and this, to the honour and praise of God, is ever at hand (where his wisdom has vouchsafed this dispensation), in order to qualify the work. In short, every inclination to virtue, in opposition to the suggestions of vice, induced by a fallen nature, may be considered as part of that light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, and is in consequence of what Christ has done for the creature after the fall.

But it is nevertheless equally true, that all this moral behaviour may exist without any real Christian sentiments of penitence and faith in the heart, without any saving notion of divine mercy, which is the only true religion of a redeemed nature.

We all know, for example, that people may bring about a great deal of outward good, and comfort their fellow-creatures, even from a love of praise, from a naturally tender disposition, from a compassionate heart, a generous temper, a noble contempt of riches, and various other amiable qualities, which endear us to one another, and do certainly reflect a faint image of original perfection; but none of these, nor all of them together, compose vital religion.

This, however, may be said of them as before intimated, that they are sparks of good; they, doubtless, flow rather from a good, than a

bad spirit; and by being properly cherished and qualified, they may assist in producing the richest harvest of Christian labour. Whosoever, therefore, find themselves possessed of these talents, and do not put them to the best use, will be considered in the sad condition of those to whom it is said (by the Giver of every good gift), To whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and whoso knoweth his master's will, and doth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. To find in ourselves a ready will to benevolence, pity, and generosity, and to misapply these ingredients (if I may so call them) to godliness, by neglect of those we might make happy, by hardening the heart to scenes of woe and misery, by indulging an extravagant turn to gratify our own selfish vanity --this perverting of God's favours will greatly increase our sin and condemnation.

The Gospel, that is, the spirit it contains and recommends to us, is the only principle on which we can act, to reconcile the favour of God to us. All that we do, must proceed from love to him, from respect to his authority, and from humble obedience to his laws. In compliance with every portion of his commands, we must keep the divine will in view; we must be merciful, generous, humble, and active in our religious duties, not because they procure us immediate and exquisite de

light, and are calculated to extend our praise and perpetuate a valuable reputation, but because God commands this proof of our faith, because these are the signs of repentance. We love our brethren, because Christ has died for us, and redeemed all who will hear his voice; because we believe, that whoso hates his brother, and professes to love God, is a liar; because mercy, truth, and justice are the qualities that are to prepare us for heaven, and the further manifestation of the Spirit, when we are called hence to be employed in a more perfect service.

Our morality, therefore, must not be founded in worldly wisdom, in a mere gratification of constitutional advantages, and proceed only from a fond and pleasing indulgence of particular affections, and a conformity to a regular and moral education; for all these partake more or less of selfishness (as do most worldly accomplishments); but we must feel in our hearts a grateful sentiment of pure obedience, flowing from the principles of penitence for our great unworthiness, and faith in the grace of God, that enables us to do any thing truly acceptable to him, and, of his astonishing goodness, to place to our account and reward what by his free grace he enables us to do. This I take to be the love that engages the heart of the Christian, that prompts all his works, and makes

him feel comfort in them; not for any merit flowing from himself, but as being judged an instrument in the hands of God, capable of promoting his glory. This, I most humbly trust (my friends), is sound evangelical doctrine; if it is, may God increase the inspiration of his Holy Spirit, by the testimony of holy living in our hearts! If I am in error, may the Fountain of all light and knowledge lead me speedily in the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, for the sake of my own soul, and of the eternal interests of all intrusted to my care.. To God's holy name be all the praise for every thing we know and do comformable to his will, through the merits, mediation, and intercession of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour. To whom, &c.