SERMON emotions which shall continue to delight them through all eternity.

JX.

FROM those views of a state of future happiness which the Text has suggested, various instructions relating to life and practice naturally arise. We are taught to rectify our notions of felicity; to look for it, not in what is external, but in what relates to the mind and heart; in good dispositions and a purified soul; in unity and friendship with one another; and in the divine presence and favour. If such things form the principal articles of future bliss, they cannot but be essential to our happiness in the more early periods of existence; and he who seeks his chief enjoyment from an opposite quarter, errs widely from the path which conducts to felicity.

We are farther taught whence to derive constancy and perseverance, amidst the present discouragements of a virtuous life. In this world, we often behold good men depressed, and the wicked prospering around us. Our best deeds meet with unjust returns from an ungrateful world.

Sincerity

is over-reached by craft, and innocence falls

IX.

a victim to power. But let us not on such SERMON Occasions say within ourselves, that in vain we have cleansed our hearts, and washed our hands in innocency. Let us rest on the assurance, that these disorders extend not far in the kingdom of God. They affect only the first stage of existence. They relate to discipline and trial, which will soon be finished. In that permanent state which is about to open, a new and better order of things shall arise. When dejected with the evils of life, let us look up to that happy multitude who have come out of great tribulation, and now stand before the throne. Until the day arrive which shall join us to that blessed assembly, let us show ourselves worthy of the hope that is before us, by supporting, with a constant mind, the trials of our fidelity. Be patient; stablish your hearts. The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

From the prospects which the Text has afforded, we may likewise learn what the spirit is which should regulate our life. Sanctity of conduct, dignity of character, elevation of affections, become those who expect to mingle with angels, and spirits of just men made perfect. I mean not that such prospects

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SERMON prospects should carry away our whole attention from the present world, where undoubtedly lies the chief scene of human action, of human duty. But while we act as inhabitants of the earth, we ought at the same time so to remember our connection with a better world, as not to debase ourselves with what is mean, not to defile ourselves with what is impure, not to entangle ourselves among what is ensnaring, in the present state. Let neither its advantages elate, nor its disappointments deject us; but with an equal spirit, with a mind full of immortality, let us pass through all the changes of this mortal life.

Finally, let the discoveries of future happiness inspire us with suitable gratitude to God and Christ; to the eternal Father, who originally decreed such rewards for the righteous; and to the Son, who acts in the high character of the Dispenser of the divine mercies, and the great Restorer of the fallen race of men. Particularly when approaching to God in solemn acts of devotion, such as we are at this day to perform, let gratitude be alive and ardent in our heart. The commemoration of our Saviour's death is in a

IX.

high degree suited to awaken every emotion SERMON of tenderness and love. It brings before us, under one view, all the obligations which we lie under to this great benefactor of mankind. When just ready to suffer for our sake, he instituted this holy sacrament, and said, Do this in remembrance of me.- - Whom, O blessed Jesus! shall we ever remember, if we are capable of forgetting Thee? Thee, to whom we owe the forgiveness of sin, and the restoration of divine favour; our victory over death, and our hope of life eternal! Thou hast enlarged our views beyond these territories of disorders and darkness. Thou hast discovered to us the city of the living God. Thou settest open the gates of that new Jerusalem; and leadest us into the path of life. Thou from age to age gatherest out of every nation, and kindred, and people, that multitude which stand before the throne. Thou bringest them out of great tribulation. Thine are the white robes with which they are invested; thine, the palms which they bear ; and by Thee they are placed under the light of the divine countenance for ever.

SERMON X.

On CANDOUR.

SERMON

X.

I CORINTH. xiii. 5.

Charity-thinketh no evil.

RELIGION and Government are the

two great foundations of order and comfort among mankind. Government restrains the outrages and crimes which would be subversive of society, secures the property, and defends the lives, of its subjects. But the defect of government is, that human laws can extend no farther than to the actions of men. Though they protect us from external violence, they leave us open on different sides to be wounded. By the vices which prevail in society our tranquillity may be disturbed, and our lives in various ways embittered, while government

can