persevere in dutiful allegiance, and uncor rupted affection to the Lord; neither seduced by sensual allurements, nor supplanted by the deceit of the subtil, nor overpowered by the assaults of the mighty; but having their heads covered in the day of battle, shall return victorious from the hard-fought field, to be unto their God for a name, and for an everlasting sign, which shall not be cut off.

All, all this is absolutely secured in behalf of the people of God for they are "visited, redeemed, and delivered" by the Horn of Salvation "out of the hands of their enemies, that they may serve," and his word and oatli are given that they shall serve him in holiness, in devout observance of all his ordinances: thankful for their deliverance; acknowledging his righteous dominion by unfeigned obedience; ascribing not unto themselves, but to his grace alone, all the good that is done in them and by them; zealous for his honour, and active in advancing his

cause.

His people have also infallible security, that "they shall serve him in righteousness;" that is, in the practice of sincerity and truth, justice, kindness, and charity towards all men, "especially the brethren," all the days of their life; in the constant tenor of their

conduct, before the Lord, from pure ma tives; not such as pride or hypocrisy, desire of praise, or mercenary self-love, suggest.

Such is the scripture character of the people of God. What can be conceived more excellent? To serve the Lord is the glory of angels; to serve him as they do, full of reverence, yet free from slavish fears, or painful suspicions, is the privilege of his people, To wear the royal livery of "holiness to the Lord;" amidst all their infirmities, temptations, and enemies, still persevering in obedience, is their high distinction. Such a charming idea, the inspired writers unanimously teach us to conceive of the mystical body of Christ, which is his church.

CHAP. XXII.

ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF SALVATION.

THE doctrine of this prophecy proves the mistake of accounting the knowledge of salvation, wild enthusiasm, spiritual pride, and blasphemous presumption, as it is common to do. For a present deliverance from the curse of the law, the dominion of satan, the world and the flesh, wrought by the power of the Lord, in consequence of a cove

nant and an oath, for the benefit of his church, ensuring their perseverence "in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life," is a demonstration that they shall never perish; and, according to express testimony of holy writ, designed to be understood and be lieved.

.

I beg leave, therefore, to offer some proofs in favour of a doctrine, which, from the beginning, has been the glory and triumph of Christians, though now, with other considerable parts of revelation, fallen into general contempt, and treated with derision.

It is plain then, from many declarations, that God greatly delights in the members of Christ, as their reconciled Father, and they are commanded so to regard him. "I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father himself loveth you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God." But this pa ternal love cannot be manifested in temporal blessings; because many of the faithful in every age, are poor, afflicted, and evil-treated. Nor would prosperity satisfy them; because they value and long for salvation above all things. With one heart and voice they say, "Thy favour, O God, is better than life itself." How then can he act towards them the

part of a gracious Father, if in a world full of troubles, and incapable of being satisfied with creature good, they are to be kept in anxious suspense about their eternal welfare. Yet it must be so, unless they enjoy the knowledge of salvation; because without this, though the Lord of glory be contemplated hanging on his cross a propitiation for sin; though the promises made to " perseverance in well-doing" be received; and they are now conscious, that "with simplicity and godly sincerity they have their conversation;" yet since no certainty can be obtained, that they shall be preserved in this state; since the most sincere at one time, at another may prove most insincere; and true worshippers may turn out traitors, rebels, apostates. In circumstances thus to the last degree precarious, what peace can be enjoyed in the service, or family of God? What peace when none can be sure, till they join "the spirits of the just made perfect," that they shall escape "the fire prepared for the devil and his angels ?".

Should it be said, that upright Christians may have a good hope, though no knowledge that they shall be saved: I reply, this must be founded upon the promise of God to preserve them, and must cast out fear, or it will not manifest to them the love of God as their

reconciled Father. But if the foundation of this good hope is the promise of God, and the effect strong consolation, there is the full assurance of faith, whether the name be admitted or not..

Besides; if God be the reconciled Father of all who are his children by faith in Jesus Christ, as the scripture affirms, why are the endearing testimonies of his love to be withheld from them? When our own children prove their affection to us by cheerful obedience, are we wont to be reserved on our part, in giving them to know the pleasure we take in them? Are we backward in assuring them, that we shall promote their welfare to the utmost of our power? Such tokens of paternal love always invigorate filial affection. "If ye then being evil know how to give good things unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Ghost to them who ask for him?" The Holy Ghost, whose office is to be the seal, the comforter, the earnest and pledge of the eternal inheritance.

How then will those disputers answer it to God, who choose to devest him of the bowels of a father? who brand with opprobious names, the rich communications of his love to those who walk with him uprightly?