of these glad tidings that will
compose the soul. We desire only you may know what bondage you are really
into, whether it be observed or not, that you may fear, lest you be
enthralled in the chains of everlasting darkness, and so may be persuaded
to flee from it before it be irrecoverable. What a vain and empty sound is
the gospel of liberty by a Redeemer, to the most part who do not feel
their bondage? Who believes its report, or cares much for it--because it is
necessity that casts a beauty and lustre upon it, or takes the scales off
our eyes, and opens our closed ears?

Now for you, who either are, or have been, detained in this bondage, under
the fearful apprehension of the wrath of God, and the sad remembrance of
your sins, know that this is not the prime intent and grand business, to
torment you, as it were, before the time. There is some other more
beautiful and satisfying structure to be raised out of this foundation. I
would have you improve it thus, to commend the necessity, the absolute
necessity, of a Redeemer, and to make him beautiful in your eyes. Do not
dwell upon that, as if it were the ultimate or last work, but know that
you are called in this rational way, to come out of yourselves into this
glorious liberty of the sons of God, purchased by Christ, and revealed in
the gospel. Know, "you have not received the spirit of bondage" only "to
fear," but to drive you to faith in a Saviour. And then you ought so to
walk, as not to return to that former thraldom of the fear of wrath, but
believe his love.

Sermon XXXVII.

Verses 14, 15.--"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they
are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of
bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of
adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

The life of Christianity, take it in itself, is the most pleasant and
joyful life that can be, exempted from those fears and cares, those
sorrows and anxieties, that all other lives are subject unto, for this of
necessity must be the force and efficacy of true religion, if it be indeed
true to its name, to disburden and ease the heart, and fill it with all
manner of consolation. Certainly it is the most rich subject, and most
completely furnished with all variety of delights to entertain a soul,
that can be imagined. Yet, I must confess, while we consult with the
experience and practice of Christians, this bold assertion seems to be
much