baptism, and not, as in other instances, subsequently to it-a circumstance which conveys to my mind a very strong intimation of the light in which that ordinance ought chiefly to be regarded, viz., as a sign and seal of the christian covenant. To whom was it administered on the present occasion? To a true and sincere convert to a brother in Christ-to one, therefore, whose sins had been forgiven, and who was at that moment in the love and favour of the Redeemer. And not only so, but to one who in addition to the ordinary influences of divine grace had received a miraculous effusion of the Holy Ghost. On him, therefore, it could not have operated as a converting ordinance. Nor indeed, my brethren, is it ever so represented in the pages of the New Testament. What then remains, but that we view it in the light in which it is here represented, (and in which it is every where represented in the services and articles of our Church) "as an ordinance

which transfers, as it were, the blessed recipient from a state of acknowledged ruin to a state of acknowledged safetyfrom a world which lieth in wickedness, to the Church of God and the family of Christ-which pronounces him no longer a child of wrath, but a child of gracewhich seals to him all the blessings of the Christian covenant to which he is supposed to have become entitled by the previous exercise of faith." "Baptism" is, in short, (what our 27th Article very clearly defines it,) "a sign of Regeneration or new birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive baptism rightly are grafted into the Church: the promises of forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost are visibly signed and sealed: faith is confirmed, and grace increased, by virtue of prayer unto God."

But in addition to this just view of baptism as a sealing, confirming, strengthening, and comforting ordinance on God's

part, it is most important to remember that it is a promising and pledging ordinance on our part-in which we engage to renounce the service of sin and Satan, fight manfully against all our spiritual enemies, and continue stedfast in the faith and obedience of Christ.

To this service, and to this warfare Saul sincerely devoted himself. And never did any valiant and renowned chieftain contend more ardently or perseveringly in his sovereign's cause than did Saul, after pledging himself in baptism to Christ. Never once did he repent of his decision to forsake all for such a service. The sufferings which he endured in it made him love it but the more. Its very shame he accounted to be honour; and in that cross, which to the world was a badge of disgrace, he learned to exult, and to glory. And never did he remit his conflicts and his toils until, as he arrived at the gaol, he was enabled to take up the conqueror's song, and exclaim, "I have

fought a good fight, I have kept the faith -henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me in that day."

My dear friends! you also are professedly the soldiers and servants of the same all-gracious Prince and Saviour. You also have pledged yourselves to fight courageously and perseveringly against every spiritual enemy. How, then, are you fulfilling your engagements? you vigilant, or loitering, at your post? Are you taking unto you the whole armour of God, or living carelessly and at your ease? Oh, be admonished to take heed,

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lest the foe find you off your guard. Be exhorted to give increasing diligence to war a good warfare-to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ-remembering that solemn declaration of our Lord which is at once a promise, and an admonition: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

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LECTURE IV.

ACTS ix. 19-31.

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

But all that heard him were amazed and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

But their laying await was known of Saul: and they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.