And if you are sincere in this reliance, you look forward with joy to the time when he shall present you faultless before the throne of God. Being one with Christ now, you shall be found in Christ then; in whom your redemption shall be complete.

Do these truths, I would now ask, fix your regard on Christ? Have you this evidence of your union with him in the interest they excite in your minds? Does the power of truth carry its own demonstration with it, that you have been begotten again by the word, and by this are prepared to receive it, and benefit by it, and to be blessed in it. Most gladly would I trace this evidence in you all, as I do in many, that the word of God is your food, your treasure, and certain guide. It is, however, with thankfulness I own it to be of God, that the truth has received from you so much attention. May the Holy Ghost in due time bear testimony to it, by its manifestation in your consciences. May you still bear in mind, that there can be no higher privilege in this life, than that which was foretold would be fulfilled in these latter days," they shall all be taught of God." And may you, at length, be enabled to say, "Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."

It is one, and not the least, of the consolations and blessings of a true christian, by his belief of

It

the word to recognise his communion with all those who, through the same word, and with the like precious faith, make up one body with a fellowship of blessings, and an interchange of benefits. This realized will surely be a great stay, and have a powerful influence over the mind of the believer to keep him in the faith. is the main argument of the Apostle in the twelfth chapter of Hebrews: "Ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly of the church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." Wherefore we receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."

Seek after a lively and full participation in the interest of that kingdom. Rest in, and cultivate the practical experience of the communion of saints; and in this you will find a fulness of spiritual blessings and consolation. Shall a blessing rest on the body, and shall not every member share in it? Shall the word of life be diffused over all the world to gather together the elect, and to nourish them in life and vigour, and shall any child begotten by that word be suffered to pine for the blessings others receive? Seek to

know your interest in Christ, your fellowship by the Spirit with him and the Father; and then know that this promise is to you, "All things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."

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Ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, UNTO ETERNAL LIFE." "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."

SERMON XXIII.

CHRIST GLORIFIED IN HIS SAINTS.

II THESS. i. 10.

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe, (because our testimony among you was believed,) in that day.

Ir is scarcely possible to conceive a more interesting object of regard than that of a congregation of early christians, called out of the heathen world, from all their superstitions and follies, from all their vain speculations and degrading vices, to the hope and prospect of eternal bliss in the purity of heaven. An apostle goes among them with the word of life, bears testimony to the heavenly promise, to the power of divine grace, and to its beneficial influence on the heart: they hear, they attend, and in the face of all their former prejudices believe the word of God, the eyes of their understanding are enlightened, and a new scene is opened to their contemplation. They are effectually called from former debasing pursuits, and the contagion of them. They are purified by a faith which is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." They forget the things that are behind, and “ pressing toward the mark for the prize of their high calling of

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