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power to be known in every possible way. And here it must be observed, that a consistent, undeviatingǝr examples is the strongest incitement to others to follow after holiness:-"Let your light therefore so shine before men that they may see your good works, and also glorify your Father which is in heaven."res 6, et redions

The sacred page, it is true, abounds with sufficient proofs of those who continued steadfast in the faith, and walked humbly with their God, and they are written for our examples: and in all ages of the world, and in this age, God doth not leave himself without witness in the hearts and lives of his people.

St. Paul exhorts us to edify and comfort one another; and no way is more likely to effect this, than for every repentant sinner to declare how he hath been brought out of darkness into that marvellous light in which his soul rejoices. If the angels rejoice when a sinner turns from the error of his ways and repents, surely we may participate in the joy of a brother, a friend, or a sister, reconciled and restored to the favour of God. We rejoice in their recovery from a dangerous illness, or any disease of their body; let us also rejoice in the restoration of their soul.

Each individual' is continually receiving new mercies, both temporal and spiritual; and shall he not acknowledge from whom they flow, but hide them within. his heart?

The prophet Malachi saith, "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." Doth the great God condescend to bow down his ear to hearken to the children of men! And shall not every man hearken unto his brother? Though the time will come when they shall no more need "every man to teach his neighbour, or every man his brother, saying, know the Lord; for they shall all know me, from the least of

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Every man should be ready, like David, to celebrate the mercies of God vouchsafed to him. It is a debt of gratitude to his Saviour who is glorified, and a debt of charity to his brethren who are edified thereby, provided only that it be done with sobriety and humility.-Bishop Horne, page 272.

them unto the greatest of them." The Lord who humbleth himself to behold all the dwellers upon earth, he turneth unto the prayer of the poorest destitute, and despiseth not his petitions. And that he continues to do so should be proclaimed by all who actually experience these mercies; or they might be written for those that come after, that the people which shall be born may praise the Lord; for "the memorial of his abundant kindness shall be shown, so that one generation may praise his works unto another, and declare his power.' Again, saith the Psalmist, "As for me I will be talking of thy worship, thy glory, thy praise and wondrous works, so that men shall speak of the might of thy marvellous acts:" and again, "their delight shall be daily in thy name, and in thy righteousness shall they make their boast." Blessed, then, are the people which can rejoice in thee; they shall walk in the light of thy countenance. It is observable, however, that it is the righteous, and the upright, and the true in heart, who are thus said to be glad and rejoice. The mere talking of these things will neither make nor prove a man to be à Christian: it is doing the will of his Father, which must be the test. For our Lord hath positively declared, "That not every one

who saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but hes that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

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Let us now inquire, Who are those addressed in my text? It is said, "ye that fear God." The Psalmist saith, Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he hath great delight in his commandments; meaning, that he will take delight in fulfilling them. There are numberless passages in holy writ to prove that they are the blessed, the redeemed of the Lord, for "salvation is nigh them that fear him." the fear of the Lord is strong confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge:" and again, "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life." Hence it cannot be a slavish fear that is meant, but a fear proceeding from love, or an apprehension of offending, which is conducive to our safety; as, "By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil." But it may be said, that St. John saith, "He that feareth is not made perfect in love.". It is probable, therefore, that this love may not be quite perfected or complete till we are in glory; as it is certain that God will most assuredly keep his mind in perfect peace that is stayed upon him; his heart shall not even be afraid of any evil tidings; it standeth fast, for he believeth in Dis.

the Lord. But surely all ought to fear and be cautious not to offend that God and Saviour who hath done so much for them: these are they who will be strengthened and comforted by what is communicated to them, by their being assured "that the same afflictions are accomplished in their brethren which are in the world," and that there is a holy communion and fellowship (blessed be God!) cannot and will not be denied by those who experimentally know it. Of what God hath done for our souls, a Christian people cannot be ignorant. But how few live as if they believed it!

Let us every where acknowledge "that the gospel is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth. Therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith," that is, those whom Christ justifieth; but the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness and ungodliness of men." And the promises of God made to the true believer I need not enumerate; the holy book which contains them is in your own possession; and, "He will not be unmindful of his covenant made to a thousand generations."

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It is the duty of every true Christian to contribute his portion towards making

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