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pronounced, whether or how far we were influenced by them. But if we have all poffible evidence for believing, that there was an extraordinary effufion of the Spirit upon the Apostles and first Chriftians, answerable to our Lord's prediction, and to the neceffity of that time; upon what pretence can we reject the promise of Chrift, that we too fhould be favoured with all neceffary fuccours from the fame Spirit Why should his words be prefumed to fail in this inftance, if they failed not in the other? And, as to the doctrine itself, when fairly interpreted, fo as not to break in upon our natural freedom as reasonable and moral agents, and therefore accountable every one for his own actions; there is furely nothing in it but what is perfectly agreeable to fober reason, and to the jufteft notions we can form both of man's prefent weaknefs, and of God's wisdom and goodness,

In a word-Such is the excellency of the Christian Religion, and fuch the evidence of the authority on which it is founded; that nothing but candour and attention is requifite, in order to men's embracing the great truths revealed in it; nothing but integrity and refolution, in order to their obferving the holy duties prefcribed by it. It is equally unreasonable to reject the word of God, because above the comprehenfion of our mental faculties, and becaufe contradictory to our carnal appetites. We find even the malicious Jews, who were present at the preaching of Jefus, could not forbear crying out, "Never Man Spake like this Man." The matter of his doctrine was fo rational and important; and the delivery of it attended and illuftrated by such amazing power, as manifeftly fhewed him to be a Teacher more than human. And though we neither heard him speak, nor faw his miracles;

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yet having the substance both of what He faid and what He did, fet before us in a clear and impartial light, by those very perfons who were witneffes to both; we cannot poffibly want evidence for conviction, if there be firft but an honest and willing mind. And that certainly the glad tidings of fuch a revelation most justly demand. For let it be confidered farther, that the gofpel is offered to us not only as the most perfect revelation of the divine will that was ever hitherto made to mankind; but as the laft too that ever shall be made. And therefore the use we make of it is a point of the utmost consequence. Nothing less than the favour or the wrath of Almighty God, the peace or perturbation of our confciences, the eternal happiness or mifery of our fouls, depends upon this point. If we neglect so great falvation, i. e. fuch gracious means of obtaining it, nothing remains but a certain fearful looking

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for of judgment: But if we fincerely believe in Chrift the Son of God, the Redeemer of the World, and feriously endeavour to live according to his precepts; we are then heirs of the promises, and have a right by covenant to the pardon of our fins, and a state of immortality and bliss-through the alone merits and mediation of Him, who not only spake as never man spake, but also suffered for us what never man fuffered.

SERMON

SERMON XXXI.

MATTHEW, Vii. 7.

Afk, and it shall be given You.

MAN, in every point of view,

whether with regard to foul or body, is a creature fo abfolutely dependant; that to offer up prayers to the almighty author and preferver of his being, is evidently a natural duty: To which even the most profligate of men give an undefigned teftimony, being from the mere impulfe of nature driven to the practice of it when in the article of surprize and danger. I fhall there

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