IX. need not be mentioned (for experience will DISC. too foon teach the youngest among you) the state of a Christian in this life is by the Scriptures represented under that of a mariner in a tempest, longing for a fight of the haven; of a foldier in camp, defiring to hear of peace, and to receive a final discharge from his warfare; of a labourer, bearing in the field the burden and heat of the day, waiting impatiently for the cool and comfortable evening, which shall release him, and send him home to quiet and repose. Hence the great object pointed out to us is reft: we are directed to confider, and derive consolation and encouragement, during our labours, from the confideration of that rest of God himself, after his work of creation; that of his people in Canaan, after their fojournings in the wilderness; and that of Christ, after his toilsome life, and painful death. We are assured, there still remaineth a rest, the fulness and accomplishment of all others, for the people of God in heaven, when their labours likewise shall have been terminated upon earth. And we hear, un DISC. der both Testaments, the aspirations of holy persons after it, complaining that they dwell with Mesech; that their sojournings are prolonged; praying for the wings of a dove, that they may fly away to it; defiring to depart, and to be with Christ; weary of things, even the best things, below; and seeking earnestly the things above, where he fitteth. Let us not, however, when we think of this rest, think of it as a mere negative state, as a state of dull sleep and insensibility. It is a rest attended with pleasure; the rest of a weary flock, in green pastures, beside the waters of comfort; Eden blooms anew, with it's Tree and it's rivers; the Lamb leads his followers to living fountains of waters of waters flowing from the throne of God, and consequently impregnated with all the bleffings and glories of eternity. I say glories, as well as blessings; for as the attitude in which our Lord is described by the Apostle, that of fitting, denotes Reft; IX. Reft; by the place, "the right hand of DISC. "God," is denoted Honour: the former promises the blessings of his peace; the latter, the glories of his kingdom. Rest and honour, among men, are not often companions. Disquietude attends height of character, rank, and station, both in the pursuit, lest it should not be attained, and in the possession, lest it should be loft again. But of the honour which cometh from God this cannot be said. It is always bestowed on the penitent, the humble, and the faithful servant of his heavenly master; and when bestowed, can no more be taken from him. The crown is immortal as the donor of it. "When the breath of man," on which depends all sublunary fame, "goeth " forth, he turneth again to his earth; and " then, all his thoughts" - those of the giver, as well as those of the receiver-" perish. " Blessed therefore is he," and he only, " who hath the God of Jacob for his help, and whose hope is in the Lord, his God." DISC. To describe the blessings of rest and peace in the kingdom of our Lord, images are borrowed from the scenes of rural and paftoral life. To give us ideas of it's glories, it's majesty and magnificence-a throne is set in heaven, encompassed by a rainbow; and one is seen upon it, like a jasper or a sardine; seven lamps burn before it; lightnings and thunders proceed from it: four and twenty venerable personages appear clothed in white; they rife from their seats, and fall prostrate at the foot of the throne; when a chorus is heard of all creatures both in heaven and earth, finging glory to the Lamb triumphant! - Elfewhere, a city is exhibited, new Jerufalem, built of gold and precious stones; that is, in the prophetical language of Ifaiah, it's walls falvation, and it's gates praise; the Lord God and the Lamb conftitute it's temple; from whence it is illuminated by a splendor, far exceeding, and rendering needless, the light of the fun and of the moon; the streets resounding with the hallelujahs of it's blest inhabitants. These IX. These are fome of " the things above," on DISC. which the Apofstle exhorts us to " fet our " affections." I am fure, you all think them worthy of your very best and warmest affections. May the confideration of them produce that effect, which a due confideration of them must produce. May they who have neglected to seek them-ifany such there be-now begin to seek them; and they who have always fought them, now seek them still more; thus receiving in themselves this most comfortable teftimony, that they are " risen with Christ;" that their bodies, at the appointed time, shall arife; and both body and foul afcend to heaven after him, that "where he is, they may be also." 04 CA·BODLESIA |