Epistle, as if they regarded them as synonymous, and they are right in so doing; for as faith is the parent of all acceptable obedience, so unbelief is the corrupt stock from which the fruits of disobedience proceed. Let us, therefore, fear this condemning sin. Faith in Christ is the foundation of religion; nor shall we take one step in the way to heaven, unless we start from that point. We must receive the testimony of GOD, that we are lost sinners, and Christ is a perfect Saviour; and daily more and more to trust in Him, to love Him, to receive out of His fulness, and to walk in His steps, must be "all our desire."

But the apostle adds a second exhortation, to labour; "Let us labour, therefore, to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." To entire dependence upon GOD we must unite active, conscientious efforts to attain the portion of His people. The husbandman does not reap the precious fruit of the earth till after he has waited with long patience for it; the mariner will not reach the desired haven, unless he hold on his course through anxious nights and wearisome days; the soldier cannot receive the victor's crown till after he has fought the fight, and won the victory. Even St. Paul said, "We labour, that, whethe present or absent, we may be accepted of Him." May this consideration awaken the careless, and show

them the folly and danger of their present state of lukewarmness and unconcern; and it console every

may

one who is sincerely seeking the GOD of his salvation! For, while we take His word as our guide, and His Spirit as our help, we have an assured confidence of success. "There remaineth a rest to the people of GOD," and that rest shall be ours; a rest from earthly toil and spiritual conflict; rest from the wearisome troubling of the wicked" without, and from the harassing "motions of sin" within; a calm, uninterrupted, and everlasting rest in the Paradise of GOD.

66

THE END.

Printed by J. H. Jackson, Islington Green.

CHURCH MUSIC.

A

SERMON

PREACHED AT USK, JULY 20th, 1848,

AT THE

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING

OF THE

SOCIETY FOR THE

IMPROVEMENT OF CHURCH MUSIC,

IN THE

ARCHDEACONRY OF MONMOUTH,

BY

EDWARD, LORD BISHOP OF LLANDAFF.

LONDON:
RIVINGTONS,

ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD, AND WATERLOO PLACE, PALL MALL.

USK:

JAMES HENRY CLARK.