204 Mark, Xvi. 15, 16. [1461.

While the Gospel of Christ is misrepresented and opposed by man, the angels, who are incomparably less interested in its provisions, are ever contem- plating it with admiration and joy. And, if it were better understood amongst us, it could not but meet with a more favourable reception ; for it has innu- merable excellencies, which render it worthy of universal acceptation. Let us examine a few of its leading features. In the first place, it clearly defines the way of salvation. Take any other way of salvation that ever was devised, by repentance for instance, or by sincere obedience ; what inexplicable difficulties occur to our view ! for, who can tell what degree of repentance will satisfy God for our breaches of his law, and be a sufficient price for heaven ? Who can mark out the line which shall be drawn between those that shall be saved and those that shall perish ? Who can tell what sincere obedience means ? It cannot mean the doing what we will, for that would put a murderer on the same footing with an Apostle : and if it mean the doing what we can, where is the man that can be saved by it ? Where is the man who has not violated it in ten thousand instances, or who does not violate it every day of his life ? Who can truly say that for any one day he has mortified every sinful habit as much as he could, exercised every holy affec- tion as much as he could, and practised every species of duty as much as he could ? And if we cannot but acknowledge that we might have done more, who shall say what degree of insincerity may be indulged without violating the law of sincere obedience ? On all such plans as these we are utterly at a loss ; we are at sea without a compass. But take the doctrine laid down in the text, and the way of salvation is so plain, that " he who runs may read it." Let any man ask himself this question, Do I believe in Christ ? Let him pursue the inquiry somewhat farther, Do I feel myself a guilty, helpless, condemned sinner ? Do I renounce all dependence on my. own wisdom, strength, and righteousness 1 Do I see that there is in Christ a fulness suited to my necessities ? And do I daily,