supplied, and so many services to be accepted, it must be most delightful to be assured that they have an Advocate with the Father, to whose heart all that pertains to them is dear, and who is in all respects entitled to our unlimited trust.

Such is the effect which this message should have upon us; and instead of listening to it with a wavering faith or a languid hope, let this be our language," Lord, Jesus, I trust thee for earth, and for heaven. My eternal all I leave in thy hands, without a feeling of distrust. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath begotten us again to a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the

dead."

Christians, this subject, to which your attention has been directed, suggests matter for self-examination in all its parts. Are you willing to sacrifice any enjoyment at the call of Jesus, to do good to your brethren? or do you think, that since life hath so few pleasures, you ought not to be required to relinquish any of them? The will of Jesus is dearer to a genuine disciple than his own comfort. Do you love Christ as a Brother, and Jehovah as his God and his Father as well as your own? Are your hearts in heaven, where Jesus is? Have you felt the influence of his ascension subduing your carnal inclinations; and is there no worldly object which you would prefer to spiritual blessings in heavenly places? Happy are they who have the witness in themselves that such is the case. They are fit for the table of the Lord here, and will be prepared for the inheritance of the saints in light.

This subject also directs us as to the views with which we should observe the Lord's Supper. He who sent this message to the disciples, commands us to call you to eat of his bread, and to drink of the wine

which he hath mingled. He who intimates his ascension in language so gracious, announces his presence in this place in expressions as affectionate, "I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse, I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honey comb with my honey. I have drunk my wine with my milk; eat, O friends, drink, yea drink abundantly, O beloved!" Let this invitation be heard with that joy which it is so fitted to excite, and with that reverence and humility which suitable views of Christ's character and of your own must inspire. What you have heard of your Lord's ascension, will shew you that his death must have been to God a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour, and thus will animate you in glorying in his cross. Jesus on the cross, and on the throne, is equally precious to them that believe. He is our Saviour, and friend, and brother in both. Let us beseech him to give us the blessings of his presence. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our abode with him." He will not forbid us to touch him. He wishes you to cleave to him with pious attachment, and to say, "I will not let thee go except thou bless me." His ascension was distinguished by his munificence; and much has the church been benefited by the gifts which he then bestowed; but his stores are inexhausti ble, and in all ages he is known as the giver of grace and glory, and the communion table is the chosen scene of his favours.

This subject is also fitted to animate good men to duty, and to reconcile them to death. The precepts of religion are your Father's will: in Christ's example you have a most engaging pattern of obedience, and this is the right way to the mansions of rest. And

say not, were I to ascend as Christ did, a removal to heaven would be to me no way terrible, but a deathbed has agonies, temptations, and sacrifices, which I tremble to think of, and the grave is the abode of darkness and corruption. But the keys of hell and of death are in the hands of your Lord. He can support the failing heart, and give beauty and immortality to the mouldering clay. And the Redeemer authorizes you to use his language in the text; often has it formed a part of the dying Christian's farewell to his friends; and often have triumphant faith and love held forth their prospects in these words.

Finally, This subject is terrible to the ungodly. Ye are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, and ye will not relinquish the enjoyments of sin for the sobriety and purity of religion. Ye follow sinful pleasure as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for its life. Ye are not the brethren of Jesus, for " ye are of your father the devil, and his works ye do." Jesus is gone to heaven to reign till all his enemies are made his footstool; and he who mercifully binds up the broken heart of afflicted piety, shall dash the stubborn rebel in pieces. Think on the dreadful prospect which death opens to you. Evil spirits shall surround your death-bed, waiting till your last breath warrants them to drag you away to the place of endless torment. The wicked in hell shall see Jesus too high for their contempt to reach, and too happy for their curses to injure him. Submit then, to the yoke, and accept of the offered salvation of Christ; and may his Spirit incline you to renounce every sin, to follow his steps, and to have your conversation in heaven. Amen.

ADDRESS XXXIII.

Mary's Privilege at the Sepulchre.

It is no uncommon thing to see a mourner weeping at a grave. It is there that nature asserts its power over the heart, and there friendship, taking its last farewell, drops the tear that flows from the meltings of love and sorrow. But what an interesting mourner is now presented to your view! Mary stands at the tomb of Jesus, and weeps, she stoops down to look at the place where her Lord had been laid, and beholds in it two angels in white. This garb was emblematical of their purity; and as this was the colour of garments worn in scenes, and on days of rejoicing, it was an intimation that the Saviour had triumphed, and that what had made angels so happy was no cause of alarm or despair to her.

How instructive was the posture of these angels! The one was at the head, and the other at the feet,

where the body of Jesus had lain.

They minister

Angels had ministered to our Lord at the commencement of his course in Bethlehem, and at the consummation of all things they shall attend him in their glory. to Christ the head, but they disdain the obscurest member of his body. the most fine gold, and the feet are clay, yet they minister to both.

not to befriend The head is as

But, like the cherubim stationed on each end of the mercy-seat, this position of the angels might intimate that through Christ alone we have peace with God,

and access into that grace in which believers stand. After man had fallen he was driven from paradise, and the Lord placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword, which turned every way to guard the path to the tree of life. But when man was redeemed by the obedience of the second Adam, angels were placed in the tomb with the olive branch in their hands, and the voice of welcome in their mouths, "Come, see the place where the Lord lay." None of the guards or of the enemies of our Lord durst enter the tomb, but pious affection is invited to contemplate the trophies of his victory, and the place of his rest. While thus employed, ye are animated to sing, "The Lord lives, blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted." Mary was in too dark and perplexed a state to understand such intimations, and she refused to be comforted till Jesus at once shed light, peace and joy over her mind by a single word. And to you he saith, "Fear not, I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by my name; thou art mine." Your name he will confess before his Father, and it shall never be blotted from the book of life. Mary, on recognizing his voice, turned herself, and said unto him, " Rabboni, that is, Master." The rapture which she felt was mingled with holy awe; and she thought it more becoming to express the homage she owed him than her transport. And are you addressing him in such language as this, "Thou great Apostle of our profession, I will keep thy sayings in my heart, and take thy statutes as my he ritage for ever. I will glory in thy gospel as the perfection of wisdom, and bear my testimony to it as all my salvation. My gracious Lord, I am thy servant; fill me with holy ardour in thy service, and enable me to glorify thee with my body and spirit, which are