his un

Sun of righteousness shines upon derstanding, and cheers his heart with increasing light and glory. With a deep sense of his need, with a longing desire, he prays for knowledge, prays for guidance, prays for perpetual trust, and he thus finds help for his unbelief, a growing steadfastness in the word and ways of his Redeemer; from day to day, the Spirit of God is leading him into all truth, and comforting him with the hope of final perfection.

Nay, and even the very best of Christians find their faith enlarged and strengthened even to the very end of their course; find always much more to be learned, as well as more to be done; fresh trials to be borne, fresh conquests to be won; find therefore new exercises of faith in their crucified Lord. It is thus, amid the pleasures, and business, and cares, and troubles of life, that the flesh becomes more and more subdued unto the Spirit; that they rise above the world, draw nearer to their God, behold the increasing

And

lustre and excellency of heavenly things, and set their affections on them. thus, till their race is run; when they are lost in wonder at the great things which, their Lord has enabled them to achieve, at the change which he has wrought in them, and the mastery which he has empowered them to attain: then shall they know the truth and the blessedness of His own words, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believ eth" victories they have gained over themselves and the world, beyond their expectation, beyond what appeared to be possible for their corruptions and infirmi, ties; by the power and energy of a living faith, they have been "more than conquerors;" the strength of God has "been made perfect in their weakness;" favours they have enjoyed, past all conception of such unworthy creatures; and now, having arrived at the goal, they are looking, with peace, and hope, and joy, to "receive the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls."

Brethren, my purpose has been, to shew the growing and practical nature of that faith, by which alone the sinner can be saved; to set forth the only means, by which it can be possibly living and growing; by fervent and continual prayer, by a sincere desire of perpetual advancement, by an earnest longing for the perfect knowledge and the perfect performance of our heavenly Father's will. Pray thus without ceasing, and you will be daily fraught with an increasing dependence upon the promises of your Redeemer, and with new strength "to run the race that is set before you." Unbelief is the bar to spiritual light and blessing; unbelief the cause of our weakness, and irresoluteness, and doubt, and wavering. Beseech the Lord importunately for its removal; pray that your heart may be constantly

surrendered to Him; that you may carry about with you, through the manifold experiences and occurrences of life, a sense of His presence, a trust in His word, a reliance upon His wisdom, and goodness,

and power; thus you will find all things possible; and will "go on from strength to strength," till you arrive at the heavenly Zion.

SERMON XXV.

THE CHRISTIAN A SHINING AND INCREASING LIGHT.

Proverbs iv. 18.

The path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

IT shineth to the honour and glory of God, to shew forth the excellency and power of His holy word; and it shineth for the benefit of man; that all around may see it, and be attracted and invited to follow it.

By "the just," Solomon here meant the man who was living by the rules of heavenly wisdom; walking with His God, according to the word of truth, in that day revealed unto man. And, in apply