that flow from this rich and copious fountain, I said must be rich and copious too; the gifts that flow from this calling are thus rich.

II. This, in the second place, leads me to consider the GIFTS INDISSOLUBLY CONNECTED WITH THIS CALLING. This effectual calling involves a new creation, infinitely more glorious than the first creation of the creature. It arises from the free, discriminating, rich love of God. An eternal fountain must have eternal streams; the eternal love that embraced the angels is very glorious, but that which embraces such poor sinful creatures as you and I are, is far more glorious. This stream of love flows down the rock of ages from heaven to earth, pouring its rich and fertilizing tide of blessings upon the church, not only for time, but for its happiness throughout eternity.

Again this calling is compared to a resurrection; that is, a new creation, as Lazarus was raised from death to life; it was not a mere call to the living, but an act of sovereign creating power upon the dead. There is, I think, a lesson taught in this, it fanciful; it is, however, an innocent fancy; and when I give the rein to fancy, I am ever careful it shall be at least innocent, it is a pleasing fancy: Lazarus was bound hand and

may be considered

foot, Christ said, "Lazarus, come forth.' Had he said, 'Can you walk, Lazarus?' No; but I am alive. So it is with many weak and mourning Christians; they say I am so weak, I can do nothing. Well, be it so; but you are alive. In the midst of all the complaints and weakness of the people of God, they are, nevertheless, in possession of the life of Christ.

Again this calling follows them perpetually; all things are provided for the people of God in it. The first of the blessings they have comprised in it, is the righteousness of Christ; this comprises all the glories of eternity; reflecting all the beauties of the divine attributes, all the beauties of vengeance, as well as of love. This righteousness is called the everlasting righteousness, and Christ died to procure it everlastingly, because it necessarily comprises eternity: God does nothing by halves. This is the robe we are to wear for ever and ever.

Again another blessing is the image of God: it is called into existence by God the Holy Spirit. This image of the divine nature in man is the most glorious image of God, except the humanity of Christ. All the truths of Scripture harmonize; each implies each; all necessary to each other; one cannot live without another. It would have been inconsistent with the character of Deity, in providing a

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.

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. She was 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. Solomon 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