hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

SERMON II.

THE NECESSITY OF REGENERATION.

In Saint Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, the 5th chapter, and 17th verse, it is thus written :

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new crea

ture."

The more truly we recognise the infinite mercy of God in Christ, the more readily we shall recognise the depravity of the human mind, and its alienation by nature from God its Creator. In characters of fire, written by the Almighty hand, it is declared, that the unregenerated heart cannot discern the beauty of spiritual things;—nay, more, that it is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." This truth is, alas! too often exemplified, when with our souls occupied with earthly pleasures, and the vanities of a present evil world, the interests of eternity are neglected

and forgotten; and with every desire directed to temporal pursuits, we care not to consider our all-important interests in that state beyond the grave, which is unchangeable in its nature, as it is endless in its duration. Still, although we shut our eyes to these awful and important events, and cling with all our ardour to fleeting time and its more fleeting pleasures, after a few short years Death shall enter our habitation, and summon us to meet our God. What then shall all our schemes for temporal aggrandisement avail? Will they not be most distressing memorials of our folly? When that heart which ought to have been devoted to the love of God, is condemned for its devotion to the world-when that soul, gifted with powers to be exercised for the honour of Jehovah, has preferred the transitory applause of beings feeble and erring as itself-when that mind originally bearing the image of God, and formed for his glory, has been prostituted to follies and frivolities, more fleeting than the flowers of spring, but without their purity-when a spirit of pride has pervaded the soul, but the Spirit of grace hath never dwelt therein,-O this is indeed a sad, an awful state! it is to be "at enmity with God!" In every instance, such is the state of the natural man; for by nature he knows not God. Is there hope, then, for an erring creature, who, although a sinful, is yet an immortal being? What means are provided to rescue him from the power of

Satan, and the influence of those evil habits which, if not abandoned, must hurry him to certain destruction? By no vague notions of God's mercy to all men, even to unrepentant sinners. God's justice demands punishment, and denies such mercy. It is only by God's awakening grace in his heart, the returning penitent is at length taught the exceeding sinfulness of sin. When thus taught, the danger of delay in accepting God's own terms of salvation comes with power to his soul; and at length, perceiving that for the offender there is no independence in Christianity-that on Jesus only he must rely ; with an humble, lowly, and penitent heart, he bows before a throne of grace, and exclaims, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" The mystery and design of the Saviour's Advent are then revealed, in a new aspect of loveliness and mercy to his mind; in that Saviour he now hopes-to him he looks-in him he believes. O, how blessed the change! As the mariner, who all night long has been tossed on the surges of a tempestuous ocean, amid the horrors of darkness and despair, now discerns the first rays of the rising sun, brightening the distant mountains, and gradually ushering in the serenity of a cloudless morn, while a friendly vessel approaches to his rescue, and, soon placed in that ark of safety, he bids away every fear;-so the natural man, who trusts in his own exertions for spiritual safety, sustains

many a weary conflict in danger and in darkness; but when almost despairing, ONE looks on him from above with a brother's eye, marks his repentant sighs, sees his repentant tears, enlightens him with a lively faith, and, bearing him onward, conducts him to a peaceful haven of rest and of repose. To effect an object so important, two conditions are imperative,-that we be "in Christ," and that we be "new creatures."

The first condition of the text is this: "We must be IN CHRIST." This expression evidently implies previous alienation, and previous separation from him; while the words, "if any man be in Christ," presupposes a powerful influence, still acting with the majority of the world as a barrier to prevent reconciliation between God and man. Such is sin. To remove that barrier, Jesus descended and dwelt with men. If we come to him, as our Lord and our Saviour, believing and obeying him, in a walk and conversation becoming the Gospel, while the love of God reigns in our heart, then we experience the blessed vitality of being "in Christ." We partake of the glories of redemption, and enjoy,

"Heaven's sovereign blessings, clustering from the cross."

new

To be thus in Christ, we must become " creatures." The expression, "a new creature,' implies regeneration, and regeneration implies that our corrupt natures are changed, that new

feelings, wishes, and desires are implanted in our heart. Having "died unto sin," we are now born "unto righteousness." Former sins, practices, and principles, are abandoned. Spiritual graces, and heavenly gifts, yield their precious fruits; we now act from spiritual motives, for a glorious end. Renewed in the whole man after the image of God, we are washed, and purified, and sanctified. "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. God hath sealed us, and given us the earnest of his Spirit in our hearts; and we have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

As God, in the holy Scriptures, declares his willingness to be reconciled to man, it is the imperative duty of man to draw near unto God in faith, and with a willing heart, that he may experience the richness of pardoning love. SALVATION IS OFFERED; for God entreats us by his word, as well as by his servants, to "come unto him." He entreats us by his spiritual blessings, he entreats us by his temporal benefits, saying that he will withhold no good thing from those who love him. But there is an awful alternative. For those who despise his mercy, who reject his invitations, who desire not to share in the benefits of his grace, there are in store tribulation, and anguish, and woe. If such a character be yours, O reflect on the consequences! Amid the shortness and uncertainty of life, is it not most lament

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