SERMON XLVI.

THE GLORIOUS PROSPECTS OF THE SONS OF GOD.

"Beloved, now are we 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."-1 JOHN iii. 2, 3.

I.-A grateful acknowledgement of the present relation of believers. 66 Beloved, now are we the sons of God." How worthy of gratitude is such a contemplation, when we view this adoption!

1. In its original cause-the love of God.

2. In the means by which it has been accomplished. 3. In the privileges it secures.

II. The unspeakable glory of their future state. doth not yet appear what we shall be," &c.

III. Their blessed assurance. They know, that— 1. Christ shall appear.

2. That they shall be like him.

3. That they shall "see him as he is."

IV. The sanctifying tendency of their hope.

"It

"And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself even as he is pure."

It has this tendency, because,

1. It leads him to contemplate the purity of God.

2. It makes him disregard the things of earth.

3. It reveals to him the necessity of holiness in view to usefulness here and happiness hereafter.

APPLICATION.

1. How cheering is the Christian's hope. 2. Solemnly consider the test of that hope.

INTRODUCTION.

Variety of gifts in the apostleship: Paul, Peter, James, John. John was contemplative. His theme was love.

London, 15th June, 1850.

BELIEVERS STIMULATED TO PERSEVERE, ETC. 181

SERMON XLVII.

BELIEVERS STIMULATED TO PERSEVERE IN WELL DOING.

"And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."-GAL. vi. 9.

The text teaches us that

1. Religion is the business of life.

2. It implies that we are liable to weariness in well doing. 3. It stimulates us to perseverance by an important exhortation.

I.-Religion is the business of life. It is not merely a

state, but it is a practice. Pious feelings are commu-
nicated that pious actions may be promoted. It is a
mistake on this point that has occasioned so much
backsliding. If the service of God be not regarded
as the great primary object of our being, we are
likely to be influenced by indecision; and that inde-
cision is a sad omen of our speedy fall.
That we may

be saved from it, let us consider

1. The duties we owe to ourselves. However humbling a view man may entertain of himself in a state of contrition, he is a being of value. The soul, though sinful, is immortal. The understanding, though contracted, is capable of the knowledge of God. Life is a state of preparation.

2. Consider the duties we owe to others. Our relation to them is fraternal, and we are called to invite them to Christ. This may be done by prayer, exhortation, example. Life is but short enough for the performance of these benevolent duties.

3. Consider the duties we owe to God. He is an infinite Being; we are laid under infinite obligations to him. "None of us liveth to himself." These duties are love, obedience, faith. Here then is work for every hour. Long as we have a soul to save-long as others lie round us "in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity”—and long as we have a God to glorify, "let us not be weary in welldoing."

II. We are liable to weariness "in well-doing."

1. This may arise from the difficulties connected with the performance of duty. The opposition of the world to Christianity is trying to every Christian mind. The temptations of the adversary.-These difficulties by the inconstancy of others.

2. From the length of the way. To the believer few thoughts are more elating, than the brevity of life. Life would ever be thus regarded if we consider it in contrast with eternity; but alas! we grow weary and faint in our minds, and say, "My Lord delayeth his coming."

3. This may arise from ignorance. Ignorance enervates the soul, and renders us almost insusceptible of those ennobling feelings of benevolence and zeal which adorn the Christian character. Well instructed Christians than

mere enthusiasts.

4. This may arise from neglect of the means of grace. They cannot as means be too deeply appreciated. One of their most excellent tendencies is to enliven, encourage, and strengthen the drooping soul. This is specially true

of social worship. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another daily; and so much the more as we see the day approaching."

III.—Mark the important exhortation by which we are stimulated to perseverance: "Let us not be weary in welldoing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

1. In this we have an instructive view of the wisdom of Divine providence. The time of our reward is in due Our time is not yet come-God's purposes are not yet fulfilled: let us endure to the end.

season.

3. In this we have an encouraging consideration of our reward.—“We shall reap." Blessed assurance! The seed is planted in good ground: no winter blast can destroyno scorching sun shall wither it. God is just; he will "give unto us a crown of life."

3. These words also contain a solemn condition: "if we faint not." On this pends our safety. Past zeal and benevolence will entitle us to no reward, if we do not persevere. Nothing short of a life of holiness can entitle you to an eternity of bliss. "He that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

APPLICATION.

1. We are called to action.

2. We are required to persevere in well-doing.

3. We are warned by the danger of spiritual indulgence. 4. We are encouraged by the hope of eternal life. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immove