promise and the performance, so that it may be said, in a comparative view, that the present life is rather a life of hope than of enjoyment; and that the good things he gives relate more to the future than the present.' But in the realms of glory and of blessedness, the saints will see face to face, and know even as also they are known. The glories of the celestial city are viewed through a glass darkly; but in the full fruition of God, their eyes shall see the King in all his beauty. They shall exult in the full display of his infinite perfections, and stand astonished at the breadth and length, the depth and height, of the love of Christ; while they joyfully experience the accomplishment of his own prayer, 'Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.'

The felicity of the saints on earth is frequently interrupted, and always imperfect.— But in the heavenly world .it will be perpetual, vigorous, and complete. For could their happy souls look forward to a moment that should

terminate their bliss, the prospect would strike a damp on every enjoyment-it would fill them with horrour. But a thought like this can never enter the mansions where perfection reigns and glory triumphs. Their happiness will be unspeakable, immutable, and eternal. They will be subjects of an everlasting kingdom. Their inheritance will be incorruptible. They will be 'ever with the Lord, in whose presence there is fulness of joy, and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore.'

Such are the prospects and such the pleasures exhibited by the scriptures to invigorate faith and inspire hope with confidence. For what is death to that mind which considers eternity as the career of its existence? What are the frowns of fortune to him who claims an eternal world as his inheritance? What is the loss of friends to that heart which feels, with more than natural conviction, that it shall quickly rejoin them in a more tender, intimate, and permanent intercourse than any of which the present life is susceptible? What are the fluctuations and vicissitudes of external things to

a mind which strongly and uniformly anticipates a state of endless and immutable felicity? What are mortifications, disappointments, and insults, to a spirit which is conscious of being the original offspring and adopted child of God; which knows that its omnipotent Father will, in proper time, effectually assert the dignity and privileges of its nature? In a word, as earth is but a speck of creation, as time is not an instant in proportion to eternity, such are the hopes and prospects of the christian in comparison of every sublunary misfortune or difficulty. It is, therefore, in his judgment the eternal wonder of angels, and indelible opprobrium of man, that a religion so worthy of God, so suitable to the frame and circumstances of our nature, so consonant to all the dictates of reason, so friendly to the dignity and improvement of intelligent beings, pregnant with genuine comfort and delight, should be rejected and despised.'

That there remaineth a rest to the people of God, the christian has no doubt. O happy state! Surely the hope of enjoying it must administer

strong consolation. What are the momentary trials of the present life, when compared to an eternity of blessedness? they are nothing-they are lost in the comparison. A sight of danger and of difficulties; of enemies, numerous and powerful, will, it is true, sometimes discourage, and cause even the most valiant to halt: but how animating to recollect that we maintain the spiritual conflict in the strength of Omnipotence that the captain of our salvation has himself fought and conquered-that he is entered into his glory, and has taken possession of the crown! He inhabits the praises of eternity he is supremely blessed. But while supremely blessed-while encircled with the grateful songs of Seraphim and of Saints, is he an unconcerned spectator of our conflicts? No to them that have no might he increaseth strength. He proclaims aloud to the christian warriour; 'Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life-He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second deathHe shall be clothed in white raiment-I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out-He shall sit with me

in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am sat down with my Father in his throne.'

I have only to add, Lavinia, that this is a contest in which vigilance must not relax; in which no truce can be admitted; no proposals for capitulation accepted; no league of amity concluded. Nothing short of perpetual resistance can ensure tranquillity: nor must the brave assailant hope for conquest till he fall in the combat. Pray, therefore, that you may neither faint nor be weary, but prevail unto victory. For though the conflict may be sharp and long, yet the sweetness of the reward will abundantly recompense the trouble of resistance; and the joy of the triumph, the toils of the war.'

I am yours, &c.

FINIS..