Page:Doctrine of the cross of Christ, stated and improved.pdf/16

 to accomplish this, among all his other achievements. In this view, the cross of Christ was endeared to the blessed Apostle Paul, as that by which the world was crucified to him, and he unto the world.

Death, the last foe of man, and the gloomy grave, the terror of all living, are overcome by the cross of Christ. Death's formidable appearance remains, but his sting is gone; for when guilt was expiated death was disarmed. The pardoned sinner may therefore boldly say, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" The king of terrors is, by the cross of Christ, converted into a messenger of peace. Now it is gain to die. The grave is become a quiet resting place for our mouldering bones to the great rising day.

5. The cross of Christ is the foundation of our hope.-Some talk of a hope built on the review of a well-spent life: a certain indication of a want of self-knowledge. What hope can the enlightened, the anxious trembling sinner, have on this ground? A thousand miscarriages arise to his view. Were there no ground of hope but that of the deeds of the law, such a one must sink into despair. Nothing can be sure ground of hope, but that which removes sin, that