*

steps in the pursuit of truth, yet if they are not sincerely disposed to follow it, they must be deficient in that degree of faith which is necessary to the full influence of the Spirit. It is easy for a man to say he is a Christian, being so by profession; but amongst the primitive believers, no man would assume the name, who was not so in heart; since he had a test of his sincerity always ready, in the scorn of unconverted friends, and the abuse of a prejudiced and hardhearted people. Nothing therefore but a conviction of the truth of Christianity, and the consequent obligation to obey its precepts, could induce him to embrace a profession, which carried with it so many circumstances mortifying to human nature. The same sincerity of conversion would in the present day produce the same effects, in the assistance and communion of the Holy Spirit, in that degree which our particular situation might require, in the sight of divine wisdom. I would ask any person of sound understanding, if it would seem consistent with the divine intention, to introduce a gift attended with so many extraordinary circumstances, and sanctioned by the descent of the Son of God, ifit were intended to be withdrawn with the first believers, who form so small a part of his rational creation? Such an opinion seems irreconcileable with the undiminished power, the wisdom, the justice, and the beneficence of God. But on this, as well as every other question connected with our well-being, the sacred volume is sufficiently clear to common understandings, and a disbelief in any of the fundamental principles of Christianity, if examined into, would be found

*The evidence of sincerity is obedience to the divine law, so far as we know it. See James ii. 14 to 17.

frequently to arise from a disinclination to submit to those salutary privations which it requires; but which are at the same time the only certain evidence of our faith and love to God. Let us not therefore deceive ourselves: if our salvation be wrought out, it can only be by those means which he has appointed. And if it should appear by the scriptures, that it must be effected through the influence and assistance of the Spirit, it is in vain for us to seek out another way. Sincerity and true devotedness are only wanting on our part, to be effectual through the divine promises, for the production of all the beneficial consequences, so strikingly expressed in various parts of the scripture. This divine instructor would wound us only to heal, and as we yielded to its reproofs, would often draw our minds into retirement and prayer for the pardon of our transgressions, and for assistance more fully to obey the divine will; and finally establish that communion between the soul of man and his God, which our Saviour largely testified of,* and which, whether in public assemblies, or in private retirement, must be the medium of divine communication and worship: and, if continued in, we should in our spiritual progress undoubtedly experience the truth of the prophetic declaration I will make "darkness light before them; and crooked "things straight; these things will I do unto them, "and not forsake them."+

* John xiv. xv. xvi. Ephes. ii. 16-22.

+ Isa. xlii. 16.

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