things. His situation and capacity are sufficient to relieve all the wants and accomplish all the hopes of those that are under his care. He has universal sovereignty and boundless resources and he has all this for them. He is head over all things unto his body the church. Their present and everlasting welfare is secured: since he has all creatures under his controul and can make all things work together for their good!

And now what remains but that we translate this article of our creed into our lives, express his government in our subjection, and by being the most obedient of all servants declare him to be the greatest of all masters.

And first, follow him where he now is. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things that are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. Is not he your portion and your treasure? Why then are you so attached to earth? Why seek ye the living among the dead. He is not here; he is risen, he is ascended. Far above this vain world is your Saviour, and your exceeding joy. How strange is it that you do not more long to depart to be with him. When a most beloved friend has removed from you to a distant part of the kingdom, has it not weakened your attachment to your own situation, and made you

think much of his? You have buried a relation: you have a child in heaven-and O! How you follow him thither in your thoughts, and desires! You have something to render heaven more endearing and attractive. And O how much less has the world to charm, and to chain you! But the body is deposited in yonder grave-thither you go-feel an interest, and claim a property in the dust-this was-it ismine. But nothing of the Saviour remains here-Not even his dust-for he saw not corruption, his body forsook the tomb, and was received np into glory. Away then from earth— aud follow after him to heaven.

Secondly. Seeing that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Let not those who know where he is, be ashamed of their connexion with him or dependence upon him. Boldly avow his truth and openly employ yourselves in his service. If you disown him you are far worse than Peter. Peter denied him-but he was then at Pilate's bar, and going to be crucified. But you deny him now he is Lord of all, and coming to judge the world!

Thirdly, what encouragement can you want to rejoice in him? You have a brother at court.

He says to you as Elisha said to the Shunamite, Wilt thou be spoken for to the king? In every difficulty you can go to him and say, Lord, I am oppressed, undertake for me. His ear is open

your walking His arms are

to your prayer; his eye views all through this great wilderness. underneath you. He will make you more than conquerors over all your enemies. And by and by he will come again and receive you to himself, that where he is, there you may be also.

-But where will the ungodly and the sinner appear? O beware of opposing-beware of neglecting him! It is unreasonable, it is ruinous. He is now exalted to be a Prince and Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins. If you seek him, he will be found of you. But if you make light of these things, how can you escape? Remember, that he is ascended to be your Judge. Behold he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him. But who may abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth?

DISCOURSE XVI.

THE PRAYER OF NEHEMIAH.

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cup-bearer.-Nehemiah i. 11.

THIS book partially records the history of the children of the captivity, after their return from Babylon, in consequence of the decree and proclamation of Cyrus. The Persian empire now flourished in all its grandeur; and Greece and Rome were rising to eminence in the world. But the Lord's portion is his people, Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

We find therefore the attention of scripture principally confined to the jews; and the affairs