of the mystery which in this life hangs over our blinded faculties on that subject, The stupendous plan of redemption will be made manifest to us in all its parts and bearings, and we shall unite with all those exalted intelligences who are continually bowing before his throne, and casting their crowns at his feet, in ascribing all glory to Him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever. We shall behold the holy company of martyrs who have shed their blood in confirmation of the truths of the Gospel, clothed with glory and immor, tality; and those innumerable hosts of the spirits of just men made perfect, that, from the beginning of the world to the consummation of all things, have entered into the joys of their Lord. We shall see, and know, all our friends and relations, who have departed this life in sure and certain hopes of a joyful resurrection, and enjoy an everlasting inter course with them and all the inhabitants of the celestial regions, in adoring the

matchless love of Him who has redeemed us by his own blood, and made us kings and priests for ever. And, perhaps, a great part of our happiness will arise from a contemplation of the infinite justice of God in assigning over to misery, Satan and his rebellious crew, with all those who have been led willing captives by him, having rejected all the calls and gracious invitations to faith and repentance so frequently vouchsafed to them. But all ideas of that happiness which will be the lot of those who will be partakers of the heavenly kingdom, must fall infinitely short of what it will be in reality. The abundance of the joys and felicities of that state is represented by rivers of pleasure at God's right hand for evermore. For those who are counted worthy of the resurrection of eternal life, neverfading crowns are said to be reserved; they will be clothed in white, and bear in their hands, palms, the emblems of their victory over death and hell,

through the Captain of our salvation. The new Jerusalem is represented as surrounded with walls of sapphire, and her streets are said to be of pure gold. In a word, whatever can convey to the mind the idea of pure, spotless, exquisite, and ever-during pleasure, is employed to give us a slight foretaste of the blessings of heaven. After all, however, in speaking of these things, we must say with St. Paul, that they are such as eye hath not seen, nor ear heard; neither hath it entered into the mind of man to conceive the things which God hath prepared for those who love him. Whatever they be, of these, no doubt, our Lord conversed with his disciplesduring his visits to them on earth, be tween his resurrection and the day of his ascension; they were cordials to revive them under their present sufferings,and to fortify them against the future: difficulties they had to encounter.. Having thus taken a slight review of

the particulars contained in the text, what inference is to be drawn?

Was Christ seen at various times for the space of forty days, by his intimate friends and disciples? There can be no doubt, then, from the testimony of this event, that he did actually rise from the dead. And if he rose from the dead, the resurrection of all to an eternal life, either of happiness or misery, is certain, beyond the power of rational contradiction. Christ is the first fruits; for it became him in all things to have the pre-eminence, and the earnest of our rising from the grave. "If Christ," says the Apostle to the Corinthians, "be not risen, then is our preaching vain, because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ, whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not."

Yes. A resurrection there will be both of the just and of the unjust. "God hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that Man whom he hath ordained; whereof

he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." "The hour is coming in which all that are in their graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

"O consider, and examine yourselves without partiality, for this is a matter in which delusion and self-flattery are fatal, to which of these two' classes you belong. Have you good ground to rank yourselves among those who will be summoned to the resurrection of im mortal glory? Have you a good hope through grace, that your réconciliation has been effected by the death and obe dience of the Lord Christ? Have you believed with the heart unto salvation? Have you thrown yourselves entirely upon him? Do you trust to him and him alone, esteeniing your most meritorious services of no effect in themselves to procure you salvation, yea, rather as