live,—like his dead body shall they revive ;

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they that dwell in the dust shall arise and sing, for his dew is as that falling upon herbs, and the earth shall cast forth its dead."

O! my brethren, may the cheering, the scriptural view, which, in dependance on divine aid, we have now endeavoured to give, of the sleep of death, and the glories of the general resurrection, be so blessed and sanctified to each and all of us, who have a sure hope in Christ Jesus our Lord, as under all circumstances, to prove an abiding comfort and consolation "in the needful time of trouble!"

O! what a joyful support have the Gospel's gracious promises afforded to many a drooping heart, whilst mourning over the beloved and pious dead! what a sure and sacred anchor will they ever prove, if sought in faith and prayer, when our hearts are overwhelmed by the ravages death is continually making, in our families, and in the church of Christ! Poignant sorrow, indeed, under such bereavements, the heart, however renewed and sanctified, cannot but feel, nor is such sorrow condemned either by the precepts or the example of our sympathizing Saviour. Indeed, not to mourn over such dispensations, would be incompatible with the design of Providence in visiting us with afflictions. But God forbid that we should sorrow as men who have no hope of being reunited in heaven,

to those who have been most dear to them on earth! No: the sorrow which the Christian feels is ever mingled with hope and strong consolation. By the light of faith, he traces the spirits of his departed friends, into a glorious, an eternal world. And far from considering them lost, or totally extinct, he beholds them as still under the eye of Divine Providence. The period of their trial is closed; they have entered into rest; and, existing in a conscious state of joy and felicity, sheltered alike from the storms of life, and the dangers of temptation, they do indeed "live though they be dead," whilst their happiness is for ever sure and unalterable. Their separation, moreover, is neither final nor complete. The pious living, and the pious dead, are still one family, under one Almighty Lord. Blessed, heart-cheering thought! What though death's fatal shaft have struck our best loved friends!-what though it point with unerring aim against ourselves! christian faith and christian hope have robbed it of its sting. We know indeed, that, like those who are gone, we too must shortly leave all that is dear to us on earth, and that our bodies must lie down in the grave, never again to rise, till this material system be dissolved. But what is there in this, we repeat, to terrify a true disciple of the risen and glorified Jesus? So many, so oppressive indeed, are the cares, and burdens, and sorrows of life, that there

is rather joy in the thought, that "we have here no continuing city:"-whilst our joy should be mingled with pious gratitude, to know that a city of refuge, an abode of rest, is provided for the way-worn pilgrim, (a privilege of which however, be it remembered, there is no ground to hope the impenitent or the unbeliever will ever partake,) in that haven of everlasting peace beyond the grave, "where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary are at rest."

In conclusion, dearly beloved, let me beseech you all, (in a humbling sense of your own weakness,) to be constant, earnest, in prayer, for the help and guidance of God's Holy Spirit, that amidst all the thickening darkness of death's approaching night, your faith and hope may ever be directed to the bright morning of the general resurrection :—that morning without a cloud, when the joyful company of the redeemed,a mighty host, "bright as the sun, clear as the moon, and awful as an army with banners," shall ascend to meet their Lord, to be received and acknowledged by him,-and, clad in the spotless robes of his righteousness, to share a blissful eternity, in the sight and participation of his glory.

Yes, brethren, it is the promise of Christ's abounding love and faithfulness, to us, his sinful creatures, that "so shall we ever be with the Lord"-that "to him that overcometh, he will

give a crown of life,-will receive him into the fulness of his joy, and grant him to sit with him in his throne, even as he also overcame, and is made partaker of the throne of his father.” This, to all the redeemed in Christ, will be in truth a glory that shall never decay-a meeting secure from all apprehension-all possibility of future separation. And in what circumstances of affliction shall not these consolations be felt? What tears, what groans of sorrowing, agonized nature, shall not these blessed hopes convert to songs of thankfulness and joy? What real Christian but must triumph in his divine Redeemer, and in the prospect of such unmerited, such perfect, everlasting bliss, exclaim with holy exultation, "O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory?"—"Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ."

SERMON XXIV.

ON CHRIST'S ASCENSION.

HEBREWS IV. 14, 15.-" Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

So clear and plain are the principles of heavenly wisdom, unfolded in the Holy Scriptures, that shining forth, in all the inherent brightness of "the Sun of Righteousness," they may truly be said rather to impart themselves to us, than to be discovered by us. With respect to the glorious privileges of the Gospel, the rich have no advantages over the poor. The gifts of fortune confer no superiority in the school of Christ. No: here the rich and poor, on terms of perfect equality, "meet together," and the Lord is alike the Maker, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier of them all. For, as it is God's eternal purpose of mercy to his rebellious creatures, that all the