these principles, we may be found in open rebellion, while we think we are doing God service. For example: God commands us not to steal. But, if we do not _believe_ that he has given this commandment, we shall feel under no obligation to _obey_ it. And every truth which God has revealed is as intimately connected with practice as this, although the duty enjoined be, in itself considered, of less consequence. Christianity is called a spiritual building. "Ye are built up a spiritual _house_." "Whose _house_ are we?" "We are God's _building_." Now the _foundation_ and _frame-work_ of this building are the doctrines or truths of the Bible. Some of these doctrines are called _fundamental_ or _essential_, because they lie at the _foundation_ of the whole building; and are so _essential_ to it, that, if taken away, the whole would fall to the ground. These are, The Existence of God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; the Fall, and consequent Depravity of Man; the Atonement of Christ; Justification by faith in him alone, and the Office of the Holy Spirit in the work of Regeneration. If any _one_ of these were taken away, it would overturn the whole building. These may, therefore, well be called the _foundation_. But you see there are other very important parts of a _frame_ besides the foundation. So there are many other very important truths of Christianity, besides its essential doctrines. But some of these are of more consequence than others. If a _post_ or a _beam_ is taken away, the building is greatly marred and in danger of falling; yet, if well _covered_, it may still be a comfortable dwelling. Again, although a _brace_ or a _pin_ is of service to strengthen the building, yet either may be taken away without very serious injury. But a _frame_ may be _complete_ in all its parts, and yet be no building. Without a _covering_, it will not answer a single design of a house; and just in proportion as it is well covered, will it be a comfortable residence. Just so with Christianity. The covering of the house is the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart, producing gracious affections, which manifest themselves in a holy life. But the covering of a house cannot exist without some kind of frame-work. So experimental and practical piety cannot exist without a belief of the principal doctrines of the gospel. The Holy Spirit operates upon the heart _through the truth_. He gives it a personal application; brings it home to the heart and conscience, and makes it effectual in changing the heart and life. "Sanctify them _through thy truth_: thy word is truth." "Of his own will begat he us, _with the word of truth_." "Seeing ye have purified your souls, in _obeying the truth through the Spirit_." "Being born again _by the word of God_." Thus, the agency of the Spirit is always acknowledged in connection with the truth. Any religious feeling or experience, therefore, which is not produced by the truth made effectual by the Holy Spirit, is not genuine.