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to Gospel truths, àrise from the perverted state of their wills, inclining to what is evil, and averse from what is good. Yet, even on such, does the light of the Gospel shine, although they still continue in spiritual darkness. Awake, therefore, I beseech you, and "walk while ye have the light, lest eternal darkness come upon you." "Seek ye the LORD," in the appointed means of grace, "while He may be found, and while He is near." Thus will CHRIST become to you gain, in life and in death. Thus will you receive present happiness, and at length attain to future glory.

I'must now address a few additional words of application, in the second place, to those who belong to CHRIST. The doctrine contained in my text should serve for the confirmation of our faith, as well as for our instruction.

For, if CHRIST has atoned for our sins; faith should lead us to the full assurance, that all our sins are forgiven. If CHRIST has wrought out a right

eousness for our justification; faith should lead us to the firm persuasion, that though "black in ourselves, we are comely in Him." What is there then, to hinder us from attaining perfect peace, in life and in death? This should be the fruit of our deliverance; and it is unbelief only, which prevents us from rejoicing "with joy unspeakable and full of glory."

Again, since CHRIST has delivered us from the power of the devil, and preserves us from the malice of the world; let us glorify Him, in life and in death, by trusting in His promises, and obeying His precepts. As we belong unto the LORD, as He has bought us with the inestimable price of His precious blood; let us serve Him in our bodies, our souls and our spirits, which are His. Having been cleansed from the leprosy of sin, let us not, my dear christian brethren, like the nine ungrateful lepers, refuse to return to give glory unto GoD. "Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but

alive unto GoD, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD; and your members as instruments of righteousness unto GOD." "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER Which is in heaven."

Lastly, brethren, since JESUS CHRIST is exalted as our King, as well as our Priest and our Prophet; He will maintain in us that eternal life, He has given. Let us, then, cease from dishonouring our LORD, by doubting of our final perseverance. He, Who was the Author, will also be the Finisher of our faith; for those whom He loves, He loves unto the end. If CHRIST be indeed gain to us in life, He will also be in death. Ye, then, who are "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people;" be careful, in life and in death, by your faith and your works, to glorify Him, "Who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light." May the LORD grant us an

increase of the graces and fruits of His SPIRIT, to the praise and glory of His holy Name!

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APPENDIX C.

The following is the passage referred to in page 65.

"1. Q. what is your only consolation in life and death?

A. That in my soul as well as my body, whether I live, or whether I die, I belong not to myself, but unto my LORD, and Saviour, JESUS CHRIST, Who by His most precious blood having made ample satisfaction for all my sins, delivered me from the dominion of the devil; and that He so preserves and watches over me that, without the Will of my heavenly FATHER, not a hair of my head can fall; yea, and what is more, that all things should be subservient to my welfare; wherefore by His HOLY SPIRIT He assures me of eternal life, and renders me prompt and prepared to live henceforth to His glory.

2. Q. How many things are necessary to be known that you may be able to enjoy that consolation, and live and die happily?

A. Three. First, the greatness of my sin and misery. Secondly, the means whereby I may be delivered from all sin and misery. Thirdly, the gratitude which is due to GOD for such a deliverance."

Extracted from "a Translation of Catechismus Heidelbergensis." Published at Oxford. This Catechism contains a valuable summary of the christian faith, and is remarkable for soundness of doctrine. The Latin Edition was formerly published under the sanction of the University of Oxford.

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