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 poffeffion, left it should be lost again. But of the honour which cometh from God this cannot be faid. 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. IX. To defcribe 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 rise 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, singing glory to the Lamb triumphant! - Elsewhere, a city is exhibited, new Jerufalem, built of gold and precious stones; that is, in the prophetical language of Ifaiah, it's walls salvation, 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. Thefe IX. These are some of " the things above," on DISC. which the Apostle exhorts us to " set our " affections." I am sure, 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 DISCOURSE X. THE CHRISTIAN RACE. M 1 COR. CHAP. IX. PART OF VERSE 24. So run, that ye may obtain. OST important was the matter by DISC. the Apostles communicated to the world; the heavenly reward, and the way to obtain it. The manner of communication well deferves your notice and attention. It is not done in the dry didactic style. There is nothing dull and heavy. All is fpirit, and all is life. Their ideas are clothed in fuch figures, as at once convince the understanding, strike the imagination, warm the heart, and excite the affections. x. |