Wesley Corpus

He is therefore happy in God, yea, always happy, as having in him "a well of water springing up into everlasting life," and overflowing his soul with peace and joy. "Perfect love" having now "cast out fear," he "rejoices evermore." He "rejoices in the Lord always," even "in God his Saviour;" and in the Father, "through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom he hath now received the atonement." "Having" found "redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of his sins," he cannot but rejoice, whenever he looks back on the horrible pit out of which he is delivered; when he sees "all his transgressions blotted out as a cloud, and his iniquities as a thick cloud." He cannot but rejoice, whenever he looks on the state wherein he now is; "being justified freely, and having peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." For "he that believeth, hath the witness" of this "in himself;" being now the son of God by faith. "Because he is a son, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into his heart, crying, Abba, Father!" And "the Spirit itself beareth witness with his spirit, that he is a child of God." He rejoiceth also, whenever he looks forward, "in hope of the glory that shall be revealed;" yea, this his joy is full, and all his bones cry out, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten me again to a living hope--of an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for me!" Methodists are aware of where they've come from - a life of sin - and the vast improvement their life in Christ is over their old ways. A Methodist life is a life of praise and thanksgiving to God, a life of gratitude. Question: What changes has faith in Jesus made in your life? What changes have you seen in the lives of people you've worked with in ministry? What would a person “happy in God” look like in our setting? 7.

He cannot utter an unkind word of any one; for love keeps the door of his lips. He cannot speak "idle words;" "no corrupt communication" ever "comes out of his mouth," as is all that "which is" not "good to the use of edifying," not "fit to minister grace to the hearers." But "whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things areas justly "of good report," he thinks, and speaks, and acts, "adorning the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in all things." If Wesley's account is accurate, there seems to have been some perceptible difference between the Methodist lifestyle and the lifestyle dominant in 18th century English culture. Because of a different value system, Methodists lived their lives in a different way than their neighbors. Question: Is there any difference today between the way United Methodists live their lives and the ways dominant in our culture? In what areas do we need to learn to be different? What Gospel values will most impact our way of living? How will we lead in churches that have often succumbed to modern pictures of success? 16. Lastly. As he has time, he "does good unto all men;" unto neighbours and strangers, friends and enemies: And that in every possible kind; not only to their bodies, by "feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting those that are sick or in prison;" but much more does he labour to do good to their souls, as of the ability which God giveth; to awaken those that sleep in death; to bring those who are awakened to the atoning blood, that, "being justified by faith, they may have peace with God;" and to provoke those who have peace with God to abound more in love and in good works. And he is willing to "spend and be spent herein," even "to be offered up on the sacrifice and service of their faith," so they may "all come unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Supposedly there was a poll done several years ago, indicating that 90% of pastors thought the purpose of the church was to be outward focused, impacting the world for Christ, while 90% of laity thought the purpose was to be inward focused, taking care of members. Question: Do you think this poll picture fits your experience of congregational life to any degree?

7. Nay, fourthly, although they are continually convinced of sin cleaving to all they do; although they are conscious of not fulfilling the perfect law, either in their thoughts, or words, or works; although they know they do not love the Lord their God with all their heart, and mind, and soul, and strength; although they feel more or less of pride, or self-will, stealing in, and mixing with their best duties; although even in their more immediate intercourse with God, when they assemble themselves with the great congregation, and when they pour out their souls in secret to him who seeth all the thoughts and intents of the heart, they are continually ashamed of their wandering thoughts, or of the deadness and dulness of their affections; yet there is no condemnation to them still, either from God or from their own heart. The consideration of these manifold defects only gives them a deeper sense, that they have always need of that blood of sprinkling which speaks for them in the ears of God, and that Advocate with the Father "who ever liveth to make intercession for them." So far are these from driving them away from him in whom they have believed, that they rather drive them the closer to him whom they feel the want of every moment. And, at the same time, the deeper sense they have of this want, the more earnest desire do they feel, and the more diligent they are, as they "have received the Lord Jesus, so to walk in him."

All the unbelief declare, The pride that lurks within. But when he heareth thy prayer, and unveils thy heart; when he shows thee throughly what spirit thou art of; then beware that thy faith fail thee not, that thou suffer not thy shield to be torn from thee. Be abased. Be humbled in the dust. See thyself nothing, less than nothing, and vanity. But still, "Let not thy heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Still hold fast, "I, even I, have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." "And as the heavens are higher than the earth, so is his love higher than even my sins." Therefore, God is merciful to thee a sinner! such a sinner as thou art! God is love; and Christ hath died! Therefore, the Father himself loveth thee! Thou art his child! Therefore he will withhold from thee no manner of thing that is good. Is it good, that the whole body of sin, which is now crucified in thee, should be destroyed It shall be done! Thou shalt be "cleansed from all filthiness, both of flesh and spirit." Is it good, that nothing should remain in thy heart but the pure love of God alone Be of good cheer! "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and mind, and soul, and strength." "Faithful is he that hath promised, who also will do it." It is thy part, patiently to continue in the work of faith, and in the labour of love; and in cheerful peace, in humble confidence, with calm and resigned and yet earnest expectation, to wait till the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this.

2. With regard to the latter, the foundation thereof is laid in those numerous texts of Scripture which describe the marks of the children of God; and that so plain, that he which runneth may read them. These are also collected together, and placed in the strongest light, by many both ancient and modern writers. If any need farther light, he may receive it by attending on the ministry of God's Word; by meditating thereon before God in secret; and by conversing with those who have the knowledge of his ways. And by the reason or understanding that God has given him, which religion was designed not to extinguish, but to perfect; -- according to that of the Apostle, "Brethren, be not children in understanding; in malice" or wickedness "be ye children; but in understanding be ye men;" (1 Cor. 14:20;) -- every man applying those scriptural marks to himself, may know whether he is a child of God. Thus, if he know, First, "as many as are led by the Spirit of God," into all holy tempers and actions, "they are the sons of God;" (for which he has the infallible assurance of holy writ;) Secondly, I am thus "led by the Spirit of God;" he will easily conclude, -- "Therefore I am a son of God." 3. Agreeable to this are all those plain declarations of St. John, in his First Epistle: "Hereby we know that we do know him, if we keep his commandments." (1 John 2:3.) "Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; Hereby know we that we are in him;" that we are indeed the children of God. (1 John 2:5.) "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that everyone that doeth righteousness is born of him." (1 John 2:29.) "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." (1 John 3:14) "Hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him;" namely, because we "love one another not in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth." "Hereby know we that we dwell in him, because he hath given us of his" loving "Spirit." (1 John 4:13.) And, "hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the" obedient "spirit which he hath given us." (1 John 3:24.)

2. On the contrary, a deep conviction that we are not yet whole; that our hearts are not fully purified; that there is yet in us a "carnal mind," which is still in its nature "enmity against God;" that a whole body of sin remains in our heart, weakened indeed, but not destroyed; shows, beyond all possibility of doubt, the absolute necessity of a farther change. We allow, that at the very moment of justification, we are born again: In that instant we experience that inward change from "darkness into marvellous light;" from the image of the brute and the devil, into the image of God; from the earthly, sensual, devilish mind, to the mind which was in Christ Jesus. But are we then entirely changed Are we wholly transformed into the image of him that created us Far from it: we still retain a depth of sin; and it is the consciousness of this which constrains us to groan, for a full deliverance, to him that is mighty to save. Hence it is, that those believers who are not convinced of the deep corruption of their hearts, or but slightly, and, as it were, notionally convinced, have little concern about entire sanctification. They may possibly hold the opinion, that such a thing is to be, either at death, or some time they know not when, before it. But they have no great uneasiness for the want of it, and no great hunger or thirst after it. They cannot, until they know themselves better, until they repent in the sense above described, until God unveils the inbred monster's face, and shows them the real state of their souls. Then only, when they feel the burden, will they groan for deliverance from it. Then, and not till then, will they cry out, in the agony of their soul, Break off the yoke of inbred sin, And fully set my spirit free! I cannot rest till pure within, Till I am wholly lost in Thee.

3. We may learn from hence, secondly, that a deep conviction of our demerit, after we are accepted (which in one sense may be termed guilt,) is absolutely necessary, in order to our seeing the true value of the atoning blood; in order to our feeling that we need this as much, after we are justified as ever we did before. Without this conviction, we cannot but account the blood of the covenant as a common thing, something of which we have not now any great need, seeing all our past sins are blotted out. Yea, but if both our hearts and lives are thus unclean, there is a kind of guilt which we are contracting every moment, and which, of consequence, would every moment expose us to fresh condemnation, but that He ever lives above, For us to intercede, -- His all-atoning love, His precious blood, to plead. It is this repentance, and the faith intimately connected with it, which are expressed in those strong lines, -- I sin in every breath I draw, Nor do Thy will, nor keep Thy law On earth, as angels do above: But still the fountain open stands, Washes my feet, my heart, my hands, Till I am perfected in love. 4. We may observe, Thirdly, a deep conviction of our utter helplessness, of our total inability to retain anything we have received, much more to deliver ourselves from the world of iniquity remaining both in our hearts and lives, teaches us truly to live upon Christ by faith, not only as our Priest, but as our King. Hereby we are brought to "magnify him," indeed; to "give Him all the glory of his grace;" to "make him a whole Christ, an entire Saviour; and truly to set the crown upon his head." These excellent words, as they have frequently been used, have little or no meaning; but they are fulfilled in a strong and deep sense, when we thus, as it were, go out of ourselves, in order to be swallowed up in him; when we sink into nothing, that he may be all in all. Then, his almighty grace having abolished "every high thing which exalted itself against him," every temper, and thought, and word, and work "is brought to the obedience of Christ." LONDONDERRY, April 24, 1767

10. It may be answered, It is apparently and absolutely necessary, for the full display of the glory of God; for the clear and perfect manifestation of his wisdom, justice, power, and mercy, toward the heirs of salvation; that all the circumstances of their life should be placed in open view, together with all their tempers, and all the desires, thoughts, and intents of their hearts: otherwise, how would it appear out of what a depth of sin and misery the grace of God had delivered them And, indeed, if the whole lives of all the children of men were not manifestly discovered, the whole amazing contexture of divine providence could not be manifested; nor should we yet be able, in a thousand instances, "to justify the ways of God to man." Unless our Lord's words were fulfilled in their utmost sense, without any restriction or limitation," There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; or hid, that shall not be known" (Matt. 10: 26); abundance of God's dispensations under the sun would still appear without their reasons. And then only when God hath brought to light all the hidden things of darkness, whosoever were the actors therein, will it be seen that wise and good were all his ways; that he saw through the thick cloud, and governed all things by the wise counsel of his own will; that nothing was left to chance or the caprice of men, but God disposed all strongly and sweetly, and wrought all into one connected chain of justice, mercy, and truth. 9 11. And in the discovery of the divine perfections, the righteous will rejoice with joy unspeakable; far from feeling any painful sorrow or shame, for any of those past transgressions which were long since blotted out as a cloud, washed away by the blood of the Lamb. It will be abundantly sufficient for them, that all the transgressions which they had committed shall not be once mentioned unto them to their disadvantaged that their sins, and transgressions, and iniquities shall be remembered no more to their condemnation. This is the plain meaning of the promise; and this all the children of God shall find true, to their everlasting comfort.

This, therefore, can never be the meaning of his command. What the real sense of it is, both our blessed Lord and his Apostles tell us too frequently, and too plainly, to be misunderstood. They all with one mouth bear witness, that the true meaning of those several declarations, "The Lord thy God is one Lord;" "Thou shalt have no other Gods but me;" "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy strength" "Thou shalt cleave unto him;" "The desire of thy soul shall be to His name;" -- is no other than this: The one perfect Good shall be your one ultimate end. One thing shall ye desire for its own sake, -- the fruition of Him that is All in All. One happiness shall ye propose to your souls, even an union with Him that made them; the having "fellowship with the Father and the Son;" the being joined to the Lord in one Spirit. One design you are to pursue to the end of time, -- the enjoyment of God in time and in eternity. Desire other things, so far as they tend to this. Love the creature as it leads to the Creator. But in every step you take, be this the glorious point that terminates your view. Let every affection, and thought, and word, and work, be subordinate to this. Whatever ye desire or fear, whatever ye seek or shun, whatever ye think, speak, or do, be it in order to your happiness in God, the sole End, us well as Source, of your being. 13. Have no end, to ultimate end, but God. Thus our Lord: "One thing is needful:" And if thine eye be singly fixed on this one thing, "thy whole body shall be full of light." Thus St. Paul: "This one thing I do; I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus." Thus St. James: "Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double-minded." Thus St. John: "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.

One; -- for "he that keepeth the whole law, and" thus "offends in one point, is guilty of all;" the wrath of God abideth on him, as surely as if he had broken every one. So that no allowance is made for one darling lust; no reserve for one idol; no excuse for refraining from all besides, and only giving way to one bosom sin. What God demands is an entire obedience; we are to have an eye to all His commandments; otherwise we lose all the labour we take in keeping some, and our poor souls for ever and ever. "One of these least," or one of the least of these commandments: -- Here is another excuse cut off, whereby many, who cannot deceive God, miserably deceive their own souls. "This sin," saith the sinner, "is it not a little one Will not the Lord spare me in this thing Surely he will not be extreme to mark this, since I do not offend in the greater matters of the law." Vain hope! Speaking after the manner of men, we may term these great, and those little commandments; but in reality they are not so. If we use propriety of speech there is no such thing as a little sin; every sin being a transgression of the holy and perfect law, and an affront on the great Majesty of heaven. 3. "And shall teach men so." In some sense it may be said that whosoever openly breaks any commandment teaches others the same; for example speaks, and many times louder than precept. In this sense, it is apparent, every open drunkard is a teacher of drunkenness; every sabbath-breaker is constantly teaching his neighbour to profane the day of the Lord. But this is not all: An habitual breaker of the law is seldom content to stop here; he generally teaches other men to do so too, by word as well as example; especially when he hardens his neck, and hateth to be reproved. Such a sinner soon commences an advocate for sin; he defends what he is resolved not to forsake; he excuses the sin which he will not leave, and thus directly teaches every sin which he commits.

How is it done by the angels of God in heaven, -- those who now circle his throne rejoicing They do it willingly; they love his commandments, and gladly hearken to his words. It is their meat and drink to do his will; it is their highest glory and joy. They do it continually; there is no interruption in their willing service. They rest not day nor night, but employ every hour (speaking after the manner of men; otherwise our measures of duration, days, and nights, and hours, have no place in eternity) in fulfilling his commands, in executing his designs, in performing the counsel of his will. And they do it perfectly. No sin, no defect belongs to angelic minds. It is true, "the stars are not pure in his sight," even the morning-stars that sing together before him. "In his sight," that is, in comparison of Him, the very angels are not pure. But this does not imply, that they are not pure in themselves. Doubtless they are; they are without spot and blameless. They are altogether devoted to his will, and perfectly obedient in all things. If we view this in another light, we may observe, the angels of God in heaven do all the will of God. And they do nothing else, nothing but what they are absolutely assured is his will. Again they do all the will of God as he willeth; in the manner which pleases him, and no other. Yea, and they do this, only because it is his will; for this end, and no other reason. 10. When therefore we pray, that the will of God may "be done in earth as it is in heaven," the meaning is, that all the inhabitants of the earth, even the whole race of mankind, may do the will of their Father which is in heaven, as willingly as the holy angels; that these may do it continually, even as they, without any interruption of their willing service; yea, and that they may do it perfectly, -- that "the God of peace, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, may make them perfect in every good work to do his will, and work in them all "which is well-pleasing in his sight."

5. Spirit of grace, and health, and power, Fountain of light and love below, Abroad thine healing influence shower, O'er all the nations let it flow. Inflame our hearts with perfect love; In us the work of faith fulfil; So not heaven's hosts shall swifter move Than we on earth to do thy will. 6. Father, 'tis thine each day to yield Thy children's wants a fresh supply: Thou cloth'st the lilies of the field, And hearest the young ravens cry. On thee we cast our care; we live Through thee, who know'st our every need; O feed us with thy grace, and give Our souls this day the living bread! 7. Eternal, spotless Lamb of God, Before the world's foundation slain, Sprinkle us ever with thy blood; O cleanse and keep us ever clean. To every soul (all praise to Thee!) Our bowels of compassion more: And all mankind by this may see God is in us; for God is love. 8. Giver and Lord of life, whose power And guardian care for all are free; To thee, in fierce temptation's hour, From sin and Satan let us flee. Thine, Lord, we are, and ours thou art; In us be all thy goodness show'd; Renew, enlarge, and fill our heart With peace, and joy, and heaven, and God. 9. Blessing and honour, praise and love, Co-equal, co-eternal Three, In earth below, in heaven above, By all thy works be paid to thee. Thrice Holy! thine the kingdom is, The power omnipotent is thine; And when created nature dies, Thy never-ceasing glories shine.

5. Yet as clearly as he had declared this, as frequently as he had repeated, that none who have not this kingdom of God within them shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; our Lord well knew that many would not receive this saying, and therefore confirms it yet again: "Many" (saith he: not one; not a few only: It is not a rare or an uncommon case) "shall say unto me in that day," not only, We have said many prayers; We have spoken thy praise; We have refrained from evil; We have exercised ourselves in doing good; -- but, what is abundantly more than this, "We have prophesied in thy name; in thy name have we cast out devils; in thy name done many wonderful works." "We have prophesied;" -- we have declared thy will to mankind; we have showed sinners the way to peace and glory. And we have done this "in thy name;" according to the truth of thy gospel; yea, and by thy authority, who didst confirm the word with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. For in or by thy name, by the power of thy word and of thy Spirit, "have we cast out devils;" out of the souls which they had long claimed as their own, and whereof they had full and quiet possession. "And in thy name," by thy power, not our own, "have we done many wonderful works;" insomuch that "even the dead heard the voice of the Son of God" speaking by us, and lived. "And then will I profess" even "unto them, I never knew you;" no, not then, when you were "casting out devils in my name:" Even then I did not know you as my own; for your heart was not right toward God. Ye were not yourselves meek and lowly; ye were not lovers of God, and of all mankind; ye were not renewed in the image of God; ye were not holy as I am holy. "Depart from me, ye" who, notwithstanding all this, are "workers of iniquity;" -- anomia, -- Ye are transgressors of my law, my law of holy and perfect love.

3. He is a wise man, even in God's account; for "he buildeth his house upon a rock;" upon the Rock of Ages, the everlasting Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ. Fitly is he so called; for he changeth not: He is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." To him both the man of God of old, and the Apostle citing his words, bear witness: "Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest: And they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail." (Heb. 1:10-12) Wise, therefore, is the man who buildeth on Him; who layeth Him for his only foundation; who builds only upon his blood and righteousness, upon what he hath done and suffered for us. On this corner-stone he fixes his faith, and rests the whole weight of his soul upon it. He is taught of God to say, "Lord, I have sinned; I deserve the nethermost hell; but I am justified freely by thy grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ; and the life I now live, I live by faith in Him, who loved me, and gave himself for me: -- The life I now live; namely, a divine, heavenly life; a life which is hid with Christ in God. I now live, even in the flesh, a life of love; of pure love both to God and man; a life of holiness and happiness; praising God, and doing all things to his glory."

12. And it is good in its effects, as well as in its nature. As the tree is, so are its fruits. The fruits of the law of God written in the heart are "righteousness, and peace, and assurance for ever." Or rather, the law itself is righteousness, filling the soul with a peace which passeth all understanding, and causing us to rejoice evermore, in the testimony of a good conscience toward God. It is to so properly a pledge, as "an earnest, of our inheritance," being a part of the purchased possession. It is God made manifest in our flesh, and bringing with him eternal life; assuring us by that pure and perfect love, that we are "sealed unto the day of redemption;" that he will "spare us as a man spareth his own son that serveth him," "in that day when he maketh up his jewels;" and that there remaineth for us "a crown of glory which fadeth not away."

6. To explain this by a single instance: The law says, "Thou shalt not kill;" and hereby, (as our Lord teaches,) forbids not only outward acts, but every unkind word or thought. Now, the more I look into this perfect law, the more I feel how far I come short of it; and the more I feel this, the more I feel my need of his blood to atone for all my sin, and of his Spirit to purify my heart, and make me "perfect and entire, lacking nothing." 7. Therefore I cannot spare the law one moment, no more than I can spare Christ; seeing I now want it as much to keep me to Christ, as I ever wanted it to bring me to him. Otherwise, this "evil heart of unbelief" would immediately "depart from the living God." Indeed each is continually sending me to the other, -- the law to Christ, and Christ to the law. On the one hand, the height and depth of the law constrain me to fly to the love of God in Christ; on the other, the love of God in Christ endears the law to me "above gold or precious stones;" seeing I know every part of it is a gracious promise which my Lord will fulfil in its season.

Christian Perfection "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect." Phil. 3:12. 1. There is scarce any expression in Holy Writ which has given more offence than this. The word perfect is what many cannot bear. The very sound of it is an abomination to them. And whosoever preaches perfection (as the phrase is,) that is, asserts that it is attainable in this life, runs great hazard of being accounted by them worse than a heathen man or a publican. 2. And hence some have advised, wholly to lay aside the use of those expressions, "because they have given so great offence." But are they not found in the oracles of God If so, by what authority can any Messenger of God lay them aside, even though all men should be offended We have not so learned Christ; neither may we thus give place to the devil. Whatsoever God hath Spoken that will we speak, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear; knowing that then alone can any Minister of Christ be "pure from the blood of all men," when he hath "not shunned to declare unto them all the counsel of God." [Acts 20:26, 27] 3. We may not, therefore, lay these expressions aside, seeing they are the words of God, and not of man. But we may and ought to explain the meaning of them, that those who are sincere of heart may not err to the right hand or to the left, from the mark of the prize of their high calling. And this is the more needful to be done because in the verse already repeated the Apostle speaks of himself as not perfect: "Not," saith he, "as though I were already perfect." And yet immediately after, in the fifteenth verse, he speaks of himself, yea and many others, as perfect. "Let us," saith he, "as many as be perfect, be thus minded." [Phil. 3:15] 4. In order, therefore, to remove the difficulty arising from this seeming contradiction, as well as to give light to them who are pressing forward to the mark, and that those who are lame be not turned out of the way, I shall endeavor to show, First, in what sense Christians are not; and, Secondly, in what sense they are, perfect.

3. They know not the reasons even of many of his present dispensations with the sons of men; but are constrained to rest here, -- Though "clouds and darkness are round about him, righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat." [Ps. 97:2] Yea, often with regard to his dealings with themselves, doth their Lord say unto them, "What I do, thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." [John 13:7] And how little do they know of what is ever before them, of even the visible works of his hands! -- How "he spreadeth the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing" [Job 26:7] how he unites all the parts of this vast machine by a secret chain which cannot be broken So great is the ignorance, so very little the knowledge, of even the best of men!

8. Nor can we expect, till then, to be wholly free from temptation. Such perfection belongeth not to this life. It is true, there are those who, being given up to work all uncleanness with greediness, [Eph. 4:19] scarce perceive the temptations which they resist not, and so seem to be without temptation. There are also many whom the wise enemy of souls, seeing to be fast asleep in the dead form of godliness, will not tempt to gross sin, lest they should awake before they drop into everlasting burnings. I know there are also children of God who, being now justified freely, [Rom. 5:1] having found redemption in the blood of Christ, [Eph. 1:7] for the present feel no temptation. God hath said to their enemies, "Touch not mine anointed, and do my children no harm." [see 1 Chron. 16:22] And for this season, it may be for weeks or months, he causeth them to "ride on high places;" [Deut. 32:13] he beareth them as on eagles' wings, [Exod. 19:4] above all the fiery darts of the wicked one. [Eph. 6:16] But this state will not last always; as we may learn from that single consideration, -- that the Son of God himself, in the days of his flesh, was tempted even to the end of his life. [Heb. 2:18; 4:15; 6:7] Therefore, so let his servant expect to be; for "it is enough that he be as his Master." [Luke 6:40] 9. Christian perfection, therefore, does not imply (as some men seem to have imagined) an exemption either from ignorance or mistake, or infirmities or temptations. Indeed, it is only another term for holiness. They are two names for the same thing. Thus every one that is perfect is holy, and every one that is holy is, in the Scripture sense, perfect. Yet we may, lastly, observe, that neither in this respect is there any absolute perfection on earth. There is no perfection of degrees, as it is termed; none which does not admit of a continual increase. So that how much soever any man hath attained, or in how high a degree soever he is perfect, he hath still need to "grow in grace," [2 Pet. 3:18] and daily to advance in the knowledge and love of God his Saviour. [see Phil. 1:9]

12. That this great salvation from sin was not given till Jesus was glorified, St. Peter also plainly testifies; where, speaking of his brethren in the flesh, as now "receiving the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls," he adds, (1 Peter 1:9, 10, &c.,) "Of which salvation the Prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace" that is, the gracious dispensation, "that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ. and the glory," the glorious salvation, "that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven;" [1 Pet. 1:12] viz., at the day of Pentecost, and so unto all generations, into the hearts of all true believers. On this ground, even "the grace which was brought unto them by the revelation of Jesus Christ," [1 Pet. 1:13] the Apostle might well build that strong exhortation, "Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, -- as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." [1 Pet. 1:13] 13. Those who have duly considered these things must allow, that the privileges of Christians are in no wise to be measured by what the Old Testament records concerning those who were under the Jewish dispensation; seeing the fulness of times is now come; the Holy Ghost is now given; the great salvation of God is brought unto men, by the revelation of Jesus Christ. The kingdom of heaven is now set up on earth; concerning which the Spirit of God declared of old, (so far is David from being the pattern or standard of Christian perfection,) "He that is feeble among them at that day, shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them." (Zech. 12:8.)

15. "But St. Paul besought the Lord thrice, and yet he could not escape from his temptation." Let us consider his own words literally translated: "There was given to me a thorn to the flesh, an angel" (or messenger) "of Satan, to buffet me. Touching this, I besought the Lord thrice, that it" (or he) "might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: For my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in" these "my weaknesses, that the strength of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses; -- for when I am weak, then am I strong." [2 Cor. 12:7-10]

Paul above fourteen years before he wrote this Epistle; [2 Cor. 12:2] which itself was wrote several years before he finished his course. [see Acts 20:24; 2 Tim. 4:7] So that he had after this, a long course to run, many battles to fight, many victories to gain, and great increase to receive in all the gifts of God, and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Therefore from any spiritual weakness (if such it had been) which he at that time felt, we could by no means infer that he was never made strong; that Paul the aged, the father in Christ, still laboured under the same weaknesses; that he was in no higher state till the day of his death. From all which it appears that this instance of St. Paul is quite foreign to the question, and does in no wise clash with the assertion of St. John, "He that is born of God sinneth not." [1 John 5:18]

17. "But does not St. James directly contradict this His words are, 'In many things we offend all,' (Jas. 3:2:) And is not offending the same as committing sin" In this place, I allow it is: I allow the persons here spoken of did commit sin; yea, that they all committed many sins. But who are the persons here spoken of Why, those many masters or teachers whom God had not sent; (probably the same vain men who taught that faith without works, which is so sharply reproved in the preceding chapter;) [Jas. 2] not the Apostle himself, nor any real Christian. That in the word we (used by a figure of speech common in all other, as well as the inspired, writings) the Apostle could not possibly include himself or any other true believer, appears evidently, First, from the same word in the ninth verse: -- "Therewith," saith he, "bless we God and therewith curse we men. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing." [Jas. 3:9] True; but not out of the mouth of the Apostle, nor of anyone who is in Christ a new creature. [2 Cor. 5:17] Secondly, from the verse immediately preceding the text, and manifestly connected with it: "My brethren, be not many masters," (or teachers,) "knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." "For in many things we offend all." [Jas. 3:1] We! Who Not the Apostles, not true believers; but they who know they should receive the greater condemnation, because of those many offences. But this could not be spoke of the Apostle himself, or of any who trod in his steps, seeing "there is no condemnation to them who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." [Rom. 8:2] Nay, Thirdly, the very verse itself proves, that "we offend all," cannot be spoken either of all men, or of all Christians: For in it there immediately follows the mention of a man who offends not, as the we first mentioned did; from whom, therefore, he is professedly contradistinguished, and pronounced a perfect man.

21. This is the glorious privilege of every Christian; yea, though he be but a babe in Christ. But it is only of those who are strong in the Lord, "and "have overcome the wicked one," or rather of those who "have known him that is from the beginning," [1 John 2:13, 14] that it can be affirmed they are in such a sense perfect, as, Secondly, to be freed from evil thoughts and evil tempers. First, from evil or sinful thoughts. But here let it be observed, that thoughts concerning evil are not always evil thoughts; that a thought concerning sin, and a sinful thought, are widely different. A man, for instance, may think of a murder which another has committed; and yet this is no evil or sinful thought. So our blessed Lord himself doubtless thought of, or understood the thing spoken by the devil, when he said, "All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." [Matt. 4:9] Yet had he no evil or sinful thought; nor indeed was capable of having any. And even hence it follows, that neither have real Christians: for "every one that is perfect is as his Master." (Luke 6:40) Therefore, if He was free from evil or sinful thoughts, so are they likewise. 22. And, indeed, whence should evil thoughts proceed, in the servant who is as his Master "Out of the heart of man" (if at all) "proceed evil thoughts." (Mark 7:21) If, therefore, his heart be no longer evil, then evil thoughts can no longer proceed out of it. If the tree were corrupt, so would be the fruit: But the tree is good; The fruit, therefore is good also; (Matt. 22:33) our Lord himself bearing witness, "Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit," as "a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit." (Matt 7:17, 18)

11 Within me thy good Spirit place, Spirit of health, and love and power; Plant in me thy victorious grace, And sin shall never enter more. 12 Cause me to walk in Christ my Way, And I thy statutes shall fulfill; In every point thy law obey. And perfectly perform thy will. 13 Hast thou not said, who canst not lie, That I thy law shall keep and do Lord, I believe, though men deny; They all are false, but thou art true. 14 O that I now, from sin released, Thy word might to the utmost prove! Enter into the promised rest, The Canaan of thy perfect love! 15 There let me ever, ever dwell; By thou my God, and I will be Thy servant: O set to thy seal! Give me eternal life in thee. 16 From all remaining filth within Let me in Thee salvation have: From actual, and from inbred sin My ransom'd soul persist to save. 17 Wash out my old original stain: Tell me no more It cannot be, Demons or men! The Lamb was slain His blood was all poured out for me! 18 Sprinkle it, Jesu, on my heart: One drop of thy all-cleansing blood Shall make my sinfulness depart, And fill me with the life of God. 19 Father, supply my every need: Sustain the life thyself hast given; Call for the corn, the living bread, The manna that comes down from heaven. 20 The gracious fruits of righteousness, Thy blessings' unexhausted store, In me abundantly increase; Nor let me ever hunger more.

21 Let me no more in deep complaint "My leanness, O my leanness!" cry; Alone consumed with pining want, Of all my Father's children I! 22 The painful thirst, the fond desire, Thy joyous presence shall remove; While my full soul doth still require Thy whole eternity of love. 23 Holy, and true, and righteous Lord, I wait to prove thy perfect will; Be mindful of thy gracious word, And stamp me with thy Spirit's seal! 24 Thy faithful mercies let me find, In which thou causest me to trust; Give me the meek and lowly mind, And lay my spirit in the dust. 25 Show me how foul my heart hath been, When all renew'd by grace I am: When thou hast emptied me of sin, Show me the fulness of my shame. 26 Open my faith's interior eye, Display thy glory from above; And all I am shall sink and die, Lost in astonishment and love. 27 Confound, o'erpower me with thy grace: I would be by myself abhorr'd; (All might, all majesty, all praise, All glory be to Christ my Lord!) 28 Now let me gain perfection's height! Now let me into nothing fall! Be less than nothing in thy sight, And feel that Christ is all in all!

"Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. 1. But will God so "bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ," that no wandering thought will find a place in the mind, even while we remain in the body So some have vehemently maintained; yea, have affirmed that none are perfected in love unless they are so far perfected in understanding, that all wandering thoughts are done away; unless not only every affection and temper be holy and just and good, but every individual thought which arises in the mind be wise and regular. 2. This is a question of no small importance. For how many of those who fear God, yea, and love him, perhaps with all their heart, have been greatly distressed on this account! How many, by not understanding it right, have not only been distressed, but greatly hurt in their souls; -- cast into unprofitable, yea, mischievous reasonings, such as slackened their motion towards God, and weakened them in running the race set before them! Nay, many, through misapprehensions of this very thing, have cast away the precious gift of God. They have been induced, first, to doubt of, and then to deny, the work God had wrought in their souls; and hereby have grieved the Spirit of God, till he withdrew and left them in utter darkness! 3. How is it then, that amidst the abundance of books which have been lately published almost on all subjects, we should have none upon wandering thoughts at least none that will at all satisfy a calm and serious mind In order to do this in some degree, I purpose to inquire, I. What are the several sorts of wandering thoughts II. What are the general occasions of them III. Which of them are sinful, and which not IV. Which of them we may expect and pray to be delivered from I. 1. I purpose to inquire, First, What are the several sorts of wandering thoughts The particular sorts are innumerable; but, in general, they are of two sorts: Thoughts that wander from God; and thoughts that wander from the particular point we have in hand.

6. If our thoughts wander from the point we had in view, by means of other men variously affecting our senses, they are equally innocent still: For it is no more a sin to understand what I see and hear, and in many cases cannot help seeing, hearing, and understanding, than it is to have eyes and ears. "But if the devil injects wandering thoughts, are not those thoughts evil" They are troublesome, and in that sense evil; but they are not sinful. I do not know that he spoke to our Lord with an audible voice; perhaps he spoke to his heart only when he said, "All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." But whether he spoke inwardly or outwardly, our Lord doubtless understood what he said. He had therefore a thought correspondent to those words. But was it a sinful thought We know it was not. In him was no sin, either in action, or word, or thought. Nor is there any sin in a thousand thoughts of the same kind, which Satan may inject into any of our Lord's followers. 7. It follows that none of these wandering thoughts (whatever unwary persons have affirmed, thereby grieving whom the Lord had not grieved) are inconsistent with perfect love. Indeed, if they were, then not only sharp pain, but sleep itself, would be inconsistent with it: -- Sharp pain; for whenever this supervenes, whatever we were before thinking of, it will interrupt our thinking, and of course draw our thoughts into another channel: -- Yea, and sleep itself; as it is a state of insensibility and stupidity; and such as is generally mixed with thoughts wandering over the earth, loose, wild, and incoherent. Yet certainly these are consistent with perfect love: So then are all wandering thoughts of this kind. IV. 1. From what has been observed, it is easy to give a clear answer to the last question, -- What kind of wandering thoughts we may expect and pray to be delivered from.

From the former sort of wandering thoughts, -- those wherein the heart wanders from God; from all that are contrary to his will, or that leave us without God in the world; every one that is perfected in love is unquestionably delivered. This deliverance, therefore, we may expect; this we may, we ought to pray for. Wandering thoughts of this kind imply unbelief, if not enmity against God; but both of these he will destroy, will bring utterly to an end. And indeed, from all sinful wandering thoughts we shall be absolutely delivered. All that are perfected in love are delivered from these; else they were not saved from sin. Men and devils will tempt them all manner of ways; but they cannot prevail over them. 2. With regard to the latter sort of wandering thoughts, the case is widely different. Till the cause is removed, we cannot in reason expect the effect should cease. But the causes or occasions of these will remain as long as we remain in the body. So long, therefore, we have all reason to believe the effects will remain also. 3. To be more particular: Suppose a soul, however holy, to dwell in a distempered body; suppose the brain be so thoroughly disordered, as that raging madness follows; will not all the thoughts be wild and unconnected as long as that disorder continues Suppose a fever occasions that temporary madness which we term a delirium; can there be any just connexion of thought till that delirium is removed Yea, suppose what is called a nervous disorder to rise to so high a degree as to occasion at least a partial madness; will there not be a thousand wandering thoughts And must not these irregular thoughts continue as long as the disorder which occasions them

3. We expect to be "made perfect in love;" in that love which casts out all painful fear, and all desire but that of glorifying him we love, and of loving and serving him more and more. We look for such an increase in the experimental knowledge and love of God our Saviour as will enable us always "to walk in the light, as he is in the light." We believe the whole mind will be in us, "which was also in Christ Jesus;" that we shall love every man so as to be ready to lay down our life for his sake; so as, by this love, to be freed from anger, and pride, and from every unkind affection. We expect to be "cleansed from all our idols," "from all filthiness," whether "of flesh or spirit;" to be "saved from all our uncleannesses," inward or outward; to be "purified as He is pure." 4. We trust in his promise who cannot lie, that the time will surely come, when, in every word and work, we shall do his blessed will on earth, as it is done in heaven; when all our conversation shall be seasoned with salt, all meet to minister grace to the hearers; when, whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, it shall be done to the glory of God; when all our words and deeds shall be "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God, even the Father, through him." 5. Now this is the grand device of Satan, to destroy the first work of God in the soul, or at least to hinder its increase, by our expectation of that greater work. It is therefore my present design, First, to point out the several ways whereby he endeavours: this; And, secondly, to observe how we may retort these fiery darts of the wicked one, how we may rise the higher by what he intends for an occasion of our falling.

8. At the same time that our wise adversary endeavours to make our conviction of the necessity of perfect love an occasion of shaking our peace by doubts and fears, he endeavours to weaken, if not destroy, our faith. Indeed these are inseparably connected, so that they must stand or fall together. So long as faith subsists we remain in peace; our heart stands fast, while it believes in the Lord. But if we let go our faith, our filial confidence in a loving, pardoning God, our peace is at an end, the very foundation on which it stood being overthrown. And this is the only foundation of holiness, as well as of peace; consequently whatever strikes at this, strikes at the very root of all holiness: For without this faith, without an abiding sense that Christ loved me, and gave himself for me, without a continuing conviction that God for Christ's sake is merciful to me a sinner, it is impossible that I should love God: "We love him, because he first loved us;" and in proportion to the strength and clearness of our conviction that he hath loved us, and accepted us in his Son. And unless we love God, it is not possible that we should love our neighbour as ourselves; nor, consequently, that we should have any right affections, either toward God, or toward man. It evidently follows, that whatever weakens our faith, must, in the same degree obstruct our holiness: And this is not only the most effectual, but also the most compendious, way of destroying all holiness; seeing it does not affect any one Christian temper, any single grace or fruit of the Spirit, but, so far as it succeeds, tears up the very root of the whole work of God.

11. But while we are reaching to this, as well as to that glorious liberty which is preparatory to it, we may be in danger of falling into another snare of the devil, whereby he labours to entangle the children of God. We may take too much thought for tomorrow, so as to neglect the improvement of to-day. We may so expect perfect love, as not to use that which is already shed abroad in our hearts. There have not been wanting instances of those who have greatly suffered hereby. They were so taken up with what they were to receive hereafter, as utterly to neglect what they had already received. In expectation of having five talents more, they buried their one talent in the earth. At least, they did not improve it as they might have done, to the glory of God and the good of their own souls. 12. Thus does the subtle adversary of God and man endeavour to make void the counsel of God, by dividing the gospel against itself, and making one part of it overthrow the other; while the first work of God in the soul is destroyed by the expectation of his perfect work. We have seen several of the ways wherein he attempts this by cutting off, as it were, the springs of holiness. But this he likewise does more directly by making that blessed hope an occasion of unholy tempers.

14. And from hence he hopes to reap another advantage, even to bring up an evil report of the good way. He is sensible, how few are able to distinguish (and too many are not willing so to do) between the accidental abuse, and the natural tendency, of a doctrine. These, therefore, will he continually blend together, with regard to the doctrine of Christian perfection; in order to prejudice the minds of unwary men against the glorious promises of God. And how frequently, how generally, I had almost said how universally, has he prevailed herein! For who is there that observes any of these accidental ill effects of this doctrine, and does not immediately conclude, this is its natural tendency; and does not readily cry out, "See, these are the fruits (meaning the natural, necessary fruits) of such doctrine" Not so: They are fruits which may accidentally spring from the abuse of a great and precious truth: But the abuse of this, or any other scriptural doctrine, does by no means destroy its use. Neither can the unfaithfulness of man perverting his right way, make the promise of God of none effect No: Let God be true, and every man a liar. The word of the Lord, it shall stand. "Faithful is he that hath promised: He also will do it." Let not us then be "removed from the hope of the gospel." Rather let us observe, which was the second thing proposed: How we may retort these fiery darts of the wicked one: How we may rise the higher by what he intends for an occasion of our falling.

7. In order to this, redeem the time. Improve the present moment. Buy up every opportunity of growing in grace, or of doing good. Let not the thought of receiving more grace to-morrow, make you negligent of to-day. You have one talent now: If you expect five more, so much the rather improve that you have. And the more you expect to receive hereafter, the more labour for God now. Sufficient for the day is the grace thereof. God is now pouring his benefits upon you: Now approve yourself a faithful steward of the present grace of God. Whatever may be to-morrow, give all diligence to-day, to "add to your faith courage, temperance, patience, brotherly-kindness," and the fear of God, till you attain that pure and perfect love! Let these things be now "in you and abound!" Be not now slothful or unfruitful: "So shall an entrance be ministered into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ!" 8. Lastly: If in time past you have abused this blessed hope of being holy as he is holy, yet do not therefore cast it away. Let the abuse cease, the use remain. Use it now to the more abundant glory of God, and profit of your own soul. In steadfast faith, in calm tranquility of spirit, in full assurance of hope, rejoicing evermore for what God hath done, press ye on unto perfection! Daily growing in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and going on from strength to strength, in resignation, in patience, in humble thankfulness for what ye have attained, and for what ye shall, run the race set before you, "looking unto Jesus," till, through perfect love, ye enter into his glory!

9. It is thus that we wait for entire sanctification; for a full salvation from all our sins, --from pride, self-will, anger, unbelief; or, as the Apostle expresses it, "go unto perfection." But what is perfection The word has various senses: here it means perfect love. It is love excluding sin; love filling the heart, taking up the whole capacity of the soul. It is love "rejoicing evermore, praying without ceasing, in everything giving thanks." II. But what is faith through which we are saved This is the second point to be considered. 1. Faith, in general, is defined by the Apostle, elegcos pragmatvn ou blepomenvn. An evidence, a divine evidence and conviction (the word means both) of things not seen; not visible, not perceivable either by sight, or by any other of the external senses. It implies both a supernatural evidence of God, and of the things of God; a kind of spiritual light exhibited to the soul, and a supernatural sight or perception thereof. Accordingly, the Scripture speaks of God's giving sometimes light, sometimes a power of discerning it. So St. Paul: "God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." And elsewhere the same Apostle speaks of "the eyes of" our "understanding being opened." By this two-fold operation of the Holy Spirit, having the eyes of our soul both opened and enlightened, we see the things which the natural "eye hath not seen, neither the ear heard." We have a prospect of the invisible things of God; we see the spiritual world, which is all round about us, and yet no more discerned by our natural faculties than if it had no being. And we see the eternal world; piercing through the veil which hangs between time and eternity. Clouds and darkness then rest upon it no more, but we already see the glory which shall be revealed.

3. "But do you believe we are sanctified by faith We know you believe that we are justified by faith; but do not you believe, and accordingly teach, that we are sanctified by our works" So it has been roundly and vehemently affirmed for these five-and-twenty years: but I have constantly declared just the contrary; and that in all manner of ways. I have continually testified in private and in public, that we are sanctified as well as justified by faith. And indeed the one of those great truths does exceedingly illustrate the other. Exactly as we are justified by faith, so are we sanctified by faith. Faith is the condition, and the only condition, of sanctification, exactly as it is of justification. It is the condition: none is sanctified but he that believes; with out faith no man is sanctified. And it is the only condition: this alone is sufficient for sanctification. Every one that believes is sanctified, whatever else he has or has not. In other words, no man is sanctified till he believes: every man when he believes is sanctified. 4. "But is there not a repentance consequent upon, as well as a repentance previous to, justification And is it not incumbent on all that are justified to be `zealous of good works' Yea, are not these so necessary, that if a man willingly neglect them he cannot reasonably expect that he shall ever be sanctified in the full sense; that is, perfected in love Nay, can he grow at all in grace, in the loving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ Yea, can he retain the grace which God has already given him Can he continue in the faith which he has received, or in the favour of God. Do not you yourself allow all this, and continually assert it But, if this be so, how can it be said that faith is the only condition of sanctification"

10. Secondly, all works of mercy; whether they relate to the bodies or souls of men; such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, entertaining the stranger, visiting those that are in prison, or sick, or variously afflicted; such as the endeavouring to instruct the ignorant, to awaken the stupid sinner, to quicken the lukewarm, to confirm the wavering, to comfort the feeble-minded, to succour the tempted, or contribute in any manner to the saving of souls from death. This is the repentance, and these the "fruits meet for repentance," which are necessary to full sanctification. This is the way wherein God hath appointed His children to wait for complete salvation. 11. Hence may appear the extreme mischievousness of that seemingly innocent opinion, that there is no sin in a believer; that all sin is destroyed, root and branch, the moment a man is justified. By totally preventing that repentance, it quite blocks up the way to sanctification. There is no place for repentance in him who believes there is no sin either in his life or heart: consequently, there is no place for his being perfected in love, to which that repentance is indispensably necessary. 12. Hence it may likewise appear, that there is no possible danger in thus expecting full salvation. For suppose we were mistaken, suppose no such blessing ever was or can be attained, yet we lose nothing: nay, that very expectation quickens us in using all the talents which God has given us; yea, in improving them all; so that when our Lord cometh, He will receive His own with increase.

13. But to return. though it be allowed, that both this repentance and its fruits are necessary to full salvation; yet they are not necessary either in the same sense with faith, or in the same degree: --Not in the same degree; for these fruits are only necessary conditionally, if there be time and opportunity for them; otherwise a man may be sanctified without them. But he cannot be sanctified without faith. likewise, let a man have ever so much of this repentance, or ever so many good works, yet all this does not at all avail: he is not sanctified till he believes. But the moment he believes, with or without those fruits, yea, with more or less of this repentance, he is sanctified. --Not in the same sense; for this repentance and these fruits are only remotely necessary, --necessary in order to the continuance of his faith, as well as the increase of it; whereas faith is immediately and directly necessary to sanctification. It remains, that faith is the only condition which is immediately and proximately necessary to sanctification. 14. "But what is that faith whereby we are sanctified, --saved from sin, and perfected in love" It is a divine evidence and conviction, first, that God hath promised it in the holy Scripture. Till we are thoroughly satisfied of this, there in no moving one step further. And one would imagine there needed not one word more to satisfy a reasonable man of this, than the ancient promise, "Then will I circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." How clearly does this express the being perfected in love! --how strongly imply the being saved from all sin! For as long as love takes up the whole heart, what room is there for sin therein

Has poverty nothing worse in it than this, that it makes men liable to be laughed at It is a sign this idle poet talked by rote of the things which he knew not. Is not want of food something worse than this God pronounced it as a curse upon man, that he should earn it "by the sweat of his brow." But how many are there in this Christian country, that toil, and labour, and sweat, and have it not at last, but struggle with weariness and hunger together Is it not worse for one, after an hard day's labour, to come back to a poor, cold, dirty, uncomfortable lodging, and to find there not even the food which is needful to repair his wasted strength You that live at ease in the earth, that want nothing but eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand how well God has dealt with you, -- is it not worse to seek bread day by day, and find none perhaps to find the comfort also of five or six children, crying for what he has not to give! Were it not that he is restrained by an unseen hand, would he not soon "curse God and die" O want of bread! want of bread! Who can tell what this means unless he hath felt it himself I am astonished it occasions no more than heaviness even in them that believe! 4. Perhaps, next to this, we may place the death of those who were near and dear unto us; of a tender parent, and one not much declined into the vale of years; of a beloved child, just rising into life, and clasping about our heart; of a friend that was as our own soul, -- next the grace of God, the last, best gift of Heaven. And a thousand circumstances may enhance the distress. Perhaps the child, the friend, died in our embrace! -- perhaps, was snatched away when we looked not for it! flourishing, cut down like a flower! In all these cases, we not only may, but ought to, be affected: It is the design of God that we should. He would not have us stocks and stones. He would have our affections regulated, not extinguished. Therefore, -- "Nature unreproved may drop a tear." There may be sorrow without sin.

9. But upon this I would observe, (1.) In the preceding paragraph, this writer says, "Hearing I had not a true faith in Christ, I offered myself up to God, and immediately felt his love." It may be so; and yet it does not appear that this was justification. It is more probable, it was no more than what are usually termed, the "drawings of the Father." And if so, the heaviness and darkness which followed was no other than conviction of sin; which in the nature of things, must precede that faith whereby we are justified. (2.) Suppose she was justified almost the same moment she was convinced of wanting faith, there was then no time for that gradually-increasing self-knowledge which uses to precede justification: In this case, therefore, it came after, and was probably the more severe, the less it was expected. (3.) It is allowed, there will be a far deeper, a far clearer and fuller knowledge of our inbred sin, of our total corruption by nature, after justification, than ever there was before it. But this need not occasion darkness of soul: I will not say, that it must bring us into heaviness. Were it so, the Apostle would not have used that expression, if need be for there would be an absolute, indispensable need of it, for all that would know themselves; that is, in effect, for all that would know the perfect love of God, and be thereby "made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." But this is by no means the case. On the contrary, God may increase the knowledge of ourselves to any degree, and increase in the same proportion, the knowledge of himself and the experience of his love. And in this case there would be no "desert, no misery, no forlorn condition;" but love, and peace, and joy, gradually springing up into everlasting life.

5. But away with the vile misconstruction of men of corrupt minds, who know of no love but what is earthly and sensual! Be it remembered, at the same time, that he was endued with the most nice and unblemished modesty. His office called him to converse very frequently and largely with women as well as men; and those of every age and condition. But his whole behavior towards them was a practical comment on that advice of St. Paul to Timothy: "Entreat the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity." 6. Meantime, how suitable to the friendliness of his spirit was the frankness and openness of his conversation! -- although it was as far removed from rudeness on the one hand, as from guile [and disguise] on the other. Was not this frankness at once a fruit and a proof of his courage and intrepidity Armed with these, he feared not the faces of men, but "used great plainness of speech" to persons of every rank and condition, high and low, rich and poor; endeavoring only "by manifestation of the truth to commend himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God." 7. Neither was he afraid of labor or pain, any more than of "what man [could] do unto him;" being equally Patient in bearing ill and doing well. And this appeared in the steadiness wherewith he pursued whatever he undertook for his Master's sake. Witness one instance for all, -- the Orphan-house in Georgia; which he began and perfected, in spite of all discouragements. Indeed, in whatever concerned himself he was pliant and flexible. In this case he was "easy to be entreated;" easy to be either convinced or persuaded. But he was immovable in the things of God, or wherever his conscience was concerned. None could persuade, any more than affright, him to vary, in the least point, from that integrity which was inseparable from his whole character, and regulated all his words and actions. Herein he did Stand as an iron pillar strong And steadfast as a wall of brass.

9. Nevertheless it is certain, that the gates of hell did never totally prevail against it. God always reserved a seed for himself; a few that worshipped him in spirit and in truth. I have often doubted, whether these were not the very persons whom the rich and honourable Christians, who will always have number as well as power on their side, did not stigmatize, from time to time, with the title of heretics. Perhaps it was chiefly by this artifice of the devil and his children, that, the good which was in them being evil spoken of, they were prevented from being so extensively useful as otherwise they might have been. Nay, I have doubted whether that arch-heretic, Montanus, was not one of the holiest men in the second century. Yea, I would not affirm, that the arch-heretic of the fifth century, (as plentifully as he has been bespattered for many ages,) was not one of the holiest men of that age, not excepting St. Augustine himself. (A wonderful saint! As full of pride, passion, bitterness, censoriousness, and as foul-mouthed to all that contradicted him, as George Fox himself.) I verily believe, the real heresy of Pelagius was neither more nor less than this: The holding that Christians may, by the grace of God, (not without it; that I take to be a mere slander,) "go on to perfection;" or, in other words, "fulfil the law of Christ." "But St. Augustine says:" -- When Augustine's passions were heated, his word is not worth a rush. And here is the secret: St. Augustine was angry at Pelagius: Hence he slandered and abused him, (as his manner was,) without either fear or shame. And St. Augustine was then in the Christian world, what Aristotle was afterwards: There needed no other proof of any assertion, than Ipse dixit :"St. Augustine said it."

11. About the same time it pleased God to visit Great Britain. A few in the reign of King Henry the Eighth, and many more in the three following reigns, were real witnesses of true, scriptural Christianity. The number of these exceedingly increased in the beginning of the following century. And in the year 1627, there was a wonderful pouring out of the Spirit in several parts of England, as well as in Scotland, and the north of Ireland. But from the time that riches and honour poured in upon them that feared and loved God, their hearts began to be estranged from him, and to cleave to the present world. No sooner was persecution ceased, and the poor, despised, persecuted Christians invested with power, and placed in ease and affluence, but a change of circumstances brought a change of spirit. Riches and honour soon produced their usual effects. Having the world, they quickly loved the world: They no longer breathed after heaven, but became more and more attached to the things of earth. So that in a few years, one who knew and loved them well, and was an unexceptionable judge of men and manners, (Dr. Owen,) deeply lamented over them, as having lost all the life and power of religion, and being become just of the same spirit with those whom they despised as the mire in the streets. 12. What little religion was left in the land received another deadly wound at the Restoration, by one of the worst princes that ever sat on the English throne, and by the most abandoned court in Europe. And infidelity now broke in amain, and overspread the land as a flood. Of course, all kind of immorality came with it, and increased to the end of the century. Some feeble attempts were made to stem the torrent during the reign of Queen Anne; but it still increased till about the year 1725, when Mr. Law published his "Practical Treatise on Christian Perfection," and, not long after, his "Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life." Here the seed was sown, which soon grew up, and spread to Oxford, London, Bristol, Leeds, York, and, within a few years, to the greatest part of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

The Imperfection Of Human Knowledge "We know in part." 1 Cor. 13:9. 1. The desire of knowledge is an universal principle in man, fixed in his inmost nature. It is not variable, but constant in every rational creature, unless while it is suspended by some stronger desire. And it is insatiable: "The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing;" neither the mind with any degree of knowledge which can be conveyed into it. And it is planted in every human soul for excellent purposes. It is intended to hinder our taking up our rest in anything here below; to raise our thoughts to higher and higher objects, more and more worthy our consideration, till we ascend to the Source of all knowledge and all excellence, the all-wise and all-gracious Creator. 2. But although our desire of knowledge has no bounds, yet our knowledge itself has. It is, indeed, confined within very narrow bounds; abundantly narrower than common people imagine, or men of learning are willing to acknowledge: A strong intimation, (since the Creator doeth nothing in vain,) that there will be some future state of being, wherein that now insatiable desire will be satisfied, and there will be no longer so immense a distance between the appetite and the object of it. 3. The present knowledge of man is exactly adapted to his present wants. It is sufficient to warn us of, and to preserve us from, most of the evils to which we are now exposed; and to procure us whatever is necessary for us in this our infant state of existence. We know enough of the nature and sensible qualities of the things that are round about us, so far as they are subservient to the health and strength of our bodies; we know how to procure and prepare our food; we know what raiment is fit to cover us; we know how build our houses, and to furnish them with all necessaries and conveniences; we know just as much as is conducive to our living comfortably in this world: But of innumerable things above, below, and round about us, we know little more than that they exist. And in this our deep ignorance is seen the goodness as well as the wisdom of God, in cutting short his knowledge on every side, on purpose to "hide pride from man."

4. Therefore it is, that by the very constitution of their nature, the wisest of men "know" but "in part." And how amazingly small a part do they know, either of the Creator, or of his works! This is a very needful but a very unpleasing theme; for "vain man would be wise." Let us reflect upon it for awhile. And may the God of wisdom and love open our eyes to discern our own ignorance! I. 1. To begin with the great Creator himself. How astonishingly little do we know of God! -- How small a part of his nature do we know! of his essential attributes! What conception can we form of his omnipresence Who is able to comprehend how God is in this and every place how he fills the immensity of space If philosophers, by denying the existence of a vacuum, only meant that there is no place empty of God, that every point of infinite space is full of God, certainly no man could call it in question. But still, the fact being admitted what is omnipresence or ubiquity Man is no more able to comprehend this, than to grasp the universe. 2. The omnipresence or immensity of God, Sir Isaac Newton endeavours to illustrate by a strong expression, by terming infinite space, "the Sensorium of the Deity." And the very Heathens did not scruple to say, "All things are full of God:" Just equivalent with his own declaration: -- "Do not I fill heaven and earth saith the Lord." How beautifully does the Psalmist illustrate this! "Whither shall I flee from thy presence If I go into the heaven, thou art there: If I go down to hell, thou art there also. If I take the wings of the morning, and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea even there thy hand shall find me, and thy right hand shall hold me." But, in the mean time, what conception can we form, either of his eternity or immensity Such knowledge is too wonderful for us: We cannot attain unto it.

3. A second essential attribute of God is eternity. He existed before all time. Perhaps we might more properly say, He does exist from everlasting to everlasting. But what is eternity A celebrated author says, that the Divine eternity is vitae interminabilis tota simul et perfecta possessio: "The at once entire and perfect possession of never-ending life." But how much wiser are we for this definition we know just as much of it as we did before. "The at once entire and perfect possession!" Who can conceive what this means 4. If indeed God had stamped (as some have maintained) an idea of himself on every human soul, we must certainly have understood something of these, as well as his other attributes; for we cannot suppose he would have impressed upon us either a false or an imperfect idea of himself; but the truth is, no man ever did, or does now, find any such idea stamped upon his soul. The little which we do know of God, (expect what we receive by the inspiration of the Holy One,) we do not gather from any inward impression, but gradually acquire from without. "The invisible things of God," if they are known at all, "are known from the things that are made;" not from what God hath written in our hearts, but from what he hath written in all his works.

5. Hence then, from his works, particularly his works of creation, we are to learn the knowledge of God. But it is not easy to conceive how little we know even of these. To begin with those that are at a distance: Who knows how far the universe extends What are the limits of it The morning stars can tell, who sang together when the lines of it were stretched out, when God said, "This be thy circumference, O world!" But all beyond the fixed stars is utterly hid from the children of men. And what do we know of the fixed stars Who telleth the number of them even that small portion of them that, by their mingled light, form what we call, "the milky way" And who knows the use of them Are they so many suns that illuminate their respective planets Or do they only minister to this, (as Mr. Hutchinson supposes,) and contribute, in some unknown way, to the perpetual circulation of light and spirit Who knows what comets are Are they planets not fully formed or planets destroyed by a conflagration Or are they bodies of a wholly different nature, of which we can form no idea Who can tell what is the sun Its use we know; but who knows of what substance it is composed Nay, we are not yet able to determine, whether it be fluid or solid! Who knows what is the precise distance of the sun from the earth Many astronomers are persuaded it is a hundred millions of miles; others, that it is only eighty-six millions, though generally accounted ninety. But equally great men say, it is no more than fifty; some of them, that it is but twelve: Last comes Dr. Rogers, and demonstrates that it is just two millions nine hundred thousand miles! So little do we know even of this glorious luminary, the eye and soul of the lower world! And just as much of the planets that surround him; yea, of our own planet, the moon. Some indeed have discovered River and mountains on her spotty glode; yea, have marked out all her seas and continents! -- But after all, we know just nothing of the matter. We have nothing but mere uncertain conjecture concerning the nearest of all the heavenly bodies.

6. But let come to the things that are still nearer home, and inquire what knowledge we have of them. How much do we know of that wonderful body, light How is it communicated to us Does it flow in a continued stream from the sun Or does the sun impel the particles next his orb, and so on and on, to the extremity of his system Again: Does light gravitate or not Does it attract or repel other bodies Is it subject to the general laws which obtain in all other matter Or is it a body siu generis, altogether different from all other matter Is it the same with electric fluid, and others arrest its course Why is the phial capable of being charged to such a point, and no farther A thousand more questions might be asked on this head, which no man living can answer. 7. But surely we understand the air we breathe, and which encompasses us on every side. By that admirable property of elasticity, it is the general spring of nature. But is elasticity essential to air, and inseparable from it Nay, it has lately proved, by numberless experiments, that air may be fixed, that is, divested of its elasticity, and generated or restored to it again. Therefore it is no otherwise elastic, than as it is connected with electric fire. And is not this electric or ethereal fire, the only true essential elastic in nature Who knows by what power, dew, rain, and all other vapours rise and fall in the air Can we account for the phenomenon of them upon the common principles Or must we own, with a late ingenious author, that those principles are utterly insufficient; and that they cannot be rationally accounted for, but upon the principle of electricity

8. Let us now descend to the earth which we tread upon, and which God has peculiarly given to the children of men. Do the children of men understand this Suppose the terraqueous globe to be seven or eight thousand miles in diameter, how much of this do we know Perhaps a mile or two of its surface: So far the art of man has penetrated. But who can inform us, what lies beneath the region of stones, metals, minerals, and other fossils This is only a thin crust, which bears an exceeding small proportion to the whole. Who can acquaint us with the inner parts of the globe Whereof do these consist Is there a central fire, a grand reservoir, which not only supplies the burning mountains, but also ministers (though we know not how) to the ripening of gems and metals; yea, and perhaps to the production of vegetables, and the well-being of animals too Or is the great deep still contained in the bowels of the earth a central abyss of waters Who hath seen Who can tell Who can give any solid satisfaction to a rational inquirer 9. How much of the very surface of the globe is still utterly unknown to us! How very little do we know of the polar regions, either north or south, either in Europe or Asia! How little of these vast countries, the inland parts either of Africa or America! Much less do we know what is contained in the broad sea, the great abyss, which covers so large a part of the globe. Most of its chambers are inaccessible to man, so that we cannot tell how they are furnished. How little we know of those things on the dry land which fall directly under our notice! Consider even the most simple metals or stones: How imperfectly are we acquainted with their mature and properties! Who knows what it is that distinguishes metals from all other fossils It is answered, "Why, they are heavier." Very true; but what is the cause of their being heavier What is the specific difference between metals and stones or between one metal and another between gold and silver between tin and lead It is all mystery to the sons of men.

10. Proceed we to the vegetable kingdom. Who can demonstrate that the sap, in any vegetable, performs a regular circulation through its vessels, or that it does not Who can point out the specific difference between one kind of plant and another or the peculiar, internal conformation and disposition of their component parts Yea, what man living thoroughly understands the nature and properties of any one planet under heaven 11. With regard to animals: Are microscopic animals, so called, real animals or no If they are, are they not essentially different from all other animals in the universe, as not requiring any food, not generating or being generated Are they no animals at all, but merely inanimate particles of matter, in a state of fermentation How totally ignorant are the most sagacious of men touching the whole affair of generation! even the generation of men. In the book of the Creator, indeed, were all our members written, "which day by day were fashioned, when as yet were none of them:" But what means was the first motion communicated to the punctum saliens When, and how, was the immortal spirit superadded to the senseless clay It is mystery all: And we can only say, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

12. With regard to insects, many are the discoveries which have been lately made. But how little is all that is discovered yet, in comparison of what is undiscovered! How many millions of them, by their extreme minuteness, totally escape all our inquiries! And, indeed, the minute parts of the largest animals elude our utmost diligence. have we a more complete knowledge of fishes that we have of insects A great part, if not the greatest part, of the inhabitants of the waters are totally concealed from us. It is probable, the species of sea-animals are full as numerous as the land-animals. But how few of them are known to us! And it is very little we know of those few. With birds we are a little better acquainted: And, indeed, it is but a little. For of very many we now hardly anything more than their outward shape. We now a few of the obvious properties of other, chiefly those that frequent our houses. But we have not a thorough, adequate knowledge even of them. How little do we now of beasts! We do not know whence the different tempers and qualities arise, not only in different species of them, but in individuals of the same species; yea, and frequently in those who spring from the same parents, the same both male and female animal. Are they mere machines Then they are incapable either of pleasure or pain. Nay, they can have no senses; they neither see nor hear; they neither taste nor smell. Much less can they now, or remember, or move, any otherwise than they are impelled from without. But all this, as daily experiments show, is quite contrary to the matter of fact.

13. Well; but if we know nothing else, do not we now ourselves our bodies and our souls What is our soul It is a spirit, we know. But what is a spirit Here we are at a full stop. And where is the soul lodged in the pineal gland, in the whole brain, in the heart, in the blood, in any single part of the body, or (if any one can understand those terms) "all in all, and all in every part" How is the soul united to the body a spirit or a clod What is the secret, imperceptible chain that couples them together Can the wisest of men give a satisfactory answer to any one of these plain questions And as to our body itself, how little do we know! During a night's sleep, a healthy man perspires one part in four less when he sweats, than when he does not. Who can account for this What is flesh that of the muscles in particular Are the fibres that compose it of a determinate size, so that they can be divided only so far Or are they resolvable in infintum How does a muscle act by being inflated, and consequently shortened But what is it inflated with If whit blood, how and whence comes that blood And whither does it go, the moment the muscle is relaxed Are the nerves pervious or solid How do they act by vibration or transmission of the animal spirits Who knows what the animal spirits are Are they electric fire What is sleep Wherein does it consist What is dreaming How can we know dreams from waking thoughts I doubt no man knows. O how little do we know even concerning the whole creation of God

II. 1. But are we not better acquainted with his works of providence, than with his works of creation It is one of the first principles of religion, that his kingdom ruleth over all: so that we may say with confidence, "O Lord our Governor, how excellent is thy name over all the earth!" It is a childish conceit, to suppose chance governs the world, or has any part in the government of it: No, not even in those things that, to the vulgar eye, appear to be perfectly casual. "The lot is cast to the lap; but the disposal thereof is from the Lord." Our blessed Master himself has put this matter beyond all possible doubt: "Not a sparrow," saith he, "falleth to the ground without the will of your Father which is in heaven: Yea," (to express the thing more strongly still,) "even the very hairs of you head are all numbered." 2. But although we are well apprized of this general truth, that all things are governed by the providence of God; (the very language of the heathen orator, Deorum moderamine cuncta geri;) yet how amazingly little do we know of the particulars contained under this general! How little do we understand of his providential dealing, either with regard to nations, or families, or individuals! There are heights and depths in all these which our understanding can in no wise fathom. We can comprehend but a small part of his ways now; the rest we shall know hereafter. 3. Even with regard to entire nations, how little do we comprehend of God's providential dealings with them! what innumerable nations in the eastern world once flourished, to the terror of all around them, and are now swept away from the face of the earth; and their memorial is perished with them! Nor has the case been otherwise in the west. In Europe also we read of many large and powerful kingdoms, of which the names only are left: The people are vanished away, and are as though they had never been. But why it has pleased the almighty Governor of the world to sweep them away with the besom of destruction we cannot tell; those who succeeded them being, many times, little better than themselves.

6. How little better is either the civil or religious state of the poor American Indians! that is, the miserable remains of them: For in some provinces not one of them is left to breathe. In Hispaniola, when the Christians came thither first, there were three millions of inhabitants. Scarce twelve thousand of them now survive. And in what condition are these, or the other Indians who are still scattered up and down in the cast continent of South or North America Religion they have none; no public worship of any kind! God is not in all their thoughts. And most of them have no civil government at all; no laws; no magistrates; but every man does what is right in his own eyes. Therefore they are decreasing daily; and, very probably, in a century or two there will not be one them left. 7. However, the inhabitants of Europe are not in so deplorable a condition. They are in a state of civilization; they have useful laws, and are governed by magistrates; they have religion; they are Christians. I am afraid, whether they are called Christians or not, many of them have not much religion. What say you to thousands of Laplanders, or Finlanders, or Samoiedes, and Greenlanders indeed, of all who live in high northern latitudes Are they as civilized as sheep or oxen To compare them with horses, or any of our domestic animals, would be doing them to much honour. Add to these, myriads of human savages that are freezing among the snow of Siberia, and as many, if not more, who are wandering up and down in the deserts of Tartary. Add thousands upon thousands of Poles and Muscovites; and of Christians, so called, from Turkey in Europe. And did "God so love" these, "that he gave his Son, his only begotten Son, to the end they might not perish, but have everlasting life" Then why are they thus O wonder above all wonders!

8. Is there not something equally mysterious in the divine dispensation with regard to Christianity itself Who can explain why Christianity is not spread as far as sin Why is not the medicine sent to every place where the disease is found But alas! It is not: "The sound of it is" not now "gone forth into all lands." The poison is diffused over the whole globe; the antidote is not known in a sixth part of it. Nay, and how is it that the wisdom and goodness of God suffer the antidote itself to be so grievously adulterated, not only in Roman Catholic countries, but almost in every part of the Christian world So adulterated by mixing it frequently with useless, frequently with poisonous ingredients, that it retains none, or at least a very small part of its original virtue. Yea, it is so thoroughly adulterated by many of those very persons whom he has sent to administer it that it adds tenfold malignity to the disease which it was designed to cure! In consequence of this there is little more mercy or truth to be found among Christians than among pagans. Nay, it has been affirmed and I am afraid truly, that many called Christians are far worse than the heathens that surround them: more profligate, more abandoned to all manner of wickedness, neither fearing God, nor regarding man! O who can comprehend this! Doth not he who is higher than the highest regard it 9. Equally incomprehensible to us are many of the divine dispensations with regard to particular families. We cannot at all comprehend why he raises some to wealth, honour, and power and why in the meantime he depresses others with poverty and various afflictions. Some wonderfully prosper in all they take in hand, and the world pours in upon them; while others with all their labour and toil can scarce procure daily bread. And perhaps prosperity and applause continue with the former to their death; while the latter drink the cup of adversity to their life's end -- although no reason appears to us either for the prosperity of the one or the adversity of the other.

5. But "there is no temptation," says one, "greater than the being without temptation." When, therefore, this is the case, when Satan seems to be withdrawn, then beware lest he hurt you more as a crooked serpent, than he could do as a roaring lion. Then take care you are not lulled into a pleasing slumber; lest he should beguile you as he did Eve, even in innocence, and insensibly draw you from your simplicity toward Christ, from seeking all your happiness in Him. 6. Lastly. If he "transform himself into an angel of light," then are you in the greatest danger of all. Then have you need to beware, lest you also fall, where many mightier have been slain; then have you the greatest need to "watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." And if you continue so to do, the God whom you love and serve will deliver you. "The anointing of the Holy One shall abide with you, and teach you of all things." Your eye will pierce through snares, you shall "know what that holy and acceptable and perfect will of God is," and shall hold on your way, till you "grow up in all things into him that is our Head, even Christ Jesus."

4. What is then the perfection of which man is capable while he dwells in a corruptible body It is the complying with that kind command, "My son, give me thy heart." It is the "loving the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind." This is the sum of Christian perfection: It is all comprised in that one word, Love. The first branch of it is the love of God: And as he that loves God loves his brother also, it is inseparably connected with the second: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself:" Thou shalt love every man as thy own soul, as Christ loved us. "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets:" These contain the whole of Christian perfection. 5. Another view of this is given us in those words of the great Apostle: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." For although this immediately and directly refers to the humility of our Lord, yet it may be taken in a far more extensive sense, so as to include the whole disposition of his mind, all his affections, all his tempers, both toward God and man. Now it is certain that as there was no evil affection in him, so no good affection or temper was wanting. So that "whatsoever things are holy, whatsoever things are lovely," are all included in "the mind that was in Christ Jesus." 6. St. Paul, when writing to the Galatians, places perfection in yet another view. It is the one undivided fruit of the Spirit, which he describes thus: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace; longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, fidelity," (so the word should be translated here,) "meekness, temperance." What a glorious constellation of graces is here! Now, suppose all these to be knit together in one, to be united together in the soul of a believer, this is Christian perfection.

15. As to the whole head of objections taken from experience, I desire it may be observed farther, either the persons objected to have attained Christian perfection, or they have not. If they have not, whatever objections are brought against them strike wide of the mark. For they are not the persons we are talking of: Therefore, whatever they are or do is beside the question. But if they have attained it, if they answer the description given under the nine preceding articles, no reasonable objection can lie against them. They are superior to all censure; and "every tongue that riseth up against them will they utterly condemn." 16. "But I never saw one," continues the objector, "that answered my idea of perfection." It may be so. And it is probable (as I observed elsewhere) you never will. For your idea includes abundantly too much; even freedom from those infirmities which are not separable from a spirit that is connected with flesh and blood. But if you keep to the account that is given above, and allow for the weakness of human understanding, you may see at this day undeniable instances of genuine, scriptural perfection. III. 1. It only remains, in the Third place, to expostulate a little with the opposers of this perfection. Now permit me to ask, Why are you so angry with those who profess to have attained this and so mad (I cannot give it any softer title) against Christian perfection -- against the most glorious gift which God ever gave to the children of men upon earth View it in every one of the preceding points of light, and see what it contains that is either odious or terrible; that is calculated to excite either hatred or fear in any reasonable creature.

6. "But can we expect to find any temptation from those that are perfected in love" This is an important question, and deserves a particular consideration. I answer, First, You may find every kind of temptation from those who suppose they are perfected when indeed they are not: And so you may, Secondly, from those who once really were so, but are now moved from their steadfastness. And if you are not aware of this, if you think they are still what they were once, the temptation will be harder to bear. Nay, Thirdly, even those who "stand fast in liberty wherewith Christ has made them free," [Gal. 5:1] who are now really perfect in love, may still be an occasion of temptation to you; for they are still encompassed with infirmities. They may be dull of apprehension; they may have natural heedlessness, or a treacherous memory; they may have too lively an imagination: And any of these may cause little improprieties, either in speech or behaviour, which, though not sinful in themselves, may try all the grace you have: Especially if you impute to perverseness of will (as it is very natural to do) what is really owing to defect of memory, or weakness of understanding; -- if these appear to you to be voluntary mistakes, which are really involuntary. So proper was the answer which a saint of God (now in Abraham's bosom) gave me some years ago, when I said, "Jenny, surely now your mistress and you can neither of you of you be a trial to the other, as God has saved you both from sin!" "O, Sir," said she, "if we are saved from sin, we still have infirmities enough to try all the grace that God has given us!"

7. And as peace, hope, joy, and love are the fruits of patience, both springing from, and confirmed by it, so is also rational, genuine courage, which indeed cannot subsist without patience. The brutal courage, or rather fierceness, of a lion may probably spring from impatience; but true fortitude, the courage of a man, springs from just the contrary temper. Christian zeal is likewise confirmed and increased by patience, and so is activity in every good work; the same Spirit inciting us to be Patient in bearing ill, and doing well; making us equally willing to do and suffer the whole will of God. 8. But what is the perfect work of patience Is it anything less than the "perfect love of God," constraining us to love every soul of man, "even as Christ loved us" Is it not the whole of religion, the whole "mind which was also in Christ Jesus" Is it not "the renewal of our soul in the image of God, after the likeness of him that created us" And is not the fruit of this, the constant resignation of ourselves, body and spirit, to God; entirely giving up all we are, all we have, and all we love, as a holy sacrifice, acceptable unto God through the Son of his love It seems this is "the perfect work of patience," consequent upon the trial of our faith.

10. "Well, but what more than this can be implied in entire sanctification" It does not imply any new kind of holiness: Let no man imagine this. From the moment we are justified, till we give up our spirits to God, love is the fulfilling of the law; of the whole evangelical law, which took place of the Adamic law, when the first promise of "the seed of the woman" was made. Love is the sum of Christian sanctification; it is the one kind of holiness, which is found, only in various degrees, in the believers who are distinguished by St. John into "little children, young men, and fathers." The difference between one and the other properly lies in the degree of love. And herein there is as great a difference in the spiritual, as in the natural sense, between fathers, young men, and babes.

12. This premised, in order to throw what light I can upon this interesting question, I will simply relate what I have seen myself in the course of many years. Four or five and forty years ago, when I had no distinct views of what the Apostle meant by exhorting us to "leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ, and go on to perfection," two or three persons in London, whom I knew to be truly sincere, desired to give me an account of their experience. It appeared exceeding strange, being different from any that I had heard before; but exactly similar to the preceding account of entire sanctification. The next year, two or three more persons at Bristol, and two or three in Kingswood, coming to me severally, gave me exactly the same account of their experience. A few years after, I desired all those in London who made the same profession, to come to me all together at the Foundery, that I might be thoroughly satisfied. I desired that man of God, Thomas Walsh, to give us the meeting there. When we met, first one of us, and the the other, asked them the most searching questions we could devise. They answered every one without hesitation, and with the utmost simplicity, so that we were fully persuaded, they did not deceive themselves. In the years 1759, 1760, 1761, and 1762, their numbers multiplied exceedingly, not only in London and Bristol, but in various parts of Ireland as well as England. Not trusting to the testimony of others, I carefully examined most of these myself; and in London alone I found six hundred and fifty-two members of our society who were exceedingly clear in their experience, and of whose testimony I could see no reason to doubt. I believe no year has passed since that time wherein God has not wrought the same work in many others; but sometimes in one part of England or Ireland, sometimes in another; -- as "the wind bloweth where it listeth;" -- and every one of these (after the most careful inquiry, I have not found one exception either in Great Britain or Ireland) has declared that his deliverance from sin was instantaneous; that the change was wrought in a moment.

II. 1. Proceed we now to the Second point: If God worketh in you, then work out your own salvation. The original word rendered, work out, implies the doing a thing thoroughly. Your own; for you yourselves must do this, or it will be left undone forever. Your own salvation: Salvation begins with what is usually termed (and very properly) preventing grace; including the first wish to please God, the first dawn of light concerning his will, and the first slight transient conviction of having sinned against him. All these imply some tendency toward life; some degree of salvation; the beginning of a deliverance from a blind, unfeeling heart, quite insensible of God and the things of God. Salvation is carried on by convincing grace, usually in Scripture termed repentance; which brings a larger measure of self-knowledge, and a farther deliverance from the heart of stone. Afterwards we experience the proper Christian salvation; whereby, "through grace," we "are saved by faith;" consisting of those two grand branches, justification and sanctification. By justification we are saved from the guilt of sin, and restored to the favour of God; by sanctification we are saved from the power and root of sin, and restored to the image of God. All experience, as well as Scripture, shows this salvation to be both instantaneous and gradual. It begins the moment we are justified, in the holy, humble, gentle, patient love of God and man. It gradually increases from that moment, as "a grain of mustard-seed, which, at first, is the least of all seeds," but afterwards puts forth large branches, and becomes a great tree; till, in another instant, the heart is cleansed, from all sin, and filled with pure love to God and man. But even that love increases more and more, till we "grow up in all things into him that is our Head;" till we attain "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

8. "Labour" then, brethren, "not for the meat that perisheth, but for that which endureth to everlasting life." Say with our blessed Lord, though in a somewhat different sense, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." In consideration that he still worketh in you, be never "weary of well-doing." Go on, in virtue of the grace of God, preventing, accompanying, and following you, in "the work of faith, in the patience of hope, and in the labour of love." "Be ye steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." And "the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep," (Jesus,) "make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you what is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever!"

(3.) And, First, we have known a large number of persons, of every age and sex, from early childhood to extreme old age, who have given all the proofs which the nature of the thing admits, that they were "sanctified throughout;" "cleansed from all pollution of the flesh and spirit;" that they "loved the Lord their God with all their heart, and mind, and soul, and strength;" that they continually "presented" their souls and bodies "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God;" in consequence of which, they "rejoiced evermore, prayed without ceasing, and in every thing gave thanks." And this, and no other, is what we believe to be true, scriptural sanctification. (4.) Secondly. It is a common thing for those who are thus sanctified, to believe they cannot fall; to suppose themselves "pillars in the temple of God, that shall go out no more." Nevertheless, we have seen some of the strongest of them, after a time, moved from their steadfastness. Sometimes suddenly, but oftener by slow degrees, they have yielded to temptation; and pride, or anger, or foolish desires have again sprung up in their hearts. Nay, sometimes they have utterly lost the life of God, and sin hath regained dominion over them. (5.) Yet, Thirdly, several of these, after being thoroughly sensible of their fall, and deeply ashamed before God, have been again filled with his love, and not only perfected therein, but stablished, strengthened, and settled. They have received the blessing they had before with abundant increase. Nay, it is remarkable, that many who had fallen either from justifying or from sanctifying grace, and so deeply fallen that they could hardly be ranked among the servants of God, have been restored, (but seldom till they had been shaken, as it were, over the mouth of hell,) and that very frequently in an instant, to all that they had lost. They have, at once, recovered both a consciousness of his favour, and the experience of the pure love of God. In one moment they received anew both remission of sins, and a lot among them that were sanctified.

9 But thou, they say, art passing by : O let me find thee near ; Jesu, in mercy hear my cry, Thou Son of David, hear ! 10 Behold me waiting in the way For thee, the heavenly Light ; Command me to be brought, and say, " Sinner, receive thy sight ! ' HYMN 136. cm. 1 A7LTHILE dead in trespasses I lie, ' * Thy quickening Spirit give : Call me, thou Son of God, that I May hear thy voice, and live. 2 While, full of anguish and disease. My weak distemper'd soul Convinced of Sin I 33 Thy love compassionately sees, 0 let it make me whole ! 3 Cast out thy foes, and let them still To Jesu's Name submit : Clothe with thy righteousness, and heal, And place me at thy feet. 4 To Jesu's Name if all things now A trembling homage pay ; O let my stubborn spirit bow, My stiff-neck'd will obey ! 5 Impotent, dumb, and deaf, and blind, And sick, and poor 1 am ; But sure a remedy to find For all in Jesu's Name. 6 I know in thee all fulness dwells, And all for wretched man : Fill every want my spirit feels, And break off every chain ! 7 If thou impart thyself to me, No other good I need : If thou, the Son, shalt make me free, 1 shall be free indeed. 8 I cannot rest, till in thy blood I full redemption have : But thou, through whom I come to God, Canst to the utmost save. 9 From sin, the guilt, the power, the pain, Thou wilt redeem my soul : Lord, I believe, and not in vain ; My faith shall make me whole. 10 I too, with thee, shall walk in white ; With all thy saints shall prove, What is the length, and breadth, and height, And depth of perfect love. it)4 For Mourners HYMN 137. s. m. J A^THEN shall thy love constrain ' * And force me to thy breast ? When shall my soul return again To her eternal rest ? 2 Ah ! what avails my strife, My wandering to and fro ? Thou hast the words of endless life Ah ! whither should I go ? 3 Thy condescending grace

To me did freely move ; It calls me still to seek thy face, And stoops to ask my love. 4 Lord, at thy feet I fall ; I groan to be set free ; I fain would now obey the call, And give up all for thee. 5 To rescue me from woe, Thou didst with all things part ; Didst lead a suffering life below, To gain my worthless heart. 6 My worthless heart to gain, The God of all that breathe Was found in fashion as a man, And died a cursed death. 7 And can I yet delay My little all to give ? To tear my soul from earth away, For Jesus to receive ? 8 Nay, but I yield, I yield ; 1 can hold out no more : 1 sink, by dying love compell'd, And own thee conqueror. Convinced of Sin. loO 9 Though late, I all forsake, My friends, my all resign ; Gracious Redeemer, take, O take, And seal me ever thine ! 10 Come, and possess me whole ; Nor hence again remove : Settle and fix my wavering soul With all thy weight of love. 11 My one desire be this, Thy only love to know ; To seek and taste no other bliss, No other good below. 12 My Life, my Portion thou, Thou all-sufficient art ; My Hope, my heavenly Treasure, now Enter, and keep my heart. HYMN 138. cm. 1 /~\ THAT thou would'st the heavens rent, ^^ In majesty come down ; Stretch out thine arm omnipotent, And seize me for thine own ! 2 Descend, and let thy lightning burn The stubble of thy foe ; My sins o'erturn, o'erturn, o'erturn, And make the mountains flow ! 3 Thou my impetuous spirit guide, And curb my headstrong will ; Thou only canst drive back the tide, And bid the sun stand still. 4 What though I cannot break mv chain, Or e'er throw oft' my load ? The things impossible to men, Are possible to God. *-o() r,,r Mourners 5 Is there a thing too hard for thee, Almighty Lord of all ; Whose threatening looks dry up the sea, And make the mountains fall ? 6 Who, who shall in thy presence stand, And match Omnipotence ? Ungrasp the hold of thy right hand, Or pluck the sinner thence ?

3 Thou, O Christ, art all I want ; More than all in thee I find : Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick, and lead the blind : Just and holy is thy Name ; I am all unrighteousness : False and full of sin I am ; Thou art full of truth and grace. 4 Plenteous grace with thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin ; Let the healing streams abound, Make and keep me pure within : Thou of life the fountain art ; Freely let me take of thee ; Spring thou up within my heart, Rise to all eternity. HYMN 144. 8's §• Vs. 1 HHHEE, Jesu, thee, the Sinner's Friend, A I follow on to apprehend, Renew the glorious strife ; Divinely confident and bold, With faith's strong arm on thee lay hold, Thee, my eternal life. 2 Thy heart, I know, thy tender heart Doth in my sorrows feel its part, And at my tears relent ! 142 For Mourners My powerful sighs thou canst not bear Nor stand the violence of my prayer, My prayer omnipotent. 3 Give me the grace, the love I claim : Thy Spirit now demands thy Name ! Thou know'st the Spirit's will : He helps my soul's infirmity, And strongly intercedes for me With groans, unspeakable. 4 Answer, O Lord, thy Spirit's groan ! O make to me thy Nature known, Thy hidden Name impart ! (Thy Name and Nature is the same :) Tell me thy Nature, and thy Name, And write it on my heart. 5 Prisoner of hope, to thee I turn, And, calmly confident, I mourn, And pray, and weep for thee : Tell me thy love, thy secret tell ; Thy mystic name in me reveal, Reveal thyself in me. () Descend, pass by me, and proclaim, O Lord of Hosts, thy glorious Name,-- The Lord, the gracious Lord, Long-suffering, merciful, and kind, The God who always bears in mind His everlasting word. 7 Plenteous he is in truth and grace ; He wills that all the fallen race Should turn, repent, and live ; His pardoning grace for all is free ; Transgression, sin, iniquity, He freely doth forgive. Convinced of Sin. ' 4o 8 Mercy he doth for thousands keep ; He goes and seeks the one lost sheep,

And glory ends what grace begun. 2 Spirit of grace, and health, and power, Fountain of light and love below ; Abroad thy healing influence shower, O'er all the nations let it flow : Inflame our hearts with perfect love, In us the work of faith fulfil ; So not heaven's host shall swifter move, Than we on earth, to do thy will. 3 Father, 'tis thine each day to yield Thy children's wants a fresh supply ; Thou cloth'st the lilies of the field, And hearest the young ravens cry : On thee we cast our care ; we live Through thee, who know'st our every need ; O feed us with thy grace, and give Our souls this day the living bread ! HYMN 237. l. m. 1 ETERNAL, spotless Lamb of God, ^-^ Before the world's foundation slain ! Sprinkle us ever with thy blood ; O cleanse, and keep us ever clean ! To every soul (all praise to thee !) Our bowels of compassion move ; And all mankind by this may see God is in us ; for God is love. For Believers Mejoicing. *22*) 2 Giver and Lord of life, whose power And guardian care for all are free, To thee in fierce temptation's hour, From sin and Satan let us flee : Thine, Lord, we are, and ours thou art, In us be all thy goodness show'd ; Renew, enlarge, and fill our heart With peace, and joy, and heaven, and God. 3 Blessing and honour, praise and love, Co-equal, co-eternal Three, In earth below, and heaven above, By all thy works, be paid to thee ! Thrice Holy ! thine the kingdom is, The power omnipotent is thine ; And when created nature dies, Thy never-ceasing glories shine. 1 "\ /TEET and right it is to praise IMX God, the Giver of all grace, God, whose mercies are bestow'd On the evil and the good : He prevents his creatures' call, Kind and merciful to all ; Makes his sun on sinners rise ; Showers his blessings from the skies. 2 Least of all thy creatures, we Daily thy salvation see ; As by heavenly manna fed, Through a world of dangers led ; Through a wilderness of cares ; Through ten thousand thousand snares, More than now our hearts conceive, More than we could know, and live!

3 Parent of Good, thy bounteous hand Incessant blessings down distils, And all in air, or sea, or land, With plenteous food and gladness fills. All things in thee live, move, and are ; Thy power infused doth all sustain ; Even those thy daily favours share, Who thankless spurn thy easy reign. Thy sun thou biddst his genial ray Alike on all impartial pour ; To all, who hate or bless thy sway, Thou bidd'st descend the fruitful shower. Yet while, at length, who scorn 'd thy might Shall feel thee a consuming fire, How sweet the joys, the crown how bright, Of those who to thy love aspire ! All creatures praise the' eternal Name ! Ye hosts that to his court belong, Cherubic choirs, seraphic flames, Awake the everlasting song ! Thrice Holy ! thine the kingdom is, The power omnipotent is thine ; And when created nature dies, Thy never-ceasing glories shine. HYMN 242. 7's&69s. 1 /GLORIOUS God, accept a heart ^^ That pants to sing thy praise : Thou without beginning art, And without end of days ; Thou a Spirit invisible, Dost to none thy fulness show ; Foi' Believers Rejoicing. 2oQ None thy Majesty can tell, Or all thy Godhead know. All thine attributes we own, Thy wisdom, power, and might : Happy in thyself alone, In goodness infinite, Thou thy goodness hast display'd, On thine every work imprest, Lov'st whate'er thy hands have made ; But man thou lov'st the best. Willing thou that all should know Thy saving truth, and live, Dost to each, or bliss or woe, With strictest justice give : Thou with perfect righteousness Renderest every man his due ; Faithful in thy promises, And in thy threat'nings too. Thou art merciful to all Who truly turn to thee ! Hear me then for pardon call, And show thy grace to me : Me, through mercy reconciled, Me, for Jesus sake forgiven, Me receive, thy favour'd child, To sing thy praise in heaven. HYMN 243. Tsfy&s. 1 HPHOU, my God, art good and wise, ■*■ And infinite in power : Thee let all in earth and skies Continually adore ! <&3u J?or Believers Rejoicing. Give me thy converting grace, That I may obedient prove, Serve my Maker all my days. And my Redeemer love. 2 For my life, and elothes, and food,

For Believers Fighting. HYMN 265. s. m. 1 S~\ MAY thy powerful word ^-^ Inspire a feeble worm To rush into thy kingdom, Lord, And take it as by storm ! 2 O may we all improve The grace already given, To seize the crown of perfect love, And scale the mount of heaven ! HYMN 266. s. m. 1 C OLDIERS of Christ, arise, ^ And put your armour on, Strong in the strength which God supplies Through his eternal Son : Strong in the Lord of Hosts, And in his mighty power, Who in the strength of Jesus trusts, Is more than conqueror. 2 Stand then in his great might, With all his strength endued ; But take, to arm you for the fight, The Panoply of God : 2o4 For Believers Fighting. That having all things done, And all your conflicts pass'd, Ye may o'ercome, through Christ alone, And stand entire at last. 3 Stand then against your foes, In close and firm array : Legions of wily fiends oppose Throughout the evil day : But meet the sons of night, But mock their vain design, Arm'd in the arms of heavenly light, Of righteousness divine. 4 Leave no unguarded place, No weakness of the soul ; Take every virtue, every grace, And fortify the whole : Indissolubly join'd, To battle all proceed ; But arm yourselves with all the mind That was in Christ, your Head. HYMN 267. s. m. 1 T3UT, above all, lay hold -*-* On faith's victorious shield ; Arm'd with that adamant and gold, Be sure to win the field : If faith surround your heart, Satan shall be subdued ; Repell'd his every fiery dart, And quench'd with Jesu's blood. 2 Jesus hath died for you ! What can his love withstand ? Believe, hold fast your shield, and who Shall pluck you from his hand ? Believe that Jesus reigns ; All power to him is given : For Believers Fighting. 255 Believe, till freed from sin's remains ; Believe yourselves to heaven ! 3 To keep your armour bright, Attend with constant care, Still walking in your Captain's sight, And watching unto prayer. Ready for all alarms, Steadfastly set your face, And always exercise your arms, And use your every grace. 4 Pray, without ceasing pray ; Your Captain gives the word ; His summons cheerfully obey,

A thing from which we cannot part ? We can ; we now rejoice to tear The idol from our bleeding heart. 6 Jesus, accept our sacrifice ; All things for thee we count but loss ; Lo ! at thy word our Isaac dies, Dies on the altar of thy cross 7 For what to thee, O Lord, we give, A hundred-fold we here obtain ; And soon with thee shall all receive, And loss shall be eternal gain. HYMN 287. 7's. 1 f OMNIPRESENT God ! whose aid ^S No one ever ask'd in vain, Be this night about my bed, Every evil thought restrain : Lay thy hand upon my soul, God of my unguarded hours ! All my enemies control, Hell, and earth, and nature's powers. 27 O For Believers Fighting. 2 O thou jealous God ! come down. God of spotless purity ; Claim, and seize me for thy own, Consecrate my heart to thee : Under thy protection take ; Songs in the night season give ; Let me sleep to thee, and wake ; Let me die to thee, and live. Only tell me I am thine, And thou wilt not quit thy right ; Answer me in dreams divine, Dreams and visions of the night : Bid me even in sleep go on, Restlessly my God desire ; Mourn for God in every groan, God in every thought require. Loose me from the chains of sense, Set me from the body free ; Draw with stronger influence My unfetter'd soul to thee : In me, Lord, thyself reveal ; Fill me with a sweet surprise ; Let me thee, when waking, feel, Let me in thy image rise. HYMN 288. 8's8r6's. 1 r\ GOD, thy faithfulness I plead ! V^ My present help in time of need, My great Deliverer thou ! Haste to my aid, thine ear incline, And rescue this poor soul of mine ! I claim the promise now J For Believers Fighting. 277 2 Where is the way ? Ah, show me where, That I thy mercy may declare, The power that sets me free : How can I my destruction shun ? How can I from my nature run ? Answer, O God, for me ! 3 One only way the erring mind Of man, short-sighted man, can find,

To persevering prayer : Till we see the perfect day, And each wakes up a sinless saint, Pray we, every moment pray, And never, never faint. For Believers Praying. 285 5 Pray we on when all renew'd, And perfected in love ! Till we see the Saviour God Descending from above, All his heavenly charms survey, Beyond what angel minds can paint, Pray we, every moment pray, And never, never faint. HYMN 296. s. m. 1 HHHE praying Spirit breathe, ■*■ The watching power impart ; From all entanglements beneath Call off my peaceful heart : My feeble mind sustain, By worldly thoughts opprest ; Appear, and bid me turn again To my eternal rest. 2 Swift to my rescue come, Thy own this moment seize ; Gather my wand'ring spirit home, And keep in perfect peace : Suffer' d no more to rove O'er all the earth abroad, Arrest the prisoner of thy love, And shut me up in God. HYMN 297- c. m. 1 OHEPHERD Divine, our wants relieve. ^ In this our evil clay : To all thy tempted followers give The power to watch and pray. 2 Long as our fiery trials last, Long as the cross we bear, O let our souls on thee be cast In never-ceasing prayer. 2ov For Relievers Praying. 3 The Spirit of interceding grace Give us in faith to claim ; To wrestle till we see thy face, And know thy hidden name. 4 Till thou thy perfect love impart, Till thou thyself bestow, Be this the cry of every heart, " I will not let thee go. 5 "I will not let thee go, unless Thou tell thy name to me ; With all thy great salvation bless, And make me all like thee. 6 " Then let me on the mountain-top Behold thy open face ; Where faith in sight is swallow'd up, And prayer in endless praise. " 1 f~\ Wondrous power of faithful prayer ! ^-* What tongue can tell the' almighty grace ? God's hands or bound or open are, As Moses or Elijah prays : Let Moses in the spirit groan, And God cries out, "Let me alone! 2 " Let me alone, that all my wrath May rise the wicked to consume ! While justice hears thy praying faith,

It cannot seal the sinner's doom : My Son is in my servant's prayer, And Jesus forces me to spare.' ' 3 O blessed word of gospel grace ! Which now we for our Israel plead ; A faithless and backsliding race, Whom thou hast out of Egypt freed : For Believers Praying. 287 0 do not then in wrath chastise, Nor let thy whole displeasure rise. Father, we ask in Jesu's name ; In Jesu's power and spirit pray ! Divert thy vengeful thunder's aim ! O turn thy threat' ning wrath away ! Our guilt and punishment remove, And magnify thy pardoning love. Father, regard thy pleading Son ! Accept his all-availing prayer ; And send a peaceful answer down, In honour of our Spokesman there ; Whose blood proclaims our sins forgiven, And speaks thy rebels up to heaven. HYMN 299. 7,x8f6,s. 1 TESUS, thou hast bid us pray, ** Pray always, and not faint ; With the word a power convey To utter our complaint : Quiet shalt thou never know, Till we from sin are fully freed ; O avenge us of our foe, And bruise the Serpent's head ! 2 We have now begun to cry, And we will never end, Till we find salvation nigh, And grasp the Sinner's Friend : Day and night we '11 speak our woe, With thee importunately plead : O avenge us of our foe, And bruise the Serpent's head ! 3 Speak the word, and we shall be From all our bands released ; Only thou canst set us free, By Satan long oppress'd : .^oa Jfor Believers Praying. Now thy power almighty show ; Arise, the Woman's conquering Seed O avenge us of our foe, And bruise the Serpent's head ! 4 To destroy his work of sin, Thyself in us reveal ; Manifest thyself within Our flesh, and fully dwell With u», in us, here below ; Enter, and make us free indeed : O avenge us of our foe, And bruise the Serpent's head ! 5 Stronger than the strong man, thou His fury canst control : Cast him out, by entering now, And keep our ransom'd soul ; Satan's kingdom overthrow, On all the powers of darkness tread ; O avenge us of our foe, And bruise the Serpent's head ! 6 To the never-ceasing cries

For thine immortal praise ; A pure desire that all may learn, And glorify, thy grace. 6 I rest upon thy word ; The promise is for me ; My succour and salvation, Lord, Shall surely come from thee : But let me still abide, Nor from my hope remove, Till thou my patient spirit guide Into thy perfect love. For Believers Praying* 291 HYMN 302. J's. 1 ORD, that I may learn of thee, -" Give me true simplicity ; Wean my soul, and keep it low, Willing thee alone to know. 2 Let me cast my reeds aside, All that feeds my knowing pride ; Not to man, but God submit, Lay my reasonings at thy feet : 3 Of my boasted wisdom spoil'd, Docile, helpless as a child ; Only seeing in thy light, Only walking in thy might. 4 Then infuse the teaching grace, Spirit of truth and righteousness ; Knowledge, love divine, impart, Life eternal, to my heart. HYMN 303. s. m. 1 AH, when shall I awake ^~*- From sin's soft-soothing power, The slumber from my spirit shake, And rise to fall no more ! Awake, no more to sleep, But stan.d with constant care, Looking for God my soul to keep, And watching unto prayer ! 2 O could I always pray, And never, never faint, But simply to my God display My every care and want ! I know that thou would'st give • More than I can request ; -292 For Believers Praying. Thou still art ready to receive My soul to perfect rest. 3 I feel thee willing, Lord, A sinful world to save : All may obey thy gracious word, May peace and pardon have. Not one of all the race But may return to thee, -- But at the throne of sovereign grace May fall and weep, like me. 4 Here will I ever lie, And tell thee all my care, And, Father, Abba, Father, cry, And pour a ceaseless prayer ; Till thou my sins subdue, Till thou my sins destroy, My spirit after God renew, And fill with peace and joy. 5 Messiah, Prince of Peace, Into my soul bring in The everlasting righteousness, And make an end of sin. Into all those that seek Redemption through thy blood, The sanctifying Spirit speak, The plenitude of God. 6 Let us in patience wait

1 /^ OD of all grace and majesty, ^J Supremely great and good ! If I have mercy found with thee, Through the atoning blood ; The guard of all thy mercies give, And to my pardon join A fear lest 1 should ever grieve The gracious Spirit Divine. 2 If mercy is indeed with thee, May I obedient prove ; Nor e'er abuse my liberty. Or sin against thy love : This choicest fruit of faith bestow On a poor sojourner ; And let me pass my days below In humbleness and fear. For Believers IVatching. 2^7 Rather I would in darkness mourn The absence of thy peace, Than e'er by light irreverence turn Thy grace to wantonness : Rather I would, in painful awe. Beneath thine anger move, Than sin against the gospel law Of liberty and love. But, O ! thou would'st not have me live In bondage, grief, or pain ; Thou dost not take delight to grieve The helpless sons of men : Thy will is my salvation, Lord ; And let it now take place ! And let me tremble at the word Of reconciling grace. Still may I walk as in thy sight, My strict observer see ; And thou by reverent love unite My child-like heart to thee : Still let me, till my days are past. At Jesu's feet abide ; So shall he lift me up at last, And seat me by his side. HYMN 308. cm d. I WANT a principle within Of jealous, godly fear ; A sensibility of sin, A pain to feel it near. I want the first approach to feel Of pride, or fond desire ; To catch the wand'ring of my will, And quench the kindling fire. 298 For Believer* If \i telling. 2 That I from thee no more may part, No more thy goodness grieve, The filial awe, the fleshly heart, The tender conscience, give. Quick as the apple of an eye, O God, my conscience make ! Awake my soul, when sin is nigh, And keep it still awake. 3 If to the right or left I stray, That moment, Lord, reprove ; And let me weep my life away, For having grieved thy love. O may the least omission pain My well-instructed soul ; And drive me to the blood again, Which makes the wounded whole !

Thee may I publish all day long ; And let thy precious word of grace Flow from my heart, and fill my tongue , Fill all my life with purest love, And join me to the church above. For Believers Suffering. HYMN 329. c. m. 1 HPHEE, Jesus, full of truth and grace, *- Thee, Saviour, we adore ; Thee in affliction's furnace praise, And magnify thy power. 2 Thy power, in human weakness shown, Shall make us all entire ; We now thy guardian presence own, And walk unburn'd in fire. 3 Thee, Son of Man, by faith we see, And glory in our guide ; Surrounded and upheld by thee, The fiery test abide. 4 The fire our graces shall refine, Till, moulded from above, We bear the character divine, The stamp of perfect love. 1 O AVIOUR of all, what hast thou done, ^ What hast thou suffer'd on the tree ? Why didst thou groan thy mortal groan, Obedient unto death for me ? The mystery of thy passion show, The end of all thy griefs below. 2 Thy soul, for sin an offering made, Hath clear'd this guilty soul of mine ; Thou hast for me a ransom paid, To change my human to divine, o!4 For Believers Suffering. To cleanse from all iniquity, And make the sinner all like thee. 3 Pardon, and grace, and heaven to buy, My bleeding Sacrifice expired ; But didst thou not my Pattern die, That, by thy glorious Spirit fired, Faithful to death I might endure, And make the crown by suffering- sure ? 4 Thou didst the meek example leave That I might in thy footsteps tread ; Might, like the Man of Sorrows, grieve, And groan and bow with thee my head ; Thy dying in my body bear, And all thy state of suffering share. 5 Thy every suffering servant, Lord, Shall as his perfect Master be ; To all thy inward life restored, And outwardly conform'd to thee, Out of thy grave the saint shall rise, And grasp, through death, the glorious prize. 6 This is the strait and royal way, That leads us to the courts above ; Here let me ever, ever stay, Till, on the wings of perfect love, I take my last triumphant flight, From Calvary's fo Sion's height. HYMN 331. c. m.

1 r I ^HOU, Lord, hast blest my going out ; A O bless my coming in ! Compass my weakness round about, And keep me safe from sin. For Believers Suffering. *3l0 2 Still hide me in thy secret place, Thy tabernacle spread ; Shelter me with preserving grace, And screen my naked head. 3 To thee for refuge may I run, From sin's alluring snare ; Ready its first approach to shun, And watching unto prayer. 4 O that I never, never more Might from thy ways depart ! Here let me give my wanderings o'er, By giving thee my heart. 5 Fix my new heart on things above, And then from earth release ; I ask not life, but let me love, And lay me down in peace. MASTER, I own thy lawful claim, Thine, wholly thine, I long to be ! Thou seest, at last, I willing am, Where'er thou go'st, to follow thee ; Myself in all things to deny ; Thine, wholly thine, to live and die. Whate'er my sinful flesh requires, For thee I cheerfully forego ; My covetous and vain desires, My hopes of happiness below ; My senses' and my passions' food, And all my thirst for creature-good. Pleasure, and wealth, and praise no more Shall lead my captive soul astray : My fond pursuits I all give o'er, Thee, only thee, resolved to' obey ; OlO for Believers Suffering. My own in all things to resign, And know no other will but thine. 4 All power is thine in earth and heaven ; All fulness dwells in thee alone ; Whate'er I have was freely given ; Nothing but sin I call my own ; Other propriety disclaim ; Thou only art the great I AM. 5 Wherefore to thee I all resign ; Being thou art, and Love, and Power ; Thy only will be done, not mine ! Thee, Lord, let heaven and earth adore ! Flow back the rivers to the sea, And let our all be lost in thee ! HYMN 333. 8'* §• &s. 1 /^OME on, my partners in distress, ^-^ My comrades through the wilderness, Who still your bodies feel ; A while forget your griefs and fears, And look beyond this vale of tears, To that celestial hill. 2 Beyond the bounds of time and space, Look forward to that heavenly place,

3 Thy nature be my law, Thy spotless sanctity, And sweetly every moment draw My happy soul to thee. Soul of my soul remain ! Who didst for all fulfil, In me, O Lord, fulfil again Thy heavenly Father's will. HYMN 341. l.m. O JESUS, let thy dying cry Pierce to the bottom of my heart, Its evils cure, its wants supply, And bid my unbelief depart Seeking for full Redemption. 3*2,3 2 Slay the dire root and seed of sin ; Prepare for thee the holiest place ; Then, O essential Love, come in ! And fill thy house with endless praise. 3 Let me, according to thy word, A tender, contrite heart receive, Which grieves at having grieved its Lord, And never can itself forgive : 4 A heart thy joys and griefs to feel, A heart that cannot faithless prove, A heart where Christ alone may dwell, All praise, all meekness, and all love. HYMN 342. cm. 1 /""^ OD of eternal truth and grace, ^^ Thy faithful promise seal ! Thy word, thy oath, to Abraham's race, In us, even us, fulfil. 2 Let us, to perfect love restored, Thy image here retrieve ; And in the presence of our Lord The life of angels live. 3 That mighty faith on me bestow, Which cannot ask in vain ; Which holds, and will not let thee go, Till I my suit obtain : 4 Till thou into my soul inspire The perfect love unknown, And tell my infinite desire, " Whate'er thou wilt, be done.'* 5 But is it possible that I Should live and sin no more ? Lord, if on thee I dare rely, The faith shall bring the power. o!s4 Seeking for full Redemption. 6 On me that faith divine bestow, Which doth the mountain move ; And all my spotless life shall show The' omnipotence of love. HYMN 343. c. m. 1 (~\ FOR a heart to praise my God, ^-^ A heart from sin set free ! A heart that always feels thy blood So freely spilt for me ! 2 A heart resign'd, submissive, meek, My great Redeemer's throne ; Where only Christ is heard to speak, Where Jesus reigns alone : 3 A humble, lowly, contrite heart, Believing, true, and clean ; Which neither life nor death can part From him that dwells within :

4 A heart in every thought renew'd, And full of love divine ; Perfect, and right, and pure, and good, A copy, Lord, of thine ! 5 Thy tender heart is still the same, And melts at human woe : Jesus, for thee distress'd I am, I want thy love to know. 6 My heart, thou know'st, can never rest, Till thou create my peace ; Till, of my Eden re-possest, From every sin I cease. 7 Fruit of thy gracious lips, on me Bestow that peace unknown, The hidden manna, and the tree Of life, and the white stone. Seeking for full Redemption. o*ZO 8 Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart ; Come quickly from above ; Write thy new name upon my heart, Thy new, best name of love. 1 r I ^HOU hidden love of God, whose height. A Whose depth unfathom'd, no man knows ; I see from far thy beauteous light, Inly I sigh for thy repose : My heart is pain'd, nor can it be At rest, till it finds rest in thee. 2 Thy secret voice invites me still The sweetness of thy yoke to prove ; And fain I would ; but though my will Seems fix'd, yet wide my passions rove ; Yet hindrances strew all the way ; I aim at thee, yet from thee stray. 3 'Tis mercy all, that thou hast brought My mind to seek her peace in thee ; Yet while I seek, but find thee not ; No peace my wandering soul shall see ; O when shall all my wanderings end, And all my steps to thee-ward tend ! 4 Is there a thing beneath the sun That strives with thee my heart to share ; All, tear it thence, and reign alone, The Lord of every motion there ! Then shall my heart from earth be free, When it hath found repose in thee 5 O hide this self from me, that I No more, but Christ in me, may live ; My vile affections crucify, Nor let one darling lust survive ! o2b Seeking for full Redemption. In all tilings nothing may I see, Nothing desire or seek, hut thee ! 6 O Love, thy sovereign aid impart, To save me from low-thoughted care ; Chase this self-will through all my heart,

1 ORD, I believe thy every word, -■-- ' Thy every promise, true ; And, lo ! I wait on thee, my Lord, Till I my strength renew. 2 If in this feeble flesh I may Awhile show forth thy praise : Jesu, support the tottering clay, And lengthen out my days. 3 If such a worm as I can spread The common Saviour's name ; Let him who raised thee from the dead Quicken my mortal frame. 4 Still let me live thy blood to show, Which purges every stain ; And gladly linger out below, A few more years in pain. 5 Spare me till I my strength of soul, Till I thy love, retrieve ; Till faith shall make my spirit whole, And perfect soundness give. 6 Faith to be heal'd thou know'st I have, From sin to be made clean ; Able thou art from sin to save From all indwelling sin. fj40 Seeking fur fall Redemption. 7 Surely thou canst, I do not doubt, Thou wilt, thyself impart ; The bond-woman's base son east out, And take up all my heart. 8 I shall my ancient strength renew : The excellence divine (If thou art good, if thou art true) Throughout my soul shall shine. 9 I shall, a weak and helpless worm, Through Jesus strengthening me, Impossibilities perform, And live from sinning free. 10 For this in steadfast hope I wait ; Now, Lord, my soul restore ; Now the new heavens and earth create, And I shall sin no more. HYMN 357. c. m. Matt. vi. 10. 1 TESUS, the Life, the Truth, the Way, *J In whom 1 now believe, As taught by thee, in faith I pray, Expecting to receive. 2 Thy will by me on earth be done, As by the choirs above, Who always see thee on thy throne, And glory in thy love. 3 I ask in confidence the grace, That I may do thy will, As angels, who behold thy face, And all thy words fulfil. 4 Surely I shall, the sinner I Shall serve thee without fear ; My heart no longer gives the lie To my deceitful prayer. Seeking for full Redemption. «34 1 5 When thou the work of faith hast wrought, I shall be pure within, Nor sin in deed, or word, or thought ; For angels never sin.

Well-pleasing in thy sight. I ask no higher state ; Indulge me but in this, And soon or later then translate To my eternal bliss. Seeking for full Redemption. oDO HYMN 368. 7's §• 6Y 1 T^ATHER, see this living clod, -*- This spark of heavenly fire ; See my soul, the breath of God, Doth after God aspire : Let it still to heaven ascend, Till I my principle rejoin, Blended with my glorious end, And lost in love divine. 2 Lord, if thou from me hast broke The power of outward sin, Burst this Babylonish yoke, And make me free within : Bid my inbred sin depart, And I thy utmost word shall prove, Upright both in life and heart, And perfected in love. 3 God of all-sufficient grace, My God in Christ thou art ; Bid me walk before thy face, Till I am pure in heart ; Till, transform'd by faith divine, I gain that perfect love unknown, Bright in all thine image shine, By putting on thy Son. 4 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, In council join again, To restore thine image lost By frail, apostate man : O might I thy form express, Through faith begotten from above, Stamp'd with real holiness, And fill'd with perfect love. 354 Seeking for full Redemption* HYMN 369. l. m. 1 f\ GOD, most merciful and true ! ^^ Thy nature to my soul impart ; 'Stablish with me the cov'nant new, And write perfection on my heart. 2 To real holiness restored, 0 let me gain my Saviour's mind ! And, in the knowledge of my Lord, Fulness of life eternal find. 3 Remember, Lord, my sins no more, That them I may no more forget ; But sunk in guiltless shame adore, With speechless wonder, at thy feet. 4 O'erwhelm'd with thy stupendous grace, 1 shall not in thy presence move ; But breathe unutterable praise, And rapturous awe, and silent love. 5 Then every murmuring thought and vain Expires, in sweet confusion lost ; I cannot of my cross complain ; I cannot of my goodness boast. 6 Pardon'd for all that I have done, My mouth as in the dust I hide ; And glory give to God alone, My God for ever pacified ! HYMN 370. c. m

1 TVEEPEN the wound thy hands have made U In this weak, helpless soul, Till mercy, with its balmy aid, Descends to make me whole. Seeking for full Redemption. oOO 2 The sharpness of thy two-edged sword Enable me to' endure ; Till bold to say, My hallowing Lord Hath wrought a perfect cure. 3 I see the' exceeding broad command, Which all contains in one : Enlarge my heart to understand The mystery unknown. 4 O that with all thy saints I might By sweet experience prove, What is the length, and breadth, and height, And depth, of perfect love ! WHAT now is my object and aim ? What now is my hope and desire ? To follow the heavenly Lamb, And after his image aspire : My hope is all centred in thee ; I trust to recover thy love, On earth thy salvation to see, And then to enjoy it above. I thirst for a life-giving God, A God that on Calvary died ; A fountain of water and blood, Which gush'd from Immanuel's side ! I gasp for the stream of thy love, The Spirit of rapture unknown : And then to re-drink it above, Eternally fresh from the throne. ODD Seeking for full Redemption GIVE me the enlarged desire. And open, Lord, my soul, Thy own fulness to require, And comprehend the whole : Stretch my faith's capacity Wider, and yet wider still ; Then with all that is in thee My soul for ever fill ! 1 TESU, thy boundless love to me *J No thought can reach, no tongue declare; O knit my thankful heart to thee, And reign without a rival there : Thine wholly, thine alone, I am ; Be thou alone my constant flame ! 2 O grant that nothing in my soul May dwell, but thy pure love alone : O may thy love possess me whole, My joy, my treasure, and my crown ; Strange flames far from my heart remove ; My every act, word, thought, be love ! 3 O Love, how cheering is thy ray ! All pain before thy presence flies ; Care, anguish, sorrow, melt away, Where'er thy healing beams arise : O Jesu, nothing may 1 see, Nothing desire, or seek, but thee ! 4 Unwearied may I this pursue,

Dauntless to the high prize aspire ; Hourly within my soul renew This holy flame, this heavenly fire ; And day and night be all my care To guard the sacred treasure there. Seeking for full Redemption. Ooi 5 My Saviour, thou thy love to me In shame, in want, in pain, hast show'd ; For me, on the accursed tree, Thou pouredst forth thy guiltless Mood ; Thy wounds upon my heart impress, Nor aught shall the loved stamp efface. 6 More hard than marble is my heart, And foul with sins of deepest stain ; But thou the mighty Saviour art, Nor flow'd thy cleansing blood in vain ; Ah, soften, melt this rock, and may Thy blood wash all these stains away ! / O that I, as a little child, Mav follow thee, and never rest Till sweetly thou hast breathed thy mild And lowly mind into my breast ! Nor ever may we parted be, Till I become one spirit with thee. 8 Still let thy love point out my way ! How wondrous things thy love hath wrought ! Still lead me, lest I go astray ; Direct my word, inspire my thought ; And if I fall, soon may I hear Thy voice, and know that love is near. 9 In suffering be thy love my peace ; In weakness be thy love my power ; And when the storms of life shall cease, Jesus, in that important hour, In death as life be thou my guide, And save me, who for me hast died. 358 Seeking for full Redemption. 1 nOME, Holy Ghost, all-quick 'ning fire ^-^ Come, and in me delight to rest ; Drawn by the lure of strong desire, O come and consecrate my breast ! The temple of my soul prepare, And fix thy sacred presence there ! 2 If now thy influence I feel, If now in thee begin to live, Still to my heart thyself reveal ; Give me thyself, for ever give : A point my good, a drop my store, Eager I ask, I pant for more. 3 Eager for thee I ask and pant ; So strong the principle divine, Carries me out with sweet constraint, Till all my hallow'd soul is thine ; Plunged in the Godhead's deepest sea, And lost in thine immensity. 4 My peace, my life, my comfort thou,

My treasure, and my all thou art ! True witness of my sonship, now Engraving pardon on my heart, Seal of my sins in Christ forgiven, Earnest of love, and pledge of heaven. 5 Come, then, my God, mark out thine heir; Of heaven a larger earnest give ! With clearer light thy witness bear ; More sensibly within me live ; Let all my powers thine entrance feel, And deeper stamp thyself the seal ! Seeking for full Redemption. d59 1 OAVIOUR from sin, I wait to prove ^ That Jesus is thy healing name ; To lose, when perfected in love, Whate'er I have, or can, or am : I stay me on thy faithful word, "The servant shall be as his Lord." 2 Answer that gracious end in me, For which thy precious life was given ; Redeem from all iniquity ; Restore, and make me meet for heaven ! Unless thou purge my every stain, Thy suffering and my faith are vain. 3 Didst thou not in the flesh appear, Sin to condemn, and man to save? That perfect love might cast out fear ? That I thy mind in me might have ? In holiness show forth thy praise, And serve thee all my spotless days ? 4 Didst thou not die that I might live No longer to myself but thee ? Might body, soul, and spirit, give To him who gave himself for me ? Come then, my Master, and my God, Take the dear purchase of thy blood. 5 Thy own peculiar servant claim, For thy own truth and mercy's sake ; Hallow in me thy glorious name ; Me for thine own this moment lake. And change and throughly purify ; Thine only may I live and die. •JOO Seeking fur full Redemption. J WANT the spirit of power within, JL Of love, and of a healthful mind ; Of power, to conquer inbred sin ; Of love, to thee and all mankind ; Of health, that pain and death defies, Most vigorous when the bodv dies. 2 When shall I hear the inward voice, Which only faithful souls can hear ? Pardon, and peace, and heavenly joys, Attend the promised Comforter ; 0 come, and righteousness divine, And Christ, and all with Christ, aie mine! A O that the Comforter would come !

The man f sin consume ; Slay him with thy Spirit, Lord ; Reign thou in my heart alone ; Speak the sanctifying word, And seal me all thine own. HYMN 384. c. m. 1 KNOW that my Redeemer lives, A And ever prays for me ; A token of his love he gives, A pledge of liberty. 2 I find him lifting up my head, He brings salvation near ; His presence makes me free indeed, And he will soon appear. t)()o Seeking for fall Redemption. 3 He wills that I should holy he ; What can withstand his will ? The counsel of his grace in me He surely shall fulfil. 4 Jesus, I hang upon thy word ; I steadfastly believe Thou wilt return and claim me, Lord, And to thyself receive. 5 Joyful in hope, my spirit soars To meet thee from above, Thy goodness thankfully adores ; And sure I taste thy love. 6 Thy love I soon expect to find, In all its depth and height ; To comprehend the' Eternal Mind, And grasp the Infinite. 7 When God is mine, and I am his, Of paradise possest, I taste unutterable bliss, And everlasting rest. 8 The bliss of those that fully dwell, Fully in thee believe, 'Tis more than angel-tongues can tell, Or angel -minds conceive. 9 Thou only know'st, who didst obtain, And die to make it known ; The great salvation now explain, And perfect us in one ! HYMN 385. 8's§ 7's. I OVE Divine, all loves excelling, -" Joy of heaven, to earth come down ; Seeking for full Redemption. 369 Fix in us thy humble dwelling, All thy faithful mercies crown : Jesus, thou art all compassion ; Pure, unbounded love thou art ; Visit us with thy salvation ; Enter every trembling heart. 2 Come, almighty to deliver, Let us all thy grace receive ; Suddenly return, and never, Never more, thy temples leave : Thee we would be always blessing ; Serve thee as thy hosts above ; Pray, and praise thee, without ceasing, Glory in thy perfect love. 3 Finish, then, thy new creation, Pure and spotless let us be ; Let us see thy great salvation, Perfectly restored in thee : Changed from glory into glory, Till in heaven we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before thee,

Lost in wonder, love, and praise ! HYMN 386. l, h. 1 A RM of the Lord, awake, awake ! -^"*- Thine own immortal strength put on ! With terror clothed, hell's kingdom shake, And cast thy foes with fury down ! 2 As in the ancient days appear ; The sacred annals speak thy fame : Be now omnipotently near, To endless ages still the same o/U Seeking for fu II Redemption . 3 Thy arm, Lord, is not shorten 'd now ; Jt wants not now the power to save ; Still present with thy people, thou Bear'st them through life's disparted wave. 4 By death and hell pursued in vain, To thee the ransom'd seed shall come ; Shouting, their heavenly Sion gain, And pass through death triumphant home. 5 The pain of life shall there he o'er, The anguish and distracting care ; There sighing grief shall weep no more, And sin shall never enter there. 6 Where pure, essential joy is found, The Lord's redeem'd their heads shall raise, With everlasting gladness crown'd, And hll'd with love, and lost in praise. HYMN 387. s. m. PRISONERS of hope, arise, And see your Lord appear : Lo ! on the wings of love he flies, And brings redemption near. Redemption in his blood He calls you to receive : " Look unto me, the pardoning God ; Believe," he cries, " believe !" 2 The reconciling word We thankfully embrace ; Rejoice in our redeeming Lord, A blood-besprinkled race. Seeking for full Redemption. 371 We yield to be set free ; Thy counsel we approve ; Salvation, praise, ascribe to thee, And glory in thy love. 3 Jesus, to thee we look, Till saved from sin's remains ; Reject the inbred tyrant's yoke, And cast away his chains. Our nature shall no more O'er us dominion have ; By faith we apprehend the power Which shall for ever save ! HYMN 388. l. m. 1 f\ THAT my load of sin were gone ! ^^ O that 1 could at last submit At Jesu's feet to lay it down, To lay my soul at Jesu's feet ! 2 When shall mine eyes behold the Lamb ? The God of my salvation see ? Weary, O Lord, thou know'st I am ; Yet still I cannot come to thee.

3 Rest for my soul I long to find : Saviour of all, if mine thou art, Give me thy meek and lowly mind, And stamp thine image on my heart. 4 Break off the yoke of inbred sin, And fully set my spirit free : I cannot rest till pure within, Till I am wholly lost in thee. 5 Fain would 1 learn of thee, my God ; Thy light and easy burden prove, The cross, all stain 'd with hallovv'd blood, The labour of thy dying love. 2 A i? 372 Seeking for full Redemption, (> I would, but thou must give the power ; My heart from every sin release ; Bring near, bring near, the joyful hour, And fill me with thy perfect peace. 7 Come, Lord, the drooping sinner cheer, Nor let thy chariot wheels delay ; Appear, in my poor heart appear ! My God, my Saviour, come away ! HYMN 389. c. m. 1 r\ JESUS, at thy feet we wait, ^^ Till thou shalt bid us rise, Restored to our unsinning state, To love's sweet paradise. 2 Saviour from sin, we thee receive, From all indwelling sin : Thy blood, we steadfastly believe, Shall make us throughly clean. 3 Since thou would'st have us free from sin, And pure as those above, Make haste to bring thy nature in, And perfect us in love. 4 The counsel of thy love fulfil ; Come quickly, gracious Lord ! Be it, according to thy will, According to thy word ! 5 According to our faith in thee Let it to us be done ; O that we all thy face might see, And know as we are known ! (> O that the perfect grace were given, The love diffused abroad ! O that our hearts were all a heaven, For ever fill'd with God ! Seeking for full Redemption. 373 HYMN 390. 6-J's. 1 OINCE the Son hath made me free, ^ Let me taste my liberty ; Thee behold with open face, Triumph in thy saving grace ; Thy great will delight to prove, Glory in thy perfect love. 2 Abba, Father! hear thy chjld, Late in Jesus reconciled ; Hear, and all the graces shower, All the joy, and peace, and power, All my Saviour asks above, All the life and heaven of love.

3 Lord, I will not let thee go, Till the blessing thou bestow : Hear my Advocate Divine ! Lo ! to his my suit I join ; Join'd to his, it cannot fail : Bless me ; for I will prevail ! 4 Heavenly Father, Life Divine, Change my nature into thine ! Move and spread throughout my soul, Actuate and fill the whole ! Be it I no longer now Living in the flesh, but Thou. 5 Holy Ghost, no more delay ! Come, and in thy temple stay ! Now thine inward witness bear, Strong, and permanent, and clear : Spring of Life, thyself impart : Rise eternal in my heart ! o74 Seeking for full Redemption. HYMN 391. l.m. Ezekiel xxxvi. 25, &c. 1 /^ OD of all power, and truth, and grace, ^J Which shall from age to age endure ; Whose word, when heaven and earth shall pass, Remains and stands for ever sure : 2 That I thy mercy may proclaim, That all mankind thy truth may see, Hallow thy great and glorious name, And perfect holiness in me. 3 Thy sanctifying Spirit pour, To quench my thirst, and make me clean . Now, Father, let the gracious shower Descend, and make me pure from sin. 4 Purge me from every sinful blot ; My idols all be cast aside ; Cleanse me from every sinful thought, From all the filth of self and pride. 5 Give me a new, a perfect heart, From doubt, and fear, and sorrow free ; The mind which was in Christ impart, And let my spirit cleave to thee. (> O take this heart of stone away ! Thy sway it doth not, cannot own : In me no longer let it stay ; O take away this heart of stone ! 7 O that I now, from sin released, Thy word may to the utmost prove, Enter into the promised rest, The Canaan of thy perfect love ! HYMN 392. l. m. 1 T^ATHER, supply my every need ; r Sustain the life thyself hast given ; Seeking for full Redemption. 3/5 Call for the never-failing bread, The manna that comes down from heaven. 2 The gracious fruits of righteousness, Thy blessings' unexhausted store, In me abundantly increase ; Nor ever let me hunger more. 3 Let me no more, in deep complaint,

" My leanness, O my leanness ! " cry : Alone consumed with pining want, Of all my Father's children I. 4 The painful thirst, the fond desire, Thy joyous presence shall remove ; But my full soul shall still require A whole eternity of love. HYMN 393. l. m. 1 TTOLY, and true, and righteous Lord, ^A I wait to prove thy perfect will ; Be mindful of thy gracious word, And stamp me with thy Spirit's seal. 2 Open my faith's interior eye ; Display thy glory from above ; And all 1 am shall sink and die, Lost in astonishment and love. 3 Confound, o'erpower me by thy grace ; I would be by myself abhorr'd ; All might, all majesty, all praise, All glory, be to Christ my Lord. 4 Now let me gain perfection's height; Now let me into nothing fall ; Be less than nothing in thy sight ; And feel that Christ is all in all ! 37 V Seeking for full Redemption. 1 f\ GOD of our forefathers, hear, ^^ And make thy faithful mercies known : To thee, through Jesus, we draw near, Thy suffering, well-beloved Son, In whom thy smiling face we see, In whom thou art well pleased with me. 2 With solemn faith we offer up, And spread before thy glorious eyes, That only ground of all our hope, That precious, bleeding Sacrifice, Which brings thy grace on sinners down, And perfects all our souls in one. 3 Acceptance through his only name, Forgiveness in his blood, we have ; But more abundant life we claim Through him, who died our souls to save, To sanctify us by his blood, And fill with all the life of God. 4 Father, behold thy dying Son, And hear the blood that speaks above ! On us let all thy grace be shown : Peace, righteousness, and joy, and love,-- Thy kingdom, -- come to every heart, And all thou hast, and all thou art. 1 f\ GOD, to whom, in flesh reveal'd, ^^ The helpless all for succour came, The sick to be relieved and heal'd, And found salvation in thy name : 2 With publicans and harlots, I, In these thy Spirit's gospel days, To thee, the sinner's Friend, draw nigh. And humbly sue for saving grace Seeking for full Redemption. 377 3 Thou seest me helpless and distrest,

In every place and age the same ? Hast thou forgot thy gracious skill, Or lost the virtue of thy name ? 4 Faith in thy changeless name I have ; The good, the kind Physician, thou Art able now our souls to save, Art willing to restore them now. Seeking for full Redemption. 379 5 Though seventeen hundred years are past Since thou didst in the flesh appear, Thy tender mercies ever last ; And still thy healing power is here ! 6 Wouldst thou the body's health restore, And not regard the sin-sick soul? The sin -sick soul thou lov'st much more, And surely thou shalt make it whole. 7 All my disease, my every sin, To thee, O Jesus, I confess : In pardon, Lord, my cure begin, And perfect it in holiness. 8 That token of thine utmost good Now, Saviour, now on me bestow ; And purge my conscience with thy blood, And wash my nature white as snow. HYMN 398. 7>s. 1 CAVIOUR of the sin-sick soul, ^ Give me faith to make me whole ! Finish thy great work of grace, Cut it short in righteousness. 2 Speak the second time, "Be clean !" Take away my inbred sin ; Every stumbling-block remove ; Cast it out by perfect love. 3 Nothing less will I require, Nothing more can I desire : None but Christ to me be given ! None but Christ in earth or heaven 4 O that I might now decrease ! O that all I am might cease ! Let me into nothing fall, Let my Lord be all in all ! oo\) Seeking for full Redemption, HYMN 399. 7's. 1 IGHT of Life, seraphic fire, J-^ Love Divine, thyself impart ; Every fainting soul inspire ; Shine in every drooping heart ! Every mournful sinner cheer ; Scatter all our guilty gloom ; Son of God, appear, appear ! To thy human temples come. 2 Come, in this accepted hour ; Bring thy heavenly kingdom in ! Fill us with the glorious power, Rooting out the seeds of sin : Nothing more can we require, We will covet nothing less ; Be thou all our heart's desire, All our joy, and all our peace ! HYMN 400. 7's.

1 TESUS comes with all his grace, *J Comes to save a fallen race ; Object of our glorious hope, Jesus comes to lift us up ! 2 Let the living stones cry out ; Let the sons of Abraham shout : Praise we all our lowly King, Give him thanks, rejoice, and sing. 3 He hath our salvation wrought ; He our captive souls hath bought ; He hath reconciled to God ; He hath wash'd us in his blood. Scekmg for full Redemption. 381 4 We are now his lawful right, Walk as children of the light : We shall soon obtain the grace, Pure in heart, to see his face. 5 We shall gain our calling's prize ; After God we all shall rise, Fill'd with joy, and love, and peace, Perfected in holiness. 6 Let us then rejoice in hope, Steadily to Christ look up ; Trust to be redeem'd from sin, Wait, till he appear within. 7 Fools and madmen let us be, Yet is our sure trust in thee : Faithful is the promised word, We shall all be as our Lord. 8 Hasten, Lord, the perfect day ! Let thy every servant say, " I have now obtain 'd the power, Born of God, to sin no more." Mark ix. 23. ALL things are possible That can in Jesu's na to him name believe : Lord, I no more thy truth blaspheme, Thy truth I lovingly receive ; I can, I do believe in thee ; All things are possible to me. The most impossible of all Is, that I e'er from sin should cease ; Yet shall it be, 1 know it shall ; Jesus, look to thy faithfulness ! If nothing is too hard for thee, All things are possible to me. uoz, Seeking for full Redemption. 3 Though earth and hell the word gainsay, The word of God can never fail ; The Lamb shall take my sins away ; 'Tis certain, though impossible : The thing impossible shall be ; All things are possible to me. 4 When thou the work of faith hast wrought, I here shall in thine image shine, Nor sin in deed, or word, or thought ; Let men exclaim, and fiends repine, They cannot break the firm decree ; All things are possible to me. 5 Thy mouth, O Lord, hath spoke, hath sworn,

That I shall serve thee without fear, Shall find the pearl which others spurn, Holy, and pure, and perfect here : The servant as his Lord shall be ; All things are possible to me. 6 All things are possible to God, To Christ, the power of God in man, To me, when I am all renew'd, When I in Christ am form'd again, And witness, from all sin set free, All things are possible to me. HYMN 402. 7's8f6's. 1 f\ MIGHT I this moment cease ^S From every work of mine; Find the perfect holiness, The righteousness divine ! Let me thy salvation see ; Let me do thy perfect will ; Live in glorious liberty, And all thy fulness feel. Seeking for full Redemption. O cut short the work, and make Me now a creature new ; For thy truth and mercy's sake, The gracious wonder show : Call me forth thy witness, Lord ; Let my life declare thy power ; To thy perfect love restored, O let me sin no more ! Fain I would the truth proclaim, That makes me free indeed, Glorify my Saviour's Name, And all its virtues spread : Jesus all our wants relieves, Jesus, mighty to redeem, Saves, and to the utmost saves, All those that come to him. Perfect then thy mighty power In a weak, sinful worm ! All my sins destroy, devour, And all my soul transform ! Now apply thy Spirit's seal ; O come quickly from ahove ! Empty me of sin, and fill With all the life of love. HYMN 403. c. m. 1 ORD, 1 helieve a rest remains, ■*-^ To all thy people known, A rest where pure enjoyment reigns, And thou art loved alone : 2 A rest, where all our soul's desire Is fix'd on things ahove ; Where fear, and sin, and grief expire, Cast out by perfect love oo4 Seeking fur full Redemption. 3 O that I now the rest might know, Believe, and enter in ! Now, Saviour, now the power bestow, And let me cease from sin. 4 Remove this hardness from my heart, This unbelief remove : To me the rest of faith impart, The sabbath of thy love. 5 I would be thine, thou know'st I would,

And have thee all my own ; Thee, O my all-sufficient Good ! I want, and thee alone. C Thy name to me, thy nature grant ; This, only this be given ; Nothing beside my God I want ; Nothing in earth or heaven. 7 Come, O my Saviour, come away ! Into my soul descend ; No longer from thy creature stay, My Author and my End ! 8 Come, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, And seal me thine abode ! Let all T am in thee be lost ; Let all be lost in God. HYMN 404. 8's8r6's. 1 r\ GLORIOUS hope of perfect love! ^^ It lifts me up to things above ; It bears on eagles' wings ; It gives my ravish'd soul a taste, And makes me for some moments feast With Jesu's priests and kings. Seeking for full Redemption. 385 2 Rejoicing now in earnest hope, I stand, and from the mountain -top See all the land helow : Rivers of milk and honey rise, And all the fruits of Paradise In endless plenty grow. 3 A land of corn, and wine, and oil, Favour'd with God's peculiar smile, With every blessing blest ; There dwells the Lord our Righteousness, And keeps his own in perfect peace, And everlasting rest. 4 O that I might at once go up ! No more on this side Jordan stop, But now the land possess : This moment end my legal years ; Sorrows, and sins, and doubts, and fears, A howling wilderness. 5 Now, O my Joshua, bring me in ! Cast out thy foes ; the inbred sin, The carnal mind, remove ; The purchase of thy death divide ! And O I with all the sanctified Give me a lot of love ! HYMN 405. cm. 1 (~\ JOYFUL sound of gospel grace ! ^^ Christ shall in me appear ; I, even I, shall see his face ; I shall be holy here. 2 This heart shall be his constant home ; I hear his Spirit's cry : " Surely," he saith, " I quickly come ; He saith, who cannot lie. 386 Seeking for full Redemption. 3 The glorious crown of righteousness To me reach' d out I view ; Conqu'ror through him, I soon shall seize, And wear it as my due. 4 The promised land, from Pisgah's top,

And give thy servant to possess The land of rest from inbred sin, The land of perfect holiness. 7 Lord, 1 believe thy power the same ; The same thy truth and grace endure ; And in thy blessed hands I am, And trust thee for a perfect cure. 8 Come, Saviour, come, and make me whole ; Entirely all my sins remove ; To perfect health restore my soul, To perfect holiness and love. oJO Seeking Jar full Redemption. HYMN 409. c. m J TESUS, my Lord, I cry to thee *J Against the spirit unclean : I want a constant liberty, A perfect rest from sin. 2 Expel the fiend out of my heart, By love's almighty power ; Now, now command him to depart, And never enter more. 3 Thy killing and thy quick'ning power, Jesus, in me display ; The life of nature from this hour, My pride and passion, slay. 4 Then, then, my utmost Saviour, raise My soul, with saints above, To serve thy will, and spread thy praise, And sing thy perfect love. 5 This moment I thy truth confess ; This moment I receive The heavenly gift, the dew of grace, And by thy mercy live. 6 The next, and every moment, Lord, On me thy Spirit pour ; And bless me, who believe thy word, With that last glorious shower. HYMN 410. s. m. 1 T^ATHER, I dare believe ^ Thee merciful and true : Thou wilt my guilty soul forgive, My fallen soul renew. Seeking for full Redemption. 391 Come, then, for Jesu's sake, And bid my heart be clean ; An end of all my troubles make, An end of all my sin. 2 I will, through grace, I will, I do, return to thee ; Take, empty it, O Lord, and fill My heart with purity ! For power, I feebly pray : Thy kingdom now restore, To-day, while it is call'd to-day, And I shall sin no more. 3 I cannot wash my heart, But by believing thee, And waiting for thy blood to' impart The spotless purity : While at thy cross I lie, Jesus, thy grace bestow, Now thy all-cleansing blood apply, And I am white as snow. HYMN 411. 6-7's. 1 ^\^THY not now, my God, my God? * * Ready if thou always art, Make in me thy mean abode,

Take possession of my heart : If thou canst so greatly bow, Friend of sinners, why not now ? 2 God of love, in this my day, For thyself to thee I cry ; Dying, -- if thou still delay, Must I not for ever die ? Enter now thy poorest home ; Now, my utmost Saviour, come ! 3J2 Seeking for full Redemption, HYMN 412. i. m. 1 Kings xviii. 1 rTHHOU God that answerest by fire, ■*- On thee in Jesu's name we call ; Fulfil our faithful hearts' desire, And let on us thy Spirit fall. 2 Bound on the altar of thy cross, Our old often ding nature lies ; Now, for the honour of thy cause, Come, and consume the sacrifice ! 3 Consume our lusts as rotten wood, Consume our stony hearts within ! Consume the dust, the serpent's food, And dry up all the streams of sin. 4 Its body totally destroy ! Thyself The Lord, The God, approve i And fill our hearts with holy joy, And fervent zeal, and perfect love. 5 O that the fire from heaven might fall, Our sins its ready victims find, Seize on our sins, and burn up all, Nor leave the least remains behind ! 6 Then shall our prostrate souls adore, The Lord, He is the God, confess : He is the God of saving power ! He is the God of hallowing grace ! HYMN 413. Ts$Vs. 1 /^VNCE thou didst on earth appear, ^^ For all mankind to' atone ; Now be manifested here, And bid our sin be gone ! Come, and by thy presence chase Its nature with its guilt and power; Jesus, show thy open face, And sin shall be no more. Seeking for full Redemption. o,J3 2 Thou who didst so greatly stoop To a poor virgin's womb, Here thy mean abode take up ; To me, my Saviour, come ! Come, and Satan's works destroy, And let me all thy Godhead prove, Fill'd with peace, and heavenly joy, And pure eternal love. 3 Then my soul, with strange delight, Shall comprehend and feel What the length, and breadth, and height Of love unspeakable : Then I shall the secret know, Which angels would search out in vain ;-- God was man, and served below, That man with God might reign ! 4 Father, Son, and Spirit, come,

And with thine own abide : Holy Ghost, to make thee room, Our hearts we open wide ; Thee, and only thee request, To every asking sinner given ; Come, our life, and peace, and rest, Our all in earth and heaven. HYMN 414. 7's8f6}s. 1 1VTOW, ev'n now, I yield, I yield, -^ With all my sins to part ; Jesus, speak my pardon seal'd, And purify my heart ; Purge the love of sin away ; I'hen I into nothing fall ; Then I see the perfect day, And Christ is all in all. oV4r Seeking for full Redemption. 2 Jesus, now our hearts inspire Witli that pure love of thine; Kindle now the heavenly fire, To brighten and refine ; Purify our faith like gold ; All the dross of sin remove ; Melt our spirits down, and mould Into thy perfect love. HYMN 415. c. m. 1 TESUS hath died that I might live, «J Might live to God alone ; In him eternal life receive, And be in spirit one. 2 Saviour, I thank thee for the grace, * The gift unspeakable ! And wait with arms of faith to' embrace, And all thy love to feel. 3 My soul breaks out in strong desire The perfect bliss to prove ; My longing heart is all on fire To be dissolved in love. 4 Give me thyself ; from every boast, From every wish set free : Let all I am in thee be lost ; But give thyself to me. 5 Thy gifts, alas, cannot suffice, Unless thyself be given ; Thy presence makes my paradise, And where thou art is heaven ! HYMN 416. c. m. 1 ASK the gift of righteousness, *- The sin-subduing power, Power to believe, and go in peace, And never grieve thee more. Seeking for full Redemption. oaO 2 I ask the blood-bought pardon seal'd, The liberty from sin, The grace infused, the love reveal'd, The kingdom tix'd within. 3 Thou hear'st me for salvation pray ; Thou seest my heart's desire ; Made ready in thy powerful day, Thy fulness I require. 4 My vehement soul cries out, opprest. Impatient to be freed ; Nor can I, Lord, nor will I rest, Till I am saved indeed. 5 Art thou not able to convert ?

1 /^UICKEN'D with our immortal Head, ^^ Who daily, Lord, ascend with thee, Redeem'd from sin, and free indeed, We taste our glorious liberty. 2 Saved from the fear of hell and death, With joy we seek the things above ; And all thy saints the spirit breathe Of power, sobriety, and love. 3 Power o'er the world, the fiend, and sin, We through thy gracious Spirit feel ; Full power the victory to win, And answer all thy righteous will. oJo For Believers Saved 4 Pure love to God thy members find, Pure love to every soul of man ; And in thy sober, spotless mind, Saviour, our heaven on earth we gain. HYMN 420. l. m. Resurrection. 1 \^E faithful souls, who Jesus know, -*- If risen indeed with him ye are, Superior to the joys below, His resurrection's power declare. 2 Your faith by holy tempers prove , By actions show your sins forgiven ! And seek the glorious things above, And follow Christ, your Head, to heaven, 3 There your exalted Saviour see, Seated at God's right hand again, In all his Father's majesty, In everlasting pomp, to reign. 4 To him continually aspire, Contending for your native place ; And emulate the angel-choir, And only live to love and praise. 5 For who by faith your Lord receive, Ye nothing seek or want beside ; Dead to the world and sin ye live ; Your creature- love is crucified. 6 Your real life, with Christ conceal'd, Deep in the Father's bosom lies ; And, glorious as your Head reveal'd, Ye soon shall meet him in the skies. For Believers Saved. o99 HYMN 421. s. m. 2 Tim. iv. 7- 1 " T THE good fight have fought," -*- O when shall I declare ? The victory by my Saviour got, I long with Paul to share. 0 may I triumph so, When all my warfare 's past ; And, dying, find my latest foe Under my feet at last ! 2 This blessed word be mine Just as the port is gain'd, " Kept by the power of grace divine, 1 have the faith maintain'd." The' Apostles of my Lord, To whom it first was given, They could not speak a greater word, Nor all the saints in heaven. HYMN 422. l. m.

1 r\ GOD, my God, my All thou art! ^-^ Ere shines the dawn of rising day, Thy sovereign light within my heart. Thy all-enlivening power, display. 2 For thee my thirsty soul doth pant, While in this desert land 1 live ; And hungry as I am, and faint, Thy love alone can comfort give. 3 In a dry land, behold I place My whole desire on thee, O Lord ; And more I joy to gain thy grace, Than all earth's treasures can afford. 4 More dear than life itself, thy Love My heart and tongue shall still employ ; And to declare thy praise will prove My peace, my glory, and my joy. 5 In blessing thee with grateful songs My happy life shall glide away : The praise that to thy name belongs Hourly with lifted hands I '11 pay. 6 Abundant sweetness while I sing Thy love, my ravish* d heart o'erflows ; Secure in thee, my God and King, Of glory that no period knows. 7 Thy name, O God, upon my bed Dwells on my lips, and fires my thought ; With trembling awe, in midnight shade, I muse on all thy hands have wrought. 8 In all I do I feel thine aid ; Therefore thy greatness will I sing, O God, who bidd'st my heart be glad Beneath the shadow of thy wing ! 412 For Believers Saved. 9 My soul draws nigh and cleaves to thee : Then let or earth or hell assail, Thy mighty hand shall set me free ; For whom thou sav'st, he ne'er shall fail. 1 f^\ GOD of peace and pardoning love, ^-^ Whose bowels of compassion move To every sinful child of man ; Jesus, our Shepherd great and good, Who dying bought us with his blood, Thou hast brought back to life again. His blood to all our souls apply ; (His blood alone can sanctify, Which first did for our sins atone ;) The covenant of redemption seal ; The depth of love, of God, reveal ; And speak us perfected in one. 2 O might our every work and word Express the tempers of our Lord, The nature of our Head above : His Spirit send into our hearts, Engraving on our inmost parts

The living: law of holiest love. Then shall we do, with pure delight. Whatever is pleasing in thy sight, As vessels of thy richest grace ; And, having thy whole counsel done, To thee and thy co-equal Son Ascribe the everlasting praise. 1 HT^HY power and saving truth to show, J- A warfare at thy charge I go, Strong in the Lord, and thy great might ; For Believers Saved. 413 Gladly take up the hallow'd cross ; And, suffering all things for thy cause, Beneath thy bloody banner tight. A spectacle to fiends and men, To all their fierce or cool disdain With calmest pity I submit : Determined nought to know, beside My Jesus and him crucified, I tread the world beneath my feet. Superior to their smile or frown, On all their goods my soul looks down, Their pleasures, wealth, and power, and state • The man that dares their god despise, The Christian, -- he alone is wise; The Christian, -- he alone is great. O God, let all my life declare How happy all thy servants are ; How far above these earthly things ; How pure, when wash'd in Jesu's blood ; How intimately one with God, A heaven-born race of Priests and Kings. For this alone I live below, The power of godliness to show, The wonders wrought by Jesu's Name : O that I might but faithful prove ; Witness to all thy pardoning love, And point them to the' atoning Lamb ! Let me to every creature cry, The poor and rich, the low and high, " Believe, and feel thy sins forgiven ! Damn'd, till by Jesus saved, thou art ! Till Jesu's blood hath wash'd thy heart, Thou canst not find the gate of heaven ! " 4J4 For Believers Interceding. 1 HPHOU, Jesu, thou my breast inspire, ■*■ And touch my lips with hallow'd lire, And loose a stammering infant's tongue : Prepare the vessel of thy grace ; Adorn me with the robes of praise, And mercy shall be all my song ; Mercy for all who know not God ; Mercy for all in Jesu's blood ; Mercy, that earth and heaven transcends; Love, that o'erwhelms the saints in light ; The length, and breadth, and depth, and height Of love divine, which never ends !

For the Mahometans 1 CUN of unclouded Righteousness, O With healing in thy wings arise, A sad benighted world to bless, Which now in sin and error lies, Wrapt in Egyptian night profound ; With chains of hellish darkness bound. 2 The smoke of the infernal cave, Which half the Christian world o'erspread, Disperse, thou heavenly Light, and save The souls by that Impostor led, That Arab-thief, as Satan bold, Who quite destroy'd thy Asian fold. 3 O might the blood of sprinkling cry For those who spurn the sprinkled blood ! Assert thv glorious Deitv, Stretch out thine arm, thou triune God ! The Unitarian fiend expel, And chase his doctrine back to hell. 4 Come, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Thou Three in One, and One in Three ! Resume thy own, for ages lost. Finish the dire apostasy ; For Believers Interceding. 417 Thy universal claim maintain, And Lord of the creation reign ! For the Heathens. 1 ORD over all, if thou hast made, J-- * Hast ransom'd, every soul of man, -- Why is the grace so long delay'd? Why unfulfill'd the saving plan ? The bliss, for Adam's race design'd, When will it reach to all mankind ? 2 Art thou the God of Jews alone, And not the God of Gentiles too ? To Gentiles make thy goodness known ; Thy judgments to the nations show ; Awake them by the gospel call : Light of the world, illumine all ! 3 The servile progeny of Ham Seize, as the purchase of thy blood ; Let all the Heathens know thy name ; From idols to the living God The dark Americans convert ; And shine in every Pagan heart ! 4 As lightning launch 'd from east to west, The coming of thy kingdom be ; To thee, by angel-hosts confest, Bow every soul and every knee ; Thy glory let all flesh behold ! And then fill up thy heavenly fold. HYMN 445. 6-8's. 1 r\ COME, thou radiant Morning Star, ^-J Again in human darkness shine ! Arise resplendent from afar ! Assert thy royalty divine ! Thy sway o'er all the earth maintain, And now begin thv glorious reign. 4Lo For Believers Interceding. s 2 Thy kingdom, Lord, we long to see : Thy sceptre o'er the nations shake ! To' erect that final monarchy,

^ Thy goodness we proclaim, Which brings us here to meet again, And triumph in thy name : Thy mighty name hath been Our safeguard and our tower ; Hath saved us from the world, and sin, And all the' Accuser's power. 2 Jesus, take all the praise, That still on earth we live, Unspotted in so foul a place, And innocently grieve ! We shall from Sodom flee, When perfected in love ; And haste to better company, Who wait for us above. 3 Awhile in flesh disjoin'd, Our friends that went before We soon in paradise shall find, And meet to part no more. For the Society on Meeting. 4ol In yoii thrice happy seat, Waiting for us they are ; And thou shalt there a husband meet ! And I a parent there ! 4 O ! what a mighty change Shall Jesu's suff'rers know, While o'er the happy plains they range, Incapable of woe ! No ill- requited love Shall there our spirits wound ; No base ingratitude above, No sin in heaven is found. 5 There all our griefs are spent ! There all our sorrows end ! We cannot there the fall lament Of a departed friend, -- A brother dead to God, By sin, alas ! undone : -- No father there, in passion loud, Cries, " O my son, my son ! " 6 No slightest touch of pain, Nor sorrow's least alloy, Can violate our rest, or stain Our purity of joy : In that eternal day No clouds nor tempests rise : There gushing tears are wiped away For ever from our eyes. JESU, to thee our hearts we lift, (May all our hearts with love o'erflow !) With thanks for thy continued gift, -- That still thy precious name we know, Retain our sense of sin forgiven, And wait for all our inward heaven. 4o'2 For (lie Society on Meeting. :? What mighty troubles hast thou shown Thy feeble, tempted followers here! We have through lire and water gone. But saw thee on the floods appear, But felt thee present in the flame, And shouted our Deliverer's name. 3 When stronger souls their faith forsook, And, lull'd in worldly, hellish peace, Leap'd desperate from their Guardian -rock, And headlong plunged in sin's abyss ; Thy strength was in our weakness shown, And still it guards and keeps thine own.

3 With us thou art assembled here ; But, O, thyself reveal ! Son of the living God, appear! Let us thy presence feel. 4 Breathe on us, Lord, in this our day, And these dry bones shall live ; Speak peace into our hearts, and say, " The Holy Ghost receive ! " 5 Whom now we seek, O may we meet ! Jesus, the Crucified, Show us thy bleeding hands and feet, Thou who for us hast died. 6 Cause us the record to receive : Speak, and the tokens show : "O be not faithless, but believe In me, who died for you !" HYMN 487. TsSf6's WO are better far than one For counsel or for fight : How can one be warm alone, Or serve his God aright ? Join we then our hearts and hands ; Each to love provoke his friend ; Run the way of his commands, And keep it to the end. 2 Woe to him whose spirits droop, To him who falls, alone ! He has none to lift him up, To help his weakness on : Happier we each other keep ; We each other's burdens bear ; For the Society giving Thanks. 455 Never need our footsteps slip, Upheld by mutual prayer. 3 Who of twain hath made us one, Maintains our unity ; Jesus is the Corner-Stone, In whom we all agree ; Servants of one common Lord, Sweetly of one heart and mind, Who can break a three-fold cord, Or part whom God hath join'd ? 4 O that all with us might prove The fellowship of saints ! Find supplied, in Jesu's love, What every member wants : Grasp we our high calling's prize, Feel our sins on earth forgiven, Rise, in his whole image rise, And meet our Head in heaven ! For the Society giving Thanks. HYMN 488. p. m. 1 TTOW happy are we, Who in Jesus agree A A To expect his return from above ! We sit under his vine, And delightfully join In the praise of his excellent love. 2 How pleasant and sweet, In his name when we meet, Is his fruit to our spiritual taste ! We are banqueting here On angelical cheer, And the joys that eternally last. 3 Invited by him, WTe drink of the stream

Shall know the greatness of thy power ; Stand in the temple of our God As pillars, and go out no more. 1 rT^HE people that in darkness lay, A The confines of eternal night, We, we have seen a gospel day, The glorious beams of heavenly light ; His Spirit in our hearts hath shone, And show'd the Father in the Son. 2 Father of everlasting grace, Thou hast in us thy arm reveal'd, Hast multiplied the faithful race, Who, conscious of their pardon seal'd, Of joy unspeakable possest, Anticipate their heavenly rest. 3 In tears who sow'd, in joy we reap, And praise thy goodness all day long ; Him in our eye of faith we keep, Who gives us our triumphal song, And doth his spoils to all divide, A lot among the sanctified. 4 Thou hast our bonds in sunder broke, Took all our load of guilt away ; From sin, the world, and Satan's yoke, (Like Israel saved in Midian's day,) Redeem 'd us by our conquering Lord, Our Gideon, and his Spirit's sword. 4b2 For the Society giving Thanks. 5 Not like the warring sons of men, With shouts, and garments roll'd in blood, Our Captain doth the fight maintain ; But, lo ! the burning Spirit of God Kindles in each a secret fire ; And all our sins as smoke expire ! Gen. xxviii. 16, 17- 1 O ! God is here ! let us adore, -L^ And own how dreadful is this place ! Let all within us feel his power, And silent bow before his face ; Who know his power, his grace who prove, Serve him with awe, with reverence love. 2 Lo ! God is here ! him day and night The' united choirs of angels sing ; To him, enthroned above all height, Heaven's host their noblest praises bring : Disdain not, Lord, our meaner song, Who praise thee with a stammering tongue. 3 Gladly the toys of earth we leave, Wealth, pleasure, fame, for thee alone : To thee our will, soul, flesh, we give ; O take, O seal them for thine own ! Thou art the God, thou art the Lord ; Be thou by all thy works adored. 4 Being of beings ! may our praise Thy courts with grateful fragrance fill ; Still may we stand before thy face,

3 Make us of one heart and mind, Courteous, pitiful, and kind, 476 For the Society Praying. Lowly, meek, in thought and word, Altogether like our Lord. 4 Let us for each other care, Each the other's harden bear, To thy church the pattern give, Show how true believers live. 5 Free from anger and from pride, Let us thus in God abide ; All the depths of love express, All the heights of holiness ! 6 Let us then with joy remove To the family above ; On the wings of angels fly ; Show how true believers die. 1 nPHOU God of truth and love, J- We seek thy perfect way, Ready thy choice to' approve, Thy providence to' obey ; Enter into thy wise design, And sweetly lose our will in thine. 2 Why hast thou cast our lot In the same age and place ? And why together brought To see each other's face ? To join with softest sympathy, And mix our friendly souls in thee? 3 Didst thou not make us one, That we might one remain, Together travel on, And bear each other's pain ; Till all thy utmost goodness prove, And rise renew'd in perfect love ? For the Society Praying. 477 4 Surelv thou didst unite Our kindred spirits here, That all hereafter might Before thy throne appear; Meet at the marriage of the Lamb, And all thy glorious love proclaim. 5 Then let us ever hear The blessed end in view, And join, with mutual care, To fight our passage through ; And kindly help each other on, Till all receive the starry crown. 6 O may thy Spirit seal Our souls unto that day, With all thy fulness fill, And then transport away ! Away to our eternal rest, Away to our Redeemer's breast ! HYMN 511. 6-8' s. 1 T^ORGIVE us, for thy mercy's sake, -*- Our multitude of sins forgive ! And for thy own possession take, And bid us to thy glory live ; Live in thy sight, and gladly prove Our faith, by our obedient love. 2 The cov'nant of forgiveness seal, And all thy mighty wonders show ! Our inbred enemies expel ; And conquering them to conquer go, Till all of pride and wrath be slain. And not one evil thought remain ! 3 O put it in our inward parts,

The living law of perfect love ! Write the new precept in our hearts : We shall not then from thee remove, 4/o For the Society Praying, Who in thy glorious image shine, Thy people, and for ever thine. HYMN 512. 6-Ts. 1 /CENTRE of our hopes thou art, ^-^ End of our enlarged desires ; Stamp thine image on our heart ; Fill us now with heavenly fires ; Cemented by love divine, Seal our souls for ever thine. 2 All our works in thee be wrought, Levell'd at one common aim ; Every word, and every thought, Purge in the refining flame : Lead us, through the paths of peace, On to perfect holiness. 3 Let us all together rise, To thy glorious life restored ; Here regain our paradise, Here prepare to meet our Lord ; Here enjoy the earnest given, Travel hand in hand to heaven ! HYMN 513. 6-8'j. 1 TESUS, with kindest pity see ** The souls that would be one in thee : If now accepted in thy sight, Thou dost our upright hearts unite, Allow us even on earth to prove The noblest joys of heavenly love. 2 Before thy glorious eyes we spread The wish which doth from thee proceed ; Our love from earthly dross refine ; Holy, angelical, divine, Thee its great Author let it show, And back to the pure fountain flow. For the Society Praying. 479 3 A drop of that unbounded sea, O Lord, resorb it into thee ! While all our souls, with restless strife, Spring up into eternal life, And, lost in endless raptures, prove Thy whole immensity of love. 4 A spark of that ethereal fire, Still let it to its source aspire, To thee in every wish return, Intensely for thy glory burn ; While all our souls fly up to thee, And blaze through all eternity. HYMN 514. Ts. L T^ATHER, at thy footstool see ■*■ Those who now are one in thee : Draw us by thy grace alone ; Give, O give us to thy Son ! 2 Jesus, friend of human kind, Let us in thy name be join'd ; Each to each unite and bless ; Keep us still in perfect peace. 3 Heavenly, all-alluring Dove, Shed thy over-shadowing love ; Love, the sealing grace, impart ; Dwell within our single heart.

For the Society Praying . 48 / HYMN 523. l. m. 1 r\ THOU, our Husband, Brother, Friend. ^S Behold a cloud of incense rise ! The prayers of saints to heaven ascend, Grateful, accepted sacrifice ! 2 Regard our prayers for Sion's peace ; Shed in our hearts thy love abroad ; Thy gifts abundantly increase ; Enlarge, and fill us all with God. 3 Before thy sheep, great Shepherd, go, And guide into thy perfect will ; Cause us thy hallow 'd name to know, The work of faith in us fulfil. 4 Help us to make our calling sure ; O let us all be saints indeed, And pure as thou thyself art pure, Conform'd in all things to our Head. 5 Take the dear purchase of thy blood : Thy blood shall wash us white as snow9 Present us sanctified to God, And perfected in love below. 6 That blood which cleanses from all sin, That efficacious blood apply ; And wash, and make us wholly clean, And change, and throughly sanctify. 7 From all iniquity redeem ; Cleanse by the water and the word ; And free from every spot of blame, And make the servant as his Lord ! 1 /^VUR friendship sanctify and guide : ^^ Unmix'd with selfishness and pride, Thy glory be our single aim ! 488 For the Society Praying. In all our intercourse below, Still let us in thy footsteps go, And never meet but in thy name. Fix on thyself our single eye ; Still let us on thyself rely, For all the help that each conveys, The help as from thy hand receive, And still to thee all glory give, All thanks, all might, all love, all praise. 2 Whate'er thou dost on one bestow, Let each the double blessing know ; Let each the common burden bear ; In comforts and in griefs agree ; And wrestle for his friends with thee, In all the' omnipotence of prayer. Our mutual prayer accept and seal ; In all thy glorious self reveal ; All with the fire of love baptize : Thy kingdom in our souls restore ; And keep till we can sin no more, Till all in thy whole image rise. 3 Witnesses of the' all-cleansing blood, Long may we work the works of God,

By thy dying love to man, Take all our sins away : Burst our bonds, and set us free ; From all iniquity release ; (3 remember Calvary, &c. Additional Hymns. 511 3 Let thy blood, by faith applied, The sinner's pardon seal ; Speak us freely justified, And all our sickness heal ; By thy passion on the tree, Let all our griefs and troubles cease ; O remember Calvary, &c. 4 Never will we hence depart, Till thou our wants relieve, Write forgiveness on our heart, And all thine image give ! Still our souls shall cry to thee, Till perfected in holiness ; O remember Calvary, And bid us go in peace ! HYMN 549. c. m. 1 TESU, at whose supreme command, *J We now approach to God, Before us in thy vesture stand, Thy vesture dipp'd in blood ! Obedient to thy gracious word, We break the hallow' d bread, Commem'rate thee, our dying Lord, And trust on thee to feed. 2 Now, Saviour, now thyself reveal, And make thy nature known ; Affix thy blessed Spirit's seal, And stamp us for thine own : The tokens of thy dying love O let us all receive ; And feel the quick'ning Spirit move, And sensibly believe ! 3 The cup of blessing, bless'd by thee, Let it thy blood impart ; The bread thy mystic body be, And cheer each languid heart. Ol2 Additional Hymns. The grace which sure salvation brings Let us herewith receive ; Satiate the hungry with good things, The hidden manna give. 4 The living bread, sent down from heaven, In us vouchsafe to be : Thy flesh for all the world is given. And all may live by thee. Now, Lord, on us thy flesh bestow, And let us drink thy blood, Till all our souls are till'd below With all the life of God. HYMN 550. cm. 1 /^OME, Holy Ghost, thine influence shed, ^-^ And realize the sign ; Thy life infuse into the bread, Thy power into the wine. 2 Effectual let the tokens prove, And made, by heavenly art, Fit channels to convey thy love To every faithful heart. HYMN 551. 6-8's. 1 T VICTIM Divine, thy grace we claim,

All, all is theirs, who righteous live. 6 O Lord of hosts, how blest is he Who steadfastly believes in thee ! He all thy promises shall gain : The soul that on thy love is cast, Thy perfect love on earth shall taste, And soon with thee in glory reign. " Peter and John went up into the temple at the hour of prayer." ] 'l^T'HO Jesus our Example know, * * And his Apostles' footsteps trace, We gladly to the temple go, Frequent the consecrated place At every solemn hour of prayer, And meet the God of mercy there Hymns of Adoration. 537 2 His offering pure we call to mind, There, on the golden altar laid, Whose Godhead with the manhood join'd, For every soul atonement made ; And have whate'er we ask of God, Through faith in that all-saving blood. Psalm cxlvi. 1 A /FY soul, inspired with sacred love, IV J. The Lord thy God delight to praise ; His gifts I will for him improve, To him devote my happy days ; To him my thanks and praises give, And only for his glory live. 2 Long as my God shall lend me breath, My every pulse shall beat for him ; And when my voice is lost in death, My spirit shall resume the theme ; The gracious theme, for ever new, Through all eternity pursue. 3 Soon as the breath of man expires, Again he to his earth shall turn ; Where then are all his vain desires, His love and hate, esteem and scorn ? All, all at that last gasp are o'er, He falls to rise on earth no more. 4 He, then, is blest, and only he, Whose hope is in the Lord his God ; Who can to Him for succour flee, That spread the earth and heaven abroad ; That still the universe sustains, And Lord of his creation reigns. 5 True to his everlasting word, He loves the injured to redress ; 538 Hymns of Adoration. Poor helpless souls the bounteous Lord Relieves, and fills with plenteousness : He sets the mournful prisoners free, He bids the blind their Saviour see. 6 The Lord thy God, O Sion, reigns, Supreme in mercy as in power, The endless theme of heavenly strains,

High as his mighty arm hath spread The starry heavens above our head, His bounteous love exceeds our praise, -- Surmounts the highest hopes we raise. Nor yet so far hath nature placed The rising morning from the west, As his forgiving grace removes The daily guilt of those he loves. How slowly doth his wrath arise ! On swiftest wings salvation flies ; And if he bids his anger burn, Soon shall his frowns to pity turn ! The mighty God, the wise and just, Knows that our frame is feeble dust ; And will no load of grief impose Beyond the strength that he bestows For his eternal love is sure To all the saints, and shall endure : From age to age his truth shall reign, Nor children's children hope in vain. HYMN 594. 2-6'* §■ 4-7's. The Lord's Prayer. 1 T^ATHER of earth and sky, -■- Thy name we magnify : O that earth and heaven might join, Thy perfections to proclaim ; Praise the attributes divine, Fear and love thy awful name ! 2 When shall thy Spirit reign, In every heart of man ? Father, bring the kingdom near, Honour thy triumphant Son ; God of heaven, on earth appear, Fix with us thy glorious throne. «->50 Hymns of Adoration. 3 Thy good and holy will, Let all on earth fulfil ; Men with minds angelic vie, Saints below with saints above, Thee to praise and glorify, Thee to serve with perfect love. 4 This day with this day's bread Thy hungry children feed ; Fountain of all blessings, grant Now the manna from above ; Now supply our bodies' want, Now sustain our souls with love. 5 Our trespasses forgive : And when absolved we live, Thou our life of grace maintain ; Lest we from our God depart, Lose thy pardoning grace again, Grant us a forgiving heart. 6 In every fiery hour Display thy guardian power ; Near in our temptation stay, With sufficient strength defend ; Bring us through the evil day, Make us faithful to the end. 7 Father, by right divine Assert the kingdom thine ; Jesus, Power of God, subdue Thy own universe to thee ; Spirit of grace and glory too, Reign through all eternity. HYMN 595. c. m. Praise to the Redeemer. LUNGED in a gulf of dark despair We wretched sinners lay,

4 Him though highest heaven receives, Still he loves the earth he leaves ; Though returning to his throne. Still he calls mankind his own. 5 See, he lifts his hands above ! See, he shows the prints of love ! Hark, his gracious lips bestow Blessings on his church below ! 6 Still for us his death he pleads ; Prevalent he intercedes ; Near himself prepares our place, Harbinger of human race. 7 Master, (will we ever say,) Taken from our head to-day ; O/o Incarnation, See thy faithful servants, see. Ever gazing up to thee. 8 Grant, though parted from our sight, High above yon azure height, Grant our hearts may thither rise, Following thee beyond the skies. 9 Ever upward let us move, Wafted on the wings of love ; Looking when our Lord shall come, Longing, gasping after home. 10 There we shall with thee remain, Partners of thy endless reign ; There thy face unclouded see, Find our heaven of heavens in thee. HYMN 631. Vs. The same. 1 OONS of God, triumphant rise, ^ Shout the' accomplish'd sacrifice Shout your sins in Christ forgiven, Sons of God, and heirs of heaven ! 2 Ye that round our altars throng, Listening angels, join the song ; Sing with us, ye heavenly powers, Pardon, grace, and glory ours ! 3 Love's mysterious work is done ; Greet we now the' atoning Son ; Heal'd and quicken'd by his blood, Join'd to Christ, and one with God. 4 Him by faith we taste below, Mightier joys ordain'd to know, When his utmost grace we prove, Rise to heaven by perfect love. Suffering*, fyc, of Christ 579 HYMN 632. 7's 8f 6's. The same. FATHER, God, we glorify Thy love to Adam's seed ; Love that gave thy Son to die, And raised him from the dead : Him for our offences slain, That we all might pardon find, Thou hast brought to life again, The Saviour of mankind. By thy own right hand of power Thou hast exalted him/ Sent the mighty Conqueror Thy people to redeem : King of saints, and Prince of peace, Him thou hast for sinners given, Sinners from their sins to bless, And lift them up to heaven. Father, God, to us impart The gift unspeakable ; Now in every waiting heart

Shall silence keep before the Lord ; And earth, and hell, and sin shall flee At Jesu's everlasting word. Looking to Christ. 1 A UTHOR of faith, appear ; ^JL Be thou its finisher ! Upward still for this we gaze, Till we feel the stamp divine, Thee behold with open face, Bright in all thy glory shine. 2 Leave not thy work undone, But ever love thine own ; Let us all thy goodness prove Let us to the end believe ; Show thine everlasting love, Save us, to the utmost save t>22 The Experience, §-c, 3 O that our life might be One looking up to thee ! Ever hastening to the day, When our eyes shall see thee near ; Come, Redeemer, come away, Glorious in thy saints appear. 4 Jesu, the heavens bow, We long to meet thee now ! Now in Majesty come down, Pity thine elect, and come : Hear us in thy Spirit groan, Take the weary exiles home. 5 Now let thy face be seen Without a veil between : Come, and change our faith to sight Swallow up mortality ; Plunge us in a sea of light ; Christ, be all in all to me. HYMN 684. fs £ 6's. Deliverance in Danger.. 1 f~^ OD of Daniel, hear my prayer, ^J And let thy power be seen ; Stop the lion's mouth, and bear Me safe out of his den : Save me in this dreadful hour ! Earth, and hell, and nature join ; All stand ready to devour This helpless soul of mine. 2 Thee I serve, my Lord, my God ; In me thy power display : Save me, save me, and defraud The lion of his prey. Angel of the Covenant, Jesus, mighty to retrieve, of Believers. 623 Let him to my help be sent : In Jesus I believe. 3 Save me for thine own great name, That all the world may know, Daniel's God is still the same, And reigns supreme below : Him let all mankind adore, Spread his glorious name abroad ; Tremble all, and bow before The great, the living God. 4 Absolute, unchangeable, O'er all his works he reigns ; His dominion cannot fail, But undisturb'd remains : His dominion standeth fast, Is when time no more shall be ; Still shall his dominion last Through all eternity.

3 Beloved for Jesu's sake, By him redeem'd of old, All nations must come in, and make One undivided fold : While gather' d in by thee, And perfected in one, They all at once thy glory see In thine eternal Son. HYMN 693. l. m. " The Spirit and the Bride say, Come." 1 TTEAD of thy Church, whose Spirit fills, *■ A And flows through every faithful soul, Unites in mystic love, and seals Them one, and sanctifies the whole : 2 " Come, Lord," thy glorious Spirit cries, And souls beneath the altar groan ; " Come, Lord," the Bride on earth replies, " And perfect all our souls in one." 3 Pour out the promised gift on all, Answer the universal, " Come !" The fulness of the Gentiles call, And take thine ancient people home. 4 To thee let all the nations flow, Let all obey the gospel word ; Let all their bleeding Saviour know, Fill'd with the glory of the Lord. 5 O for thy truth and mercy's sake, The purchase of thy passion claim ; Thine heritage the Gentiles take, And cause the world to know thy name. of Christ 631 HYMN 694. 6-8's. " For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." 1 INTERNAL Lord of earth and skies, ■*-- * We wait thy Spirit's latest call : Bid all our fallen race arise, Thou who hast purchased life for all ; Whose only name to sinners given, Snatches from hell, and lifts to heaven. 2 The word thy sacred lips has past, The sure irrevocable word, That every soul shall bow at last, And yield allegiance to its Lord ; The kingdoms of the earth shall be For ever subjected to thee. 3 Jesus, for this we still attend, Thy kingdom in the isles to prove ; The law of sin and death to end, We wait for all the power of love, The law of perfect liberty, The law of life which is in thee. 4 O might it now from thee proceed, With thee into the souls of men ! Throughout the world thy gospel spread ; And let thy glorious Spirit reign, On all the ransom'd race bestow'd ; And let the world be fill'd with God ! HYMN 695. l. m. Psalm xlvi. 1 ET Sion in her King rejoice,

418, 423, 426-432, 434, 530, 576, 586 Diseased by sin, 131-133, 135, 136, 395-397 Dismissal, 560 Dissolution of all things, 63, 64, 536 Divinity of Christ. See ChrLt. Dominion over sin desired, 416 enjoyed, 230, 419 Drawings of the Spirit, 97 Drunkards, swearers, &c, redeemed, 36, 203 Dying saint encouraged, 725 Effusion of the Spirit, 36, 457, 506 £Wofthe world, 57, 61, 64 Enemies of the righteous, 272, 274, 275 Enjoyment of Christ, 390, 407 Entire sanctification, prayers for, 340, 341, 343, 344, 346, 350, 351, 354, 357, 358, 361, 366, 367, 377, 384, 385, 412, 413- 417, 523,525,530 the promise of, pleaded, 342, 345, 356, 360, 362, 380, 391, 401 Espousals to Christ, remembered, 600 Establishment in grace, 228, 254 Eternal happiness, 67, 73-76 Eternal misery, 80, 181 Eternity o\ God, 41, 90, 240 Evening hymns, 83, 227, 287, 758 Example of Christ, 322, 330,529 of a master to his family, 471, 472 Excellency of religion, 14, 19-21 Exhorting to turn to God, 1, 6-8, 31, 32, 36 Fainting 9 inner, 120, 134 Faith, Christ the author and giver of, 95, 118, 122 powerful, 95, 142, 192, 267, 269, 272, 278, 335, 342, 300, 372,401 prayer for, 85, 148, 150, 342, 455, 660, 666, 759 shown by works, 521 the fight of, 266-274, 277, 314, 315, the life of, 196 Faithfulness of believers, 318-320 of God, 5, 142, 157, 179, 288, 348, 360, 559 Fall of man, 98, 150 Fallen, intercession for the, 459, 461, 462 Falling from grace, possible, 317 Family of God, 735 religion, 739 worship, 739 Father, God a, 12, 235 hymn to the, 561 Fear of God, or Godly Fear, 172, 306-310, 313,319, 320 Fear of m;m, 279 Feast of the Gospel, 2, 4, 9 Fellowship of saints, 16, 17,430, 487, 489- 491, 500, 503, 504, 510, 514, 515, 518, 521, 522-527 Fellowship with Christ. See Union. Fiery trial, 286, 292, 329, 335-339 Fighting, believers, 69, 266-270, 273, 293, 314, 315 Fire of the Holy Spirit, 323, 327, 351, 361, 373, 374, 399, 412, 414, 456, 457, 493, 494, 513, 528 Flock of Christ, 13, 62, 501 Followers of Christ, 480, 491, 515, 539 Following Christ, 222, 332, 338, 339, 484, Fools made wise by Christ, 211, 212 Forbearance of God with sinners, 161, 168, 171, 172, 182 Forgiveness enjoyed, 96 implored, 82, 97, 119, 121, 123-125,

Morning hymns, 156, 306, 324, 757 Mountain of sin, 382, 417 Mourners blessed, 1, 120, 134 Mourning for the fallen, 461, 462 Music, t lie abuse of, deprecated, 204 Mystery of Providence. 559 of rede-mption, 201 of the Trinity, 256, 259, 260 Name of Christ, dear to sinners, 37, 113,116, 128, 140, 141, 206, 209,238, 269 praying therein, 121, 298, 394 salvation, 209 to be extolled, 557 Name of God, 597 Nation, church the safety of a, 579 our privileges as a, 466 prayer for, 453-455, 463, 464 Nativity of Christ, 565. See Incarnation. New Birth. See Regeneration. New-Year's Day, 42, 46, 168, 170-172, 178, 179, 182, 185-188,709-712,713 Obedience of believers, 324, 325, 327, 357, 495, 511, 529 Offices of Christ, 193-195, 202, 207, 209, Old Adam, the death of the, 362 Omnipotence, 138, 139, 223, 226, 240, 244, 273, 284 Omnipresence, 117, 239, 287, 591 Omniscience, 239, 502, 590, 591 Opening a place of worship, 736 Pardon of sin, 11, 77, 93, 206, 245. See Forgiveness and Justification. Parents requesting aid, 467--469 Parting of Christians, 533-537, 539, 560 Paschal Lamb, 617, 633 Pastoral ministry, instituted by Christ, Patience, 333-339 Peace with God desired, 123, 124 Peace, national, 442, 447, 448 universal, 449 Penitents, praying, 109, 112, 116, 117, 132, 150, 151, 416, 417, 659,660-665, 667, Pentecost, 86, 456, 457, 653 Perfect love, 354, 367, 368, 370, 375, 389, 404, 408 Perfection, Christian, 363, 369, 370, 381, 391, 393, 401, 402, 404, 406-409, 512 Perfections of God, 570. See Attributes. Persecution, 304, 310, 311, 439, 4S3 Perseverance, 69, 71, 483 Peter, the fall of, 101, 106 Physician, Christ a, 112, 114, 395-397 Pilgrimage of believers, 68, 71, 497, 498 Pilgrims, 686 Pleasantness of religion, 12-15, 19-21, 222, 488, 491, 499 Pleasure of public worship, 738 Pleading with Christ for mercy, 144-146, 151, 155, 157, 163, 164, 167, 661 Pool of Bethesda, 131, 166 Power of grace, 158, 2U3, 206 Praise offered to God, 221, 222, 224-226, 232, 241-243, 246, 253, 275, 287, 564, 576, 578, 579, 597, 598, 699, 711-714 for and by his works, 223, 225, 226, 23 1, 239 to the Redeemer, 595, 600, 639, 640 Prayer, 282, 294-297, 299, 301, 303, 312, for divine illumination, 87-89, 121, 122, 130, 148, 156 for faith, 85, 118, 122, 150 for perishing sinners, 82 for repentance, 81, 83, 99, 100-107, for seriousness, 55, 59

Pain and sickness 163 Pardon, and grace 314 Pardon'd forall that354 Parent of good, thy 234 Part of his church 509 Part of thy name . 252 Partakers of the . 497 Paschal Lamb, by 580 Passion, and appe- 282 Patient th' appoint- 74 People aud realms 633 Perfect, then, the 112 Perfect then thy . 383 Permit them to . 670 Persist to save my 410 Persons thou dost 163 Pity and heal my 129 Pity from thine eye 166 Pity he day of fee- 431 Pity to my dying 112 Place no longer let '284 Plant, &; root, and 338 Plant thy heav'nly 516 Plead we thus for 485 Pleasure, & wealth 315 Plenteous grace . 141 Plenteous he is in 142 Plenteous of grace 597 Poor, alas! thou 108 Poor and vile in my 236 Poor debtors, by our 17 Poor outcasts of . 206 Poor worms of earth435 Pour out the pro- 630 Pour out your souls256 Power & dominion 581 Power is all to . 627 Power o'er the . 397 Powerful Advocate 247 Praise God from 635 Praise him, extol- 557 Pray we on, when 285 Pray without ceas- 255 Prepare, and then 152 Present alike in . 230 Pre-ent we know 453 Present we still in 501 Preserve the erea- 248 Preserved through 223 Primeval beauty . 41 Prisoner of hope, to 121 Pris'nersof liope,be3r 4 Proclaim salvation 553 PAGEl PAGE Pronounce the glad450 Saviour of men, thy 268 Prophet, and Priest 105 Saviour of my soul 112 Prophet, to me re- 190|Saviour, Prince . 104 Pure love to God 398 Saviour, to me in 102 Purge me from . 374 Saviour, to thee my 396 | Saviour, where'er 321 Raised by the . 74 Saw ye not the .211 Rather Twould in 297 j Say, are your . . 679 Rather this hour 436 .Scatter the last .328 Ready for all thy 312 Scatter'd o'er all . 22 Ready for you the 15jScatter'd through 429 Ready the Father 15 Seal'd with the .670 Ready the Spirit of 15. Seasons & months 644 Ready thou art the 39 Seated at God's . 529 Redeem thy mis- 680, Secure us of his . 678 Refining fire, go . 346; See all your sins on 8

1. Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of Heav'n to Earth come down, Fix in us thy humble dwelling, All thy faithful mercies crown; Jesus, thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love thou art; Visit us with thy salvation, Enter ev'ry trembling heart. 2. Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit Into ev'ry troubled breast; Let us all in thee inherit, Let us find thy promised rest; Take away our love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be; End of faith as its beginning, Set our hearts at liberty. 3. Come, Almighty to deliver; Let us all thy grace receive; Suddenly return, and never, Never more thy temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, Serve thee as thy host above, Pray, and praise thee without ceasing, Glory in thy perfect love. 4. Finish, then, thy new creation; Pure and spotless let us be; Let us see thy great salvation Perfectly restored in thee; Changed from glory into glory Till in Heav'n we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise!

1. Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of Heav'n to Earth come down, Fix in us thy humble dwelling, All thy faithful mercies crown; Jesus, thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love thou art; Visit us with thy salvation, Enter ev'ry trembling heart.

3. Come, Almighty to deliver; Let us all thy grace receive; Suddenly return, and never, Never more thy temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, Serve thee as thy host above, Pray, and praise thee without ceasing, Glory in thy perfect love.