1 to be the Saviour of the world; ry of godliness, God manifest in manuel purchasing the church d; the love of Christ in his obeeath of the cross for us; his gloascension, and mediatorial exconstitute the central and most ne message of God to us. "This," ce from heaven, "This is my bewhom I am well pleased: hear ye

announces to us our real situa, as criminals condemned to die: ad to dust ye shall return." This rtainly and shortly be executed of us; but we are also liable to a emnation in another world, from e may now be obtained. We are from day to day: or rather we

hem from

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"fleeing for refuge to lay he

hope set before them" in the gospel. The sacred scriptures give us likewise portant information concerning the ho as the Author of divine life, and the Giv lom, strength, holiness, and consolatio gaged to give efficacy to the word of sal This regenerating influences; and as prom those who pray for the inestimable bend "ye, being evil, know how to give g " unto your children, how much more s "heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to "ask him."

The same divine message prescribes means by which we may apply for th sings, and render our Benefactor the thankful adoration. It directs us to dil

Luke xi, 18.

"that hath not the Son of God hath not life." This is the centre of revelation, in which all the lines meet from every part of its ample circumference. The everlasting mercy of God in purposing the salvation of sinful men; his infinite wisdom, forming the grand design of glorifying his justice and holiness, even in pardoning and blessing those who deserved the most tremendous punishment; his unfathomable love, in giving his only-begotten Son to be the Saviour of the world; the "great mystery of godliness, God manifest in "the flesh," Emmanuel purchasing the church with his own blood; the love of Christ in his obedience unto the death of the cross for us; his glorious resurrection, ascension, and mediatorial exaltation; these constitute the central and most essential part of the message of God to us. "This," says he, by a voice from heaven, "This is my be"loved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye " him."

Revelation also announces to us our real situation in this world, as criminals condemned to die: "Dust ye are, and to dust ye shall return." This sentence will certainly and shortly be executed upon every one of us; but we are also liable to a more awful condemnation in another world, from which deliverance may now be obtained. We are therefore respited from day to day: or rather we are put to death by a lingering execution; as every pain, disease, or natural decay, is an anticipation of the separating stroke. But we are placed under a dispensation of mercy, and it is the grand concern of our fleeting days to seek the forgiveness of our sins and the salvation of our souls, before the opportunity be for ever gone. The message therefore warns all men to flee from the wrath to come, commands them to repent and believe in Christ, and exhorts them without delay to forsake and break loose from every object, which keeps them from "fleeing for refuge to lay hold on the "hope set before them" in the gospel.

The sacred scriptures give us likewise most important information concerning the holy Spirit;` as the Author of divine life, and the Giver of wisdom, strength, holiness, and consolation; as engaged to give efficacy to the word of salvation by his regenerating influences; and as promised to all those who pray for the inestimable benefit.

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"If

ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts " unto your children, how much more shall your "heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that "ask him."

The same divine message prescribes also the means by which we may apply for these blessings, and render our Benefactor the tribute of thankful adoration. It directs us to diligent and

Luke xi, 13.

persevering investigation of the scriptures; and to continual earnestness in prayer: it reveals to us our God upon a throne of grace, to which we are invited to approach through a merciful and faithful High Priest; suggests pleas to be used in our supplications; and sets before us exceedingly great and precious promises, to direct our desires and animate our hopes: and it appoints other ordinances, in which we may wait on the Lord, and renew our strength, that we may run with patience the race set before us. We are also informed in the same manner, that there is an innumerable company of holy angels, who worship before the throne of God, and are nevertheless "all sent forth "to minister unto the heirs of salvation:" and on the other hand, that there are fallen angels, numerous, powerful, subtle, malicious, and indefatigable, who watch every opportunity of doing us mischief, and especially of deceiving, defiling, and ruining our souls; from whose devices we can have no security but in the protection and guidance of him, who was manifested to destroy the works "of the devil."

Finally, the message of God shows us the peculiar character, motives, and conflicts of those who are truly religious; and distinguishes them from all other persons: and it gives directions, instructions, examples, cautions, and encouragement sufficient to render us wise unto salvation, and thoroughly furnished unto every good work. This

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