Nor is it a weak argument in favour of this doctrine, when we appeal to our own feelings. We must be conscious, when we look into ourselves, of such unworthiness, as must entirely disqualify us for the divine favour, without some better introduction than our own. It is an opinion strongly implanted in our nature. Guilt always wishes for support,

Let us, then, to conclude from the whole, accept without scruple the great doctrine of the atoning death of Christ, till we can fairly disprove the evidence on which it rests. In the midst of all this evidence, it is a great pleasure to the sincere christian, and has no little weight with him, to observe so perfect a resemblance of it prophetically held out many hundred years, before the great event itself took place. As the Israelites therefore looked on the brazen serpent, which Moses set up, so let us look, with the eye of faith, on our blessed Saviour, expiring on the cross for our sins.-With what gratitude would you have poured out your hearts in the wilderness, on feeling yourselves miraculously healed from the effects of a poison, which was seizing you with the most horrible pains, and in a short

time ready to close your eyes in death? The type being only a resemblance of the thing typified, can never rise to an equality with it. The poison of a serpent therefore bears no comparison to the malignity of sin. Indeed, sin is the grand evil of nature-the great cause of every mischief here, and misery hereafter.

As sin therefore is an evil with which we are all tainted, let us with endless gratitude look beyond the type to the great atonement it holds out; and not presuming on any merits of our own as sufficient to procure our salvation, let us trust only in the merits of that merciful Redeemer, who died to save sinners; and gave his life a ransom for all.

SERMON

SERMON III. '

GALATIANS, v. i.

STAND FAST IN THE LIBERTY, WHEREIN CHRIST HATH MADE US FREE.

THE enemies of religion do not easily allow the truth of such a passage as this. What can be meant, they say, by the liberty wherein Christ hath made us free? Religion is certainly in its nature a restraint upon liberty; and as christianity is the strictest religion, it must of course be the greatest restraint. To call it a holy and pure religion might be allowed; but to hear it called a state of liberty, one should least have expected. For does it not preach every kind of restraint? Does it not talk of plucking out eyes, and cutting off hands? which expressions, though figurative,

figurative, mean at least some great constraint. And is this consistent with liberty?

Such is the language, at least the sentiments, of some, who either do not understand the christian religion, or do not feel its effects. In the following discourse, I shall endeavour to shew you they are mistaken. I shall first explain to you, on what grounds, the christian religion may be called a state of liberty: and secondly recommend to your practice the Apostle's advice, to stand fast in that liberty.

This

In the first place, the christian religion may be called a state of liberty, as it frees mankind from the useless burden of rites and ceremonies. was the first notion of liberty it gave its professors. The religion of the heathen consisted merely in this kind of service. They believed all religion was made up of outward acts and ceremonies. But as these outward acts and ceremo⚫ nies did not amend the heart, they were in fact no religion at all. And as there was something of pomp and shew, and amusement in them, they grew upon people. Trifling and insignificant they always were. Sometimes they were carried to a frightful height; filling the minds of men with superstitious fears; and putting them on barba

rous

who made their sons and daughters pass th the fire-that is, they burnt them alive in of their horrid idol.

The religion of the Jews likewise, in measure was made up of external acts. G his own wise reasons, imposed many cere upon them. It was a hard bondage; but were a stiff-necked people, a necessar Through their own folly and superstition, ever, they imposed a still heavier burden and ceremonies on themselves. Insomuc

when our Saviour came into the world, the had arisen to such a load, as neither the their fathers were able to bear.

Thanks be to God, the gospel hath red mankind from all this bondage-from all rites and ceremonies, which could never ma comers thereunto perfect. The Heathen, tren under all the terrors of superstition: and th appeasing the anger of an incensed Jehovah

tho