grace, power and comfort. To this, the verses following the text apply, and mark some of the unspeakable advantages which attend: " that you may become rooted and grounded in love," as a tree which takes deep root, or an edifice well founded, so will your love to Christ become established; you will know more and more of the Saviour's love in its height and depth, its length and breadth, "and be filled with all the fulness of God." Let us review what has been stated on this part of our subject, and draw a conclusion or two.

First. We learn, why the Scriptures treat so much on faith; here we are assured, that "without faith we cannot please God;" that "he who believeth shall be saved, and he who believeth not shall be damned;" that "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and unto salvation." Christ put such honour upon this grace, that he inquired, previously to his performing miracles, "Believest thou I am able to do this?" "canst thou believe?" and he told them, to have it according to their faith; others, he assured, that their “faith had saved them." Who is there acquainted with the holy word, but must admit that it treats largely of faith, in its nature, properties, fruits, importance, and advantages? We shall not wonder at this, when we view it in its proper place, the place it occupies in the gospel scheme of salvation. What will it avail us, to hear of Christ on his cross, or, on his throne, except we believe? Since the apostasy of man no good can come to him but through

a Mediator, nor be received from him but by believing. Salvation is represented to be not of works, but through faith, that thus it may manifestly be of grace. Justification comes in a way of faith, Rom. v. 1. &c. Sanctification is in a way of faith, Acts xv. 9. Stability in religion is attained in the way of faith, Rom. iv. 20. Consolation is in the way of faith; "joy and peace in believing" in short, a Christian lives, and walks, and conquers, and triumphs, by faith.

Second. The great importance of possessing, and exercising the faith of the gospel.

"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" John ix. 35. Interesting, momentous inquiry! every one should propose it to his own soul; nor propose it only, but wait for an answer. Is this divine principle wrought within me? Have I received the Lord Jesus? Do I rest solely upon him? Cleave to him? Is he truly and unspeakably precious to me? Do I act from this principle? Have you doubts on this subject? let me recommend that you often meditate on its importance, and seek to have the heart affected with the consideration; attend to the holy word, as testifying of Jesus, and as proposing him to your highest, and constant regard and confidence; pray for the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of faith, for by him every good in us is produced. What encouragement to pray, Luke ii. 5-13?

If you have received the Lord, “walk” also "in him;" you know in whom you have believed, seek

the increase of faith; that, holding the head, in duty, in affliction, in temptation, you may possess increasing stedfastness, and growing comfort; yea, that you may rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory; till your joy shall be consummated in the presence of your God and Saviour. Amen.

SERMON XIII.

Other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.-1 COR. III. 11.

"I have

THE Lord speaking by Hosea says, multiplied visions, I have used similitudes," that is, parables, likenesses, or comparisons drawn from other things; this is in condescension to our weakness of capacity, and to aid our minds in forming proper conceptions of his truth. The similes which God uses, are assuredly well selected, as apt and expressive; and when we find many used to illustrate one subject, it is natural to infer, that the subject is important and highly interesting, and consequently possesses very peculiar claims on our attention. These remarks will forcibly apply to the subject of a believer's union with Christ. The Holy Scriptures present us with numerous comparisons to set it forth, nor can we do justice to the subject, without meditating upon some of the most expressive: we propose therefore, to view those which exhibit Christ as the Bridegroom, and his Church as the Bride. Christ as the Head, &c. &c., and at this time, the Church as a building

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