For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. 1 PET. ii. 21.

one

To is believe in CHRIST for justification, is but onehalf of the duty of faith: it respects CHRIST only as he died and suffered for us, as he made atonement for our sins, peace with GOD, and reconciliation for us, and as our righteousness; unto these ends, he is, indeed, primarily and principally proposed unto us in the Gospel; and with respect unto them, we are exhorted to receive him and to believe in him; but this is not all that is required of us: CHRIST in the Gospel is proposed unto us as our pattern and example of holiness; and, as it is a cursed imagination that the whole end of his life and death was to exemplify and confirm the doctrine of holiness, which he preached, so to neglect his being our example in considering him by faith unto that end, and labouring after conformity to him, is evil and pernicious; wherefore, let us be much in contemplation of what he was, what he did, how in all instances of duties and trials he carried himself, until a glorious image of his perfect holiness is implanted in our minds, and we are made like unto him thereby. And let us always bear in mind, that ye were called to a state of suffering when ye were called to be Christians, for the world cannot endure the yoke of CHRIST.

O let me walk with CHRIST below,
His holy footsteps trace,

And daily taking up his cross,

Be nourish'd by his grace.

So shall my walk be close with GOD-
Calm and serene my frame;

So purer light shall mark the road

That leads me to the Lamb.

The Gospel is made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. ROM. xvi. 26.

THE obedience of faith here spoken of, is the

same thing as believing the report of the Gospel. Rom. x. 16. A hearty submission to the righteousness of GOD, even to CHRIST, who is the end of the law for righteousness to every one who believeth; this is the obedience of faith, strictly speaking, by which we give glory to GOD, take full shame to ourselves, renounce all that nature is proud of, and are brought to rest for our justification and acceptance with GOD, on that alone which has satisfied his law and justice. However slightly we may be disposed to pass over this, it is a high point of obedience, not easily brought about in such a creature as man, and needing an effectual light and energy from above. It is taught purely from above; and he who would learn it, must seek it by much prayer continually; for in vain shall we strive to obey GoD in other things, until we learn to obey him in this. Careless reader, see to it that you learn your need of CHRIST! Awakened and distressed sinner, seek not to heal yourself by forced obedience; learn the obedience of faith, that you may be purged your conscience from dead works to serve GOD. Self-despairing sinner, obey the gospel-call of GOD to your soul, and live. Believer, let your

in

fruit be to holiness.

Within us, LORD, thy Spirit place,
Conveying health, and peace, and pow'r;

And let us daily grow in grace,

That we may love and serve thee more.

O may thy Spirit seal our souls!

And mould them to thy will,

That our weak hearts no more may stray,
But keep thy precepts still.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

TH

MATT. xi. 28. HIS is a free invitation to every weary and heavy-laden sinner, made by him who alone is able to take away the load and guilt of sin. Every person under the pressure of sin, not only may, but must come to JESUS, thus laden with guilt, if he hopes to succeed for pardon! While we endeavour to prepare our way for our holy qualifications, we rather fill it with stumblingblocks, whereby our souls are hindered from attaining to the salvation of CHRIST! CHRIST Would have us to believe on him, who justifies the ungodly, and therefore he doth not require us to be godly before we believe: he came as a physician for the sick, and doth not expect they should recover their health in the least degree before they come to him. The vilest sinners are fitly prepared and qualified for this design, which is to show forth the exceeding riches of his grace, pardoning of our sins, and saving us freely. Eph. ii. 5, 9. It is no affront to CHRIST, or slighting or contemning the justice and holiness of GOD, to come to GOD while we are polluted sinners; but rather it is an affronting and contemning the saving grace, merit, and fulness of JESUS, if we endeavour to make ourselves righteous and holy before we receive CHRIST himself, and all holiness and righteousness in him by faith.

How long the time since CHRIST began

To call in vain on me;

Deaf to his warning voice I ran
Through paths of vanity.

But could I hear him once again,

As I have heard of old;

Methinks he should not call in vain
His wanderer to the fold.

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman seeking goodly pearls; who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. MATT. xiii. 45, 46. BLESSED are they to whom the Gospel has

made known the unsearchable riches of CHRIST! He is that one pearl of great price, in comparison of whom all other goodly things that men desire are worthless. Without him we are poor and miserable, though we abound in all manner of worldly store; but if we have found him, and discovered the excellency of his name, we are in possession of a treasure that makes us rich indeed, and have reason to be content with our portion, though stript of every earthly comfort; for the Father gives grace and glory, even eternal life, in his Son JESUS CHRIST; and he that hath the Son of God hath life. O my soul! thou, like the merchantman, hast been seeking goodly pearls, and eagerly looking here and there for happiness all thy days! Hast thou at length been enlightened to perceive where true joys are to be found? Then wilt thou be willing to sell all in order to win CHRIST, and be found in him: if there is anything that thou art unwilling to part with for his sake, thou knowest not his value, thou art not worthy of him! Long did my soul in JESUS' form

No comeliness or beauty see,
His sacred name, by others prized,
Was tasteless still, and dead to me.
Thanks to the Author of all grace!
That show'd me wretched, naked, poor,
That sweetly led me to the rock

Where all salvation stands secure.
Glad I forsook my righteous pride,
My moral tarnish'd sinful dress;
Exchanged my dross away for CHRIST,
And found the robe of righteousness.

God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 COR. iv. 6.

WITHOUT this saving knowledge, we have

no GOD, no CHRIST, no grace, no faith, no union with CHRIST, no actual justification, pardon of sin, peace, nor eternal life. But whoever has found CHRIST, the pearl of great price, the treasure hid, has found matter of great rejoicing; for he was poor before, and this treasure enricheth him; he was naked before, but finding this treasure, he is gloriously clothed; he was forced before to feed upon husks, but now he feeds on the bread of life; he was far in debt before, but now he sees the debt is paid, that he is justified from all things, and pardoned for ever; he saw he was a child of wrath before, but now he is become a child of GOD; that he was a captive, and in chains before, but now he is set at liberty; condemned before, but now he sees there is no condemnation to him, nor to any one that is in CHRIST JESUS; that he was a fool before, but now he is made wise unto salvation. Reader, canst thou set thy seal to the truth and power of such experience? Then thou art wise indeed; if not, thou hast much to learn: apply with speed, and remember, it is GOD alone that gives this light and knowledge. Take heed unto the sure word of prophecy, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts. 2 Pet. i. 19.

Father of love and grace,

Thy light to me impart ;
Reflected from thy dear Son's face
And beaming on my heart.