cannot resist it,-it is bound and forced to believe it; not from any compulsory measure, but from the clear force of the thing, because it is self evident; and when we have self evident certainty of any thing, though we had no belief about it before, this will be a saving knowledge." p. 146.

How fully in this extract is shown the root of the false doctrines, which it is our object to expose, in contrast with Scripture, viz., the pride of the deceived heart of man, setting itself above the wisdom of God.

We now see the reason for the pains that were taken to undermine the Scriptures; until this was done, it was less likely that men would be persuaded to abandon their hope of salvation through Jesus Christ, as therein revealed. But after rejecting the authority of the revelation of the Spirit in Holy Scripture, the atonement made for sin by Jesus Christ is boldly denied; and transgressors against the righteous law of an infinitely pure and holy God, are invited to risk the safety of the never dying soul on the deistical notion furnished by Satan, from the perversion of Scriptural truth, (and therefore the more subtle and dangerous) that all men in the world, believers and unbelievers, are in possession of a PRINCIPLE, independent of the Gospel, sufficient for them to secure the favour of God, and eternal life!

The doctrine of the New Testament is,

"God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our [believers] hearts, to give the light of the know

ledge of the glory of God IN THE FACE OF JESUS CHRIST." 2 Cor. iv. 6.

"The God of this world hath blinded the minds of

them which believe not, lest | name of Jesus Christ for

the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Cor. iv. 4.

"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 Jno. v. 12. "Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the

the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts, ii. 38.

"These things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." Jno. xx. 31.

But with affecting consistency we are told, "we need not trouble ourselves what we must believe; or tell others they must believe this or that, it is all nonsense:" in direct opposition to the express declaration of the Spirit of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

"He that believeth not cause he hath not believed God hath made him a liar, in the name of the only because he believeth not the begotten Son of God." record that God gave of Jno. iii. 18. his Son." 1 Jno. v. 10.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark, xvi. 16.

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already; be

"If any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not:-He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him; The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John, xii. 47, 48.

EXTRACT IV.

Quietude sometimes delusive.

"Is it possible that by our own exertions, we could bring ourselves into this quiet? No! by no ability of our own could we effect it. Then have we not reason to attribute to Almighty God this quietude and stillness; which I consider a very great mercy." p. 147.

How easy is it for man to delude himself, when he does not take the Scripture for his guide! What is meant by "this quiet ?" Can the "peace of God" be experienced by any but the regenerate; and can they be "renewed in the spirit of their minds," who believe not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?

SERMON VII.

EXTRACT I.

Quietism, as regards works.

"JESUS acted in the perfect wisdom of his heavenly Father; and in his perfect goodness, he did not leave them to guess, or examine, or search for themselves at all. But he called their attention out of all SEARCHES, WORKS, AND EXERCISES WHATEVER, into a state of resignation to the will of God." p. 155.

We know not where the Lord Jesus called his followers out of all searches, works, and exercises..

The Scripture lays the foundation of the Christian life, not in Quietism, but in believing in the Lord Jesus Christ." Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." But though it is a plain doctrine, that our good works are not the ground of our acceptance with God; the Scripture, nevertheless, cogently exhorts the believer to good works,-the genuine fruit and evidence of true faith; and tells him "We are created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." And moreover, it gives him the gracious assurance, that by these, is his heavenly Father glorified." Herein is my heavenly Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit."

What saith the Scripture?

"Preach the Gospel." Mark, xvi. 15.

"Write in a book, and send it to the seven churchRev. i. 11.

es.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the

Churches." Rev. xi. 11.

"Hear and understand." Matt. xv. 10.

"They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them. If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead." Luke, xvi. 29, 31.

Is this like calling them out of searches, works, and exercises?

AGAIN.

"Search the Scriptures." Jno. v. 39.

"Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine." 1 Tim. iv. 13.

"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them." 1 Tim. iv. 15. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not

to be ashamed, rightly di- | them which despitefully | viding the word of truth." use you." Matt. v. 44. 2 Tim. ii. 15. "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out." Matt. v. 29.

"Repent ye, and believe the Gospel." Mark, i. 15. My mother and my brethren are those which hear the word of God, and do it." Luke, viii. 21. Pray to thy Father which is in secret. Matt.

"If thy right hand offend thee cut it off." Matt. v. 30.

"Mortify your members which are upon the earth." Col. iii. 5.

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain." 1 Cor. ix. 24.

"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Heb. xii. 1.

who

"Be not slothful, but followers of them through faith and patience inherit the promises." Heb. vi. 12.

See under Ser. II. Ex. 7; Ser. V. Ex. 2; Ser. VI. Ex. 1;

Ser. X. Ex. 1.