[Men live in sin under the idea that it will make them happy ; but though they " roll it as a sweet morsel under their tongue, it proves the very gall of asps within them V It is that which robs us of all solid peace : it is that which renders us altogether incapable of peace, as long as it retains an ascendant over us. We may appeal to the consciences of all who are indulging sin, whether in heart or act, Have you peace ? Do you know what it is to have " the love of God shed abroad in your hearts;" to have " the witness of his Spirit" testifying of your adoption into his family; and to look forward with pleasure to your appearance at his tribunal? We are sure that no unregenerate man whatever can answer in the affirmative. And why can he not ? is it not on account of sin, sin indulged, sin unrepented of? See, then, brethren, what an accursed thing sin is, which robs you of all that is truly valuable ; of peace in life, and hope in death, and hap- piness in eternity. And will you yet harbour it in your hearts? O flee from it as from the face of a serpent ; and let it be the one labour of your lives to mortify and subdue it — ]
2. The excellency of the Gospel — [Fatal as sin has proved to the present and everlasting welfare of thousands, the gospel offers a full and sufficient remedy. The words before the text are quoted by an inspired apostle in proof that Jesus is our peace, and that having made reconciliation for us through the blood of his cross, he preaches peace to them that are afar off, and to them that are near1. Blessed be God, there is efficacy in the blood of Jesus to heal the wounds which sin has made : if it be sprinkled on our hearts by faith, it will purge us from an evil conscience, and speak peace to our souls"1. Apply but that remedy, and you shall soon feel its transcendent worth and efficacy. " May the Lord of peace himself" reveal to you his truth, and "give you peace always by all means n." May you be so " justified by faith as to have peace with God ;" and may that " peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus0 " — ]
k Job xx. 12—14. » ver. 19. with Eph. ii. 13—17.
ra Heb. x. 22. and xii. 24. » 2 Thess. hi. 16. ° Phil. iv. 7.