principle fpringing up again in new verdure and strength. We hear the found of the trumpet.

We see the dead bursting out of their repofito

ries ; we see them refined from their corruption, and cloathed with incorruption, and then mounting up into the air, and foaring to the throne of God, filling the wide concave with this triumphant fong, Death is "swallowed up in victory! O death, where is thy fting? O grave, where

66

& 6

66

is thy victory? the fting of death is fin, and the flrength of fin is the

law. But thanks be to God who

giveth us the victory, through our "Lord Jefus Christ."

After such an ample declaration of the certainty of a refurrection, it would be as foolish for any man to difbe,

P

disbelieve it, as it would be to fhut ones eyes and resolve never to oper them again, and enjoy the day light, until we could determine, of what matter the fun is made. This is a point which the greatest philosophers could never determine; yet they are as glad of light and fun-fhine as the meanest and moft illiterate labourer. Even fo we, if we would be wise unto falvation, fhould refresh ourselves with the fun of righteousness, satisfied with the evidence that is afforded us, and confident that, at a proper time, all our doubts will be refolved: but if they never be refolved, must we therefore never tafte of the well of life, because we know not the fource or depth of it, or how it flows, through what fecret channels and turnings and windings it comes to us?

But

But we have fufficient evidence to convince our reafon and to enliven our faith. We know that God is able, and willing to the uttermoft to fave them that come to him: we know that the merits and death of Christ are amply fufficient for us: we know that he actually rose again from the dead on the third day, and therefore we very reasonably conclude that he who raised up Jefus from the dead, fhall alfo raise up our mortal bodies at the laft day. All this we know, because we are told it in the holy scriptures, and because there is nothing in all this, but may be reconciled to the power, the wisdom, the juftice and goodness of God in Christ Jefus. For as in Adam all die, even so in Chrift fhall all be made alive.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren "be ye ftedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, "forafmuch as ye know that your

66

labour is not in vain in the Lord." This is the conclufion of St. Paul himself, "Beye fledfaft" in your faith in God and his fon Christ Jefus; “un

''

moveable" by all the arguments of your gain-fayers; "always abounding "in the works of the Lord," in works of righteousness, repentance, holiness and charity; "forasmuch as ye know "that your labour is not in vain in "the Lord;" but being confident of this very thing, that he who raised up Jefus, will alfo raise up your mortal bodies through the merits and suffering of the fame Jefus Chrift our Lord.

SERMON IX.

PSALM XXXI. 26.

O love the Lord all ye his faints; for the Lord preferveth them that are faithful, and plenteously rewardeth the proud doer.

OF

F all motives which influence the heart of man to actions, good or bad, I believe it will be readily granted, that love operates the ftrongeft: and it is doubtlefs, upon this knowledge of our natures, that the fcriptures, fo conftantly inculcate this principle, in order to make us religious: there are other motives which provide, as it were, a collateral fecurity for our obedience, fuch as fear

P 3