an inspired Apostle ; a declaration in which not only the same truth is maintained, but the very same process is accurately described. St. Peter, speaking to his believing brethren throughout all the world, says, " Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth, through the Spirit, unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently p."]
Let me now address a few words to you on the subject of the Gospel,
1. In reference to its primary operations —
[The peculiar process here described is not alike visible in all : in some it advances rapidly ; in others with a more tardy step. But it must be found in all.
Brethren, see to it, that "your faith" in the Gospel be " unfeigned." It must be such a faith as brings you, in peni- tential sorrow and utter self-renunciation, to the foot of the Cross ; and causes you to " live altogether by faith in the Son of God, as having loved you, and given himself for yotiq." See to it, also, that you obtain " a good conscience." There must not be a day or an hour in which you do not apply " the blood of sprinkling" to your souls : for it is by that only that " your conscience can be purged from dead works to serve the living Godr." Take care, too, that your heart be purified from all " earthly, sensual, and devilish" affections. No evil whatever must be harboured in your bosom. The whole of your life must be occupied in " putting off the old man, which is cor- rupt according to the deceitful lusts ; and in putting on the new man, which, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness8." These things are absolutely indispensable : and if the Gospel produce them not in your souls, it is in vain for you to expect any blessing from it in the world to come ]
2. In reference to its ultimate effect —
[Never forget what is the great scope and end of all : it is not to save your soul from destruction, but to save your soul from sin. Heaven is a region of love : and no man could be happy there who has not been previously " rendered meet for it" in this world. He would be out of his element : he would have no delight in God himself, nor any sympathy with those who were around his throne. Away, then, with selfishness, and apathy, and party-spirit ; and begin to realize a heaven upon earth. This is the way to fulfil the law1; this is the
p 1 Pet. i. 22. i Gal. ii. 20. r Heb. ix. 14. and xii. 24.
s Eph. iv. 22—24. * Gal. v. 14.