth after the water brooks, so does his soul thirst for God. A closer walk with God-a nearer conformity to his will-fuller manifestation of his presence is his constant desire. And though he may not often rise to the ardour we have described, there are moments when he does, and these are as glimpses of glory. And even when the candle of the Lord does not shine, and when he walketh in darkness, still he waits upon God; humble submission characterizes his feelings; and while he mourns over the coldness and the darkness of his own heart, he waits for God more than they that watch for the morning.

PART FOURTH.

NATURE OF SANCTIFICATION-RENEWAL OF THE
FEELINGS.

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind."--EPH. iv. 23.

IN the fourth place, the feelings of the man who is in Christ are new, not only in regard to sin, to holiness, and to God, but also in regard to his brethren of mankind.

There is no change more essential in the man who is in Christ, than what takes place in his feelings in regard to his fellow creatures. There are certain sentiments of kindness and good will, which bind every human being in a greater or in a less degree to those around him. But these sentiments are limited in their objects—they are founded upon erroneous or defective views-they are easily repressed-and their place is often usurped by indifference, or dislike, or hatred. But the love of the believer is unconfined in its objects it has its origin in the operations of the spirit of love-it is founded on enlarged and experimental views of the condition of our nature, of the love of God to perishing sinners, and of the special obligations which are imposed upon him as being a

partaker of that love-and it glows therefore with unextinguishable ardour, amidst all that might seem most calculated to repress or to quench it. Every sentiment of kindliness and affection is purified, and elevated, and rendered more intense, by the influence of divine grace, and motives are added to a more constant, and more enlarged exercise of good will to man. We may mention a few of these motives.

The man who is in Christ is filled with love to God. Now, if we love God, we shall desire to be like him— to imitate the excellencies of his character to be perfect as he is perfect. But, what is the distinguishing characteristic of our Father in Heaven? It is love-universal-constant-energetic love, which delights in witnessing true happiness, and which, with unwearied kindness, is continually employed in securing, and diffusing, and increasing it. It is from this view of the subject that our Saviour himself has drawn the conclusion, that if we would be perfect as God is perfect, our hearts should be filled with constant and universal love. But farther, if we love God, we shall desire to serve him. Nothing, however, that we can do can affect the essential attributes of the Most High. "Our goodness extendeth not to him ;" and the active service which he requires, is doing good among mankind-" to the saints of the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight."

If we turn our attention more particularly to the Son of God, the motives to enlarged and active benevolence will be found to be increased and strengthened. His example, his grace, his kingdom, his preceptall enforce his new commandment, "love one another