is a warm, deep, practical principle of the heart. Let it reign within you, and it will inspire reverence for God, give courage in peril, and lift you to the dignity of acting habitually in the true spirit of an immortal.

LETTER VIII.

IF familiar with the word of God, you must be aware that a life of Christian faith is abundantly urged as an imperious duty. The obligation rests upon you at every stage of life. It results alike from the authority and the love of God. And his claim to your immediate affection, confidence, and service, is reasonable.

Immediate entrance on a life of faith is urged, first, by a due regard for the condescension and kindness of the adorable Savior.

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He was "in the form of God," and

thought it not robbery to be equal with God." He was "before all things, and

by him all things consist." Of him it was

said in heaven, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever." Yet "he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." "Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."

The example of condescension has no parallel. Well might the angels look with amazement; and well might the earth tremble, the rocks be rent, the slumbers of the dead be broken, and the sun be darkened, when such a Being appeared on the cross!

The sacrifice was made, too, for a world in rebellion, as well as suffering. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend; but God commended his love towards us, in that while we were yet enemies, Christ died for us. "" "Thou hast received gifts for men-yea, for the rebellious also." Nor

have his condescending regards ever ceased for one moment. "He ever liveth to make intercession." And in the calls of his Gospel, the strivings of his Spirit, and the admonitions of his providence, he unremittingly displays the tenderest concern for the guilty.

The appeal from the cross is addressed to all the generous feelings of the heart: it is addressed with the most touching emphasis to your gratitude. And it must be a hard heart, indeed, that is not dissolved by such benevolence. Forget the hand that rescued you from sudden death; forget the friend that raised you to wealth and honor; forget a mother's love; but never the matchless love of Christ. Yield to its influence, give him your heart, receive his yoke, and count it bliss to aid his triumphs.

A life of Christian faith is urged also by a proper regard to your own highest interests. You are candidates for eternal life; and

it is the arrangement of God,

"Believe

on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved;" "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins;" "He that believeth shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned." The provisions of the gospel thus throw upon you a tremendous responsibility. Well did the Savior say, "If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin; if I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin." Well did an apostle ask, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" "If they that despised Moses' law died without mercy, of how much sorer punishment shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God?" Indeed, "he that believeth not is condemned already." Wealth, fame, and pleasure you may acquire without submission to Christ. But what are

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