pretences to what we do not possess. If we would all deal a little more honestly with ourselves and others, how much pleasanter and better would it be, and how much more reason should we have to expect to extend the influence of religion. But to return to the subject of legal preaching, from which we digressed, I think that we require most essentially to have our faith increased, and to know how to live upon the fulness of Christ; a life of faith is the only life worth living, and the only one which ensures happiness."

Mr. Forbes again apologized for repeating his former opinions, but he still could not be convinced that it was prudent or wise to preach such doctrines as his friend, the Rector of Drayford, advocated, because he must think they would lead to mischievous consequences.

"I can only repeat what I have stated before," replied the rector, smiling good-humouredly, that we have no other precedent in Scripture, nor among the Reformers, than the one to which I find you objecting. I think if you would examine the Word of God, with the simple intention of learning what is truth and what is not, you would soon embrace similar views, without holding back upon the score of wisdom or prudence; objections which fall at once

before the words of our Lord: I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.'"

"I might," replied Mr. Forbes, "no doubt, very soon give up my old opinions and adopt others, provided I could alter my judgment, but I might still be in error.”

66 If you merely changed your opinions, certainly you might; but let me be understood, when speaking of a change of views, to imply a spiritual conviction, produced by the Holy Spirit's operation on the heart, which I conceive any humble, diligent seeker may reckon upon obtaining. I do not imagine that taking up one set of opinions, and laying down another, as one would upon an indifferent matter, has any thing to do with the question we are discussing. I know it is as impossible for you, or any one, to change your sentiments, without the agency of the Spirit, as it is to command the sea into a calm; or, to use the expression of our Lord, as it would be to 'deceive the very elect.' Because it is given' to some to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to others it is not given;' a proof that it is not an acquirement of the intellect, but a gift from heaven. Jesus said, 'a man can receive nothing, except it be given him from

heaven.' But to return to the other point, which Scripture alone must answer, what do we find on the subject of the sanctification of the elect of God! In the sixteenth of Acts they are said to be sanctified by faith.' Our Lord says to his disciples, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit.' Again: In me is thy fruit found.' He hath chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love,' and we are called His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God had before ordained that we should walk in them.' Christ is said to have given himself for the church, that he might sanctify and cleanse it,' and make it a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.' And the beloved of the Lord' are called upon to give thanks, because God hath from the beginning chosen' them to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.'

It is this

very truth that sanctifies, these very doctrines so much disliked, that produce godliness. Christ is said to have given himself for us,

that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people,

zealous of good works.' Mark this passage! not zealous, as is often apprehended, of pursuing an evil course, but zealous of good works!' For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel.' 'I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.' Again we find in the general epistle of Peter, that Apostle addressing the elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.' And Jude writes to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Christ Jesus and called.' In Jeremiah we find this strong pas sage before thou camest out of the womb I sanctified thee.' Did the time permit we might find many more similar passages convincing us, that as many as touched' Jesus were made perfectly whole,' but it happens to our unbelieving hearts as it did to those of His own country,' 'He did not many works there because of their unbelief.' In conclusion, I shall only refer you to the words of the late Mr. Legh Richmond on this subject. Mr. R's. mother, like many other pious, but not fully enlightened persons, was apt to think of her sanctifica

tion as of something necessary to be done, in order to render her acceptable to God. He corrects this mistaken view in these words,-"The soul that by faith, through grace, is saved without works, obtains an inward principle of love, which must work, cannot but work, and actually does work. The order is thus, First, God loved us; secondly, thence we obtain faith to trust him; thirdly, we are thus saved; fourthly, we therefore love him who first loved us; fifthly, this love produces good thoughts, words, and works, as the fruits, not the root, of our salvation." 1

The rector here closed his remarks, and the guests shortly separated. Cora Wilmot found an opportunity to tell Mary how happy she had been in hearing that evening's conversation. Mrs. Wilmot looked interested, and so did the most of the party except the vicar of St. Mary's, who seemed weary and ill at ease.

Life of Rev. L. Richmond. 1st. Edit. p. 444.