SERMON and converts the whole extent of space, 1X. over which his beams are spread, into a V. TURN our attention to a circumstance in the state of future happiness, more commensurate to our present conceptions, which is suggested by the commentary upon the wors of the Text given in the sequel of the chapter. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And IX. And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And SERMON he said unto me, These are they which come out of great tribulation*. This explanatory circumstance may relate particularly to the case of those primitive sufferers who endured severe persecution in the cause of the gospel. But, in general it presents this natural and beautiful view of the future felicity of good men, that it is their rest from the troubles and toils of life. For, to all, even to the happiest, human life is tribulation and conflict. No man is thoroughly at ease in his condition. Pursuits succeeding to pursuits keep us in constant agitation; while frequent returns of disappointment break our plans, and oppress our spirits.Fatigued by such a variety of toils, mankind have ever looked forward to rest as their favourite object. Throughout all their ranks, from the highest to the lowest, they are in perpetual chase of it; and it perpetually flies before them. It is an object which here they are doomed always to seek, and never to enjoy. The nature and laws of our present state admit not the gratification of this favourite IX. SERMON wish. For, besides the necessity of trouble, in order to fulfil the purposes of discipline and improvement, our very happiness, such as it is in this world, requires a circulation of labours. Our enjoyment consists in pursuit, not in attainment. Attainment is with us, for most part, the grave of pleasure. Had we no object to excite fresh activity, and to impel us to new toils, human life, would quickly stagnate in melancholy indolence, At the same time the current of all our wishes tends to repose. Imaginary forms float incessently before our view, of the happiness which is to be enjoyed in rest: And from this conflict between our wishes on the one hand, and our actual situation on the other, arise much of the disquiet, and much of the infelicity, of human life. It is only in heaven that the tranquil repose, which on earth is no more than a pleasing phantom, shall be fully realized. There, remaineth at last a rest for the people of God; rest from the disturbance of passion, the vanity of pursuit, and the vexation of disappointment; rest from all the sins and the sorrows of this miserable world; rest, which shall not be merely an indolent cessation from labour, but IX. but a full and satisfying enjoyment. Good SERMON men shall rest from their labours, and their works shall follow them. They have come out of great tribulation. They have fulfilled, with honour, their appointed course of trial. They have sat down in the seat of the Conqueror, and of past labours nothing remains but the pleasing review, and the happy fruits. There is still to be considered, VI. ONE very material circumstance, descriptive both of the character, and of the happiness, of those who enjoy the heavenly bliss. Not only have they come out of great tribulation, but, as the Spirit of God adds in explaining the Text, they have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb*. Two things are here suggested; the sanctity of the blessed, and the means by which it is attained. First, their sanctity or purity is emblema tically described, by their being clothed in robes which are washed and made white. In order to qualify human nature for the enjoyment of such happiness as I have endeavoured to describe, it must undergo a * Rev. vii. 14. change 1 IX. SERMON change so great, as to receive in Scripture the appellation of a new birth; a change to which all the institutions of religion, and all the operations of grace contribute in this life, but which is not completed till the next. In this sanctity, or regeneration, consist not only the necessary preparations for future felicity, but which is not so commonly attended to, consists an essential part of that felicity itself. For whence arises the misery of this present world? It is not owing to our cloudy atmosphere, our changing seasons, and inclement skies. It is not owing to the debility of our bodies, or to the unequal distribution of the goods of fortune. Amidst all disadvantages of this kind, a pure, a steadfast, and enlightened mind, possessed of exalted virtue, could enjoy itself in peace, and smile at the impotent assaults of fortune and the elements. It is within ourselves that misery has fixed its seat. Our disordered hearts, our guilty passions, our violent prejudices, and misplaced desires, are the instruments of the torment which we endure. These sharpen the darts which adversity would otherwise point in vain against us. These are the vials of wrath |