heart. Whatever he renounces, ventures, or suffers, he resolves to seek a kingdom that cannot be moved." He feels the force of our Lord's questions, "What is a man profited, if he gain the "whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall "a man give in exchange for his soul?" He does not, however, merely seek deliverance from wrath and misery; he is also athirst for happiness in the enjoyment of God, and of those "pleasures "which are at his right hand for evermore." He attends to religion, not that he may be seen of men, or acquire reputation; nor is he solely intent on pacifying an uneasy conscience: but as a reasonable · creature, formed for an immortal existence, he aims, in this introductory scene, to ensure felicity in the world to come. He believes that God is, "and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him ;" and therefore he seeks his favour, as "the one thing needful," and endeavours to render all other objects and pursuits subservient to this grand concern.

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It is evident that men of this stamp are very scarce; and that most of those, who are called Christians, are wholly strangers to this habitual purpose and conduct. The few, who answer the description, are not confined to any single sect, but are scattered about in the visible church, as "men wondered at" for their singularity and preciseness. Now, at whatever period of life, any man is thus brought to seek glory, and honour, "and immortality," he enters on a new state, and

constitutes a new character; "being made free "from sin, he becomes the servant of God, has "his fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting "life."

These persons seek the desired good "by patient "continuance in well doing." A sinner cannot be said to do well, until he humbles himself before God for his transgressions, mourns for them in true repentance, confesses them with self-abhorrence and a sincere purpose of forsaking them, and seeks mercy in the way which God hath appointed, for the glory of his own name and the honour of his violated law. A rebel can do nothing well, so long as he vindicates and persists in his rebellion, refuses mercy because the terms of it are too humiliating, and is wholly averse to submission and renewed allegiance. The prodigal son, when he came to himself, and determined to return home, and humbly crave his father's forgiveness, began to do well. The proud morality, formal devotion, or ostentatious liberality, of an impenitent sinner, will never meet the approbation of that God, who sent his Son into the world, "not to call the "righteous but sinners to repentance." Humble penitents, and they alone, begin to answer to thę character described by the apostle.

All such persons will likewise credit the testimony of God concerning his Son, and the way of acceptance through his atonement and mediation. Whatever modern reasoners may plausibly advance

concerning the innocence of error, and the small importance of doctrinal truth: the inspired writers uniformly consider unbelief as springing from an evil heart; and false doctrines, as damnable heresies, and strong delusions, which God permits for the punishment of those who hate the truth, because they love sin." How can ye believe, who receive "honour one of another ?" "This is the condem-. "nation, that light is come into the world, and "men love darkness rather than light, because "their deeds are evil." "He that believeth on the "Son hath everlasting life; but he that believeth "not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath "of God abideth on him." This is a fair specimen of the scriptural declarations on this subject; and as Christ" is the Way, the Truth, and the "Life, and no man cometh to the Father but by "him;" we may assuredly infer, that no one does well, according to the apostle's meaning, who believes not in the Son of God, but refuses to seek eternal life as the gift of God in him.

The Lord hath instituted in his holy word, certain ordinances, as means of grace to our souls; and that in them we may render him the glory due unto his name. The characters, of whom we speak, will certainly honour the Lord and seek his blessing, by a diligent and conscientious observance of these ordinances. They will also separate

3 John, iii. 16-21. 36,

from bad company, avoid temptations and occasions of sin, exercise self-denial, and renounce all pleasures or interests, which interfere with the exercise of divine love and the obedience of faith; and they will prove the sincerity of their religious profession, by observing the directions, and copying the example of the Lord Jesus, and by walking in newness of life.

Numbers, like the stony-ground hearers, shew much earnestness in these things, and express great confidence and joy: yet they are partial in obedience, and continue but for a time. They readily perform such duties, as are creditable, cheap, and easy; but they refuse to part with Herodias, or to cut off the offending right hand; they do not mortifyconstitutional or customary evils, reject unhallowed gain, venture the displeasure of rich and powerful friends, or attend to those things in religion, which would expose them to contempt, reproach, and hardship. Thus they maintain a religious profession, while exempted from peculiar trials; and many pass through life, unsuspected by themselves or others: but "if persecution or tribula"tion arise because of the word, by and by per66 sons of this character are offended."-On the contrary, they, of whom we now speak, have "received the good seed into an honest and good "heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." They are not partial in their religion, but shew themselves the friends of Christ, by doing whatsoever VOL. L

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he commands them. They have indeed many infirmities, and may fall into sin through inadvertency; they may even live in some sinful neglect or practice, through ignorance or mistake, but cannot habitually commit known sin. They search out their faults; and, as they discover any, repent of and forsake them. "Their hearts are sound in "the Lord's statutes, and they shall never be " ashamed."

In this course of believing obedience, the disciples of Christ encounter many temptations, struggle with various discouragements, and are exposed to sharp trials. The contempt and hatred of the world, the assaults of the tempter, the peculiarities of their circumstances, dispositions, and habits and the chastisements of their heavenly Father, combine to try their patience. Perseverance and constancy, in following the dictates of conscience, expose them to the charge of obstinacy and perverseness, or subject them to heavy losses and difficulties; while inward conflicts, permitted to humble and prove them, sometimes make them ready to faint and despond.-Yet they "patiently con"tinue in well-doing;" they submit to the will of God under afflictions, meekly bear injuries, wait the appointed time for the fulfilment of the Lord's promises, and persevere in the path of upright obedience. They seek for blessings which cannot be expected in any other way: and are ready to say, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words