the ra

makes vis. Ourselves i

›・ future blessings, and the way in which God fits and ains up his children for the family above.

Wherever the Gospel is preached, there, to a larger smaller extent, these blessings are imparted to those ho faithfully hear it. But we have hitherto only iscoursed of blessings given in this life: let us look orward a little. Blessed are they that do his commandnents, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Rev. xxii, 14. What then are the happy results of faithful hearing, as they regard eternal life? Let us look at it only in one point-the PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF GOD WHICH WE SHALL THERE ATTAIN. Now, under the clearest discourses of the ministry, and the fullest privileges of the Gospel, we see through a glass darkly, but then, face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known. There is a veil of flesh between us and the world of spirits; there is a body of sin and death that intercepts our view, and obscures our prospect, and hinders our full knowledge. True it is, we have the cheering light of God's holy word; (an inestimable advantage) a light to our feet, and a lamp to our paths, to guide us safe in the way to heaven., Christians are like men travelling along a high road in the night, with a sufficient light in their hands to guide them through to their home; but they can see little or nothing of the beauties and glories of the country through which they pass; the most splendid landscape may be spread before them; the hills, and dales, and rivers, and woods may enrich the scene with diversified beauty; the most curious, and delicate plants and flowers may adorn the whole, and yet the pilgrim be either unconscious of it, or unable to discern it. But, bye and bye, the night will pass away, the morning of the resurrection will

e saved bit nd acce

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newed

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Our SOULS ARE RIPENING FOR THE GLORY TO COME. Not merely temporal benefits, but a preparation for eternal, is connected with a due regard Christ's word. Our Lord asserts, He that heareth my words, and believeth in me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death to life. This is the road in which the saints that now fill the heavenly mansions once walked on earth. They heard, and listened to, and loved the truth of God. They tasted its sweetness, they experienced its power, they lived under its influence. St. Peter says,

Desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grox thereby unto salvation. 1 Pet. ii, 2. Would you attair the glory above? tread in the steps of saints below, and thus be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Reader! it is true excellence, and the way to true glory, to discern the vanity of all knowledge separate from that which makes wise unto salvation, and to yield and submit ourselves wholly to the guidance of divine truth. Those saved by the Gospel are freely pardoned, justified, and accepted of God, sanctified by his Holy Spirit, and made meet to be partakers of the heavenly inheritance. They are adopted into the family of their divine Parent, made heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. To be delivered from the wrath of God, the power of Satan, and the misery of hell; to be changed, renewed, and purified by the Holy Ghost; to be translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son; and even now to have the sure hope of everlasting life-these are some foretastes

The best manuscripts add, eis swingiav. See Griesbach and

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thakes

oursciet

esared bat

and acces

ad made

, future blessings, and the way in which God fits and 2ins up his children for the family above.

Wherever the Gospel is preached, there, to a larger smaller extent, these blessings are imparted to those ho faithfully hear it. But we have hitherto only scoursed of blessings given in this life: let us look ›rward a little. Blessed are they that do his commandents, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may nter in through the gates into the city. Rev. xxii, 14.

What then are the happy results of faithful hearing, as hey regard eternal life? Let us look at it only in one point-the PERFect knowledge OF GOD WHICH WE SHALL THERE ATTAIN. Now, under the clearest discourses of the ministry, and the fullest privileges of the Gospel, we see through a glass darkly, but then, face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known. There is a veil of flesh between us and the world of spirits; there is a body of sin and death that intercepts our view, and obscures our prospect, and hinders our full knowledge. True it is, we have the cheering light of God's holy word; (an inestimable advantage) a light to our feet, and a lamp to our paths, to guide us safe in the way to heaven., Christians are like men travelling along a high road in the night, with a sufficient light in their hands to guide them through to their home; but they can see little or nothing of the beauties and glories of the country through which they pass; the most splendid landscape may be spread before them; the hills, and dales, and rivers, and woods may enrich the scene with diversified beauty; the most curious, and delicate plants and flowers may adorn the whole, and yet the pilgrim be either unconscious of it, or unable to discern it. But, bye and bye, the night will pass away, the morning of the resurrection will

ower of Sir

enewed ated int

now to boy

Te some

Fee Griesh

saving knowledge comes from hence; if you negler the means which God has appointed, he may lew your soul to perish for lack of knowledge, in the mids of the most abundant means. But experience shews that by a bumble, faithful, and regular attendance on the ministry of the word, with a spirit of prayer for God blessing, knowledge of divine things is given to you fre above. Thus every sermon may be the means of you increasing in heavenly wisdom. It is in this view the Solomon says, Hear instruction, and be wise, a refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth s watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of ■ doors; for whoso findeth me, findeth life, and sha obtain favour of the Lord. A little knowledge, when it is from above, where it is gracious and saving, has: blessedness above all calculation. At the time that o Lord pronounced the Apostles blessed, (Matt. xiii, 16 they knew very little, but they were under his teaching he explained his doctrine to them more fully; and, b degrees, they came to the riches of the full assurance e understanding. Let us then earnestly apply ourselve to this source of instruction. How forcible, in this view, is that address, (Prov. ii, 1–6.) My son, if the wilt receive my words, and lide my commandments with thee, ...so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding: yea, if thou cries after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest for her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God, ja God giveth wisdom.

6

Hereby WE KNOW THAT GOD HAS CALLED US OUT OF THE WORLD, TO PARTAKE OF THE BLESSINGS OF THE GOSPEL. St. Paul says, Whos

did predestinate, them he also called. Rom. viii, 30. his is an inestimable privilege. By the preaching of e Gospel we are called out from a world lying in ickedness, from the service of sin and Satan, to follow he Saviour and obtain his glory. 2 Thess. ii, 14. In is heavenly calling, (Heb. iii, 1.) we are invited by the ather of all mercies freely to partake of all spiritual lessings. Are we doubtful whether we are included? ow can we doubt, when the last lingering words of his wn book again repeat the oft-reiterated (Isa. lv, 1; ohn vii, 37.) invitation, Whosoever will, let him take of thehe water of life freely. Rev. xxii, 17. Do you feel so rabressed and weighed down with sin, that you think you

es blessed

cannot be included? you are the very persons specially Alienvited-Come unto me, all ye, that labour and are heavy graden, and I will give you rest. Matt. xi, 28. Do you tion. yet hesitate? ministers are sent on purpose to entreat you-We are ambassadors for Christ; as though God y were did beseech you by us, we pray you, in Christ's stead, be then ye reconciled. 2 Cor. v, 20. Are you still full of fears ches of that you MAY not believe? nay, rather fear, lest you earnedSHOULD not obey his commands; for this is his comHomandment, that ye should believe on the name of his son 11, 1-4 Jesus Christ. 1 John iii, 23. Rather fear, lest you de my incur his final wrath by unbelief-He that believeth not hine ear the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. John iii, 36. And as God thus calls all that

ding: you!

thy to hear the Gospel by the outward preaching, so he

he, inwardly, by the teaching and internal calling of his shalt blessed Spirit, given with the outward word, disposes his people to attend to his word, and to become partakers of his blessing, and to have fellowship with his Son.

GOD HAS 1 Cor. i, 9; 1 Thess. i, 5.

PARTAL

St. Paul

CONVICTION OF SIN FOLLOWS A RIGHT HEAR

02