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1. And first I speak to unbelievers to those, who, though they may not "deny the Lord that bought them," have yet had no experimental evidence that they have an interest in his blood. I speak to those who know not the travail of the new-birth, nor the 'witnessing of the Spirit with their spirit that they are the children of God.' I speak to those who are "lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God"-or who love sin, but love not the Saviour. I speak to those who have no corresponding chord in their souls to the sweet songs of Zion—no sympathizing feeling with the devoted children of God. I speak to those who are either living in the neglect of prayer, or whose prayers are a mere cold formality, without the elevation of the heart unto God. And are there not such persons here? Brethren; to you I speak; as wise men, judge ye what I say.' What think you of the work of Christ? Think ye, that his finished work was an idle ceremony? or his wonderful passion only an affecting drama? Think ye, that God would have given his onlybegotten Son as a Saviour for sinners, unless that which he came to do and to finish had been absolutely needful? But what hath the sacrifice of Christ done for you? If you be the careless and unbelieving characters we are addressing, it hath done nothing, yea worse than nothing; for it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and

Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for impenitent Christians! Well would it be for such men as continue impenitent, if they had never been born! 'Awake, then, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light!'

2. I address myself, briefly, to the believers in this congregation-to those 'who have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.' Dearly beloved in the Lord! The finished work of Christ is your hope and confidence, the anchor of your soul both sure and stedfast.' But say ye,-Has the work which Christ is ever ready to perform in the hearts of his people been accomplished in yours? Have you received the atonement, and "all other benefits of His passion?" But perhaps you mourn over prevalent corruptions, and grieve for the iniquity that cleaves to your best things? Perhaps the work which is finished with Christ, is all imperfection with you? Perhaps you are alarmed by the sight of your spiritual adversaries, and cast down by the hindrances you meet in the way? Brethren, take the comfort of the word of the Lord;-"Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I

will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Fear not, then, ye partakers of the glorious gospel,-the work which is now defective, will, if you follow on to know the Lord, doubtless be completed; for we are "confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it [or will finish it] until the day of Jesus Christ." Press forward, therefore, "toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ." Cease not the conflict till with St. Paul you can say,—“I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith."

Finally: I may venture to add a word to enquirers after salvation to those who, feeling their lost and perishing condition, are in concern about eternal things, and that shall be a word of encouragement. Is it your resolve, beloved brethren, by Christ strengthening you, to seek for a personal benefit from what Christ hath done and suffered? If so, fear not the difficulties which lie in the way. Are ye young? Yours is an acceptable age: seek the Lord diligently and he will be found of you. Are ye aged? Despair not though the vigour of life be past; there is one who waiteth to be gracious, who is mighty to save. Are ye sick and infirm, covered with the compound leprosy of disease and sin? Still there is

hope; for the Saviour of sinners hath spoken the word of encouragement; "the whole need not a physician, but they that are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Are ye of any other condition; unworthy, vile, base, ungrateful, the chief of sinners? Are ye, or have ye been, thieves, or drunkards, adulterers, blasphemers, or liars? Have ye sinned with all the sins of man, and run through the black catalogue from end to end? Brethren; still we say, Despair not. The work of Christ was finished: 'the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin.' Despair not, did we say? Rather cling unto the hope set before you in the gospel, that it was sinners-sinners just as they are, of all ages, nations, degrees, kinds, and sex-which Christ died to save! Brethren; embrace the gospel, and ye shall live. Rely upon Him, who, as he hung upon the cross, said with his dying breath, "It is finished;" for he is both able and willing "to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him!"

DISCOURSE X.

ON THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH.

[PART I.]

EXODUS XX. 8.

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

THE institution of the Sabbath is an original law of creation; and, consequently, as perpetual in its obligation as the existence of created nature in its original constitution. For no sooner was the work of creation completed, than the seventh day was distinguished as a day of rest, "and God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it."

But as some persons deny the continued obligation of this institution, and justify their denial by referring to some declarations of our Lord in the gospels, it may be of importance, in the outset of this discourse, to establish the duty of 'remembering the Sabbath day to keep it holy.'

That this law was in full force until the coming of our Saviour, there can be no question, its

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