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expresses his belief upon this point plainly enough, yet somewhat covertly, saying, "If God permit."

But it may be asked, whether he does not in the 8th verse manifestly imply that those who have once fallen away, are irrecoverably lost. For he there compares them to a soil which, notwithstanding the blessing that has been rained upon it, bears only thorns and briers; and says of ground like this, that "it is rejected," (or bad ground, useless for cultivation,) "and nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned." We reply, these, indeed, are strong and fearful expressions; but to be nigh unto cursing, is not the same thing as to be actually cursed, any more than to be nigh unto death, means actually dead. The words," whose end is to be burned," are truly awful words; but they are not words of desperation, though such they may seem at first sight. Had those who have fallen away been compared to dry wood, which at length is used only for "fuel of fire," the case would have been very different. But they are compared only to untractable soil, whose end is to be burned. Now, it was the custom in the east to set barren lands on fire; but for what purpose? Was it to render them useless, and to convert them into a desert? No; it was to cleanse, renovate, and restore them to fruitfulness. Here then the apostle means, that as men treat their lands, so will God finally deal with his children who have fallen away.

They shall be renewed again unto repentance, but it must be as by fire; with the burning torch of severe judgments and fearful visitations; by such flames of wrath and pains of hell as were felt by David and Solomon. Be of good cheer, then, ye truly penitent and believing, but still anxious and desponding brethren. If it be still doubtful to you, whether the covenant on God's part be concluded and established for ever, remaining immovable and indissoluble under all circumstances, read only the whole chapter which contains the passage we have been considering. Here the apostle preaches to us of the Divine faithfulness in such a manner, as may well cause every penitent sinner's heart to sing for joy. Here it appears as if those whom the inspired writer had smitten to the ground with the thunder of his awful warnings, he would now raise up again to heaven with his own hands. Observe how strongly in this very chapter, he insists on that obvious truth, that it is impossible for God to lie, or revoke his word! If he have, once for all, ratified as by an oath his favour towards us by the voice of his Spirit; if he have, once for all, not only left for us poor sinners a promise of entering into his rest, but sealed that promise to our souls, then we have a strong consolation. These two things, his oath and his word of promise, once given, can never waver: in having these, we have, for all occasions, a sure and steadfast anchor, which entereth into

that within the veil. Behold, such are the thoughts of the apostle upon these great subjects!

And now, for whose benefit has our address been delivered? First, for those who are at ease in Zion, living in false security; and secondly, for those who are desponding, and of little faith. To the former, it has been intended as a warning, that they may learn to watch and pray, to abide simply and entirely at the foot of the cross, and not be seduced unawares into error and confusion. For it is most dreadful and painful to be at last set on fire, like a barren and thorny field, in order to be renewed again unto repentance. To the latter it has been intended as a word of strength and consolation. For the covenant of Jehovah stands fast for ever; "the foundation of God remaineth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his." Yes, he knoweth you. Come unto Him, all ye who are invited to sit down at the table of his marriage-feast, like the prodigal son, tattered and worn-out as you may be; come only just as you are, covered with the dust of your wanderings in the desert of this world for no sooner does He behold you returning to the tables of his covenant, than he immediately remembers that covenant with you, though you may have forgotten it for years; and he will paternally welcome you, and speak comfortably to your hearts, saying, "Fear not, for I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore

with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." Oh! is He not then a faithful God, a Father of mercies, and a God of all comfort? Let his faithfulness and tender mercies even now break your hearts; and come unto Him with your hearts thus broken! He will embrace you, revive you, and give you peace.

THE DEPTHS OF SATAN.

MATTHEW iv. 1-11.

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

WE are here upon one of those memorable battle fields, where glory was gotten, that still to this day smiles upon ourselves; where triumphs

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