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events, to be more watchful, and simple in our de pendance on divine grace.

Some persons may be perplexed with difficulties, in respect of certain points of doctrine: but if they truly embrace the salvation of Christ, and walk worthy of it; they will be at length led to establishment in the truth. "If any man will do the will of God, he "shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God.” An upright heart and an obedient will directly tend to free the mind from the clouds of various prejudices and passions, to produce teachableness, and to im prove spiritual discernment: and there are numerous promises of divine teaching to persons of this descrip tion. But they, "who love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil," are given up to strong delusions, and fall into final condemnation.

Difficulties also occur to many, in determining whether they be in a state of salvation or not; nor are they able, after much self-examination, to decide the important question. To these likewise we may say,

Only let your conversation be, as it becometh the "gospel of Christ" and this will have a powerful though gradual efficacy, in producing the desired satisfaction. "Then shall ye know, if ye follow on to “know the Lord."" For the path of the just shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

The exhortation before us also points out, to those who are labouring to do good in their families and connections, or in a more extensive sphere, the grand method of obtaining the desired success: and when the interest of the gospel in any place seems greatly declined; the consistent conduct of the few, who

XXI.] CONNECTED WITH A BECOMING CONVERSATION. 511

adhere to it, will have the happiest effects in promoting a revival. Finally some persons are harassed with apprehensions of future trials and temptations, or with the dread of death: but let all such trembling believers attend to the apostle's exhortation; and they may rest assured, that the grace of the Lord Jesus will be sufficient for them; and his strength be perfected in their weakness. "For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, "nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things

present,nor things to come; nor height,nor depth,nor "any other creature, shall be able to separate us from "the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Seeing we address ourselves to those only, who expect to be thought Christians; the exhortation may be applicable to every individual. Let a becoming conversation prove that you are Christians in reality. But alas, what gloomy reflections crowd into the mind, when this subject comes in our way! Do the generality of nominal Christians live as becomes the gospel? Is not the conversation of a vast majority diametrically opposite to the spirit and precepts of our holy religion? Who can imagine that Christ will own such men as his true disciples? Who can doubt, but that it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for them?

There are persons, who say, • When you instruct us in our duty, we regard you: but we are not infidels; we have always believed the doctrines of Christianity.' But let me ask you; have these doctrines properly influenced your heart and life? If they have not; then surely you have believed in vain! You would say to an antinomian professor of justification

by faith alone, who lived an immoral life; "Know, "O vain man, that faith without works is dead." Beware then lest you slide into antinomianism of a more reputable kind. Faith and practice are not like grapes tied upon a vine branch; but like grapes growing upon a living vine. True faith receives the doctrines of the gospel into the heart; where they produce a change in the judgment, dispositions, and affections: thus the tree becomes good, and good fruit is the genuine con

sequence,

This is real Christianity; and all that comes short of this, however distinguished, is a mere name, notion, or form. But if we have thus received the gospel; we shall be conscious, that we have in many things fallen short of a becoming conversation. Let us then humbly seek forgiveness of the past; and beg to be enabled henceforth so to abide in Christ," that we may bring forth much fruit," " and walk worthy of "God, who hath called us to his kingdom and glory.” Amen.

PRAYER S.

A Morning Prayer for a Family.

O THOU most glorious, and gracious God, whose kind providence has protected us through the dangers of the night, and brought us in peace, and refreshed by sleep, to meet together this morning; assist us we earnestly beseech thee, to present our unfeigned praises and thanksgivings, and to unite from our inmost souls in prayer and supplication before thy mercy seat.

But, who are we, O thou high and lofty One, who inhabitest eternity, whose name is Holy, that we should venture into thy awful presence? Even the seraphim veil their faces in deep humility, when they present their fervent adorations before thy throne !-And we are not only immensely beneath them in the powers of our nature; but, alas, we have been guilty of base ingratitude for thy bounties, and multiplied acts of rebellion against thee, our Creator and Sovereign!" We have forsaken thee the fountain of living waters," to seek happiness from the broken cisterns of earthly enjoyments and possessions! We

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have proudly rejected thy easy yoke, and become slaves to divers lusts and pleasures! We have refused thee that reasonable tribute of worship and love, which it would have been our privilege to have rendered! We have broken thy commandments, in thought, word, and deed, and have abused thy gifts to the dishonour of thy name!

Thus, we would with shame confess, that we are fallen under condemnation and into bondage, from which we are wholly unable to deliver our own souls: and we, may well be confounded, when we would lift up our hearts unto thee. "If thou, Lord shouldest "mark iniquity, who could stand?" But there is forgiveness with thee, and plenteous redemption in thy beloved Son. Through his atoning sacrifice and prevailing intercession, we would approach thy throne of grace; and while we smite on our breasts, and say, "God be merciful to us, vile sinners," we would unite our penitent confessions with lively faith and hope; and bless thee for these unspeakable benefits! O give us true repentance and living faith! Convince us more deeply of our sinfulness; and discover to us every thing in our hearts and lives, which displeases thee: that we may approach in genuine poverty of spirit, and with sincere and fervent longings. after those blessings, which we ask for with our lips. Enlighten our under standings, that we may more clearly perceive the nature and glory of thy gospel; and more fully know thee, "the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou "hast sent." Teach us to count all things but loss, that we may win Christ and partake of his salvation, May thy holy word, which we daily study, be treasured