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It gives a rich, a sure relief,

Nor leaves the smallest stain behind.

Its value is immense, because nothing else can do sinners good. "Ye were not," says St. Peter, " redeemed with such corruptible things as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Not all the treasures earth can give,
Will make the guilty rebel live;

But the vast riches of Jesus' blood

Redeems from sin, and leads to God.

This ocean was filled at great cost: nothing could suffice but the blood of the dear Jesus. "God spared not his own Son, but freely gave him up for us all." "Jesus laid down his life, a ransom for many."

He gave his rich, his precious blood,
Nor at the heavy cost complained.

This blessed ocean sanctifies the soul, and stamps great dignity upon our characters. The apostle writing to the Christian churches, calls upon them to laud the glorious Author of this invaluable ocean. "Unto him who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Those who are partakers of its benefits, are purified in heart, and made holy in character. "Ye that were afar off, and enemies in your minds by wicked works, are brought nigh to God by the blood of Christ."+

Let poor

sinful sailors, and poor sinners of every condition, rejoice and be exceeding glad ; a rich ocean of saving + Eph. ii..

* Rev. i. 5, 6.

blood is opened, and the great Author of it invites every one to enjoy its precious benefits. Listen to his gracious language: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat: yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” * "Come now, let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Those who feel that they are guilty before God, and regard the invitation, will be eternally glad; for "it has the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come.” It saves from the bitter pains of hell, and conducts poor lost, ruined, and miserable sinners, to the glorious ocean of never-ending delights and joy.

* Isa. lv. 1.

† Isa. 1. 18.

Great troubles and anxieties are often experienced in this world, through

no longer, It now se

the sea; but when time is there will be no more sea. parates many dear friends: some who have gone abroad with their lives in their hand to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ; and though they rejoice to be counted worthy to suffer for their dear Master, they cannot avoid the weaknesses of the flesh. They love their native land, and feel their absence from it in a sensible manner; they love, dearly love their friends; and like Jesus with his friend Lazarus, they weep because they are not. Followers of the Lamb! be encouraged; your separation though painful, cannot be long; for Christ your best friend, will soon take you unto himself, and in his kingdom you will meet to part

no more.

The sea separates many who are obliged to plough the watery main, to pursue their lawful avocations. The relatives and friends of a Christian sailor pass through many very anxious and distressing seasons on his account; but, however acutely they may feel, the subject of them feels more than any body can tell. Let the Christian's course be never so prosperous, he is called to endure a great deal: his life is a scene of anxiety and privation; his bosom is distracted with a thousand cares; he is surrounded with dangers and beset with evil; he often buffets the world a solitary pilgrim, and scarcely ever participates the sweet enjoyments of the public means of grace. He needs great grace, but, oh! how numerous are the discouragements to the seeking of it!

Christian sailors, cheer up, and ever

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