exhibit their likeness, that we may see our own. This is an act of stupendous condescension; and taking this scriptural view, we can bless the grace that has made us to differ from the Pharisee and the hypocrite. Oh, to grace how great a debtor! Daily I rejoice to be—and in the fine language of the communion of the church of England, would daily pray— Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly (sincerely) love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Every one that God has made honest in heart can say amen to this prayer. I remark once more, that the Lord’s people are in scripture called believers, because they are blessed with the faith of God’s elect. Here they are made _sincere_. Faith is a giving credit to what God says in his word, and is perfectly satisfied with his truth, with the record God has given of his Son. It is also a divine persuasion the soul is persuaded of the love, grace, and faithfulness of God—_it_ rests on what God says, and is seen in its actings, which we sometimes call exercises—_it_ flies to Christ in danger, sin, trouble and threatenings—_it_ leans upon Christ amidst all weakness and sore darkness—_it_ trusts in the person and work of Christ for pardon, justification, and holiness, for comfort, knowledge, support, help and deliverance—_it_ pleads with Christ upon the ground of his promises, and appears before God only in Christ; and this faith is the work of God upon the soul—_it_ evidences a person’s salvation, and sooner or later such persons shall most sensibly enjoy the smiles of a covenant God, the light of his countenance, and the fullest persuasion of his love. When these are seen and felt it is sense—but when they are not, then it is the business of faith to be looking out of self to Jesus, to be waiting on him and for him; and here also hope is engaged—it is expecting the fulfilment of God’s promises, nor shall such wait, look or hope in vain. We find even hope blessed in this exercise. For Lord if thou ne’er had’st design’d No covenant blessing for me, Ah, tell me how is it I find Such sweetness in waiting for thee.