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ing purposes; and therefore all he says is soft and simple. "Beloved, we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as He is." Thus, nothing but likeness to Christ is presented to our view, when John points to the grand assize of the universe. Why? Because the Apostle wanted to commend the holy influence of a hope full of immortality. Hence he adds immediately, "Every man who hath this hope in Christ (the hope of being perfectly and eternally like Him) purifieth himself even as He is pure.” 1 John iii. 2, 3. Thus, you learn, that a purifying hope cannot go too calmly forth, nor too far out, amongst the solemnities of the last day. We may look forward to it with as much composure as Angels, and with more expectation than Angels: for it will be no new era in their holiness: whereas it will be both the fulness of time and the fulness of eternity,

in our moral history.

We shall be like Christ,

when we 66 see Him as he is!"

Now, it is "this Hope" which can, when fully embraced and cherished, set aside the necessity of some afflictions, by setting us to purify ourselves after the model of the Saviour's pureness. What this hope does in sanctifying our character and spirit, neither the furnace nor the rod will be employed to do. The Holy Spirit will work without the fire of Providence, in changing us into the image of Christ, just in proportion as we look with open face to the Glory of Christ, for the express purpose of imitating him. Yes; let His Glory change us "from glory to glory," or from one heavenly virtue on to another; and whatever conformity to the Divine Image we gain by this purifying process of holy contemplation will lessen the necessity for severe purifying discipline.

How do you like this plan of following Holiness, by looking to the character and coming of Christ, as you go forward on your pilgrimage? Will you rather take your chance of being purified by the furnace and the rod, than take the trouble of purifying yourself by a studied imitation of the Saviour? Will you

rather leave your "dross" to be purged by the refining fire of Providence, than place it thus, from day to day, under the heat of the Sun of Righteousness, and beneath the light of a hope full of Immortality?

True; it is not easy to maintain such a good hope, even through grace! That is not, however, a valid excuse for not forming this habit of "looking unto Jesus," for sanctification. For, we do hope, to be with Him and like Him, at his coming. We never give up this hope altogether, for any length of time. We often forget it, but we cannot forego it entirely. Our hearts

would break, or our reason fail, if we had no hope of salvation. It is, therefore, a mere waste of time, if not something worse, to keep harping about the difficulty of hoping: for, however difficult or easy it may be, you do hope to reach heaven at last. You could not help doing so, if you were to try. I am quite aware that you have said at times, "There is no hope." Sometimes you have seen none: but even then you were looking for some; and thus hoping to find this hope of eternal life again.

But, a truce-to this reasoning. I must remonstrate. You have not given up all hope of heaven. You need not, you ought not will you then keep hold of it, and yet take no such hold as shall have a holy influence upon you? True; you have added to your faith virtue but will you add nothing more? Is one mark of grace enough to set all your fears at rest? Can you be satisfied with just keep

ing up the degree of piety you began with? What!-is that less than at first?

I am not upbraiding you. I know but too well, the treacherous tendencies of the heart; and how much the world, both by its snares and cares, can work upon these tendencies. My object is, therefore, to bring "the powers of the world to come," to bear more directly, and habitually, and sweetly, upon your hopes, and habits, and spirit. Again, therefore, I say, you quite mistake, if you still imagine that you could not keep Eternity in sight, without sadness or dread. Indeed, you have never fairly looked at it, as Jesus has illuminated it by the Gospel, if you even suspect it could embitter or embarrass any life, which you can live with safety to your soul. The life which the prospect of eternal life can darken, is no safe life, whatever else it may be. I refer, however, to the prospect of Eternal Life, as the GOSPEL presents

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