fearlessly, peacefully, hopefully, joyously, for we know where our strength lies, in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, which is the power of God unto salvation. * * * * * II. We may pass on then to the second reason why we should not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, namely, the blessedness of its end. It is the power of God “unto salvation.” Now what is meant by this salvation? It must not be limited to one particular act of God or to another, but includes the whole work of Divine grace in the soul, commencing with the new birth, and about to be perfected at the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. When a man is accepted in Christ Jesus, and born again of God the Holy Spirit, then is that poor sinner declared in the Scripture to be saved. He is saved, for he is adopted into the family of God, and he no longer stands condemned as a guilty, sinful, child of wrath; “to as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” He is saved, for he has a new life bestowed on him, which all the powers of death shall never be able to extinguish, for he is “born again not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” He is saved, for he is born to be a conqueror; so that although there may be a deep struggle in the secrets of his heart, and many a strong temptation alluring him from his course, and exerting such a power over his soul, that he trembles at times lest he should be plunged again into the abyss of sin; yet through it all he comes forth a conqueror, and the Scriptures are proved true, which declare without reserve, “Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.” Nay, more! He is saved, for he is adopted into a coheirship with his Lord. He passes through life like other men, engaged in interests, afflicted by its sorrows, and partaking of its joys. You meet him in society, and you observe no marked distinction, except in his character. But all the while the hidden seal is on his forehead, the Father’s name is written there, and the quiet, humble believer, with nothing here to attract attention, is in the sight of God a child of God; and is destined to reign triumphant in the approaching kingdom of his Lord: “If children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.”