XV.

XVI.

nay,

it may be truly said, that we do not believe at all.

Having meditated on the various and important evidences of christianity, it may reasonably be expected that our faith should be established on a sure foundation; and that we should feel the strongest incitements to enroll ourselves as members of that society, which offers to us such great and precious promises. The ceremony of baptism first introduces us to Christ, and puts a seal of strong conviction on the mind. Whether this happens to the infant, or the adult, its effects are equally interesting. The first dawn of reason beholds the propriety, the necessity of this sacramental test, and its last departing rays confirm the comfortable assurance.

Having now become members of Christ, our next step is to be children of God; and this, christianity effects by its influence on the heart. Within the heart of man, religion, like the rod of an enchanter, raises scenes of happiness;

6.6

happiness; not a light ideal happiness, the offspring of fancy and delusion, but, in every respect, genuine and substantial. It does not produce the characters of men as objects of admiration only; but it generates goodness in the inmost folds of the human heart and says, "this is the happy consequence of the grace of God which bringeth salvation.”— XVII. As the introduction of turbulent and unruly passions was the miserable effect of the fall of man, the religion of Christ steps forward to subdue them. The natural man can no more compose the agitated ocean than his own breast: happy is it for him that the Ruler of the waves is stronger than XVIII. he! To effect this purpose the gospel affords us many helps: it shews us the way, and assists us on the road. It does not indeed irresistibly overpower the actions of men, for that would destroy the free. agency of his nature, but places him in a condition to conquer himself through the gentle

XIX.

gentle influences of the divine Spirit. "I can do all things through "Christ which strengtheneth me. If religion sheweth its power in the regulation of the heart of man, it is no less powerful in influencing the disposition of the mind. Here it is that its effects are most conspicuous. Here it is that religion displays its true temper, and with its chearing aspect allures and delights its votaries. The good Christian ought to be the most chearful xx. man in the world.-And in many respects he is so; for that sacred principle which regulates the passions and improves the heart, which softens the disposition, and shares in the general habits of the man, cannot but produce that most desirable of all effects, peace of soul and a religious mind. This is indeed delightful harmony: it touches the true chord of all the human affections, and anticipates the sweet symphony of heaven.

XXI.

This disposition of mind, the necessary result of holy expectations, is to be acquired and preserved by a variety of means offered by religion for this purpose. The first of these is meditation. Thought rallies the straggling forces of the understanding, and prepares them for severer duty. If we never think, how can we expect the rewards which are the consequence of thought? If we reflect on the various comforts of a religious life, and meditate on those blessings which a knowledge of the gospel can only bestow, the grace of God will rest upon our hearts, and the peace of God will visit our underXXII. standings. Another and important mean of procuring this happy disposition is prayer; prayer upon its proper principle; not the cold formality too frequently distinguished by this name, but the fervent and sincere offerings of a grateful mind;

XXIII. nay, we must proceed further, and

by a general habitual devotion, en

deavour,

This is

deavour, as it were, to make our
duty a part of ourselves.
indeed the way, as far as in us lies,
to adorn the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ in all things.

But the gospel offers other means of positive injunction to work together for this good end, the final XXIV. salvation of men. The offices of baptism, and the Lord's supper, are essential ordinances for the conveyance of these graces to mankind. The restoration of man by the sacrifice of Christ, is pathetically commemorated and received in the celebration of the Eucharist, which is truly an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.

Besides these, there are many other external resources, though not of equal importance, yet essentially contributing to effect the same purpose. xxv. Books of piety and religion here offer XXVI. their assistance: and the friendship

of the good steps forward as a powerful auxiliary. If the gay, the ra

tionally