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What a state will that be, where no temple is to be found; for Heaven itself is one vast temple! God will be seen, while we worship him; instead of our dull gaze on the walls or ceiling of these buildings on earth. Happy as we now are, in using such words of calm and hallowed devotion, as our Liturgy affords, what love, what peace, what joy, what unwearied adoration, will fill our bosoms, when we are admitted within the Holy of Holies! There may our great High Priest receive us, never more to go out. There may we "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth." There may we be found among the redeemed of the Lamb; and for ever, without fault, before the throne of God.

1 Rev. xiv. 5.

SERMON II.

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

PSALM V. 7.

66 BUT AS FOR ME, I WILL COME INTO THY HOUSE IN

THE MULTITUDE OF THY MERCY AND IN THY FEAR WILL I WORSHIP TOWARD THY HOLY TEMPLE."

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OUR Church commences her ministrations, as the Saviour began his mission upon earth, calling upon men, to "repent and believe the Gospel 1." What can be more impressive than to hear the voice of God in His word, assuring the wicked man that "he shall save his soul alive," if he will "turn from his wickedness ":" announcing from heaven, that "to the Lord our God, ? Ezek. xviii. 27.

1 Mark i. 15.

2.9

belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him ":" commanding us, to "rend our hearts, and not our garments 2" and promising that "if we confess our sins, God is faithful, and just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 3."

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The minister then proceeds to apply these Scripture declarations, exhorting his brethren, "dearly beloved" in the Lord, not to dissemble, nor cloke their sins before God; but at a time, when we come into his presence, to return thanks for his mercies, to hear His word, to ask things requisite for the soul, and the body—then, most chiefly, to acknowledge our transgressions, with lowliness, and penitence of heart, which shall surely pass on to obedience. Then do all, who are not infirm, make their bodies, "sensible witnesses of minds unfeignedly humbled." They bend the knee before Jehovah, and join in the

1 Daniel ix. 9.
3 1 John i. 9.

2 Joel ii. 13.
'Hooker.

confession of sin, remembering, that Christ Himself, not only kneeled, but cast Himself upon His face to the earth. The Lord is addressed in this prayer, by two of His attributes, which present an awakening contrast. He is Almighty: and, in justice, might have blotted the sinful world from the face of creation. He is "most merciful," however, yea a "Father;" and has opened a way for sinners to be reconciled through the blood of his Son. The confession is in general terms: for had it been particular, all could not have confessed sins, from which some, by grace, had been restrained. But what words can penetrate deeper into the heart, than those which describe us wandering and neglecting the Divine ways; not only following the corrupt imaginations of our own hearts, but offending against the majesty of God's holy laws; and showing, too plainly, that there is no health in the soul? "The whole heart is sick, the whole head is faint 1.”

1 Isaiah i. 5.

But, in this abased condition, faith looks up to the great Intercessor, and cries to be spared, to find mercy, and to be restored to the favour of the Lord. And as the gift of pardon, and advancement in grace, are always associated in the mind of the true Christian, a fervent prayer is added that, for Jesus' sake, we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of God's holy name.

When the prophet David had acknowledged, before the rebuking man of God, "I have sinned"-an answer of mercy was heard "The Lord hath put away thy sin '." And when the worshippers of God have thus humbled themselves, let them lift up their hearts in faith and hope. Let them not doubt, that God has established in his Church, a "ministry of reconciliation 2." Let them that do truly repent, and unfeignedly believe His holy gospel, receive the gracious assurance, without doubting, of their sins being pardoned. Let them

1 2 Sam. xii. 13.

2 2 Cor. v. 18.

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