curse.

tive of his people, both in its obligations and in its That having graciously submitted to be made thus under the law, he did perfectly obey it, through a life of labor, temptation, and suffering. That at his death he did make himself an offering. That stretched upon the accursed tree, and deprived of the light of his Father's countenance, he drank the dregs of his Father's wrath; received into his soul the bitter anguish which would have been our portion through eternity; and struggled, at the same time, with all the malice and all the madness of hell. But being Jehovah in our nature, his sufferings, though short, were of infinite value, and completed the purchase of our redemption. His own arm defeated the hosts of darkness -his expiring breath proclaimed his victory-and the cross of Calvary stood the bloody trophy of his conquest.

The gospel informs us that, though our Redeemer died, he rose again, and ascended up, visibly, into the highest heaven-that he appears there at this moment, as the intercessor of his people, presenting in their room his everlasting merits-that there he manages all their concerns -that thence he sends down his Spirit to work effectually in their hearts, and to prepare them for being with him in glory.

The gospel further informs us, that the salvation which Jesus Christ has procured is freely offered

to the chief of sinners; that whosoever will, may come and receive it, and be forever happy; and that if any to whom it is preached, shall perish at last, they will have nothing to blame but their own wilful, obstinate unbelief.

[The application is wanting.]

SERMON XII.

ON STEADFASTNESS IN RELIGIOUS SENTIMENT.

EPHESIANS IV. 14.

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

THE unity of Christians in the faith, the growth and strength of their character, have much importance attached to them by the Lord Jesus, and appear, if we may use the expression, to lie very near his heart. After his ascension to the throne of his glory, one of the first acts of his intercession, and of the power of his exalted state, was to make provision for the continuance and increase of these