is something more sweet and nutritious, than in all other books in the universe. In the Inspired Volume, God is pre- sented to the soul under such endearing characters ; the Lord Jesus Christ is set forth in such glorious \'iews ; the precepts, tlie promises, the threatenings, the examples, are all so har- moniously blended ; in short, truths of every kind are con- veyed to the mind with such simple majesty and commanding force, that they insinuate themselves into the whole frame of the soul, and nourish it in a way that no human composition can. This therefore we should desire, in order to our spiritual growth. We should read it, meditate upon it, delight our- selves in it : we should embrace every truth contained in it ; its precepts, in order to a more entire conformity to them ; its promises, in order to the encouragement of our souls in aspiring after the highest degrees of holiness. In short, we should get it blended with the whole frame and constitution of our souls, so that, to all who behold us from day to day, our growth and profiting may appear: nor should we be satisfied with any attainment, till we have arrived at " the full measure of the stature of Christ."]
Let me further improve this subject, 1. In a way of inquiry — [I am not now about to inquire. Whether you have made a great proficiency in the Divine life, but Whether you have ever begun to live, or whether you are yet " dead in trespasses and sins ?" In all the book of God, there is not a more sim- ple, or more decisive test, than in the words before us. The extent of yovu* knowledge or attainments is at present out of the question. The only point I wish to ascertain is this ; " Have you been born again ?" If you have not made any progress in the Divine life, are you " as new-born babes ?" Have you been brought, as it were, into a new world ? and are you living altogether in a new way ? I do not ask whether, in " passing from death unto life," you have experienced any terrors of mind ; or whether the change has been so sudden, that you can fix the time when it commenced ? but this I ask, Whether you have attained such views of Jesus Christ, that he is become truly " precious to your souls '' ?" You cannot but know, that, however you may have been accustomed . to call Christ your Saviour, you have not really found any delight in him in past times. But if you have been " born again of the Spirit," a change has taken place in this particular, and you have been made to feel your obligations to him, and to claim him as " the Friend, and the Beloved of your soul." I intreat you to examine carefully into this matter ; for, if this change have not taken place within you, ye are yet in your sins. Oh,
reflect * ver. 7.