not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12. 32.) As an heir is entitled to the estate, in due time, so are we, through the death of Christ, to the joys of heaven. As an heir by misconduct is liable to be disinherited, so may we by transgression fall away unto perdition.

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These three figures being thus plained, I would now ask you to examine : Do you feel as if you really were such, as you here say that you were made? Are you accustomed to regard yourselves in this honourable light, as members of a body whereof Christ is the head, as children of no less a Father than God, as heirs of an inheritance no less glorious than heaven? Do you feel persuaded, that this is your present actual character, stamped on you by the power of Almighty God? his free gift, conferred on you, without any merit of your own, but simply by virtue of the death of Christ, who purchased you, both body and soul, by his most precious blood? Oh, had you but a just conception of this your honourable standing, as

Christ's members, God's children, heaven's heirs, how could you ever so demean yourselves as to become servants of sin and Satan? how could you ever care so earnestly for the things of earth? how could you ever take off your attention so entirely, as many do for nearly all their time, from your high and heavenly calling; compared with which, all the treasures of the rich, and all the grandeur of the great, sink, to the eye of faith, into utter insignificance?

But when you were admitted into these glorious privileges, you were pledged to corresponding duties. These are the subject of the third question and answer in the Catechism. "What did your godfathers and godmothers then for you? They did promise and vow three things in my name. First, that I should renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh. Secondly, that I should believe all the articles of the Christian faith. And thirdly, that I should keep God's holy will and commandments,

and walk in the same all the days of my life." The three things here set forth are intimately connected with each other. But as the two latter will be treated of at some length, in the sermons on the Creed and the Commandments, I would now only say a few words on the first of the three.

What then are the things which we are to renounce? And, what is meant by renouncing them? Surely this word "renounce" implies, that naturally we cleave to the things here spoken of. By nature, by our corrupted and defiled nature, we cleave to the works of Satan, to the pomps and vanities of the world, to the lusts of the flesh. But these corrupt affections must be purified; they must be dismissed from the heart, in order for it to have room to harbour the faith and practice of a Christian. Before the love of God, and the love of that which is good can be properly entertained, these contrary loves, as they have been well called, must be torn up by the roots, the love of the flesh, and the love of the world, and the love of the works of the devil, These

we must first renounce, that is to say, refuse them, reject them, have nothing to do with them. And then we may more reasonably hope, that faith and love will take root, and flourish, and bear the fruit of holiness, and bring it to perfection. It was in order to "deliver us from this present evil world" that Christ "

gave himself "And they

for our sins." (Gal. 1. 4.) that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts." (Gal. 5. 24.) And "for this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3. 8.)

Remember then what was said for you at your baptism by your sponsors, "I renounce them all." And repeat these words often in your hearts before God, with renewed purpose of faithfully fulfilling your engagements, "I renounce them all." "The devil and all his works," "I renounce them all." "The vain pomp and glory of the world, with all the covetous desires of the same," "I renounce them all." "And the carnal desires of the flesh," "I renounce them all." I will "not fol

low nor be led by them." God being my helper, I will press forward in the very opposite direction. I will not wish to enjoy these pleasures, if I might. God being

my helper, I will not only refuse evil, but also abhor it. By sin came death. Shall not this make sin loathsome in my eyes ? My sins cost the death of Christ my Saviour. For the sake of Him who loved me, and gave Himself for me, "I renounce them all." (Publick Baptism of Infants.)

In the Catechism we are taught to rest the obligation of renouncing sin, and following after holiness, on the promises made in our behalf, by the friends who answered for us when we were baptized. "Dost thou not think, that thou art bound to believe and to do as they have promised for thee?" This is the fourth question put to us. And now observe the answer: "Yes, verily; and by God's help, so I will. And I heartily thank our heavenly Father, that he hath called me to this state of salvation, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. And I pray unto God to give me his grace,