blemish, of dispositions perfectly pure. This is an element in their feelings which is much insisted upon in the oracles of God, and however little it may impress the irreligious man, it is the subject of delightful anticipation to those whose regenerated hearts mourn the evil influences to which they are now subjected, and long for the period when the dominion of corruption shall be utterly destroyed. And those who are distinguished by this perfect holiness, will live in the presence of God almighty, all-sufficient, all-merciful. No man hath seen God at any time. He is a spirit not to be beheld or touched by the material organ. He is an universally diffused intelligence, not to be limited by place. Yet there is no doubt that he can reveal himself to finite spirits—that he can even without assuming a corporeal form, become the object of their senses. Heaven, the abode of saints and angels, is also said to be his dwelling-place; not because he is there confined, but because while universally present, he is there peculiarly manifested, and imparts to holy beings joys unutterable. But what are those joys? Are they sensual? are they merely intellectual? They are spiritual. There is the gratification of beholding all that is excellent―of associating with all that is holy-of praising Him to whom all glory is due—and of expressing the intense feelings of love and gratitude to Him who "having washed us by his blood, has

redeemed us out of every tongue and kindred." In a word, we shall possess higher faculties and holier feelings, and we shall have access to all that can exercise the one or gratify the other.

Now, brethren, are you desirous of entering on the heavenly inheritance? Consider well what is involved in its enjoyment-consider the character necessary to its attainment. St. John declares, that every one who hath this hope in him, purifieth himself as God is pure. And such conduct is reasonable and proper. It is only the pure in heart that shall see God. It is only such who could be happy in his presence. Let me therefore earnestly beseech you to grow in grace-to subdue earthly and sinful desires, and to cherish those which are heavenly. Do not remit your exertions while any advance in Christian piety is to be made, and use every means which can conduce to its perfection. Let this world be chiefly regarded, as it affords opportunity of obtaining entrance into another and better, where guilt and sorrow are alike unknown; where all those who die in faith shall reap their imperishable reward, while they join in ascribing blessedness, and honor, and glory, and praise, to Him. that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and forever.

101

SERMON VIII.

THE DISCOURAGEMENTS AND CONSOLATIONS OF THE

CHRISTIAN MINISTER.

ISAIAH XLIX. 4.

Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain : yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.

THE words of the text were uttered by the prophet while personating that Messiah to whom so many of his predictions related. The Almighty had declared to him, "Thou art my servant, in whom I will be glorified." The reply was, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought." This had reference to the fact that Israel, the chosen people of Jehovah, would not in general be gathered to Him who should be revealed as their Prince and Saviour. The animating declaration is subjoined on the part of the Father. "It is a light thing

that thou shouldest be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

Such is the connection in which the text appears, and such was its original application.

We may regard the language of Jesus Christ as employed by one of his followers, and from it be led to take a view of the discouragements and consolations of the Christian ministry.

The object for which this ministry is instituted, is the preparation of human beings for the last stage of life and for the scenes of another world. In the fulfilment of this purpose it effects another. By rendering men wiser and better, it greatly contributes to their present happiness.

There are others who labor worthily to promote the temporal welfare of men-to add to the sum of their innocent enjoyments, and to exalt human nature by imparting useful knowledge. It is our province to labor for your eternal happiness-to exhort you to the pursuit of the knowledge and favor of God, and to aid you in the acquisition of these inestimable benefits. From this From this representation

let it not be understood that we arrogate to ourselves any superiority over you. Very far from it. On the contrary, we regard ourselves as your servants in this matter, and all that we demand of you is

your serious attention; all that we expect, is the regard due to those who are sincerely desirous of your happiness.

Having ourselves through the mercy of God been brought to attend to our own spiritual interests; having been instructed in the word of revelation, and having, according to the provisions of that word been ordained as ambassadors for Christ, we are bound to warn you of the dangers from which we trust that we have escaped, and to present to your view the blessings which we have in prospect. It is incumbent upon us to call your attention to the things of another world, to establish their reality, and to illustrate their importance. We are to consider the questions of duty connected with their existence, and to show that if man's highest and most durable interests exist in futurity, then should not this world engage his strongest solicitude? We are to teach you that the favor of the Almighty God is the greatest of blessings, and the foundation of all others. We must declare to you how, by a being who is already sinful, this is attainable. And thus, while exhibiting the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, and pressing upon you the obligation to lead a holy life, we appear as the heralds of salvation and the teachers of Christian morals, and Christian piety.

Such being the duties of the gospel ministry, when may it be said that the end for which it exists