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which pour forth plagues on the inhabitants SERMON of the earth; and make the dwellings of nations become the abodes of woe. Thence discontent and remorse gnaw the hearts of individuals. Thence society is torn by open violence, or undermined by secret treachery; and man is transformed into a savage to

man.

But suppose sin to be banished from the world; suppose perfect purity and charity to descend from Heaven, and to animate every human breast; and you would behold the present habitation of men changed into the paradise of God. The undisturbed enjoyment of a holy mind, and of a blissful union with one another, would scarcely allow us to feel those external evils of which we now so loudly complain. All nature would assume a different appearance around

us.

That golden age, which was so long the subject of the philosopher's dream, and of the poet's song, would in fact take place. According to the beautiful language of ancient prophecy, springs would then rise in the desert, and rivers be opened in the thirsty land. The wilderness and the solitary place would be glad. The wolf would dwell with

the

1

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IX.

SERMON the lamb, and the leopard lie down with the kid. Judgement would dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. The desert would rejoice, and blossom as the rose.If such, even in this world, would be the effects of innocence and virtue completely restored, how much greater must they be in that new earth, and those new heavens, where rectitude of nature shall be combined with every circumstance of external felicity? It is the present imperfect state of human virtue, that hinders us from conceiving fully the influence of righteousness upon happiness. The robes in which the best men are now clothed, to use the language of the Text, are sullied with so many stains, as to convey no adequate idea of the original beauty which belongs to the garb of righteousness. But when these stains shall be washed away, when these robes shall be made perfectly white and pure, a lustre will flow from them, of which we can, as yet, form no conception.

But how are the robes of the blessed thus washed? Whence is derived that spotless purity in which they are arrayed? The Spirit of God hath answered us, from the

blood

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blood of the Lamb; leading our thoughts to SERMON that high dispensation of mercy, to which the saints above owe their establishment, first in grace, and then in glory. From that blood which was shed for the remission of sins, flow both the atonement of human guilt, and the regeneration of human na

ture.

Human nature had fallen too low to be capable of retrieving itself. It could not regain its primitive innocence, and still less was capable of raising itself so high in the scale of existence as to mingle with angels. We had neither sufficient knowledge to discover, nor virtue to merit, nor ability to qualify ourselves for enjoying, celestial glory. Heaven must have been either covered from our view by perpetual darkness, or only beheld from afar as an inaccessible region, if Christ had not interposed to open for us a new and living way within the veil. The obligations which his generous undertaking has conferred upon the human race, will tend highly to increase the felicity of the blessed. The sense of being distinguished by so illustrious a benefactor, and the corresponding returns of gratitude and love to him, form some of the most pleasing of those

emotions

SEMON emotions which shall continue to delight them through all eternity.

IX.

FROM those views of a state of future happiness which the Text has suggested, various instructions relating to life and practice naturally arise. We are taught to rectify our notions of felicity; to look for it, not in what is external, but in what relates to the mind and heart; in good dispositions and a purified soul; in unity and friendship with one another; and in the divine presence and favour. If such things form the principal articles of future bliss, they cannot but be essential to our happiness in the more early periods of existence; and he who seeks his chief enjoyment from an opposite quarter, errs widely from the path which conducts to felicity.

We are farther taught whence to derive constancy and perseverance, amidst the present discouragements of a virtuous life. In this world, we often behold good men depressed, and the wicked prospering around Our best deeds meet with unjust returns from an ungrateful world. Sincerity is over-reached by craft, and innocence falls a victim

us.

IX.

a victim to power. But let us not on such SERMON occasions say within ourselves, that in vain we have cleansed our hearts, and washed our. hands in innocency. Let us rest on the assurance, that these disorders extend not far in the kingdom of God. They affect only the first stage of existence. They relate to discipline and trial, which will soon be finished. In that permanent state which is about to open, a new and better order of things shall arise. When dejected with the evils of life, let us look up to that happy multitude who have come out of great tribulation, and now stand before the throne. Until the day arrive which shall join us to that blessed assembly, let us show ourselves worthy of the hope that is before us, by supporting, with a constant mind, the trials of our fidelity. Be patient; stablish your hearts. The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

From the prospects which the Text has afforded, we may likewise learn what the spirit is which should regulate our life. Sanctity of conduct, dignity of character, elevation of affections, become those who expect to mingle with angels, and spirits of just men made perfect. I mean not that such prospects