SERMON XVIII.

THE STRONG CONSOLATION.

HEB. vi. 18.

That by two immutable things, in which it was

impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.

It is astonishing, when all mankind are continually in search after happiness, that so few, are in possession of this inestimable blessing The reason must be, that men seek it not in that way which God has commanded, and where alone it can be found.

Some suppose that happiness may be found in wealth and great possessions, and

suppose that it

therefore are eager to add field to field, and treasure to treasure, that the world may wonder how rich they are become. Others

may

be found in the gaieties, the amusements, and the follies of life; these give reins to their inclinations, and live according to the criminal desires of their grovelling minds. Others again, that it may be found in the moderate use of lawful comforts, and therefore prudently and wisely endeavour to use the world as not abusing it, remembering that the fashion of it passes away. Such persons do well; they are praise-worthy, and many will extol them ; but much more is necessary to produce real happiness of mind. You must possess those principles and views, which will yield you comfort in the time of affliction, when meeting with adversity or unexpected calamities, when laid on a bed of languishing, or at the approach of death.

God has made provision for this substantial blessing in the sacred scriptures ; and if short-sighted mortals would direct their attention to the sublime things revealed in them, and embrace the gracious offers there made; instead of fainting in the day of

adversity,

adversity, or complaining of wretchedness amidst surrounding trials, they might, on earth, have an anticipation of that happiness which shall be made perfect in heaven.

Why are so many weary of life, when their worldly prospects are blasted? Why are they so sad, so mournful, so melancholy, and fretful, day after day? And why is it that they enjoy little comfort from all the blessings with which they are loaded? The real reason is, they have no delight in God, and are unconcerned about their immortal souls. Is it happiness, to live in the neglect of the great salvation, or to disregard the counsels and intreaties of our compassionate Redeemer? to continue strangers to the comforts of prayer, to the power of faith, and the life of fellowship? Can those find rest to their souls, who pursue lying vanities, and mind only earthly things ? On the contrary, they meet with continual disappointments, complain of the miseries of human life, and deprive themselves of the pure

satisfaction which a gracious God has provided for those who have fled to the refuge and hope set forth in the gospel. In the former divisions of this subject, we have shewn you, that by the gospel, ample provision is made for dissipating the fears of awakened sinners, for satisfying every rational desire of the immortal soul, and for affording unshaken serenity of mind under all the approaches of death, judgment, and eternity

In the present discourse, we intend to demonstrate, that the doctrines, precepts, and ordinances of the gospel, when properly attended to, are calculated to impart unspeakable delight, and growing joy, to all' who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity.

1. Contemplate the leading doctrines of the gospel, and you will easily perceive their powerful tendency to fill the heart with peace and joy. When believers have fled to Jesus as their refuge and hope, the important truths of his gospel become the guide of their principles, and the source of their consolations. This unerring word, this celestial light, removes the thick cloud which concealed divine things from their view. Their dark, benighted minds are enlightened, and they contemplate the glory of God in the highest, on earth peace, and

, good-will

good-will toward men. The gospel unfolds the Lord God omnipotent, ordering all events, doing all things well, and filling heaven and earth with his presence. It unfolds the Son of God, the Beloved of the Father, and Mediator of the new covenant, descending from the mansions of bliss; suffering for sinners; making reconciliation, by dying the just for the unjust; bursting asunder the bonds of the grave; ascending triumphantly to heaven; and there living and reigning, to save to the uttermost. It unfolds the Holy Spirit, with all his inestimable benefits and gracious influences, taking up his residence in the heart; testifying of Christ; sanctifying believers; sealing them to the day of complete redemption; and giving them a pledge and earnest of future glory.