a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts.”* But that none may be misled by the opinions or traditions of men, all are called upon, with reference to anything proposed as an article of faith, and with reference to a stedfast belief of that which is revealed, to be guided by,

6. An examination of the Word.

"Prove all things, hold fast that which is good." The Apostles evidently recommend examination on the part of the people. The Bereans nobly hesitated till they had tested the preaching of an apostle by a reference to the infallible guide. They knew that Moses and the prophets were inspired, and "they searched those Scriptures daily;" and thus became true and consistent disciples of the Lord. St. John gives similar advice:-" Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world."† A blind and implicit faith may answer the purpose of a corrupt Church, but will never be called for by the faithful ministers of Christ. They desire their people to receive nothing that has not been revealed; while they as earnestly desire that they * 2 Pet. i. 19. + 1 John iv. 1.

may be stedfast in the faith, and unmoved from the hope, of that which God has been graciously pleased to make known; and so manifest sincere approbation of Divine truth, and a close adherence to it.

In the exercise of these graces, and discharge of these duties, the Apostle would have them, 7. "Abstain from all appearance of evil." In this course they would recommend their principles to others. Their light would shine before men. They were therefore to abstain from the appearance of evil in the sight of men, as well as from the reality of it in the sight of God. The Christian, who cultivates tenderness of conscience, is an honour to his profession. He not only recommends religion to the unconverted, but, instead of impeding, he furthers it in his believing brethren. Oh, let not the eye of conscience be injured. Guard against all evil. Though you may not be stranded and lost for ever upon it, the coast of evil is dangerous: "Abstain from all appearance" of it. Such is the requirement, such is the holiness of your religion; keep, therefore, the Second Advent in view, and the graces to be exercised with reference to it, and then despair not of any attainment.

It is perfectly true, that knowledge, resolution, vows, hopes, and expectations, will fail, if we be left

destitute of "power from on high ;" but when was that power ever denied to those who pray? Hence, St. Paul closes his epistle of doctrines, and prophecies, and promises, and precepts, with prayer; and takes encouragement from the character of God, as the God of peace, and looks to Him to accomplish that, which Divine power alone can accomplish. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God, your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Thus he implores, that their whole person may come under the influence of these great truths; that they might progress and persevere in the ways of God; that they might be as an army, whose troops are undiminished by any accident or calamity, every constituent part of their nature being sanctified; their spirit, or immaterial and immortal principle, whereby man possesses an intellectual nature, formed after the image of God; and their soul, or animal life, which is the seat of sensations, appetites, and passions; and their body, which is the frame of that soul, and the habitation of that spirit. And if the intellect and conscience be sanctified and command the soul, the body shall be kept in subjection; and, at the last day, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the whole man shall appear blameless, and remain blameless and blessed for ever.

Thus, beloved brethren, the subject of the Advent is calculated to awaken the unbelieving and profane; to convince the thoughtless and false professors; to direct the Church in her appropriate duties; and to animate the believer in his Christian warfare. These, then, are "the graces to be exercised in the prospect of the Advent." Here is the power that can plant them, and call them into exercise. And that power is the source of all happiness, for He is the God of peace. And may not one of you be missing in that day, or now resemble the sleeping sentinel, but be watchful at your post of duty! Would that sentinel, in the army of Epaminondas, have slept, had he known that his general would examine the state of the guard that night? But, not imagining such an event, he fell asleep, and Epaminondas, therefore, took his spear and struck him to the heart, saying, "I found thee sleeping, and I leave thee so." His sleep ended in death.

Then, may none of you slumber through want of watchfulness, or stumble through want of diligence, or cease to contend with difficulties through want of prayer, or fall through self-confidence, "But may the God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!"

LECTURE XII.

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD THE CONFIDENCE

OF THE WAITING CHURCH.

BY THE REV. R. W. DIBDIN, M.A.,

MINISTER OF WEST-STREET CHAPEL, ST. GILES'S.

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1 THESS. V. 24.

Faithful is he that calleth you."

THE last, and not the least interesting subject of this course of lectures has fallen into feeble and unworthy hands; not, certainly, by the desire of him who has to handle it. For the ablest, most experienced, and most advanced Christian may well consider it beyond his powers adequately to treat of the faithfulness of God.

And yet it is a subject upon which the weakest believer, yea, a very babe in Christ, may find something to say. May our gracious God and Father grant that what shall be said at this time