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? What will be our final state? 1 Thess. iv. 17. How can we acknowledge Christ to our salvation? Quote 1 Cor. xii. 3. "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the For what ought we to pray continually? Mention three effects of His influence. It will make us acquainted with ourselves. It will make us acquainted with our Saviour. 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. 66 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience 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- Express Christian piety, in this view of it in three words. 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 punishment hereafter. What will the religious life render you, with regard to others? 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? 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. 1 5 Can you แ For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." 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. ii. 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. iii. 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 Affections. What must we be always gaining as to our Conduct? Greater Conformity to the will and law of God. any limit be put to Christian attainment? Can 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? Quote Prov. xiv. 32. "The wicked is driven away in his own wickedness: |