SERM. XXXVI.] OF CHRISTS ATOVEMENT. 97 ment of Jesus our Saviour. We are ready to, look on popery now as lying afar oft across the seas, as an evil 'thing at a great distance, and are not so much impressed with a grateful sense of our preservation from it. We are too soon forgetful of our narrow escape from this mischief, by the late revolution, and the protestant suc- cession ; by the arm of God, and by the two best of kings, William our deliverer, and George our defender. Had it not been for these providences of heaven, and these princes on earth, our landmight have been filled with these superstitions, and they might have been im- posed on us, under the penalties of imprisonment and poverty, torment and death. And how could we stand in the fiery trial? Awake, O my heart, and let my tongue awake into songs of praise and salvation, that I am not tempted or compelled to disgrace the bloodof my _Saviour by having other atonements for sin imposed on my conscience. And in the midst of thy praises to God, Omy sold, drop a tear of pity on thy brethren, who dwell in the midst of these temptations, and in the language of Christian sympathy, lift up a groan to heaven for them, and say, How long, O Lord, how long? But let my thoughts return home from the popish coun- tries and their superstitions. It is not enough for me'to renounce the inventions of men, as any part of my right- eousness, to procure my pardon and acceptance in the sight of God, but even the duties which God himself has required, the duties of faith and love, of repentance and new obedience, must never stand in the room of the atonement. of Christ. They are all poor defective works, and want to be sprinkled with the blood of his sacrifice ! They were never designed to join with the obedience of Christ, in procuring the favour of an offended God. Have a care, therefore, O my soul, of resting in the best of thy holy services, or of- making them a matter of merit, to introduce thee before his presence. When thou art raised nearest to heaven in the practice of christian graces and duties, fall down before the throne, confess thy unworthiness, and. say, Ps. cxxx. 3, 4. " If thou, O Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, -, who can stand? But there is forgiveness with thee," and plentiful redemption by the blood of Jesus. There lies all my hope. Thus I have finished the two inferences for instruction, VOL. II, }I
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