that will beat upon them in the day of judgment. (Luke vi. 49.) Peace through life, acquittal after death, and happiness in eternity, are to be obtained only through the Saviour's meritorious death and passion. For other foundation can no man lay. (1 Cor. iii. 11.) This is the stone which was set at nought by the builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts iv. 11, 12.)

Secondly. Forget not, beloved brethren, to hold fast that hope which emanates from the belief that your peace is made with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Satan is ever busy to rob us of our liberty in the gospel, and to bring us again under the yoke of bondage. Heed not his malicious and crafty suggestions. Watch and pray against the fears of unbelief. When assaulted by this enemy of your souls, remember that it is written, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Rom. viii. 33, 34.)

Thirdly. The Christian's walk and conversation should be in close accordance with his principles. Who will believe that we have peace with God if we live not in harmony one with another? We profess to serve a God of peace, and to believe

in the Prince of peace. Let it then be our constant endeavour to prove that we possess in reality the character we assume, by living at peace with our brethren. Indeed, we are en

joined, If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (Rom. xii. 18.) When this is not practicable, we have only to take care that the fault be not in us, and to endure with patience, rather than resent, the contradiction of sinners against ourselves. (Heb. xii. 3.) But, whatever hostility may arise from without, Let brotherly love continue: (Heb. xiii. 1.) and the God of peace shall rule in our hearts and families, in our church and nation, both at home and abroad.

DISCOURSE III.

A RIGHT KNOWLEDGE OF GOD ESSENTIAL TO OUR PEACE.

ACQUAINT THYSELF WITH HIM AND BE AT PEACE.— Job xxii. 21.

PEACE is the most valuable of all acquisitions. This no one will dispute who has felt the painful anxiety of conscious guilt. What are the treasures, honors, and pastimes of the world to him whose mind is in a state of inquietude? All, all for the time are worthless as chaff, and willingly would he exchange them for permanent tranquillity. This, while it surpasses, also enhances every other possession, and gives a zest to all sublunary enjoyment. In the absence of temporal good, it is in itself of sufficient value and stability to sustain and enrich the soul. Every one then should inquire, as of all questions the most important to be solved, Where is this peace to be found? Earth cries, It is not in me-ocean rolls back the echo, It is not in me. The bowels and surface of the globe, the rocks and depths

of the sea, with all their rich variety of productions and sparkling gems, cannot yield this precious jewel. Where then is it to be found? Seek it in the knowledge of God, and you shall find it. 66 Acquaint thyself with him, and be at peace." (Job xxii. 21.) Thus Eliphaz counselled Job, when complaining of the Almighty's chastisements; and thus, brethren, I counsel you.

There is a sense, indeed, in which we cannot become acquainted with God. His nature and mode of existence, His secret purposes, attributes, and essence, are all far beyond our comprehension. Hence Zophar, with reason, questions the afflicted Job-Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? (Job xi. 7, 8.) He dwelleth in that light unto which none can approach; whom no man hath seen, nor can see. (1 Tim. vi. 16.)

As far, however, as it concerns our present peace and future happiness to know Him, we may in various ways become acquainted with His character and will.

1. In the works of creation, we may form some idea of the benevolence that conceived, the wisdom that planned, and the power that executed the stupendous machinery around and within us. The visible world is therefore termed the Book of Nature.' St. Paul is understood to mean this—The invisible things of him from the

creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead. (Rom. i. 20.) Therefore, even the heathen, of whom the Apostle was speaking, were without excuse. But, by reason of the fall, which has entailed on the human race darkness and imbecility of mind, we are unable to attain unto more than a very imperfect acquaintance with God through the wonders of His creation; and the knowledge of the Almighty acquired by these means alone, never gives peace to the soul. Man, it is conceded, when engaged in contemplating the beauty and harmony of the universe, and while admiring the various productions of nature, may forget the troubles and the cares of life. But, his meditations at an end, he is but where he was before they began—the same poor, defenceless creature, exposed to sorrow from the merest trifle that obstructs the gratification of his will.

The works of God, if viewed with the reflections that become a fallen creature, are calculated rather to discompose the mind, than to give it When we see every part of this beaupeace. tiful universe moving in subserviency to its Maker's will, and every irrational creature living to the purpose for which it was formed, can we fail to reflect thus? Man, the crowning excellence of the visible world, the only being on earth endowed with capacity to adore and serve his Creator, is, alas! the only one that labours to