To them he made known the privileges his true disciples enjoy in the present dispensation, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see." Here we may discover the true "material" for real happiness, obtaining clear views of the Lord Jesus Christ. Abraham had a typical view of him when he offered up his son. Moses saw him shadowed out in the legal ceremonies. The prophets had glimmerings of him in their symbolical visions; but the disciples he then addressed saw his person, heard his words, were with him in his sufferings, and after his resurrection; and when in his ascending glory, a cloud received him out of their sight.

This, then, was their happy privilege; and is it not yours, my beloved friends, now that you have a dying Saviour's love, and a risen Saviour's glory, so frequently set before you? The more these glories strike your eye, the more will you partake of the blessedness of his sincere followers; the more will you become sensible that true religion is not a

name, or a strife about words; but consists in the enjoyment by faith of those things, which the wisest, the greatest, and the holiest of men have desired to hear and see.

Let me then, in conclusion, entreat you deeply to ponder over the lessons contained in this important portion of the word of God. Meditate upon the very pleasing salutation his disciples were directed to publish whereever they entered, "PEACE BE TO THIS HOUSE." Not to the dead walls of which the building was composed, but to all the inmates; that, wherever they came, this was the blessing the God of peace was ready to impart to every sinner willing to receive it. Consider also the authority with which they were invested upon delivering their message, and the danger of rejecting it; that our Lord declares "it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city." Bear also in mind the encouragement we have to expect a blessing from the joy of our Lord when he expressed his feelings at his Father's revealing these things even unto babes. And, finally, remember the

high privileges of our happy dispensation; that our Lord says, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."

Let us, then, now that we are again assembled together as a church of Christ-let us take our standard according to this striking portion of the word of God. Let it be the aim and object of all present, that they, and all who may enter within these walls, may possess this blessed peace. Let each also, as he approaches his own dwelling, lift up his heart to God, that the salutation of my text may be there realized, "Peace be to this house." Still further, let each person enter his closet, and putting his hand upon his heart, pray, "Peace be to this house." May the God of peace dwell and reign here. That, thus blessed on earth with

peace

that which the world can neither give nor take away, we may finally meet around that throne, where perfect peace will be heightened by joy unspeakable, and full of glory.

LECTURE II.

LUKE X. 38-42.

"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

WHEN We met on the morning of the last Sabbath, being the first time of our assembling together since my return, I directed your minds to the salutation the seventy disciples were commanded to use wheresoever they came, "Peace be to this house." I