righteousness, not to have also provided an image. Man could not receive one without the other; the price that was paid for our righteousness in Christ, was paid for the image that was also purchased; he died to redeem from the curse, to purchase unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. The righteousness is our safety: the image our beauty; they are indissolubly connected; the image does not constitute in the least the righteousness, which is to justify; never attempt to exalt this image in the place of the righteousness of Christ. The image, or sanctification, comprises the disposition which is absolutely necessary to enable us to enjoy God and heaven; the righteousness delivers us from hell.

Again another blessing is, the power of God, bestowed to enable the weakest, as well as the strongest, to persevere unto the end. The power of God inspired by the faithfulness of God. Connect this with the origin of sin, which cannot be traced to any source but the creature, and it will tend to humble us.

Again another blessing is, the bliss of God; "at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore." Christ not only purchased the church, but also the richest blessings for that church. Every dispensation he bestows, whether of prosperity or adversity, is administered only,

that, by the blessing of the Holy Spirit upon that dispensation, he may .teach us our own characters, and lead us to God. This is often the case in afflictions-" Pleasures at thy right hand." There are pleasures also to the believer on earth, and great ones too, when the Spirit of God reveals these things to us; and also when, in all we do, we look with a single eye to God.

She was

I would, by way of application, call your attention, for a few moments, to a case of interest-of one who a few sabbaths ago was a worshipper among us, but who is now worshipping before the throne of God. one of those who may be called a mourning disciple of Jesus. She lamented that she could not discover her interest in Christ; but while she was unable to discover her interest in Christ, she dreaded taking an interest in any other; regretting and fearing, she did not sufficiently trust in the righteousness of Christ, but she rejected her own. This was her habitual state when in health; but, on her death-bed, these doubts and fears and complaints disappeared: there was not a cloud in her spiritual hemisphere. Take courage from this and be comforted, ye weak ones: the gifts and calling of God are without repentance; "he who hath begun the good work in you, will continue it to the end."

Morning, July 23, 1821.

SERMON XXI.

THE EXPERIENCE OF THE CHILD OF GOD.

Our Father which art in heaven-MATT. VI. 9.

SURPRISING truth! a truth, which did we feel it as we should—were it brought powerfully home to our minds by the grace of the Holy Spirit, would make us forget every thing else -all temporal evil, as well as all temporal good. When we consider what this truth implies, it may well excite our wonder. It is an act of infinite condescension in an infinitely holy God, to cast one smile of complacency upon the highest archangel, how much more so when he regards with love such fallen creatures as we-creatures who are his enemies, and have rebelled against him. lomon had great and glorious views of the mercy of God, as we discover in his consecration of the temple, and his prayer. In that ceremony he was eminently typifying Christ, interceding for his people before the

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throne of God. Solomon was too good a divine not to know the love of God to his fallen creatures; he knew what it was to approach God in Christ Jesus.1

Great and glorious as God is, it is nevertheless his will that his children should be convinced that he not only dwells in heaven but on earth, and not only on earth, but in the bosom of his true children. "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit."2 Having received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

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We become the sons of God by faith in Christ, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."3

Again it is by faith we come to know God the Father-the primary truth which presents itself to the eye of faith, is a Saviour from sin and death. "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world." Turn away your eyes from Jewish ceremonies, and look to him.

Here Mr. Howels answered objections sometimes thrown out against Solomon's being a child of God.

2 Isaiah lvii. 15.

3 John i. 12.

It is by becoming acquainted with Jesus in all his covenant and saving offices, that we come to know God as our Father. But some one may say,How can I be sure that I know God?' I answer, you may know this when the blood of Christ is applied to the conscience in such a way, as to wipe away the guilt of sin. It is impossible to know God as our Father by any other means. No age of the church ever enjoyed more privileges than the present: How is it, then, that we do not know better our interest in God, as his children? The saints of old knew this, and spoke of it with the greatest assurance; may we be disposed to listen with the greatest reverence to every thing that comes from the lips of God. No repetition of any truth can render the word of God more holy and true; if he but says it once, it is enough; no repetition can make it more the word of God; if said once, it is infinite and unchangeable truth.

When we think of the glorious manner in which God has made known himself to us, ought we not to be ashamed that we do not know him better?

OUR FATHER, which art in heaven-OURthis is the language of Our Saviour, and, doubtless, he had in view his Church, as united to himself.