which had either been neglected or performed with indifference. "What had they to do any more with idols?" Convinced of duty, and awakened to a sense of obligation, they worshipped the true God, according to the manner of his own appointment: "They sacrificed unto the Lord."-Consider it also, as an act of self-dedication. They had grievously revolted from the Lord, had sunk into a state of criminal declension their backslidings testified against them; but now they arise, and return: their language in effect was, O Lord our God, other lords besides thee have had dominion over us; but by thee only will we make mention of thy name:" their invitation to each other was, "Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord, in a perpetual covenant, that shall not be forgotten." But sacrifices under the Law, were typical of the great Sacrifice which the Gospel exhibits. How far these Israelites understood this, is not certain here was, however, a significant emblem of the atonement of Jesus Christ, which glorious reality the faith of believers regarded in all ages of the church. They were taught, by the institution of sacrifices, that "without shedding of blood is no remission ;" and were directed to look forward to the appearing and offering of "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

And here we sacrifice unto the Lord: in this place, and at this time, we engage in religious worship, and renew the dedication of ourselves to the Most High. Let us do it "with simplicity and godly sincerity;" and especially in the exercise of faith, and hope, and love. In all our approaches to God, whether in his house or in our own, whether in social service, or in private devotion, let us ever regard the sacrifice of the blessed Saviour! "The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin," gives us access within the vail; promotes our peace, and procures eternal blessings. Look, therefore, to the cross of

Jesus for acceptance, and to his Spirit for assistance; relying on him as your righteousness and strength; receiving him as your salvation and your all! This being the case, your impressions will not be transient, as were those of the Israelites: your goodness will not resemble the morning cloud, or the early dew, which passeth away; but will be an abiding principle, a heavenly light, which "shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

SERMON XXII.

SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE ATTAINED.

1 COR. ii. 12.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

THE distinction between true Christians and others is great. It is determined by the things which they regard, the knowledge which they attain, and the Spirit which they possess. Each of these is stated in the text; and a careful examination of ourselves by these marks will lead us to an acquaintance with our true character.

It has often been remarked, that to be a Christian in name only, is nothing. We must be such in deed and in truth, or we are strangers to the comforts of Christianity, we are unacquainted with its supporting and purifying efficacy. The Apostle felt the importance of this for himself, and he was ever careful to inculcate it on others: in all his Epistles, it is the power of godliness, the vital energy of the religion of Christ, that he exalts and recommends.-In speaking from the text, we notice,

I. The THINGS to which it refers.

Doubtless they are the blessings of Christianity, the principles and discoveries of the Gospel. These are expressed under a variety of names in the verses connected with the text: (v. 9.) "The things which God hath prepared for them that love him :" (v. 10.) "The things which God hath revealed unto us by his Spirit:" (v. 14.) "The things of the Spirit of God" (v. 11.) "The things of God:" and in the words first read, "The things that are freely given to us of God."

Now these blessings, of Christianity these discoveries of the Gospel, thus variously denominated, are, 1. Spiritual in their nature. Indeed, they have this high and peculiar character (v. 13.), "spiritual things;" distinct from the things of earth, and time, and sense. They relate to God, who is a Spirit, a pure and infinite Spirit. They regard the soul, and its spiritual concerns, its eternal salvation. They refer to heaven; and all its society, its employments, and pleasures, are purely spiritual. The things of the world are according to the world: they partake of its nature and resemble it: but the things of the gospel are according to the gospel; and they bring the happy possessor of them into the enjoyment of its spiritual privileges, hopes, and prospects.

2. They are Divine in their origin: "given to us of God."-God himself, you perceive, is their Spring or Source. All the great and good things of the gospel are in Him, and come from Him. Whether it exhibit grace or truth, it is "of God." Whether we speak of pardon, or peace, or hope, or joy, these are all "of God." If Jesus Christ be our "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption," he is made these unto us "of God." of God." Whatever relates to the individual happiness of believers, or to the salvation and prosperity of the whole church, all has the

"For

stamp of Divinity upon it,-all is "of God." of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

3. They are free in their communication; not only "revealed" in the Scriptures, or the report of them clearly made known, but "freely given to us."-The good things of the gospel flow to men, irrespective of human worthiness: they flow freely, or they would never have reached us; and the channel of their conveyance, the medium by which they descend, is the Sacrifice, the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with Him also freely give us all things?" These things, so freely given, and given with Christ, are the things of the gospel, the great realities of salvation by a crucified Redeemer. "This is the record," the substance of evangelical testimony, "that God hath given to us eternal life,"-more he could not bestow; eternal life is the completion of all gospel blessings; & and this life is in his Son." It is in him, to be communicated by him, "without money and without price." This is his language, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink." These are his words, and all his words are weighty: they are faithful and true: "I will give unto him that is athirst, of the fountain of the water of life freely." And in harmony with this invaluable promise, is the tender and endearing invitation: "Let him that is athirst, come; and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

The blessings of the glorious Gospel, remember, are too precious to be estimated by human skill, far too exalted to be purchased by human merit: they are at once distinguished by their unspeakable worth, and by their gratuitous and liberal grant," the things that are freely given to us of God." And shall any