Page:Sermons preached in the African Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Thomas', Philadelphia.djvu/45

Rh abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." As the branch derives all its nourishment from its union to the parent stock, so does the Christian in like manner derive spiritual life, vigor and fruitfulness through his union to Christ by true faith. The characters therefore who are properly designated as being in Christ, are his true sincere followers; and the happy result that follows from this connexion is—they have peace. Let us consider the nature of this peace which can be found nowhere else but in Christ. It is a spiritual peace, heavenly and divine in its nature and origin. It is a peace that relates to our Maker, our own consciences and to all mankind. No one is at peace with God in his natural and impenitent state. In the bosom of every man until renewed by divine grace, there is a principle directly at war with the Most High. It is irreconcilable in its