———ſo that, againſt the true believer, ſin ſhall never riſe up in judgement; ſhall not ſo much as be mentioned unto him; ſhall be done away as tho' it had never been. For, thus faith the ambaſſador of the Prince of peace, Be it known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgivneſs of ſins, and by him all that believe are juſtified from all things. Oh, my ſoul! my guilty ſoul! what are all the kingdomsof the world, and the glories of them, compared with this ineffable bleſſing! Yet this is but one among a multitude.
Another benefit, accruing from the croſs of Chriſt, is reconciliation with God. When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God, by the death of his Son. Not pardoned only, but accepted; from a ſtate of enmity, reſtored to a ſtate of favour! even that favour which is better than life. A privilege of ſuch ſuperlative excellency, that it was celebrated in the hymns of angels. When the heavenly hoſt offered a ſong, this was the ſubject of their harmonious joy: Glory be to God in the higheſt, and or earth peace, good will towards men. “By the birth of this wonderful Child, and the death he ſhall ſuſtain, peace is made between heaven and earth: and not peace only, but a divine friendſhip commences. God regards the poor apoſtate race of men, not only without indignation, but with complacency and delight. He rejoices over them to do them good."
