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visited the earth, there were then many in whom this wonderful and glorious occurrence excited neither interest nor joy. And are there not many now, who feel neither concern nor pleasure in the joyful tidings of the birth of Christ, nor in the good news of the gospel of salvation connected with it? The birth of Jesus Christ can be a subject of joy to those only who are true Christians. While therefore you are reflecting on the incarnation of the Son of God, as Jesus, the Saviour, allow me to ask, what evidence you have of a personal interest in his salvation? Have you seen your need of this Saviour? Have felt yourselves to be in a helpless and hopeless state without him? And have you fled for refuge to him as your Saviour? If not, how can his birth profit you ? Again, when you think of the incarnation of the only-begotten Son of God, as Christ, the Messiah, ought you not to consider whether or not you are the true disciples of Christ? You have the honourable title of Christians; but are you Christians in reality as well as by name and profession? Do you ask, what is it to be a Christian? A Christian is a child of God by faith in Christ. He draws near to God in the name of Christ. He is led and supported by the Spirit of Christ. In a word, Christ is the beginning and the end of his faith, love, and hope. If you are Christians, therefore, you will have a sufficient source of joy in the birth of Jesus Christ. Oh, what reason have you for gratitude, praise, and joy, when you reflect upon the glorious event which the church this day celebrates!

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The Saviour's birth was proclaimed by the angel who announced it as tidings of great joy. It was so to the virgin who bare him. She manifested her joy by exclaiming, "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." It was so to Simeon, who was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and who took up the child Jesus in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." It was so to Anna, the prophetess, who looked on him when he was brought into the temple, exulted "and gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." And what shall I say more? Multitudes of others also rejoiced at the Saviour's birth. Shall not we then manifest our joy, who have seen so much more of his character, and have known so much more of his works, than these ancient believers, who were acquainted with the circumstances of his birth, and who beheld him in his infancy? Shall his incarnation then excite no emotions of pleasure in our hearts? O let us rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of our salvation. Let us give ourselves up to his service, and invite others to come and partake of his grace. Let us unite in the songs of angels and saints :— "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. Glory to God

in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be His glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and

Amen."

SERMON VI.

CONTENTMENT.

HEBREWS Xiii. 5.

BE CONTENT WITH SUCH THINGS AS YE HAVE.

MANY duties enjoined on us in the scripture may be denominated personal. Such are those which refer to the tempers and dispositions of the mind. The reality of our religion is to be proved by its effects upon our heart, as well as by its influence on our conduct. As candidates for a blessed immortality, we are required to " put off the old man, and to be renewed in the spirit of our mind." Unless our religion produce these effects, where is the evidence of our possessing that faith, which is so essentially connected with salvation? the principle that "worketh by love, purifieth the heart, and overcometh the world."

The subject on which your attention is requested, at present, is Contentment. This is a virtue excellent in itself, acceptable to God, and beneficial to its possessor. It is a Christian grace, the experience and exercise of which will, even in the present

state, communicate a degree of heavenly felicity to the soul. It well deserves therefore our study to understand, and our endeavour to obtain it. Without further introductory remarks I shall proceed,

I. To consider the nature of contentment.

II. To notice some motives for its cultivation and exercise.

III. To point out the way in which it is obtained.
I. The nature of contentment is to be considered.
Let us observe then what this grace implies and
requires.

1. In the first place, contentment implies moderation in our desires of worldly good.

As believers and the disciples of Christ, it becomes us to be satisfied with what God is pleased to give us for the supply of our need, without any anxious desires for abundance. Is it not promised that " no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly?" "Having food and raiment, therefore, let us be content." Let us remember the language and imitate the disposition of the patriarch Jacob:"If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat,' and raiment to put on, then shall the Lord be my God." Let us adopt the prayer of Agar : "Two things have I required of thee: deny me them not before I die. Remove from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: lest I be full and deny thee, and say, who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain." Has God blessed you

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