thing toward the furtherance of that living faith, of which Christ is the grand object, and that lively hope, of which he is the inexhaustible source. Jesus Christ, saith St. Paul, is our hope and we declare unto you, "the mystery, which hath been hid from ages," and is still hidden from worldly men," which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Thus the everlasting Son of the Father, is made to his true followers the beginning, and the consummation of hope, as well as "the author and finisher of our faith."

P

By the mercy of God, and through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, the believer has already received the promise of a free pardon for past offences otherwise he deserves not to be termed a believer; at least, he is destitute of evangelical faith. But when he sincerely receives the glad tidings of redeeming grace, he then receives Jesus Christ, in whom "all the promises are yea and amen:" and he would conduct himself in a manner, contrary to that, which both reason and scripture prescribe, if he should refuse to rejoice in God his Saviour. By such a mode of acting, he would prove his want of gratitude for that, which Christ hath already done, and of hope for that, which he hath promised still to perform. But when he gives himself up to a joy, as reasonable, as it is refreshing, he then answers the gracious designs of his benevolent Lord. Continually taken up with more satisfactory enjoyments, he despises the seducing pleasures of sin. He carries in his own bosom a source of celestial pleasure, while the man of the world disquiets his heart in the vain pursuit of earthly joys. The difference between the enjoyments of these two characters is as great, as betwixt the rational pleasure of those, who gather their wheat into the barn, and the puerile mirth of chil dren, who are busied in collecting the scattered straws and thorns; the former are securing an inestimable treasure, while the latter have nothing

more in view, than to dance round a short-lived blaze, the truest emblem of a sinner's satisfaction.

In the Holy Scriptures very excellent things are spoken of the hope which produces this sacred joy. 1. It is a divine hope, since it has for its object the enjoyment of God, and because it draws supplies of strength from that Holy Spirit, which discovers to believers the greatness and stability of gospel promises. Thus St. Paul teacheth us, that "the Father of glory giveth us, the Spirit of wisdom and revela tion; enlightening the eyes of our understanding, that we may know what is the hope of our calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance among the saints.” 5 bas

2. It gives honour to the faithfulness and power of God. Abraham, saith St. Paul, against all hu man probability, believing "in hope, staggered not at the promise; but was strong in faith giving glory to God being fully persuaded, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Therefore, being justified," like Abraham," by faith, we rejoice," continues the Apostle, with a confidence like his," in hope of the glory of God. And" this "hope maketh not ashamed," How unlike the fallacious hope of worldly men, who are frequently put to shame by their blasted expectations.

3. This bope is said to fill us with a holy joy. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," saith St. Peter, "who hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Wherein ye greatly re joice." And on this account it was, that the Apostle Paul prayed, with such ardour, for an increase of hope among believers...." Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost."

4. It actually saves us, as St, Paul himself declares in the following words: "I reckon, that the

sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. And," supported by this sweet persuasion, “we wait for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For," in this respect," we are saved by bote "roved

15sIt is equally sweet and solid; since it rests upon the right which the children of God may claim to the inheritance of their heavenly Father; a sa cred right which is confirmed to them with the ut most solemnity in the new Testament. Now every man, who receives, with sincerity, the Lord of life and glory, receives with him a title to everlast. ing/o possessions, and ranks, from that moment, among "the sons of God." So that to such, the following passages may, with propriety, be applied.... "He hath made us accepted in the beloved....In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession."

6. It purifies us. "Now are we," saith St. John," the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear, what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man, that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself,even as he is pure. Whosoever is born of God," or regenerated by a true faith and a lively hope," doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." The truth of this assertion is clear to the eye of reason. We fall into sin, because we suf fer ourselves to be seduced by the allurements of some transitory good, which presents itself either to our senses or imagination. But when we are once persuaded, that infinite enjoyments await us, we can then look with contempt upon those deceitful ap❤

1

pearances: and after our hearts are animated with a confident hope of possessing those invisible realities, the charm of sin is broken. In such a state, we break through temptations with as much resolution, as a prince, who is going to take possession of a kingdom, renounces the little amusements, that occupied his thoughts before they were engrossed by a concern of so vast importance. "Who is he that overcometh the world, except the man who believes with that faith which affords him a lively representation of things hoped for? Compare 1 John v. 5. with Heb. xi. 1.

(3

7. This lively hope produces charity in the soul. "We give thanks to God," saith the Apostle, “praying always for you, since we heard of the love, which ye have to all the saints; for the hope, which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel." Nay, of so prevailing an influence is this solid hope, that the Apostle intimates, in the same chapter, that believers shall be presented before God, "holy and unblamable," provided they be not " moved away from the hope of the Gospel. For," continues he, we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end. And we desire, that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

8. This hope is full of consolation. "We, who' remain," saith the Apostle, "shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts." When we observe among us some, who are disquieted and cast down, who want courage to support affliction without

impatience, and to fill up their duties with cheerfulness, we then behold persons who never enjoyed, or who have unhappily lost, the lively hope of true christians, If all ministers of the Gospel had experienced the sweetness and power of this hope, with what pleasure would they publish it to the afflicted. And with what perseverence would they join to their discourses the most a ardent prayers, that all their hearers might come to the enjoyment of so invaluable a blessing.

$

When the true minister leads his flock to this lively and joyful hope, he treads in the footsteps of his divine Master. Christ, it is true, began his ministry by preaching repentance. But in the very next chapter we find him placing before the believer's eye, beatitudes and promises of the most consolatory nature. And in a variety of passages, he exhorts his followers to the exercise of a joyful hope in the severest trials, making that an indispensible duty, which is indeed a glorious privilege. Fear not them," saith he," "which are not able to kill the soul....The very hairs of your head are all numbered....whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. I give unto my sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand."

He appears anxious, that his people should be partakers of his peace, his joy, and his hope, till they come to the possession of consummate blessedness. "These things have I spoken," saith he "that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world, Let not your heart be troubled. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place: for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Ye now: have sorrow: But I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."