Testament the very same revelation which they enjoyed, and in the New we have superadded an exposition of the Old dictated by Divine inspiration, and comprising, in all probability, a far more detailed account of what related to Christ, than was unfolded in the course of this single conversation on the evening of the resurrection. Nor is it that we are deprived of the means of spiritual communion with the same Saviour; for "truly our fellowship is with the Father and with the Son;" our Lord's own discourses are recorded for our benefit; and his Holy Spirit is promised to guide us into truth; we can have access to him in prayer and devout meditation, and in the commemorative symbols of his body broken, and his blood shed, for our transgressions. He waits to reveal himself to us spiritually as we journey on the pilgrimage of life; and to fill our hearts with joy and peace in believing. Whence then arises the defect? It is in ourselves. We are not, like these two disciples, making the things that belong to our eternal peace the subject of our earnest inquiry. We are not, like them, eager to receive, and to treasure up the instructions of the Saviour. We are not, like them, anxious to retain his presence: we do not prefer Him to every other guest. Our hearts go after our idols; sin, and self, and the world engross our affections ; the concerns of eternity are not

our highest object, the service of God is not our greatest delight. Our religion is cold or superficial; perhaps hypocritical and insincere. Our life is not consistent with our professions: we call ourselves Christians, but are not true followers of Christ. We feel not the burden of our sins to be intolerable; we are not seeking deliverance from their power, or pardon from their guilt. Hence we hear with formal indifference truths which, rightly received, would cause our hearts to glow with thankfulness and admiration. Had the whole of the conversation which has rendered for ever memorable the obscure village of Emmaus been recorded, it would, in such a frame of mind, have appeared utterly uninteresting. Indeed, we have read or heard the substance of this conversation almost times without number, in every part of God's word, and in the discourses of his ministers; but when did themes like these cause our hearts to burn within us? There must be, therefore, a grievous defect in the state of our understanding and affections; and, if so, let us begin honestly to examine into the true cause of our religious indifference. Let us also diligently use the means appointed by God for enlightening the judgment and influencing the heart. Let us read his word: let us humbly pray for the instructions of his Holy Spirit; let us meditate on what we read,

and mix faith and love with our meditations; let us aim to practise what we know, and endeavour daily to increase our knowledge; let us strive to live a life of faith upon the Son of God, trusting in his sacrifice for pardon, following his blessed example, walking in the light of his countenance, and gratefully hoping to be with Him for ever in heaven. Then will our religion be infinitely more than a name or form; then will our hearts often burn within us by the way; and, even in our deepest depressions, we shall have a source of hope and satisfaction which no earthly enjoyments can bestow.

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SERMON XXI.

THE PRODIGAL SON.

LUKE XV. 24.

This my son was dead, and is alive again: he was lost, and is found.

OUR Lord probably intended the affecting parable of which these words form the conclusion, more immediately to represent either the state of the publicans and pharisees, or of the Jews and the Gentiles. But it applies so forcibly to the whole race of mankind, that we should lose the benefit of much important instruction, if we failed, each one of us, to consider it as relating to ourselves. We, like the prodigal son, have sinned against a gracious Parent; we, like him, need forgiveness; and if like him we return to the Parent whom we have forsaken, we shall find, as he did, a merciful reception, and shall be restored to all the privileges which he had forfeited by our disobedience. Of each of us will it then be said, as it was of the returning prodigal, He was dead,

and is alive again: he was lost, and is found. Let us, then, with reference to our own spiritual condition, proceed to consider the prodigal's departure; his distress; his repentance; and his return and reception.

1. His departure. The prodigal was the younger son of a tender parent; he was surrounded with the comforts of life; he had doubtless been treated with peculiar kindness and affection; so that it was both his duty and his privilege to continue under the care, and to enjoy the society and instruction, of his indulgent parent.

And thus has God acted towards us; thus have we been nurtured from our infancy by his bounty; thus has he made our cup to run over with his mercies, affording us care and protection, and all necessary blessings for this life, with the bright hopes and prospects of life eternal in the world to come. And all he demanded in return, was our obedience and affection; that we should love him with all our heart, and soul, and mind, and strength, and faithfully serve him upon earth, and enjoy his presence and favour for ever in heaven.

But the prodigal became discontented with his father's house. "Give me," said he, "the portion of goods that falleth to me." His father complied with his request; upon which "he gathered all together, and took a journey into