How are we in Christ?
As a branch is in the vine. St. John xv. 5. •I am the
Vine

ye are the branches." How is Christ in us? Rom. viii. 9, 10.

By the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.
How do we stand before God, being thus in Christ?

We are “accepted in the beloved."
What will be our final state? 1 Thess. iv. 17.

“ So shall we ever be with the Lord.”
How can we acknowledge Christ to our salvation ?

Only by the influence of the Holy Ghost. Quote 1 Cor. xii. 3. “No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the

Holy Ghost.”
For what ought we to pray continually?

For the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Mention three effects of His influence.

It will make us acquainted with ourselves.
It will make us acquainted with our Saviour.

It will build us up in Him.
What will this

grace

effect in our minds ? It will enlighten them. Quote 1 Cor. ii. 12. “ Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but

the spirit which is of God; that we might know the

things that are freely given to us of God.” What will it effect as to our hearts ?

It will subdue them. Quote 2 Cor. x. 5. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that

exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedi

ence of Christ.” What will it effect as to our practice?

It will cause us to abound more and more in all goodness. Quote Eph. v. 9. “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righte

ousness and truth." Express Christian piety, in this view of it in three words.

It consists in knowing, loving, and following Christ.

VIII. THE RELIGIOUS LIFE.

Can you give any reasons why you should be truly religious?

I can give many reasons.
What do you say of the religious life, as to God?

It is pleasing to Him.
What do you say of it, as to yourself?

It is true Happiness.
In what respect is it so?

As to the body, the temporal life, and the soul. How is it so with regard to the body?

Because it produces temperance, chastity, health, &c. How is it so with regard to the temporal life? It produces honesty, diligence, content, prudence, good

character, &c.
How is it so with regard to the soul?

It produces peace, hope, joy, &c.
What is the religious life, with regard to salvation?

It is deliverance from sin and misery here:

It is deliverance from punishment hereafter. What will the religious life render you, with regard to others?

It will make me useful to them in various ways.
Mention some points in which you may profit them.

By kind actions: friendly service:
By advice, warning, useful counsel :

By the light of a good example.
Sum up your reasons for a religious life.

That I may please God, and live in His favour:
That I may be myself happy, here and for ever:
That I

may

be useful to others, both as to soul and body. In what three words did you formerly comprise religion ?

In Light, Life, and Law.
Express these in three like words.

Knowledge, Principle, Conduct.
To what does such piety lead its possessors?

To happiness, or blessedness.
In what does Christian blessedness consist?
In the possession of present grace, and in the prospect of

future glory. Is it easy to lead a truly religious life?

By no means is it so. Why is it not easy?

Because of our corruption and weakness :

Because of our enemies and hinderances. What, in

consequence of sin and enemies, is the Christian life? A warfare, conflict, struggle. Why is this the case? Because good and evil, when vital and active principles,

must be in direct opposition to each other. Quote Gal. v. 17. “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit

against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other : so that ye cannot do the things that ye

would." Of what, therefore, in this conflict, do we always stand in

need? Of “the whole armour of God.” Where is it described?

In Eph. vi. 11-18. What do

you

understand by that armour? The various principles of true piety.

Why are these things called armour?
Because they are to the Christian what armour is to the

soldier.
What principle is represented by the Girdle?

Truth; that is, uprightness and sincerity of heart. What excellence is represented by the Breast plate? Righteousness; that is, holiness as to God; justice and

integrity as to man. What in the Christian's armour answers to the soldier's greaves?

Firm and solid knowledge, by which he stands unmoved. What in it answers to the shield? Faith: a strong persuasion of Truth and of things unseen,

&c. What in it answers to the helmet?

Hope: the hope of salvation. What in it answers to the sword?

The word of God. Quote ver. 18, on prayer. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the

Spirit,” &c. What must the Christian do, that he may keep his armour

bright? Diligently use all means of grace. Mention some of them.

The Scriptures, Sabbath, Church-ordinances, prayer, &c. In what manner or spirit must he use them?

Devoutly, believingly, sincerely, earnestly, continually. To what do

you ascribe salvation?
To the
grace

of God. Must not man exert himself?

He cannot be too diligent and earnest. Quote Phil. ii. 12, 13. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

15

For it is God which worketh in you both to will

and to do of His good pleasure.”
Can
you

describe the Christian life by any familiar images?
1. It is the life of a labourer. St. Matt. xx. 1.
“Went out early in the morning to hire labourers," &c.
2. It is the life of a soldier. 2 Tim. ï. 3.
“ Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
3. It is that of a man running a race. 1 Cor. ix. 24–27.
“ So run that

ye may

obtain.” What do these images teach you?

The need of diligence, courage, patience, and perseverance. Quote St. Paul's account of his own conduct. Phil. üï. 14. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling

of God in Christ Jesus." What does healthy piety imply as to its growth?

Continual increase and advancement in all its parts.
What must we be always gaining as to the Mind?

More Knowledge: clearer, larger, and juster Views.
What must we be always gaining as to the Heart?
Stronger and deeper Principles; purer and livelier Affec-

tions.
What must we be always gaining as to our Conduct?

Greater Conformity to the will and law of God. Can

any limit be put to Christian attainment?

None whatever: we must always “grow in grace.”
Give reasons against a sinful life?

It is displeasing to God.
It is miserable to ourselves :
It is useless or injurious to others :

It is fatal to the soul.
What will be enjoyed at the close of a religious life?

A hope that maketh not ashamed.
Quote Prov. xiv. 32.

“The wicked is driven away in his own wickedness :