all the things that are therein; when all its vices, and its follies, shall have passed away; when the decree of the tyrant shall be heard no more; when the workers of wickedness, and those who have been seduced by their example, or their influence, shall be equally exposed to the wrath of God, it will be too late to repent. It will then be in vain for the wicked to lament that they had not, while it was yet in their power, obeyed God rather than man; that they had not worshipped him alone; that they had suffered themselves to be dazzled by the splendours of a transitory world, or to comply with the brief authority of human power, rather than to set their affections on things above, and to yield obedience to God only. Let us, then, my brethren, not defer for an instant the important work of our salvation. Let us accept the propitiation made for us by the atoning blood of Christ; and pray to God that, by his grace, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal; that it may be the constant rule of our lives to fear God, and not man.

SERMON IX.

THE LORD'S FREEMAN.

He that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman; likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.-1 COR. vii. 22, 23.

WHATEVER distinctions may exist among men, there is no respect of persons with God; they are all equally called by the voice of the Gospel, to believe in Christ, to repent of their sins past, and to look forward, through that atonement which has been made for them in his blood, to eternal happiness in the world to come. "Ye are all," says the Apostle, "children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus; for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for are all one in Christ Jesus;" that is, no dis

ye

tinction is made; all equally belong to the same Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It matters not whether you are lineally descendants of Abraham, or Gentiles; whether you are in a state of slavery or freedom. No distinction is made with regard to sex, or rank, or condition; you all equally belong to Christ. "For the Scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him, shall not be ashamed: for there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved."

The important consideration, that the true believer belongs to Christ, renders every other of little moment: this is the only consideration really deserving our attention. If we belong to Christ, then every thing else is of minor importance: it matters not whether we are rich or poor, great and respected, or humble and despised; whether we are of noble and illustrious descent, or sprung from the poorest and lowest of the sons of men. Whatever, therefore, our condition in life may be, it is necessary that we should become the disciples of Christ. Are we rich in the things of this world? yet are we poor indeed, if we do

not belong to Christ. Are we poor and afflicted? yet, if we belong to Christ, we possess a treasure which neither moth nor rust can corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal; a treasure more valuable than the wealth of princes; which the wealth of worlds could not purchase. "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called," says the Apostle, that is, in whatever condition you may be placed, do not be anxious to change it; be satisfied with this, that you have been called to the knowledge of Christ, and faith in him. "Art thou called, being a servant," or, as the original word signifies, being a slave, "care not for it; but if thou mayest be free, use it the rather." If you can alter your condition, if your master will give you your freedom, do not refuse the offer; but still do not be anxious to obtain it. "He that is called in the Lord, being a servant," that is, a slave, "is the Lord's freeman; likewise also, he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant."

*Among the Romans, masters had absolute power over their slaves. They might scourge or put them to death at pleasure. They were often put to the torture, or punished by the lash, for the mere suspicion of crime. When • Adams's Antiq.