day to day, in the blood of the Lamb. Thus going on " from " spiritual "strength to strength," he has no need of conversion, save that of degree; that imperceptible conversion of heart, daily repentance'. Yet, needs there little observation of life to excite our fears, that the class here described, is the exception in the Christian Church. Education too commonly proceeds on the principle of informing the understanding, far more than rectifying the will, and governing the affections and conscience. Or, if religion be introduced into the course of instruction, it must be feared, that it is rarely applied in a manner likely to influence a being, naturally corrupt, inclined to sin, and, even after Regeneration, retaining the original proneness to love evil rather than good. And wherefore is this error in education? because there is no "taking heed to cleanse the way, according to God's word." Praise is too lavishly bestowed. Encouragement to 1 Luke xv. 7. advance in goodness, is urged, when the first step is not taken for counteracting the sinfulness of the soul. The mind is oftentimes addressed, as if it were naturally good, and had only to proceed in a right path; as if every inclination lay on the side of virtue; and as if the energy of an Almighty Agent were not necessary for restoring man to the image of his God. Had the word of God been consulted for cleansing the way, how different would have been the line pursued! "There is none that doeth good, no not one 1." "That every mouth may be stopped and all the world become guilty before God 2." "As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ "." Being buried "with Christ in baptism *;" "mortify your members that are upon the earth 5" "By grace are ye saved through faith," in Christ, (" and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God ".") "Being 1 Ps. xiv. 3. 4 Col. ii. 12. 2 Rom. iii. 19. 3 Gal. iii. 27. 6 Eph. iii. 10. justified by faith, we have peace with "Walk then in the spirit 2." "If God 1." any man have not the Spirit of Christ he 3 66 is none of his " Without Christ ye can do nothing." "It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do "." And through him "sin shall not have dominion over you "Set your affection there fore on things above, not on things on the earth "." "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of Jesus Christ." Do these things make the substance of instruction as imparted to the mind of the young Christian? Is he not rather urged to take honour for his principle, in the practical directions for starting in life? Is not distinction in his profession, set before him too prominently as the object? And is it not often the case, 1 Rom. v. 1. 4 John xv. 5. 7 Col. iii. 2. 2 Gal. v. 16. 8 3 Rom. viii. 6. 6 Rom. vi. 14. 1 Thess. v. 23. that the young man is launched into the great ocean of life, with nothing but these unsound notions for his guidance? Has he not to learn, (would to God that in after life the lesson were always learned!) under painful experience, the necessity of fleeing to a Saviour, when bowed under the pressure of contracted guilt? Has he not to learn the need of guiding grace, when his own weak motives have already fallen under the trials of his day? That "Word" is a message from God unto man, revealing the holiness of the Lord, and the wretchedness of his creature; his lost estate, and the means of recovery provided before the foundation of the world. The Divine Victim, clad in human nature, offers full and complete satisfaction on the cross, for the violated laws of heaven. Justice and Mercy meet together. "It is finished" on Calvary. And he sits on the right hand of God, to complete the glorious scheme, by perpetual intercession for his Church, while "the Eternal Spirit de scends, to apply the salutary truths of Redemption to the soul, and "to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." The "word" goes forth, cleansing the way under the grace of the Spirit. It goes forth into such lands, in due time, as the Lord sees fit to bless with his light. It is brought home to the heart, under such degrees of application, and such demands on the accountability of each, as the free grace of God shall be pleased to assign. And it shall go forth for the Lord hath spoken. - And it shall prosper more and more, until "the earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea 2." We cannot meet together on this, the first Lord's day that has shone upon us in our new relation, to hear that "Word " for " cleansing our way," without feeling a certain responsibility before God, who hath brought us together under these cir 1 Luke i. 17. 2 Hab. ii. 14. |