a state from which we cannot too unequivocally pray to be delivered

No one who is acquainted with the Liturgy of the Church of England can for a moment suppose that these words are meant to "exclude any such merciful abatements or allowances, as shall be made for men's particular circumstances, weaknesses, frailties, ignorance, inability, or the like; or for their sincere intentions, and honest desires of knowing and doing the whole will of God; accompanied by "godly sorrow," and true repentance of their sins; and a hearty resolution, by the grace of God, to forsake them; "with firm reliance upon God's mercy, through the sole merits of Jesus Christ."

"There can be no doubt, however, but that men are accountable for their faith as well as practice."

Under any circumstances, therefore, the Church of England is authorised in using this language of truth, consistently with the word of God: and thus we have seen she does use it.

The Gospel is, indeed, an everlasting covenant of grace and mercy; made by Almighty God with fallen man, through the mediation of Christ his Son.

The Son of God, in pity and compas sion to the lost and perishing condition of mankind through sin, voluntarily undertook their redemption: He, "through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God," as a sacrifice and atonement for sin : " He looked, and there was none to help: He wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore His own arm brought salvation." "For this cause, God was manifest in the flesh,-justified of the Spirit,seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles,-believed on in the world, and received up into glory." But to those alone who "received Him, gave He power to become the sons of God, even to those who believed on His name." Wherever the Gospel is

preached, it is the power of God unto salvation" only "to those that believe" and "know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God." Salvation is the gift

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of God, through Jesus Christ; and "there is salvation by none other." God, it is most true, so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life:" and "he that believeth is not condemned; but he that believeth not is already condemned, because he hath not believed on the onlybegotten Son of God."

Again, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life, and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him ;" and "every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God; but every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God; but this is the spirit of antichrist." Finally, "he that believeth not shall be damned."

Such, therefore, is the Covenant of Grace; and these are its great indispensable conditions, viz. that we, from a deep

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sense of our lost and corrupt state, through sin, repent, and believe the Gospel, "looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith;" and "walking, as he also walked;" yet, knowing that "it is God worketh in us, both to will and to do, of his good pleasure."

Our truly Evangelical Church, cannot with reason, therefore, be censured, for maintaining the "Faith delivered unto the Saints; for which, Prophets and Apostles have not feared to die; and martyrs have shed their blood; for which Christ Jesus himself became obedient to death, even the death of the cross."

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Wisely, we must rather confess, hath she warned her children, to "beware lest that come upon them, which is spoken of in the prophets." Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish!" to be mindful of those "who have crept in unawares; who turn the grace of God into lasciviousness; denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." Affectionately

hath she exhorted them to take heed, "lest any spoil them, through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." That their hearts may be confirmed, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding; to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;"" who is over all, God blessed for ever;" and to Whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, the ever blessed and eternal Trinity, Three Persons and One God, be, as is ever due, all honour, power, praise and thanksgiving, for ever and ever.-Amen.