it has given us of the efficacy of repentance. While external ordinances were given as the test of obedience, obedience was required to be perfect. But the test of obedience being now changed, no longer consisting in the mere observance of outward cere-. monies, but in the inward purity and unsinning righteousness of the heart, the goodness of God, in compassion to our infirmities, has thrown open the gates of mercy to the penitent offender. This is a source of gratitude unknown before. How much is it augmented by the assurance of pardon being given by Him in whom we believe as the mediator between God and man! by Him "who ever "liveth to make intercession for us,' and who has solemnly declared that he will be with us to the end of the world! All All that has been revealed of the Holy Spirit in his office of sanctifier, calls likewise for our highest gratitude. Can we look up with hope for this divine assistance, and be insensible to the goodness of our God? Can we beseech him to purify our hearts by the blessed influence of his Holy Ghost, without experiencing such emotions as must infallibly lead to an exercise of all the best affections of the soul? These, had nothing more than these been revealed to us by the coming of the Messiah, would have afforded sufficient argument for gratitude, and love, and reverence, towards our Saviour and our God. But still the future world would have been wrapt in darkness. The promises given to the children of Israel would have been accomplished, but accomplished in the annihilation of hope. It It was not thus that the Almighty had ordained. By Jesus Christ new and more gracious promises were made and ratified. By his mysterious sufferings and voluntary death, we are assured that we shall be saved from the power of death; that is to say, that death shall not destroy our souls. By his resurrection and ascension, we have a farther assurance of the faithfulness with which God will perform the promise of eternal life to all who on their part faithfully fulfil the conditions of the engage ment. It would surely be superfluous to point out what strong additional motives we have for devoting our heart, and mind, and strength, in love to him who thus loved us." If we truly believe, we cannot fail to fulfil this great commandment. And if the love of God dwells in our hearts, it will be impossible for us to give admittance to the feelings of malevolence towards any of his creatures. Our passions often appear contradictory, because we are at different times under the influence of different inclinations, and impelled by different desires. But every good, and amiable, and generous affection that we cherish, tends to incline our hearts to exercise affections that are akin to it; while every selfish and malevolent passion tends to render us still more selfish and malevolent. This we all know to be true from every day's experience. Suppose you wished to touch the heart of a friend in favour of some very poor distressed object, whom you greatly commiserated: what moment would you think most favourable for your purpose? Would it be when you saw this friend agi tated tated by resentment, and expressing all the fury of rage and disappointment? No you would be too wise for this. You would never expect that your friend, while under the influence of such passions, would listen to your tale of pity. You would wait for a more favourable moment: and what moment would appear to you more favourable, than that in which you saw his heart glowing with fervent gratitude towards a benefactor, from whom he had just received some signal instance of affection? ་ Thus you may perceive in what manner the continual exercise of the feelings of reverence, and love, and gratitude towards God, prepares the heart for exercising all the kind and benevolent affections towards man. There is throughout the whole system of revelation, nothing incongruous. One part supports and assists another. If |