January 3 — On the Rules of a New Life

Consider, first, that in the epistle which is read on New Years 'Day, Titus ii. 11 — 15., the apostle has in a few words declared to us the rules we are to follow in our lives, in consequence of the Son of God’s coming among us: namely, what we are to renounce; what we are to practise; what we are to look for; and what we are to tend to “ Thb grace of God, car Saviour. (saith he ) hath appeared to all men, instnictiiig us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly in this world; looking for that blessed hope, and the coming of the glory of that great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works.” O how many great lessons are here contained in a few words! Let us reflect on them one after another.

Consider, secondly, therefore, secondly, the end for which our God and Saviour came down amongst us, by the mystery of his incarnation; enlightened us by his gospel and by his life; and at length offered himself in sacrifice us, by his death upon the cross He gave himself for us saith the apostle, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, by setting us at liberty from being slaves to Satan, sin, and hell; by breaking in sunder all the chains of our vices and passions; and by purchasing all mercy, grace and salvation for us; to the end that, by the virtue of his precious blood, he might cleanse us for himself, and make us an acceptable people, (a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, 1 Peter ii. 9.,) a zealous pursuer of all good toorks. S, Christians, what kind of men we ought to be, in consequence of whal the n of God has done for us, in coming down from heaven for us, and laying down his life for us. O, let us nevermore degenerate by leading lives unworthy of him! Let us never mora return to our former slavery.

Consider, thirdly, that, being purchased by the Son of God, with so great a price, we are to consider ourselves henceforward as his property; and therefore we must not pretend to dispose of ourselves any otherwise than according to bis will and pleasure. This ought to be our rule in all we do; this we ought to consult in all our deliberations; this holy will of him, that has bought us with his own blood, should be in every thing a law to us, so as ever to renounce all that we know to be displeasing to him, and ever to pursue with all our strength, what we know to be agreeable to him. You are not your own: you are bought with a great price, says the apostle, I Cor. vi. 19, 20. Glorify, and bear God in your body.

Conclude to take in practice, for the rule of your life, this holy will of your Redeemer, according to the whole extent of the apostle’s exposition and declaration of the Christian’s rule, Titus ii. 11, d&c., and you will be religious men indeed, of that excellent order which Jesus Christ came from heaven to institute ' and yon will be with him for ever. %