ON THE RENEWAL OF THE COVENANT. 5 continued exercise of all the perfections of the Godhead in promoting the happiness of his people, and the full communication of all the blessings which flow from his unchangeable love: on the other part, the surrender of the heart and affections of his people, the dedication of all the powers of their nature to his service, and the willing uniform obedience of their lives. But although these are mutual stipulations, the covenant retains its character of a covenant of grace, and must be regarded as having its source purely in the grace of God. For the very circumstances which rendered the new covenant necessary, take away the possibility of there being any merit upon our part: the faith by which the covenant is accepted, is the gift of God; and all good works by which Christians continue to keep the covenant, originate in that change of character which is the fruit of the operation of his Spirit.** Into this covenant of grace the Christian is admitted professionally by baptism. Circumcision was the sign and seal of the Abrahamic covenant; but when, with regard to its ancient form, it was done away in Christ, then the sign and seal, which was peculiar to that form, was abolished. If baptism be not the initiatory sign and seal of the same covenant in its new and more complete form, this new covenant is destitute of any initiatory sacrament; but several portions of holy writ, together with the very nature of the ordinance of baptism, show that baptism is to the new covenant, what circumcision was to the old, and took its place by the appointment of Christ. The covenant remains essentially the same, but the sign and seal has undergone a change, which is at once truly significant; expressive of faith in Christ on the part of those who are baptized, and declarative of their resolution to profess his religion and to cultivate real and practical holiness; (Rom. vi. 3, 4; 1 Peter iii. 21; Eph. v. 26; Titus iii. 5;) or, to adopt the emphatic language of the Church of England in her form for "the public baptism of such as are of riper years," "Dost thou renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by the same?" The baptized replies, "I renounce them all.” But into this covenant, an individual enters in truth, and effectively, when he intelligently, with deliberation and sincerity, does these things; when with true contrition he turns to God, asks the way to Zion with his face thitherward, and says, “Come, let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten," (Jer. 1. 5;) and brings forth "fruits meet for repentance;" when, by faith,-which does not merely imply an assent to the grand scheme of human redemption by which we may be reconciled to God, but a hearty concurrence of the will and affections with this plan of salvation and a cordial reliance upon it, he renounces every other refuge, actually trusts in the Saviour, and personally apprehends his merits; such a belief of the Gospel by the power of the Spirit of God as leads him to come to Christ, to revere him, to trust him, and to commit the keeping of his soul into his hands, in humble confidence of his ability and his willing ness to save. The object contemplated in entering into, or renewing, this covenant is aptly expressed, "That he may establish thee for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God." A believing, loving, and obedient people, receiving in faith all the truths and promises of the Gospel; esteeming, desiring, grateful to, and delighting in, God; as faithful servants, waiting upon him in the diligent use of the talents with which he has endowed them in that station of life in which *Rev. Richard Watson. 6 ON THE RENEWAL OF THE COVENANT. he, by his providence, has placed them; and as dutiful children, confiding in him, casting all their care upon him, and resigning themselves to him. Those who enter into this covenant should engage to be steady and constant. This end, these solemn covenant transactions are calculated to promote, when entered into and performed suitably, as in the immediate presence of the Most High, before numerous witnesses, and so many joining in prayer for the divine blessing, which is freely vouchsafed. Then will Jehovah, the selfsufficient and self-existent Lord, be to them a God, who will enlighten their minds by the Spirit of truth, justify them freely, and impart a peace which passeth understanding; renew their nature, and work in them "that which is well-pleasing in his sight," (Heb. xiii. 21,) and sanctify them wholly, impressing his image completely on their souls; he will acknowledge them as his children, guiding, protecting, and providing for them, constituting them "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;" and, finally, he will raise them to glory and immortality. Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." (Psal. cxliv. 15.) THE GOD OF THIS WORLD. GOLD is the only power which receives universal homage. It is worshipped in all lands without a single temple, and by all classes without a single hypocrite; and often has it been able to boast of having armies for its priesthood, and hecatombs of human victims for its sacrifices. Where war has slain its thousands, gain has slaughtered its millions; for while the former operates only with the local and fitful terrors of an earthquake, the destructive influence of the latter is universal and increasing. Indeed, war itself-what has it often been but the art of gain practised on the largest scale?-the covetousness of a nation resolved on gain, impatient of delay, and leading on its subjects to deeds of rapine and blood? Its history is the history of slavery and oppression in all ages. For centuries Africa, one quarter of the globe, has been set apart to supply the monster with victims-thousands at a meal. And at this moment, what a populous and gigantic empire can it boast!-the mine, with its unnatural drudgery; the manufactory, with its swarms of squalid misery; the plantation, with its imbruted gangs; and the market and the exchange, with their furrowed and care-worn countenances: these are only specimens of its more menial offices and subjects. Titles and honours are among its rewards, and thrones at its disposal. Among its councillors are Kings, and many of the great and mighty of the earth enrolled among its subjects. Where are the waters not ploughed by its navies? What imperial element is not yoked to its car? Philosophy itself has become a mercenary in its pay and Science, a votary in its shrine, brings all its noblest discoveries, as offerings, to its feet. What part of the globe's surface is not rapidly yielding up its lost stores of hidden treasure to the spirit of gain? Scorning the childish dream of the philosopher's stone, it aspires to turn the globe itself into gold.-Rev. Dr. Harris. REDEEMING THE TIME. COMING hastily into a chamber, I had almost thrown down a crystal hourglass fear, lest I had, made me grieve as if I had broken it; but, alas! how much precious time have I cast away without any regret! The hour-glass was but crystal-each hour a pearl; that, but like to be broken-this, lost outright; that, but casually-this, done wilfully. A better hour-glass might be bought; but time, lost once, lost ever. Thus we grieve more for toys than for treasure. Lord, give me an hour-glass, not to be by me, but to be in me! Teach me to number my days. An hour-glass, to turn me, that I may turn my heart to wisdom.-Fuller. THEOLOGY. TEACHERS OF GOOD THINGS. A Sermon addressed to the Teachers of the Hull Sunday-School Union, in Salt-house Lane Chapel, Nov. 7th, 1826. BY THE LATE REV. RICHARD TREFFRY. "Teachers of good things."-Titus ii. 3. ST. PAUL said of himself, that he had the care of all the churches; not only for those which he had been instrumental in planting, who were his living epistles, and the seals of his Apostleship, but he had a great conflict for those whose faces he had never seen in the flesh. Nor was he interested merely in the private welfare of individuals, but he watched with godly jealousy over the Ministers of the churches. He withstood Peter to the face, because he was to be blamed. He sent two epistles to Timothy; he wrote also to Philemon, and to Titus: from the last of these are selected the few words which form the groundwork of the present discourse. Three things present themselves for more particular observation. I. The subjects taught,-"good things." II. The manner in which instruction should be conveyed. III. The motives which should induce the Christian Teacher to enter upon this task. 1. Reading. This is essentially good; for without it the Bible itself is a sealed and useless book. We are commanded to "search the Scriptures;" (John v. 39;) and it is said that "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning;" (Rom. xv. 4;) but unless these are read, they are written in vain. The Bereans were more noble than the men of Thessalonica, because they not only received the word with all readiness of mind, but searched the Scriptures daily. (Acts xvii. 11.) St. Paul charged Timothy to give attendance to reading. The Bible is a book of knowledge, but reading is the key. The Bible contains innumerable models and patterns; but without the ability to read, these can never be exhibited. The Bible is full of great and precious promises; affording no consolation, however, unless they be read. That reading is a good thing, is inferred from the fact that it is the easiest and most effectual method of obtaining knowledge; and it is written, "That the soul be without knowledge, it is not good.' (Prov. xix. 2.) Not good, because it comports not with man's original destina tion he was formed for, and created in, knowledge. It is not commendable: a man is esteemed according to his knowledge; but ignorance is a great discredit. It is not useful: a soul without knowledge is like a barren and desolate wilderness. It is not pleasurable: there is no satisfaction in ignorance; but a well-informed mind affords to its possessor continual delight. We do not say that reading is the only way of obtaining knowledge: much may be learnt by study, meditation, and social intercourse; but what amazing stores of wisdom are locked up from the man who never reads! Here we see human nature in its various shades and immense varieties; the treasures of science lie open to view; we may accompany the traveller to distant climes; reason with the logician on themes abstruse; soar with the astronomer to other suns and systems; and learn with the Christian to revere the Father of spirits, and to adore the Saviour of the world. How little does the person incapable of reading know of history, of biography, of theology, of human nature generally! Some, however, will say that the power is abused, and therefore it is better to be destitute of it than to exert it to a wicked purpose. On this ground the state of blindness is preferable to that of sight; for the eyes behold not vanity. The deaf have the advantage of those who hear; for they are not disturbed by the filthy conversation of the wicked. If the tongue of the dumb be unable to praise God, neither can it blaspheme his holy name; therefore it is to be envied. The folly of this argument needs no elucidation we therefore return to our first proposition, that the abuse of a good thing is no reason why it should be dis carded. 2. Morality. By this is meant that course of conduct prescribed by the word of God. The children are taught to sanctify the Sabbath, because it is emphatically the Lord's day, and he has commanded that it shall be kept holy. To be honest; "not to covet or desire other men's goods, but to keep their hands from picking and stealing.' To speak the truth; and to adhere to it firmly, in spite of all temptation to violate it. To be benevolent; to be kind one to another; to indulge in no implacable or wrathful practices, but to act upon the golden rule, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." (Matt. vii. 12.) To honour their parents, that their days may be long in the land which the Lord their God giveth them. They are also instructed in, It 3. Christianity. This comprises the doctrines, principles, the laws and observances, of the New Testament. commences with the fact that man is a miserable sinner, having lost his original rectitude, and that his life is one continued scene of practical iniquity; that he is under the curse of a violated law, and exposed to eternal ruin. It reveals to us the infinite love of God in the gift of his dear Son, who came into the world to save sinners, who died upon the cross to make an atonement for human guilt; that he rose again from the dead, ascended on high, poured out abundantly the gift of the Holy Ghost; raised up disciples and Apostles to preach repentance and remission of sins in his name among all nations; that "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark xvi. 16.) up In whatever view Christianity is considered, it is the best gift of God to man. Its Founder is Christ, the Son of the Blessed, whose life on earth was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners, and who, in reference to his divine nature, was God over all, blessed for ever. Its benefits are incalculable; it offers pardon for the guilty, redemption for the enslaved, health for the disordered, riches for the destitute, and life for the dead. Its requirements are excellent. "Let love be without dissimulation: abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which it good. Be kindly affectioned one to another," &c. (Rom. xii. 9, 10.) How vast are its rewards!—an eternal freedom, in the life to come, from all natural and moral evil, and an eternal enjoyment of God. These things, it is presumed, form the subjects of Sunday-school instruction. We now proceed to consider, II. The manner in which this arduous work should be performed. 1. Affectionately. Benevolence should prompt you to action. Cultivate a principle of love towards them, especially to their immortal interests. View them as the offspring of God, as the purchase of the Saviour's atoning blood, as creatures destined to live for ever; and let them feel that your best affections are engaged on their behalf. You can expect no emolument here; neither silver nor gold are held out to the Sunday-school Teacher to induce him to pursue his painful task; but he is influenced by that which is far better, the love of God in his heart; this will make every yoke easy, every burden light, and every duty pleasant. 2. Familiarly. The capacities of children are weak and feeble: in early life they are unable to understand much that is said to them; therefore they should be spoken to in language which they can comprehend. This method was adopted by our Saviour towards his disciples: he taught them as they were able to bear it. You likewise should encourage your young charge, by asking them questions, and causing them to understand what they read. 3. Practically. Exemplify your instructions as much as possible in your own character and conduct. Do you wish the little ones under your care to believe the doctrines of the Bible? Show that you believe them by practically exemplifying them in your conduct. Do you wish them to be serious and soberminded? then set them no example of trifling, jesting, or foolish mirth, but convince them that you are "working out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Do you wish them to become the sincere followers of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Show them that you continually take him for your model and pattern, and his word for your rule of faith and practice. Young children are very observant, and are soon able to test the words of men by their actions. Be careful then not to throw a stumbling-block in the way of these lambs of Christ's fold, or to do anything which might cause them to turn from the good and right path. It is particularly desirable that you should set before them examples of early piety in children. Speak to them of Samuel, of Daniel and his three illustrious companions, and of Timothy, who when a child knew the holy Scriptures, which made him wise unto salvation. 4. Patiently. You will need the grace of patience little can be effected without this. You will meet with perverseness, obstinacy, ignorance, and wickedness, even in youth, and this will tend to try your temper, and arouse irritable feelings, but these you must endeavour to suppress. Think of the patience and longsuffering of God towards yourselves, and that will give you forbearance towards others. 5. You should teach them in dependence upon divine aid. It is the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich, and addeth no THEOLOGY. sorrow with it. Without him, nothing is wise, nothing is strong, nothing is holy; and if he do not second your endeavours, all your labour will be in vain. Never be satisfied, then, without having the sanction of God, and without securing the influence of the Holy Spirit. In order to this, you must pray for it, and ask in faith. Let the name of Jesus be your strong tower; seek the blessing with importunity; and rest not until you see your children inquiring their way to Zion with their faces thitherward. We proceed now to call your attention, III. To the motives and excitements which should induce you to abound in this labour of love. 1. Here is a number of children needing instruction, with little probability of receiving it unless you take them under your care. They need instruction. This appears from the native ignorance of the human mind. In infancy it is an entire blank, without knowledge, intelligence, or even consciousness. From the general inaptitude for the attainment of knowledge. The infant heart is averse from God, and desires not to be made acquainted with his laws. It is a favourite maxim in the Church of Rome, that ignorance is the mother of devotion, and that virtue is inconsistent with knowledge. Some Protestants also have propagated a doctrine very nearly allied to it, that knowledge is not necessary for the poor; that if they are instructed, it will fill them with pride, incite them to habits of insubordination, and produce anarchy and confusion in all ranks of society. But is this probable? Is not the knowledge of our duty the most essential pre-requisite to its performance? If children are to believe the articles of the Christian faith, they must be taught what those articles are. they are to serve God, they must be instructed in the nature of that service: and if you wish them to honour their parents, you must show them how to do it. In order to see the importance of communicating knowledge to the youthful mind, notice those who have been unfortunately the subjects of neglect. How ready are they to run into all manner of sin and wickedness, and grow up only to disgrace and ruin! If then you have it in your power, it is your duty to impart to them that by which they may find their way to everlasting life. If 2. It is a precept of the Most High: "Take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they 9 depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons. (Deut. iv. 9.) "And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children," &c. (Deut. vi. 6, 7.) It may be said that this duty more immediately devolves upon parents: they can practise it with more success, as they are, in a subordinate sense, in the place of God to their offspring. But when these neglect their duty, and leave their children to perish in ignorance, should not every Christian man feel himself bound to exert himself to the utmost to supply their lack of service? Under the Mosaic law, if a neighbour's ox or ass fell into a pit, any spectator was obliged to do his utmost to relieve the animal. Yet here we see our neighbours' children in the abyss of ignorance and sin, and shall we not do what we can to help them out, lest it should be a prelude to a deeper fall into the gulf of perdition? Remember, too, the particular attention which our Lord paid to little children. "He took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them." (Mark x. 16.) This 3. It will benefit society at large. God hath made of one blood all the nations of the earth. Therefore every one is bound to do all in his power to alleviate the moral condition of the world. life is passing away as a shadow that declineth. The little children now under your care, will be the men and women of the future generation, and much depends upon their present training. Implant the word of truth deeply on their memory, and by the blessing of the Almighty upon your prayerful endeavours, they will adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour, long after you are gone to your reward. 4. The great success which has already attended Sunday-school teaching should encourage you to proceed with redoubled effort. How many are fully and eternally saved who received their first gracious impressions at the Sabbath-school! Multitudes are now zealous and active members of Christian churches, ornaments to their profession, and useful in their station, who were instructed in good things at the Sabbath-school. Notwithstanding, all is not done that may be done. Much seed has been sown: are the returns at all proportionate? Ought not more of these children to be rescued from ignorance, vice, and misery, than we have yet had the happiness of |