thee before the world was-He prayed to him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared-Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.'

This adorable Jesus, remember, is possessed of sovereign dominion. All power is given

unto him in heaven and in earth-He is exalted to be a prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins-He has commanded that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.' Now to this almighty Saviour, this prince of peace, who sits as a priest upon his throne, you are encouraged to come. In his name you may confidently trust; for by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses.' If, then, all power in heaven and in earth be in

his hands and to be used as he pleases-If his blood, as the Redeemer of mankind, cleanse from all sin, and his righteousness, as a substitute, justify the ungodly-If he be the resurrection, and the life, and if it be true that whosoever liveth and believeth in him shall never die -If he have invited sinners to come to him for complete salvation, and have said, without limitation and without exception, Him that cometh I will in no wise cast out;' what should hinder your approach? It is still, and ever will be the language of his heart while there is a redeemed

sinner upon earth, Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me-And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world-Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we

are.'

From considerations so animating, the dejected christian perceives there is forgiveness with God, that he may be feared. The enormity of his guilt, though matter of the most pungent

regret, affords no just reason for despair. The price of his release from condemnation is already paid by the blood of Immanuel. Not a sin remains uncancelled-unforgiven-and he may rest assured of a full, and an everlasting discharge from the tormenting accusations of a guilty conscience, and from the righteous claims of a violated law. The work of Jesus as a surety is complete-is all-sufficient; so that the believer may say, in reference to interest in the perfection of his work, as the apostle did concerning the supply of his own necessities, 'I have all, and abound:' for what can he want to whom Christ is made of God wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption!

LETTER VI.

Believe and live

Too many, shock'd at what should charm them most,
Despise the plain direction and are lost :

Heaven on such terms! they cry with proud disdain,
Incredible, impossible, and vain.

COWPER.

THE fears suggested in your last, in reference to pardon, evince a suspicion that the love of God cannot be extended to any objects except those who are, in some way or other, more deserving than yourself. You are ready to say, with a pious author, 'Had I a heart to love God like David, had I talents to glorify God as Paul; were I like Nathanael, an Israelite without guile, then might I hope, with them, to have my imperfections pardoned, my person accepted, and my services rewarded. But this heart, with which I should love God, is carnal and not spiritual; my talents and abilities with which he should be glorified, are few, if any. My sincerity, which should be conspicuous in every

duty, is strongly tinctured with hypocrisy, and selfishness. With what confidence then can such a wretch draw near to Christ, or ever expect a welcome reception?'

But this reasoning is fallacious; it proceeds, not on the ground of justification being an act of mere grace to the absolutely unworthy; but a reward conferred in consequence of pious dispositions or devotional duties, than which nothing can be more erroneous nor more dangerous. The supposition is repuguant to the very genius of the gospel, which signifies glad tidings -good news. But would either of the epithets accord with the wonderful intelligence, if, in order to share the invaluable blessings it reveals, the man to whom this gospel comes must previously possess inherent righteousness, or evince by exterior conduct that he really deserves it? 'Can he be clean before God, that is born of a woman?-Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?— Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?