tilings, by saying that we require too much. Then I demand, which of these things can be dispensed with 1 Can repentance ? Can faith ? Can obedience ? There is not a person here who does not know, that not one of these things can be neglected, but to the certain destruction of our souls. Again, I ask, which of these things can be wrought in us by our own power; or for which of them is not the operation of the Holy Spirit necessary ? If repentance can be wrought effectually in you by any power of your own, prove it. — If faith in Christ can, prove it. — If obedience to his commandments can, prove it. But be careful not to mistake the shadow for the substance. Think not that the saying that you possess these things, or that you intend hereafter to attain them, will suffice. You must possess them; you must possess them in reality ; you must possess them noxv, if you would have any scriptural evidence that you are Christ's, or any well- founded hope of dwelling with Christ in the eternal world. I charge you before God that you examine, every one of you, your present state, and that you defer not any longer the attainment of the things on which your everlasting salvation depends. Think, I pray you, if ye are not Christ's, zvhose are ye ? Fearful thought ! I pray God that no one amongst you may ever have to learn this by bitter experience ; but that all of you may, from this moment, lay it to heart, and improve, whilst yet ye may, this day of your salvation! I tremble, lest in any of you this day of grace be ter- minated by death ; and, when ye are vainly hoping for acceptance with Christ as his peculiar people, Satan should lay claim to you as his vassals, and pos- sess you for ever, sad trophies of his victorious power, and wretched monuments of his malignant sway.
And now, in conclusion, may God send down his Holy Spirit upon you all " to bear testimony to the word of his grace y," which has been delivered to you, and render it " the power of God to the salvation of your souls2 !" Amen and Amen.
y Acts xiv. 3. 7- Rum. i. 1G.