shall they not be available, provided a penitential frame be really desired, and forgiveness of sins be fervently im- plored ?
At the same time let us receive Christ in his entire cha- racter, and look to him unreservedly for all his blessings. Let us not dream of " forgiveness" without " repentance," or think of calling him " Saviour" without submitting to him as our Ruler and Governor. All that God has united in him for our benefit, must be united in us for his honour : nor must we presume, or even wish, to " put asunder, what God has so inseparably joined together" As we must have nothing- united with Christ for the salvation of our souls, so there must be nothing in Christ which we do not actually receive from him, and manifest to be enjoyed by us as a matter of our daily experience before God.]
2. To make him known to others — [The Apostles no sooner received the communications of God's Holy Spirit, than they preached the Saviour to all around them. Nothing could deter them from this blessed work. They had all been imprisoned ; but they were not intimidated. They were menaced with severer punishment; but they made no account of any sufferings that could be inflicted on them; and when they were actually beaten, " they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the Lord's sake."
Now this shews us what we also are to do. We must " con- fess Christ" openly before all, and commend him to all, that they also may be made partakers of his salvation. True, we are not all called to minister after the manner of the Apostles : but in our life and conversation we must preach to all around us, and be " living epistles of Christ, known and read of all men."
At this period, through the tender mercy of God, there are greater facilities for the discharge of our duty than ever were afforded us before. There are societies without number for the diffusion of divine knowledge, both at home and abroad : and by aiding them we may all, in our respective spheres, contribute greatly to the spread of the Gospel, and the establishment of the Redeemer's kingdom throughout the world d
Imitate, then, the holy Apostles in their zeal and love ; and, whilst you look to Christ for salvation yourselves, endeavour to make him known to the whole world, as their Prince, and as " the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him."]
d Here any particular society, whatever it may be, whether the Bible Society, or Mission Societies to Jeivs or Gentiles, or Education Societies, may be commended to the audience for their support.