SERMON XII.

TRANSLATION OF ELIJAH.

II. KINGS ii. 11, 12.

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that behold there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof." And he saw him no more; and he took hold of his own clothes and rent them into pieces.

The event related in these words is one of the most memorable and important in the Old Testament history; and was doubtless to answer highly important purposes. It has pleased God, not only to give intimations of a future state in the early ages of the world, but a sort of demonstration and exemplification of it, once in the patriarchal age by the translation of Enoch, and again in the period of the Levitical church, by the translation of Elijah. So in the brighter day of the gospel, when the doctrine of immortality and the re

surrection of the body were distinctly taught, this same species of demonstration was given, and that in a more glorious manner, and to many witnesses, in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, in his appearance to his disciples, his conversations with them, and ultimate instructions to them during forty days, and then in his visible ascension into heaven, a cloud of glory receiving him out of their sight. This practical connexion of earth with heaven, this visible transition of human beings from the one to the other, is interesting in the highest degree to mortals, and convincing too, as the apostle confidently concludes-"As Jesus died and rose again, even so them, who sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him."

We have a very interesting, and, I pray God, it may prove an edifying subject in the passage of sacred history before us. The conduct of Elisha on the occasion answered to the extraordinary nature of it. He said little, and what he uttered was in short and broken sentences. His emotions were evidently unutterableMy father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof." Let us consider this passionate exclamation of the prophet, in connexion with the concise history of this memorable event, and conceive, if we can, the impressive considerations which called it forth.

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As the prophet was the favored spectator of all the circumstances of Elijah's ascension, and also was forewarned of the event, it may be supposed that he exclaimed,

1. From an exulting persuasion of the immortal and blessed state, to which he was rising.

Although life and immortality, in a manner the most. incontestable, were brought to light by Jesus Christ, in the gospel, it seems strange that any should have embraced the opinion that the scriptures of the Old Testament supply no substantial testimonies of the future state. Waving to mention texts, obvious to all who are familiar with the Bible, I may venture to rest the point on the translation of Enoch and Elijah. This distinction of those two men from all others, cannot have been designed merely as the reward of their faith and piety. Why then did it please God to translate them, "that they should not see death," as the writer of the Hebrews mentions? May we not confidently say, to give assurance of a future state? I believe it will be readily conceded, that in no other way could the important truth be so convincingly taught. Enoch's translation is related in few words. It is probable, however, that they were witnesses of it, and that it was the subject of much remark at the time, as the faith of the event was preserved in the world by tradition, and the record of Moses. This signal event was a merciful appointment of God at that particular time. The fruits of the first transgression had been manifested by death, and the early world was overspread with increasing guilt. Something seemed necessary to revive the drooping spirits of the righteous, and to encourage them to stem the rising torrent of corruption. No method could be so efficient, to call their attention to a future world of retri

bution. We learn from Jude, that Enoch first prophesied that "God would come to judgment with ten thousand of his saints." As a practical explanation and enforcement of that doctrine, to show, that the judgment predicted had respect, not to the present state only, but to a future also, and in reward of his excellent character," he was translated that he should not see death." Thus it pleased God early to give mankind demonstrative proof of a future state, and to afford this testimony of his favor to all them "that walk with him."

Of the translation of Elijah, enough is related to be the ground of faith in the event, although the account may be too concise to gratify curiosity. From the narrative we learn, that the event was expected, not only by Elijah but also by Elisha, and by the sons of the prophets in the two schools at Bethel and Jericho.— This can no otherwise be accounted for, than by the supposition that it was revealed. Elisha, apprized that he was soon to be separated from his venerable instructer, closely attended his steps. The elder prophet requested him to remain at Gilgal, and again at Bethel and Jericho, perhaps to try his resolution; perhaps, because he thought, that the august scene of his translation might be too awful and terrifying to his son and successor; at least, that it might be best, that he should behold it with the sons of the prophets from a distant eminence. Perhaps his repeated request was a trial of his affection; and may be regarded as a permission to remain behind, and so avoid the display of terrific glory, which might prove overwhelming and perilous to a

mortal. Whatever were his motives, Elisha's steady and solemn reply was-"As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee."

Behold those venerable men repairing to the spot from which Elijah was to ascend. They come to Jordan, and the waters, smitten by the prophet's mantle, were divided hither and thither, and they pass over on dry ground. The moment of separation draws near. The elder prophet is not so engrossed by the thoughts of the scene and untried world before him, as to forget the affection and wants of the younger. "Ask," said he, "what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee." "Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me," replied Elisha. "I ask no inferior things -not 'the barrel of meal which wasteth not, nor the cruse of oil which shall not fail.' Let me be like thee, a man of exalted faith and virtue, of a temper and spirit ripened for glory, a prophet mighty in word and deed."

Such was the conversation of the prophets, when, behold, "there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire"-a bright resplendent cloud, thrown into the form of a chariot, and horses borne up by angels or by the power of the Omnipotent. This glorious cloud parted them asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and exclaimed, My father, my father! Is it not reasonable to suppose, that while he saw this holy man encircled with supernatural glory, and ascending majestically into heaven, he exulted in this new demonstration of a future state, and of a better