nessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference." The righteousness in which you must come before him is emphatically styled, "the Righteousness of God." "It is God that justifieth." This righteousness accomplished by the death of his dear Son was devised by him for his own honour. It is perfect and everlasting. It sprung from the overflowing fulness of his marvellous grace, and to the eternal glory of that grace it shall redound. "Without the law:" it is wholly evangelical in its character, and perfectly distinct from a legal righteousness, in which many boast and put their trust. It admits not of any additional excellency from man; not even of faith, repentance, or good works of any kind. These are fruits arising from a justified state, but not the cause of our justification before God; for faith and repentance are as much the gifts of God as justification itself. "Moses describeth the righteousness, which is of the law, that the man which doeth these things shall live by them.

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise: Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)" No; there is no necessity for Christ's appearing again to introduce another righteousness: the work is already done. He "brought in an everlasting righteousness." It cannot be rendered more complete by any man or angel; and "therefore by the deeds of the law, there shall no flesh be justified in his sight." "Is manifested:" the gospel brings it into open day-light, and exhibits it as its principal subject and glory. "I am not ashamed (said Paul) of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith." Do you ask for what purpose the gospel is sent? it is to manifest the righteousness of God to justify sinners; it is to set before you the way of life by which you may enter into his presence with gladness. "Being witnessed by the law and

the prophets:" the ceremonial law was a constant witness to the Jews of their need of a better righteousness than their own. The blood of their victims was but a type of the blood of the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. And to him give all the prophets witness, that in the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified. They all directly or indirectly bear testimony to the necessity, certainty, excellency, and glory, of the righteousness of God. "By faith of Jesus Christ:" faith is the great instrument by which it is made ours; it discovers its suitableness, and owns its excellency. The believer apprehends and receives it, renounces his own righteousness, and submits cheerfully to that of God. For the righteousness of faith saith, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." "Unto all, and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference:"-what delightful tidings! "We are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

D

You need not bring any price in your hand, it is enough if you believingly apply for it, it is enough if you renounce every other, and fix all your dependence here. Yes; whatever you have been, whether a profligate sinner or amiable as Nathaniel; whether in the prime of manhood or in the decline of age; whether exalted as Pilate or condemned as the thief,this righteousness is unto all and upon all them that believe: It is "unto all" judicially imputed and placed to their account; "upon all" as a robe of righteousness, and a garment of salvation, ornamenting them with spotless purity. God makes no difference here between the prince and the beggar. The rich shall bring no more, and the poor must bring no less, when they make an atonement to God for their souls.

This, beloved, is God's method for you to approach him. And what does he require of you but to acquiesce in the plan of his own divine equity; to offer him no less sacrifice than the glory of his perfections demand, a sacrifice equal to the demerit of sin; to em

man.

brace the free and unmerited terms of the gospel, "where mercy and truth meet together, righteousness and peace kiss each other;" to love them as the prisoner would love the tidings of pardon, as the slave would welcome the news of liberty, as the blind receive their sight; to accept this righteousness as a free gift, prize it as a suitable remedy, and be thankful to the Author for the blessings it imparts. This, this is all he requires of you, O And do not these terms well suit one so poor, and so guilty, and so unworthy, as you? Can any plan you have ever conceived be so well adapted to your state? O what news is this for a poor trembling sinner! "Ye who were afar off are now made nigh by the blood of Christ." This rends the vail of separation, and opens a free passage into the audiencechamber of the ever blessed God. This turns the judge into a friend, the avenger into a protector. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, though the veil, that is to say