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within him,' which imparts righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; having a firm reliance on the merits of Christ for salvation, and an assurance of being in a state of acceptance and reconciliation with God. Then is the Christian's life hid with Christ in God. He is now spiritually-minded, which is life and peace. His treasure is in heaven, and his heart will be there also. He has now an ardent love and desire for all holiness, and to be conformed to the divine will. He has new hopes, new feelings, and new desires. He can no longer set his affections solely on the things of time and sense-he walks in the Spirit, and brings forth the fruits of the Spirit. Every thought is now brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The Divine Spirit rectifies the will, sanctifies the affections, and subdues all that is unholy; and as it purifies all his thoughts, so will it direct all his actions it will soften to him all the calamities of life, and enable him to bear and submit to them: in all his afflictions and trials, he sees, and is consoled by him who is hidden from the world; and he knows that he in whom is his trust, will make all things work together for his final benefit. He now no longer lives for himself, but unto him who loved him, and gave himself for

him he lives in him-he hopes and trusts that he shall reign with him; and he glorifieth him by living to his glory.

The love of God being now shed abroad in his heart by the power of the Holy Ghost, leads him to love God supremely; and this love will evince itself in gratitude to his heavenly Father, and in good will to man, as he is uniformly consistent, and advancing in his spiritual life. Where divine life really commences, and abides in the soul, it is as the breaking forth of the light of the morning, which we see chasing the shades of night; and as the sun shineth in his strength, so doth the Christian's life shine more and nere unto the perfect day and that light vhich is in him shall never be extinguished. It will be that light of life which will live in him, which will reign in him, both here and for ever. Again: but he is not only spiritually-minded, but he is spiritually discerned also: quick in discovering truth and detecting error, or turning away from every appearance of evil. He delights in the law of his God, and meditates therein day and night; his word hath he hid within his heart; he hath taken it as a light unto his paths. He is as a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in its season; and as the stream fertilizes the valley, so is his soul

refreshed by those living springs which are in him and as the prophet saith, "His soul is as a watered garden." He goeth on his way rejoicing, and he will be brought forth with peace: the Lord is his portion, and his exceeding great reward.

But fourthly, the signs or proofs of divine life existing in the soul whilst here upon earth, are manifested in the Christian's daily conversation. In meekness, in gentleness, in forbearance, and in all goodness: in constantly striving striving against sin, and the rising of any sinful passion in having great delight in the performance of every religious duty, and seeking and panting after higher degrees of holiness. Thus the Christian will never feel satisfied with any attainments or progress which he can make in his spiritual course: the aspirations of his soul will become habitual and unceasing; he will be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; earnest in prayer and praise. He is now a link in that chain which reaches unto the highest heavens. Even though he may be treated as an outcast by the world, and sometimes feel himself as if he no longer formed a part of the community, yet he can, and does hold communion with his God where no eye can penetrate: and when none around him

suspect what is passing in his mind, he may be breathing forth the sighs of a contrite spirit, or pouring out the effusions of a grateful heart. Thus may he be said to continue "instant in prayer," or, as "praying without ceasing." His soul is as a well-tuned instrument; and his whole life is a life of penitence, thanksgiving, adoration, and praise.

I must now, in applying this subject to ourselves, inquire, Whether we have acknowledged the Saviour and his word as the light and life of the world, and of our own souls? Have we on his armour; the armour of light? Are we faithfully and devotedly following his blessed steps? Then the text assures us that we shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. His Spirit will be with us, and will dwell with us. And be assured, that all the consolations of the Spirit of grace shall be thereunto added; and, as was before observed, an abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness. Such as have been planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God in his light they shall see light; they shall shine as the stars for ever; and their God shall be their glory.

But if we are not bringing forth the fruits of faith, we only deceive ourselves, we can have no divine life abiding in us; we are as

the withered branches which are nigh unto burning, whose end is destruction. O then let me warn all such, should there be any here present, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." Let me exhort you to come unto the light whilst it is yet in your power, lest darkness overtake you, and that wrath which must inevitably be your portion, if you slight the gospel of peace-if you continue in a course of sin, and love darkness rather than light-if you are resolved to disown the only way of escape, and reject the offer of pardon and salvation through that blessed Saviour who is tendered to you as your light and life: then the consequence must be, eternal banishment from the presence of that radiant light which would have illumined your soul, and pointed the path to glory. O beware, lest the shades of eternal night close upon you, and terminate in outer darkness, where will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, and which will surround and ingulf you for ever.

But there is another class to whom I must address a few words, who come regularly to church, and even partake, if they do not really in faith participate, in the holy sacrament, who, it is much to be feared, have not yet made any evident progress in a

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