debased and degraded by sin, so that we are continually prone to depart from that path, which God has marked out for us to walk in, and to tread the ways of guilt and misery. Nor can happiness ever be possessed by an unholy creature. The offer of pardon and justification, infinitely precious as it is, is not of itself sufficient for our happiness-a farther provision must be made, if we are to be really blessed. Sin and misery are in their own nature inseparably connected. No sooner did man lose the divine image, than he became miserable: nor can his happiness be restored, except by the restoration of his holiness. The renewal, therefore, of man to the image of God, is an essential part of that plan which divine wisdom has formed for removing the evils occasioned by the fall. Not only was the Son of God given to be the atoning sacrifice for our guilt; but for his sake also the Holy Spirit of God is promised to us, to be our sanctifier. A renewal to holiness by his sacred influences, is always represented in scripture as being inseparably connected with the pardon of sin. A renovation is promised of all those principles and affections of the mind, which constituted the divine image in man when he was first created, but which have been lost by transgression. So that he who is

truly a partaker of the mercy set before us in the gospel, is effectually taught to hate all those things which are displeasing to God, and to love those which he commands-to forsake sin, and to walk before the Lord in holiness of life. This change, this renewal in the spirit of the mind, is not indeed perfect in this world, but it has in a measure taken place in every true christian; it is proceeding onward towards its completion, and it will at length be consummated in the world of perfect holiness and unalloyed enjoyment.

You see, then, my brethren, the situation of our race. It was once in the image of Godit once was free from guilt, and was happy in the enjoyment of the divine favour: but it is now sinful, fallen, depraved, "alienated from "God by wicked works," and exposed to his most righteous condemnation. This is the condition, not merely of a few individuals, but of every one. By nature and by practice, all are sinners, and liable to the wrath of the Almighty--to the everlasting punishment due to sin. But let it be ever remembered with gratitude, that though our condition is full of danger, it is also full of hope. It is only by wilful continuance in transgression, that it can become desperate. The same word of truth which denounces sentence against the sinner,

declares also that "God so loved the world, that " he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever "believeth in him should not perish, but have "everlasting life." An adequate remedy is provided for the diseases of the soul of man-consolation is offered to us, even when most deeply convinced of the misery of our condition.

Till

But, remember, that man was created that he might be happy in the image of God. This is absolutely essential to your felicity. you can change the very nature of things, and counteract the unalterable decree of the omnipotent Creator, you will in vain seek for happiness in the ways of sin. Man became exposed to misery by his first departure from God; and the farther he wanders from him, the greater misery must he incur.

Would you then be truly happy, seek to partake in the benefits of that provision which Almighty goodness has made for your wants. Learn to view yourselves in the same light in which the Almighty views you. Approach his throne of mercy with deep humility as sinners; and with humble repentance for your transgressions, seek the pardon of them through the merits of that Saviour whom he hath made known to you. Seek to him likewise for that Holy Spirit, whom he hath promised to give to

all them that ask him, to take away from you every evil propensity and every wrong desire; to implant in you every holy and right disposition; and to enable you to bring forth in your conduct those fruits of holiness, which are the effect and evidence of a restoration to that state of mind, which is pleasing in the sight of God; and which alone can prepare you for the everlasting enjoyment of his heavenly kingdom.

And if, in any measure, the divine image is renewed in you, let the voice of your praises be heard to Him, whose goodness has provided for you a way of deliverance from that misery which is connected with sin: -and be excited by gratitude to him, to devote yourselves more to his service:-to love what he commands, and to desire what he promises :—and look forward with humble expectation to that period when, in the case of every real christian, the divine image shall be perfectly renewed, and connected with unspeakable and never ending felicity.

D

SERMON III.

THE SINFULNESS OF FORGETTING GOD.

PSALM X, 4.

God is not in all his thoughts.

WE have in these words a characteristic mark of the ungodly man. It has, indeed, no very evident connexion with his outward conduct; yet, it is of the highest importance, and stamps him as one who is displeasing in the sight of his Maker. For we are to remember, that the religion which the bible inculcates, and to which it promises the divine favour, is a religion of motives. The great question is, not to what sect or party we belong-no, nor what are our attainments in religious knowledge ;but are our hearts right in the sight of God, or are they not? Are the temper and disposition of our souls, towards our heavenly Lord, such as he approves, or are they not?