removal of a

confined, if we

curse; not in any transaction, may so speak, to Heaven's chan

cery, and of which, no other than a supernatural assurance could be afforded. No, my brethren, the deliverance is moral, is spiritual, is to be effected within our own souls. It consists, as the same Collect proceeds to instruct us, in being washed and sanctified with the Holy Spirit and its reality is to be ascertained, by evidence which is subject to the most rational investigation, by its subsequent subsequent effects, effects, on the tempers and habits of our lives. For it is certain, that we do not retain the grace or privileges of our Christian Baptism, except so far as, in the beautiful language of the Office, we are, 'stedfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in charity.' This is the remission of our sins,' as it is well expressed in the next prayer, by spiritual regeneration:' their remission, in other words, "by the renewing of the Holy Ghost," or, as Saint Paul elsewhere expands the same sentiment, "by putting on the new man, which, after God, is created in righteousness, and true holiness." This is the remission, which our blessed Redeemer did, and suffered, so much, in the flesh, to purchase for us: the remission to obtain which, He offered up, in his own adorable person, a full, perfect,

and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world.'

Let us, then, be careful, as we value our everlasting peace, that we never lose sight of the inward and spiritual character, of this remission of our sins. Let us bewar, lest we substitute a presumptuous confidence, in what has been done for the world at large, for the happy consciousness of that blessed change, which our gracious Redeemer is ever solicitous, and ever ready, to effect within ourselves. Let us always remember, that, in the language of our Church, and of holy Scripture, the remission of sins is not notional, but real; that it is not, merely, to be laid hold of, outwardly, by a strong effort of the understanding, but to be inwardly known and felt, by the convincing evidence, of a clean heart, and a renewed spirit. In a word, let us ever be mindful, that our sins are remitted, only so far as they are removed; and that the only scriptural, and reasonable method, of ascertaining our spiritual condition, is to inquire, are we, indeed, brought "from darkness unto light?" Have we, of a truth, been drawn from the power of Satan unto God?" Have we, in reality, "put on the Lord Jesus Christ," and been enabled by Him, "to walk in all godliness of conversation?"

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Such inquiries are especially suggested, by the concluding words of the Baptismal Office:Remembering always, that Baptism doth represent unto us our profession; which is, to follow the example of our Saviour Christ, and to be made like unto Him; that, as He died and rose again for us, so should we, who are baptized, die from sin, and rise again unto righteousness, continually mortifying every evil and corrupt affection, and daily proceeding in all virtue and godliness of living.'

But how, it may be asked, are the benefits and blessings of spiritual regeneration conferred upon infants, in their tender years? To this inquiry, we need not be careful to reply : we need only state, that, in this, as in various other instances, it hath pleased Almighty God to set limits to the presumptuousness of human curiosity; and thus, at once, to try our humility and our faith. It is enough for us, to rest assured, that God is now, and ever, the same all-good and gracious Parent; that, as in times past, it was "out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, He perfected praise ;" and as " He revealed unto babes, those things which were hidden from the wise and prudent," so He is, at all times, abundantly able to pour forth the dew of his blessing, upon infants who are faithfully brought

to the baptism of his Son. It is enough for us, to believe and cherish the prevalent sentiment of the universal Church, as it has been maintained from the age of the apostles, that, at the time of Baptism, a new nature is divinely communicated; and gracious privileges are especially vouchsafed, in such measure and degree, that whosoever are clothed with this white garment, may, through God's help, keep their baptism pure and undefiled, for the remainder of their lives, never wilfully committing any deadly sin.'

To a maintenance of Christian purity, thus stedfast and continual, our Church hopefully looks forward, throughout this most instructive and edifying service. We are taught to implore, for all infants who come to the hallowed font of baptism, not only present grace, but power 'to lead the rest of their lives according to this good beginning.' We are invited to pray for these little ones, that, in them, the old Adam may be so buried, that the new man may be raised up in them; that all carnal affections may die in them, and that all things belonging to the Spirit, may live and grow in them; that they may have power, and strength, to have victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh; and, finally, that they

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may be endued with heavenly virtues, and, ever remaining in the number of God's faithful and elect children, may be everlastingly rewarded, through his mercy, who liveth, and governeth all things, world without end.'

Such is the erect and vigorous posture, which our Church wishes, that all her members may habitually maintain; and with this posture, how exactly harmonizes that noble description of the Christian warrior, which immediately follows: That he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified; and manfully to fight, under his banner, against sin, the world, and the devil; and to continue Christ's faithful soldier, and servant, unto his life's end.'

It is unquestionable, that, by God's blessing on early religious education, and, especially, on the pious watchfulness of Christian parents, there ever have been, and now are, bright examples of pure and undefiled religion: who have never sinned away their baptismal grace; who, from early youth, have maintained blessed course of innocence and virtue; who have uniformly loved the beauty and pleasure of goodness; who, following in the footsteps, and strengthened by the grace, of our adorable Redeemer, have walked, stedfastly, with their God, unseduced by the blandishments of vice,

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