It is even because we have our conversation so little in heaven; and if there be little difference to be discovered between us, and those who are professedly given up to the world, it is because we have so little intercourse with those things which alone can communicate a real superiority of character, and so much with those which have a direct tendency to reduce us to their standard. Oh! if we were much with God, it would not be so: but the glory of God would be seen upon us; and it would be known that "He abideth in us, by the Spirit that He would give us.”

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It would then be seen at once that we are children of a holy and heavenly birth: we should bear the impress of our Father's family salvation itself would shine upon our face it would be seen that the robes with which we are adorned, are not of an earthly dye; it would be acknowledged that we are not of this world; but that we are standing on the borders of a world more suited to the spirit by which we are influenced, and more congenial with the pursuits by which our attention is occupied.

And may it not still be so?-Surely it

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may. The Saviour, notwithstanding all our want of improvement of our privileges in Him, and the little glory we have brought to His name, is still ours. He is still at the right hand of the Majesty on high; still representing us; still pleading for us; still the great and sufficient Redeemer, in whom all fulness dwells; still the same transforming object of believing contemplation. blessings of the gospel are all still to be freely taken and fully enjoyed in and with Him. He still says," Behold me, behold me:"-" now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." My dear brethren, let us, while we mourn as we ought, over all our past short comings, and all our sad unworthiness, seek for grace out of His inexhaustible fulness, henceforth to walk in a manner more worthy of the high and heavenly "vocation wherewith we are called." Let us be much in prayer, for the influences of the Divine Spirit, by whose renewing efficacy we may be quickened in "seeking those things which are above," and setting our affections on them. Let us, in believing watchfulness, in earnest prayer, in a circumspect walk, in a diligent perseverance in

maintaining a superiority to the things of this perishing earth, and in a holy opposition to the "roaring lion, that goeth about seeking whom he may devour," cultivate more and more a heavenly frame of mind. Let us look above this world, in every shape it can assume; unmoved either by its opposition or its attractions. It is ours, believe me, on every account to do so; and more particularly, as the citizens of Jerusalem that is above. Are we indeed in Christ Jesus, members of that city which cannot be shaken; the "city, that hath foundations, whose maker and builder is God? Are we

by grace, (unspeakable grace,) numbered among the principalities and powers in heavenly places? Are we, in our glorious Head, lifted up beyond all possibility of falling away; and privileged to be happy, without interruption for ever?-Oh! it becomes us indeed, never to lose sight of this glorious state of things; but to keep our eyes fixed upon it; and to look forward to it with faithful comfort, confidence, and joy. It becomes us, while we are here, to press on towards it with holy zeal; and to observe that most peculiar line of "conversation,"

which is worthy of it; till the time shall arrive, when we shall be called out of the state of exile in which we now are, to the portion which is allotted us, in that world, where we shall see our Redeemer face to face; and be fully conformed to His image, and to the image of our brethren with Him, throughout the blessed eternity which will be ever before us,

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SERMON XIX.

THE HOPE OF GLORY.

(Preached at the conclusion of the year 1828.)

COLOSSIANS i. 27.

"Christ in you- the hope of glory."

DESIRE, my dear brethren, to be thankful, that I have an opportunity of speaking to you, at the conclusion of another year of your pilgrimage, concerning the unsearchable riches of Christ; the boundless grace of Him who is the Alpha and Omega; the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End; who is without beginning of days or end of life; the same yesterday, to day, and for ever. With whom should we begin our years, with whom should we pass every moment of them, with whom should we bring them to an end, but with Thee, in whom we