twice audibly testified his entire satisfaction. Yes, twice was it proclaimed by the voice of Omnipotence, "this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." The numberless miracles too, wrought by the blessed Jesus, during his ministry, the miraculous convulsions of the astounded universe, at the death-pang of its incarnate Lord, and that most stupendous of all miracles, his own resurrection from the grave,— all these write on the converted sinner's heart, the blissful truth, that through the blood of Christ, his iniquity is pardoned, his ransom is paid, And brethren, when, as on this day, we see the glorified Jesus ascending into heaven, when we hear him pleading for us before his "righteous Father," may we not take courage, and triumphantly exclaim with St. Paul, "who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also make intercession for us."

Thus indeed "we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us ;" and hence we may conclude, that our divine High Priest, who is passed into the heavens, after offering himself without spot of sin for us, is still ever mindful of our sublimest interest, even our eternal salvation. Yes, we may indeed conclude, that “we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities," but on the contrary, one who has a most tender and compassionate feeling for them, having been himself tried in like manner with us, yet without the slightest taint of sin; without dimming for an instant, that perfect innocence which his high office required, and which always gained new lustre, from each vain attempt of the enemy to obscure and pollute it. Still, notwithstanding this perfect exemption, from its stain, He knows the power of sin; He also knows whereof we are made, and remembers that we are but dust;-poor frail creatures, so very far fallen from original righteousness, as to have no hope of restoration to the divine favour,-no hope of eternal salvation, but in the abounding riches of his grace.

Therefore, beloved brethren, let us, humbly confiding in his intercession, come boldly before his heavenly throne, to present our petitions; that we may receive that mercy which he hath purchased for us, and ever find grace to help, in the needful time of trouble. If Christ himself, "in the days of his flesh, poured out supplications, with strong crying and tears," O! let none of us, for a moment, imagine, we can ever be safe in the neglect of prayer: let none of us, for a moment, despond, under any circumstances which leave room for devout ejaculations to God. Still He lives, who is alone able

to "save from death;" still He lives, who can and will "hear us in that which we fear."

Are there any among you, whose hearts are dejected, whose spirits are bowed down by the guilt of your past sins? Do they

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press so heavily upon you, that you are not able to look up?" And do you fear that a just and holy God can never pardon a being so utterly vile and sinful? Yet, do not despond: "turn to him in weeping and fasting, and prayer," and ye shall "taste and see how gracious the Lord is," how boundless his mercy towards the fallen sons of men. Yes, ye shall behold him reconciled even to you, in Christ Jesus; whose blood the beloved Apostle assures you, "cleanseth from all sin." Remember too, what says the Prophet Isaiah: "He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with his stripes we are healed." In a word, He died for your sins, and rose again for your justification, "that He might bring you to God." The curse, and condemning sentence of the law, are indeed terrible; but if ye truly fly to Christ for refuge, and are really united to him by a vital and active faith, He hath nailed the curse and the condemnation to his .cross, He hath purchased and sealed your pardon with his precious blood. Again, are you overpowered with the glory and majesty of God? Are you ready

to say with Elihu, "behold God is great, and we know him not?" Still, in humble confidence, turn your eyes to your compassionate High Priest, who "can be touched with the feeling of your infirmities." Remember, while He sojourned upon earth, His was not a form of terror; for we read, that little children approached him, and were blessed in his arms; that sinners sate and ate with him; that the poor, the diseased, and the unhappy, gladly sought his aid; nor ever sought it in vain: so strikingly did He fulfil the beautiful prophecy concerning him: "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather his lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." Yes, my christian brethren, in the meek and lowly Jesus, God was graciously pleased to manifest Himself, not in the thunders and lightnings of Sinai, not with blackness, and darkness, and tempest; but with the kindness of friendship, and the mildness of love. Witness these, among the many gracious words that proceeded out of His mouth: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." And now that He hath "ascended up on high," and hath “ upon his vesture and upon his thigh a name written, King of kings, and

Lord of lords, still is He touched with a feeling of our infirmities," still will He strengthen our weakness, "cleanse us from all filthiness of flesh and spirit," be our never-failing Advocate with the Father, and in all our trials and necessities, assuredly hear our cry, and relieve us.

But farther, are you discouraged by the corruption of your nature, by the lamentable imperfection of your spiritual knowledge, by your manifold acts of disobedience, by the wandering of your thoughts, and the deadness of your devotions? Yet be comforted. Ever blessed be God!-for these, for all your defects, a sure remedy is mercifully provided, in the perfect righteousness, the inexhaustible treasures of wisdom and knowledge, the sinless obedience, the stedfastness and undying affection of Christ Jesus, your Redeemer,-"the same yesterday, to day, and for ever."

Yet once more: are you assailed by temptations, those fiery darts of the Wicked One, whose power to harm you, the infidel and the scorner-those active ministers of Satan-would willingly persuade you to doubt? Still, through faith in a crucified-a glorified Saviour, a supporting stay will ever be afforded you. Divine grace is that all-powerful stay. Your great

High Priest, whose self-oblation bought the precious gift, will mercifully vouchsafe it in your hour of need. He, who himself endured