the cross a new dispensation is unfolded. Now, we hear the language of affection, spoken to the returning prodigal: now, we see the arms of mercy, extended to embrace the penitent child: now, we behold the look of him, who saw the broken-hearted victim of his own follies, "when he was yet afar off" and "ran, and fell upon his neck, and kissed him." Now, we hear the gracious and affecting words: "let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." Now, for "the fearful looking for of judgment," we behold the blessedness of reconciliation with God, peace of conscience, and an humble, yet increasing, hope of the glorious inheritance reserved in heaven for the just. While the feeling of internal poverty keeps the Christian humble, and the conviction that he owes every thing to the grace of God, leads him to renounce all idea of human merit; he finds the dispensation of mercy, not an apology for indolence, but a motive of watchfulness and effort. The Gospel, to which he is admitted,

mitted, and which is the kingdom of heaven upon earth, is freedom from the power of sin, as well as from its curse. It is to perform actions, which, without the sacred principle of faith, we did not even understand. It is to bring every thought, word, and.deed under subjection to the law of Christ." It is to do what is painful to our natural feelings, if the word of God requires it. It is to subdue the swellings of pride; and to bear to be unjustly accused, with temper and with patience. It is to mortify our self-indulgence, by a series of quiet and unostentatious duties; which do not indeed gratify our fancies, and exalt our self-applause; but which are recorded in that book, in which the work of faith is written, and will, at the last day, be rewarded. It is to bend, not only with acquiescence, but with thankfulness, under the rod of him who chastens in his mercy, and who will "make all things work together for good," to the real followers of Christ. It is, in short, to act, not from the impulse of human passion; but from the inspiration of Di

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vine grace: not from the loose and capricious, the false and dangerous maxims of worldly society; but from that "sure word of Prophecy," which, like its Author, is perfect, stable, and eternal.

To men, who have thus "glorified God upon earth," and whose poverty of spirit has admitted them to the kingdom of

glory hereafter.

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grace here, an access will be given to the kingdom of "Blessed are the poor spirit: for their's is the kingdom of Heaven.” Their's is a 66 happiness, which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive." Their's is an admission to the society of saints, and just men made perfect. It is their's to stand before the throne of God, and to "drink of the rivers of pleasure, that flow at his right hand for evermore." It is their's to enjoy the presence and the love of him, who was "the first-fruits of them that slept." The darkness of earthly views is at an end. The imperfection of human obedience is no more. The pollutions of sin have passed away. The

sorrows

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sorrows of mortality have closed. Now, "the poor in spirit," are rich in the communicated joys of Heaven. Now, they are shining in the glory of the Father. Now, they see, even as they are seen: they know, even as they are known." Now, they are "pure, as God is pure" they are "holy, as God is holy." Now, "all tears are wiped away from their eyes; neither is there any more sorrow, nor crying; neither is there any more pain for the former things are passed away." "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of Heaven."

Among us, who are here assembled, who call ourselves Christians, and even think ourselves the sincere followers of Christ; are there many, to whom the blessing of "the poor in heart," may, with truth, be applied; for whom the kingdom of Heaven is, in reality, reserved. Were our blessed Saviour still upon earth; were he amongst us, my brethren, this day; viewing our hearts with that powerful and penetrating glance, which "knoweth what is in man," and discerns all

his follies, sins, and self-deception: what would be his language to every individual here? Would he not say to us: "blessed are the poor in spirit; but you, are unwilling to be reckoned among the number; you, are ignorant of the first principles of salvation; you, are averse from the humbling doctrines of the cross; you, are careless of being excluded from the covenant of mercy. "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" but you, are proud of your fancied goodness; you, would be saved, wholly or in part, by your own works; you, with your lips confess me to be your Saviour, but in your hearts you deny me. "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" but you, are rich in this world's goods, and feel not your inward poverty; you, are rich in this world's pleasures, and regard not that peace of mind, "which passeth all understanding;" you, are rich in your own conceit, and the arrows of reproof fall blunted and powerless by your side. "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" but you, by your proud contempt for others, and your dignified opinion of yourselves; by your uncharitable

VOL. II.

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