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fetters of sin broken-the palsy of the affections removed: when the soul is emancipated from its bondage-delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son. None but those who have experienced it can tell the joy of receiving with child-like simplicity that faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Oh the happiness of feeling assured that our sins, which are many, have been forgiven us—that henceforth we are not under the law but under grace and that being in Christ Jesus, and walking not after the flesh, but after the spirit, there is no condemnation against us! Oh the felicity of bidding adieu for ever to the "covenant of works"-to that fear which hath torment-to that spirit of bondage which clothes the Saviour himself in the robes of vengeance! Happy, thrice happy the hour when the gospel comes with its healing power into the smitten and contrite heart, and whispers

"peace"-when it bids the penitent look unto Jesus, as the Israelites looked to the brazen serpent, and live—when it says, in accents not to be mistaken, "Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee." Who indeed that considers what the gospel is-how gracious its tidings-how rich its promises how free its offers-how blessed its effects, can doubt that, whether it enter a kingdom, a city, a family, or a solitary heart, it comes fraught in every case with joy and rejoicing!

But it is one thing to behold and acknowledge all this with reference to others, and another thing to experience it in ourselves. Permit me then, dear brethren, to recommend to you self-examination on this point. What know ye of the life-giving, joy-inspiring influences of the gospel, on your own heart and mind? Have you felt it to be the power of God unto your salvation? Has it cheeredanimated—gladdened you? Has it taken you the spirit of the slave, and im

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parted to you the spirit of adoption, so that you can now cry with child-like confidence, "Abba Father!"

If not, there is something deficientsomething wrong. Perhaps you have never felt your urgent need of the salvation which is in Christ; and then no wonder that you experience not its cheering influence. Perhaps, though you feel your need, your views of its character are indistinct and confused; or whilst your views of the truth are correct, your efforts to act up to those views are very feeble, and remiss and hence your heart condemns you, so that you cannot have confidence before God. Or finally, it is possible,indeed it is not unfrequently the case,that a constitutional depression of spirits, or a diseased and nervous frame, may prove the real hindrance to your joy.

Endeavour to ascertain the cause, and delay not to apply the appropriate remedy. Above all, hasten to the all-merciful and infallible Physician of souls, who has

pledged himself to heal all your diseases, if you apply to him in faith. Follow his prescriptions, how bitter soever to the taste; and rest assured that he will not fail to "bind up your wounds, pouring in oil and wine." He will "give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."

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LECTURE XII.

ACTS viii. 13-24.

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem, heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.

Who when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost.

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles' hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

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