wonderful as it is, it is still daily experienced, and daily mani- fested, by all that believe.]
We conclude with submitting to your consideration two important questions :
1. What reception have you given to this mystery ? [Are the great subjects of Christ's humiliation and glory
entertained by you with that reverence which is due to such mysterious truths? I thank God they are preached among you ; but are they not in too many instances neglected by you,
instead of meeting with that reception they deserve ?
Beg then that the Holy " Spirit would take of the things that are Christ's and shew them unto youg." And endeavour to give the Lord Jesus such a reception now, that you may be welcomed by him in the great day of his appearing.]
2. Are you experiencing the Gospel to be indeed a mystery of godliness ?
[It is to but little purpose to " call Christ Lord, if we do not the things which he says." He will " save us from our sins;" but never in them. He came to "redeem us from iniquity, and to purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good worksh." Let us not then attempt to make him " a minister of sin1 ;" but endeavour to shew the sanctifying, as well as saving, efficacy of his Gospel. Let us shew, that while " the grace of God bringeth salvation to us, it teaches us to deny all sin, and to live righteously, soberly, and godly in this present world k."_
s John xvi. 15. h Tit. ii. 14.
» Gal. ii. 17. k Tit. ii. 11, 12.