assuredly be productive of all the benefits which are here traced to it.
But, notwithstanding all that is said of this principle in the Holy Scriptures, and the indispensable necessity of it to the salvation of the soul, how few condemn themselves for their want of it ! How few pray to God for it, or are even con- scious of their need of it! What greater proof can there be of the blindness with which Satan has blinded the whole world ! Men will readily enough acknowledge their need of holiness ; but of faith they feel no need : they think they have as much of it as is necessary for their salvation. But, if they would only see how totally inoperative their supposed faith is, they would see at once that they are as destitute of real faith as are even the beasts that perish. Dear brethren, be avi^are of this: and cry mightily to God to impart unto you this spiritual gift. It is, in all who have it, the gift of God. No man can produce it in his own heart : it is not a mere convic- tion founded upon reasoning, but a principle infused into the soul : and it is by that living principle alone you can ever be brought to a state of acceptance with God in this world, and the enjoyment of his favour in the world to come. May God in his mercy create it in all our hearts ! and may its fruits within us now be a pledge and earnest of its yet richer bless- ings in the realms of glory.]