made his last will, which is preserved in its original state at Wittemberg; which concludes as follows: "I had my reason to omit in my last will the usual legal formalities; and I hope I shall be credited more than a notary: for I am well known in the world, since God the Father of all mercy has intrusted me, an unworthy sinner, with the gospel of his Son, and enabled me to this day to preach it with truth, faithfulness and perseverance; that many persons in the world have been converted by my ministry, and think me a doctor of truth, notwithstanding the ban of the pope, the emperor, and the wrath of many kings, princes, parsons, yea, and of all the devils. Why then should I not be credited in a matter so insignificant; particularly since my hand writing is well known, and sufficient, if it can be said, this is written by Dr. Martin Luther, the notary of God and witness of his gospel."

Though he felt great pain during his last illness, his native intrepidity did not forsake him: he conversed with his friends to the last, about the happiness of the future world, and of meeting again hereafter. When the pain began to increase, and death approached, he called for Justus Jonas, who had accompanied him from Halle to Eisleben; who heard him repeat three times these words: "Father, into thy hand I give up my spirit"-and say the following prayer: "O my heavenly Father, who art the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, thou God of all comfort, I thank thee for having revealed to me thy dear Son Jesus Christ, on whom I believe, whom I have preached and professed, loved and praised, but who is despised and persecuted by the pope and all the wicked. I pray to thee, Lord Jesus Christ, let my soul be recommended to thee. O my heavenly Father, though I must leave this body of clay, and depart this life, I know for certain that I shall remain for ever with thee, and

that no one shall pluck me out of thy hand." When marks of approaching death appeared in his face, Jonas asked him, "Reverend father, do you die in Christ, and upon the doctrine which you have preached" having answered with a loud voice, "Yes!" he fell into a soft sleep, and expired.

His remains were laid in a tin coffin, and carried to St. Andrew's church at Eisleben; where, on the succeeding days, Drs. Jonas and Coelius preached funeral sermons: the first from 1 Thess. iv. 1318; the second from Isa. lvii. 1, 2. In a solemn procession it was carried from thence to Wittemberg, where it was deposited in a vault in the electoral church. A brazen plate covers the grave, whereon is an inscription to his memory; and opposite to it is the tomb of Melanchthon.

Luther has been justly celebrated as the greatest man since the time of the apostles. Many great and pious men attempted before him to stop the current of popish idolatry, superstition, and rapaciousness; but they fell victims to that haughty and overbearing power, and were silenced in dungeons, or in the flames of a pile. It was reserved for Luther to deliver the world from more than an Egyptian servitude; although danger surrounded him on every side, he carried on, unhurt, the great work of the reformation, under the protection of Heaven, against the resistance of the most formidable powers on earth. His mind and heart seemed to be endowed from above with more than common gifts, and such talents as constitute a great reformer.

From this short narrative of his life, it is evident that he was appointed by a higher hand, as the instrument for executing the great design of the Divine government: he was led on step by step, under the most favourable circumstances, to overturn the system of popery, and establish the gospel of Christ. He was resolved to stand or fall with

the just cause of truth, liberty and religion. He would not come to any compromise with his enemies, or recur to palliatives and improper remedies to cure the evil: he aimed a deeper blow; to strike at the very root of an authority so prejudicial and opposite to the principles and rights of true christianity. He did not, however, pull down before he knew what he could build up in its stead; all his proceedings were stamped with marks of the most circumspect prudence and caution. The minds of men were prepared by degrees for such a necessary and useful innovation in the doctrines of the church. As a good shepherd, he did not take care of the sheep only, but of the lambs also; having provided for the adult the most salutary spiritual food, by the translation of the bible, he wrote his catechism to instruct the rising generation in the principles of religion.

It is not pretended that Luther was a sun without a spot; but it must be confessed that he was a great reformer, and a sincere christian. He showed on all occasions respect to superiours, and obedience to lawful authority. But when he found himself treated in an unjust manner, and authority abused for the oppression of innocence and truth, he looked upon emperors, kings, and popes, with contempt; and called them as enemies of God, by names which they were not used to hear from their flatterers. In his treatise, entitled, "Popery established by the Devil," he calls the pope, instead of holy, a hellish father. If a change of heart by the grace of God and influence of the Holy Spirit, if a true and living faith in Christ the Redeemer of the world, if the love of God's word and fervent prayer, constitute the character of a good christian, Luther is entitled to it in an eminent degree. A short time before his death, he was often heard praying that the Lord might receive his soul, and establish the kingdom of

truth and peace after his death. The Lord has heard his prayers; for though he is dead, yet he speaketh; and his doctrines are so deeply rooted, that they still flourish independent of the hand which planted them. May we, from this sketch of the life and character of that great man, be convinced of what God has done in former times for establishing our faith by this reformer; and endeavour to copy that illustrious example of faith, which he has left us as a christian.

LUTHER'S SERMONS.

SERMON I.

GAL. IV. from the first to the seventh verse, inclusive. 1. Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

2. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

3. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

7. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

THIS text touches the very pith of Paul's chief doctrine; the cause why it is well understood but by few, is, not that it is so obscure and hard, but because there is so little knowledge of faith left in the world, with which it cannot be that one rightly understands Paul, who every where treats of faith with such force of spirit. I must therefore speak in such a manner, that this text will appear plain; and that I may more conveniently illustrate it, I will speak a few words by way of preface.

First, therefore, we must understand the treatise in which good works are set forth, far different from that which treats of justification; as there is a great difference between the substance and the working; between a man and his work. Justification is of