trating (so to speak) to the inward parts of man : it is not that merely which is made with the hand, but which is the work of God, sanctifying those who receive it" circumcision not made with hands," saith St. Paul. It is that which consists not in cutting off the flesh of the foreskin, but in "putting off the body of the sins of the flesh." "Circumcision," he saith again, "is of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God." Such are some of the strong and animated expressions of the Apostle, by which he would stir up the hearts of his converts, and turn them from outward and visible things to such as are spiritual and unseen.

But now, all this was taught of old, taught even to the Jews, as the real design of this ordinance, as you have heard already, out of the book of Deuteronomy. And they were required to cut off and mortify their fleshly lusts and desires, and had a sure promise that God would himself do the good work in their hearts. Is more, then, required of us? Yes: the commandment given to us is yet more spiritual; and far larger and more express is the promise of the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts, and renew us after the image of Him that created us. He is our true and lively pattern. And here you have the

last and great lesson to be learned from the circumcision of Christ. He, having appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh, and suffered for sin in the flesh, is become that exact and perfect image of righteousness and true holiness after which we are to be renewed. There is no instance of inward purity and godly living, of piety toward God and love to him and to all men, of subduing unruly passions and desires, and acquiring a meek and gentle spirit, of truth in word and integrity of conduct, of self-denial and heavenly affection, of devotedness to do the will of the Father and patient submission to it, but may be found written in legible and bright characters in his life and conversation. These exhibit a mirror without blemish, by which we may form ourselves anew after his likeness. It is, in one word, then, a renewal of heart and mind which is the practical lesson of this day. "Behold," saith he, "I make all things new." "In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Let all things, then, be made new to us, through the sanctification of the Spirit; new thoughts, new desires, and walking in newness of life. Here is something beyond what was taught of old to the people of God. For however strict and excellent the commandment, and gracious

the promise, I do not find the expression in the books of the Old Testament, till we come to the Psalms and prophecies which tell of Gospel blessings. But then we have it in every line. And the reason probably is, that the term "new" implies that which is spiritual; and the abundant gift of the Spirit, and the change of heart wrought by Him, form one of the great and leading privileges of the disciples of Christ.

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Here, then, is our rule, our pattern, our encouragement. Let us set our hands to the good work. Having these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Let us serve God in newness of spirit, not in the oldness of the letter; put off the old man, and put on the new man, which is created in righteousness and holiness." The time invites and calls us to the work. The old year is passed from us, carrying away, as in a mighty stream, the vanities and follies that have bewitched us in the course of it, and hiding them from our sight till that awful hour when the sea shall give up her dead. What strange scenes of sore trial from the hand of God, or of temptation from the power of evil, of peace or calamity, to be rejoiced in, or to be dreaded, may rise before us, as the hand of God draws up, one by one, the folds of that veil

which now hides from mortal eyes the things to come! But all things shall, through His abun dant mercy, work together for good to them that love him. Now, then, we will consecrate to Him the first fruits of our thoughts and desires, our hopes and fears; while, as our Church expresses it, we "offer and present unto Him ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice unto him, being fed with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of his dear Son," for the strengthening and "preserving of our bodies and souls unto everlasting life." "And in that strength we will go forth, each to his work and to his labour, until the evening." "And the glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us: prosper Thou the work of our hands upon us! O prosper Thou our handy-work!"

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SERMON XIX.

CHILDREN OF GOD AND HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM.

GAL. iv. 7. Wherefore, thou art no more a servant, but a son; and, if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

THIS is the privilege of those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's religion. They have been taken into God's family, and made his children. Before this, they were, at best, but servants, or slaves. The Jews were as servants under the law. Though they were heirs of the gracious promise which had been made to their fathers, and waiting for the fulfilment of it, they were yet but "under tutors and governors," saith St. Paul, "until the time appointed by the Father." The law of Moses, and even the teaching of the prophets, were as tutors and governors, who had care of children; and the children, while under them, were in a state of bondage; subject to the rule and guidance of those who were placed over them, as tutors to instruct them, and stewards to manage their estate. We should be well acquainted with the customs of those days, in order to enter fully into the Apostle's meaning. You remember his