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by their iniquity," had a right to determine whether any remedy should be appointed for them at all, and what that remedy should be. If HE, therefore, has made known a ground of hope for the guilty, we cannot, surely, wish for a firmer security, or for any higher warrant, or encouragement, to rely on that ground with unshaken confidence. It is Jehovah that hath said, "Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth on him shall not be ashamed." And we know what this foundation is :-" other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is, JESUS CHRIST."

It is with God as "the Judge of all" that we have to do: and when we tremble at the thought of his purity and justice, in anticipating our appearance at his dread tribunal, there is nothing that can impart peace to the troubled conscience, and hope to the sinking heart, but the word of that being himself to whom we have to render our account. Something which he has approved and accepted, and on which he has given us his authority to trust, is absolutely necessary to solid and satisfactory peace; to peace of which the source will bear to be thought of and examined. This we have in the glorious Gospel; where "God hath set forth Christ as a propitiatory, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness in the remission of sins; that he might be just and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus." It is the assurance of this, that imparts the confidence of hope :-every thing besides this, leaves the mind distracted by uncertainty and doubt, or a prey to all the agonies of despair.

No question then on this subject can be conceived of greater importance than the question, "What is the testimony of God, with regard to the ground of acceptance with himself?" To discover the true answer to this question, let me beseech you to have recourse directly to the word of God. If you believe what is there testified, and imbibe the spirit of those holy men by whom that word was written, your language will be, and it will come from a glowing heart, "God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ; by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ: I count them but dung that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law,

but that which is by the faith of Christ, even the righteousness which is of God by faith. Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us Kings and priests unto God even his Father, to him be glory and dominion, for ever and ever. Amen!”

G

CHAP. V.

THE ASSERTION OF UNITARIANS, THAT THEY DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

THIS most important doctrine regards every Christian believer: but thousands have come into the world, and tens of thousands have passed out of it, who have never enquired concerning these important truths. The Holy Spirit is the author of all true spiritual consolation; he is therefore called the COMFORTER. HE removes distress; and HE alone establishes peace in the soul. Does not the chief part of human misery arise from the predominance of impure desire, and malignant temper?

Where meekness and gentleness; where temperance, patience and forbearance; where the love of God and of man prevail; peace and joy must dwell as their attendant guests. But all these are "the fruits of the Spirit," and therefore such as are renewed by his grace, may be pronounced, truly blesssed. Thousands are rendered miserable, and think life itself an insupportable burthen, under a conviction of their guilt, and of their liability to the

fierce anger of Almighty God.

of Almighty God. How shall their conscience be pacified, and that horrible dread be removed? Nothing will avail for the purpose but the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and of Him crucified; and this knowledge is the gift of the Holy Ghost. "He will glorify me," said our Lord, “ for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."

Only let the kingdom of God be set up within you, and as the happy consequence, you will experience joy in the Holy Ghost. Thousands have passed through the world, and have not so much as concerned themselves whether there be or be not a Comforter." And Paul finding certain disciples, he said unto them-Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed; and they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." Acts xix. 2. It was not until after the resurrection of our Lord, that the Holy Spirit was felt by the Apostles; therefore those of the upper coast of Corinth, could hardly have heard that there was a Holy Ghost. But we who live in the nineteenth ceutury, who have been educated in the Scripture covenant, and have been attenders on divine service, should in these latter times be acquainted with the Comforter, the Holy Ghost.

No man can kneel down and pray to the Father, except the Spirit be in him. To speak more explicitly. If a penitent pray in Spirit, and in truth, the Comforter is with him. Be guarded on these

points, as the Holy Spirit does not always strive
with man.
If thy whole thought be not divided
from and brought out of the world, thou hast no
part nor lot in the Holy Spirit: and except a
man believe in the efficacy of our Saviour's atoning
blood, he has no part in the matter.

O my dear friends, be guarded when you pray. Let not the world, nor sensual thoughts enter your minds. Draw a curtain over the things of the world. Cover them effectually. And when you have done so, open the everlasting doors of heaven; pray in spirit, and in truth; and your Father who is in heaven, will hear your prayer;-reward you openly, and give you the Comforter, even the Holy Ghost.

I have already shown you the great mystery of approaching your Eternal Father; and in those points alone the salvation of man is either lost or won. I will now endeavour to show the weakness, and licentiousness of the human race. Men in the highest sphere of life, should be very careful to approach the Church of God in modest apparel. Their conversation suited to the Holy sabbath, for that day THE LORD hath set apart to be dedicated unto him that the inward man should come out from the world, to edify and admonish those in a lower sphere, and to improve the inward man. When our conversation is cleansed from all filthiness; then, and not till then, you approach the Holy Spirit: but alas, the world is pregnant with

evil, and grievous disorders, and one evil begets

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