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tempted, were slain with the sword; destitute, afflicted, and tormented; through the strength of their faith, these holy men of old obtained a good report; and their names are recorded for our admonition and encouragement, that we, emulating their virtue, may become partakers of their felicity.

But, when the humble Christian thus enters upon the performance of his duty, and seriously considers the magnitude of the task by which his soul is to be saved, and the joys of heaven obtained, he may well begin the work of his salvation with fear and trembling; he may well implore, with the first disciples, "Lord, "increase my faith!" He feels the weakness and depravity of his own heart; he is sensible of the powerful influence of vicious example; he knows how liable he is to be seduced into a violation of his Lord's command, "Love not the world, nor the things of it." "How then shall he avoid the snares which lie in his

way? How shall he preserve himself innocent and "undefiled?" Steadfast faith in Jesus the Son of God, is the best, the only security. His Gospel offers aid and protection; his encouraging language is, "My Spirit shall be sent down to strengthen and comfort you my grace shall be sufficient for you: through "this, thou shalt be enabled to do all things!" When these merciful promises are heartily embraced by a lively and true faith, apparent difficulties vanish from before it; alarming apprehensions are diminished in proportion to the steadfastness of his dependence on the truth and goodness of his Redeemer; and the meek Christian pursues his way, through the path of virtue and religion, under these cheering reflections; "The "Lord will not leave me, nor forsake me: I had,

"indeed, utterly fainted in the performance of my "duty, but that I believed verily to see the goodness "of the Lord in the land of the living!"

But, alas! such is the inherent depravity of human nature, that the best resolutions of man, at some unguarded moment, are liable to be defeated; and the sincerest piety may be misled into the transgression of the law of God. Sorrow and compunction of heart will soon succeed; the clamorous consciousness of guilt will suppress all the soft whispers of its former peace. Humble penitence may implore forgiveness, and promise to avoid, in future, the dangerous snare. But, promises of future amendment are no compensation for past transgression. Where, then, shall frail mortals seek for comfort?

It is that faith alone which embraces the Gospel as the word of everlasting truth, and thus fixes our hopes and wishes on the atoning sacrifice offered by the Son of God-it is that alone which can dispel these terrors, and speak peace and comfort to the soul. For here we are taught, "That on him was laid the iniquity of us "all that he is the full and perfect propitiation for "the guilt of men: that through him we have redemp❝tion, even the forgiveness of our sins." When the humble penitent hears and believes these gracious declarations, his exulting language will be, "Turn "again then unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord "hath rewarded thee! And why? He hath delivered soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my "feet from utterly falling."

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While we are speaking of faith, as the victory that overcometh the world; it will not be supposed, that we are to pay no attention to the things of this life; that

we are to overlook and despise all the bounties of Providence, which are so abundantly strewed in our way. This mighty Conqueror overcometh the world, not by annihilating it; but only by repressing its exorbitant power. And it may with truth be affirmed, that the man whose faith raises his affections, in a great measure, above this sublunary scene of things, has more enjoyment even in the goods of this world, than his unbelieving and unrighteous neighbour. What though his inflexible probity has not stooped to those iniquitous means of increasing his stores, which the unbeliever embraces without remorse? What though his benevolence diffuses among the necessitous for useful purposes many superfluities, which the scornful infidel, having collected in fraud, dissipates in folly? He enjoys what temperance requires, and he feels no painful void. Whatever he has obtained, his acquisitions are unmixed with anxiety, shame, and remorse; he views them, and exults in conscious innocence. His sobriety, it must be confessed, restrains him from many turbulent enjoyments, in which the sons of licentious ness revel; but then, he is much more contented in the just discipline of his passions. The world never obtains the mastery over him, because his best interest lies beyond the grave; and where his treasure is, there will his heart be also.

How different is the situation of the unbelieving sinner, whose hopes and wishes extend not beyond the things of this transitory scene. In the height of his temporal prosperity, he is like the troubled sea when it cannot rest; destitute of temperance and moderation, his soul must be perpetually agitated: and there cannot be a more melancholy object than such a wretch

struggling with affliction, the bitter fruit of his folly and vice. See the prodigal reduced to poverty, and tormented by disease, the immediate consequence of his dissipation and debauchery! See the fraudulent man detected in his injustice, turned out and exposed to derision and contempt! See the more atrocious criminal shrinking from the hand of justice, uplifted to take vengeance on his aggravated crimes! Whence shall he obtain consolation and support? Not from within: not from the world, which has hitherto engrossed his care and affection: not from heaven, while he remains impenitent, for there he beholds an angry Judge, and has nothing to expect but fiery indignation. The former companions of his crimes will forsake him in the hour of his distress. The good may pity his condition; but it is not in their power to afford him effectual relief. The Gospel alone has provided a balm for his wounded spirit; a remedy for all his maladies; but this Gospel he has hitherto neglected and despised. He has no faith; and, consequently, no hand to stretch forth to the merits of a crucified Saviour; no heart to entreat his merciful intercession. Should there be any such person present, let him begin at once to consider his ways; and may God, may God, by the blessed influence of his Holy Spirit, work in him mightily all the good pleasure of his will! May God down upon pour him the abundance of his mercy, forgiving him those things whereof his conscience is afraid; and giving him those good things which he is not worthy to ask, but through Jesus Christ our Lord.

If faith, then, be a virtue so essential to the establishment of our present peace, and to the attainment of future felicity, will not every considerate person be

desirous to acquire and to retain it, until it gives place to perfect vision in the kingdom of glory? For this purpose, let me suggest to you three important direc

tions.

In the first place, let those who are weak in faith, examine the Holy Scriptures with seriousness, diligence, and impartiality, as containing the revelation of God's will respecting the method of our salvation: the subject is one of the most important that can possibly engage the attention of the human mind. "Faith "cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Consider the evidence by which this word is supported; the purity, excellence, and comprehensive nature of the doctrines and precepts there inculcated; the prophecies, miracles, and testimony of those who laid down their lives in confirmation of the truth of it. Imitate the noble Bereans, and search diligently to be satisfied whether these things be so; and conviction will be the result of this candid inquiry. Since, to a certain degree, we have a power over the mind, so as to attend or not, as we think proper, to any subject proposed to our consideration; remember, that if unbelief spring from the want of due attention, you are as accountable for this, as for any other crime. Hence it is, that faith is ranked with meekness, and temperance,

and other virtues.

2dly. Look up to heaven with deep humility of soul, and pray fervently for the aid of the Holy Spirit to give you at all times the hearing ear and the understanding heart; to enlighten your darkness; to beat down every rising spirit of pride and obstinacy; to work in you the meek, and docile, and affectionate disposition of children; so that on all occasions you may be ready to

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