who" will be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, to take vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of his Son;" to "break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel." But when we are reconciled to God by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, then there is no condemnation for us; but we may with cheerful confidence anticipate the Judge descending on a great white cloud, and say,

'There sits my Saviour drest in love,

And there my smiling God.'

Secondly, Regeneration is necessary as well as reconciliation. Our Lord has most solemnly declared, that "except a man be born again he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Nothing can enter those holy gates which defileth, or worketh abomination, and maketh a lie; none but the pure in heart can see God with comfort. Without true holiness wrought in the heart by the Holy Ghost, we can neither attain nor enjoy the heavenly inheritance, which Christ Jesus, when he comes again, will put his people in possession of. There must be in us a new heart, a new nature, and new affections, or there can be no relish for a better world: but by regenerating grace this change is effected; we are brought to see the evil of sin, and hate it; the beauty of holiness, and to love and desire it; and to look to heaven not only as a place of freedom from suffering, but as a place of complete purity, perfection, and conformity to the Saviour's image.

When this change has taken place, the soul is by degrees more and more weaned from this vain and sinful world. A glimpse of the glory that shall be revealed is brought home to the experience, and a foretaste of heaven is enjoyed: "He which hath wrought us for the self-same thing is God;" and this experience is a blessed earnest of the future possession. The believer's title to glory is in the righteousness of Christ alone, but his fitness for it is by the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit; and he who enjoys them in the greatest degree is the person best prepared to meet, and most inclined to welcome his Saviour's return. "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

Once more, Firm faith in the promises of God, and ardent expectation of the glory that shall be revealed at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, will greatly promote our desire after, and delight in, his appearance. "When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory;" then shall we have bidden an eternal adieu to sin, and all that train of sorrows that harass us here; then shall we see revealed all those mysteries of providence that have perplexed us here below, and reviewing each we shall say, "He hath done all things well;" then shall we be put in possession of that glory that is to be revealed, that kingdom that was prepared for us before the foundation of the world.

This honour have all they that love his appearing; not only apostles, ministers, or shining Chris

tians, but for the encouragement of the weakest, even thou, poor trembling believer, that art overwhelmed with doubts and sorrows, yet whose heart is sincere in its love to Jesus, and longing for his appearance, to thee he shall appear without sin unto salvation; appear to encircle thy head with a crown of righteousness, to enrobe thee with the garment of praise, and put into thy hand a palm of victory. Glorious prospect! surely bright enough to prompt the exclamation, "Amen. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus:" come, put an end to this state of sin, sorrow, and temptation; gather thy people out of this present evil world, and take us to heaven, that state of perfect purity, peace, and joy; and so finish thy great design, and fulfil all that word on which thou hast caused us to hope. "Come, Lord Jesus!"

My dear friends, what think ye of Christ? With what views do you anticipate his coming? Come he assuredly will, and ye must meet him, whether prepared or unprepared, willing or unwilling; for

every eye shall see him :" but oh, of what unspeakable importance is it to ascertain whether he will come as your dreadful Judge, your angry Avenger; or, as your loving Saviour, your glorious King! It may be ascertained: oh that you were truly disposed to make the inquiry! If you are thoughtless and careless about it, it cannot be well with you then; "for in a day when you think not, and in an hour when you are not aware, the Lord will come and cut you asunder, and will appoint you a portion with hypocrites and unbelievers: "there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

Again, If you love sin, you cannot welcome the Lord's return. He comes to perfect and confirm his saints in holiness, and to admit them to eat of the tree of life, and to enter in through the gates into the city." But what is added?" He that is unjust shall be unjust still; and he that is filthy shall be filthy still;" and "without are the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars;" these "shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Oh may almighty grace arouse you to flee from the wrath to come, ere it be too late!

And you who have reason to hope that Jesus was once offered to bear your sins, and that "unto you who look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation;" see that ye "adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour in all things," while looking for the blessed hope of his glorious appearing. Well may you resign the fleeting joys of earth, and welcome each declining day and each revolving year, as reminding you of, and bringing you nearer to, the great object of your final hope. Well may you bear up under trials and afflictions;-soon your Lord will come and put an end to all: "yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Wait thou his leisure then, and wait in glorious hope; for "Surely," says the Saviour and the Judge, "I come quickly;" and let our hearts beat in delightful echo, "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.'

SERMON XXIX.

THE PASTOR'S VALEDICTORY ADDRESS*.

REV. xxii. 21.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

THIS is the apostolical benediction which closes the book of God. The words that immediately precede it employed our meditations on the last Sabbath. We anticipated the Saviour's promised return, and described the dispositions necessary to our meeting him with composure, confidence, and joy. And now, brethren, on this day that commences the sabbaths of another year-this Sabbath that opens the fifteenth year of my ministerial labours among you; anxious for the success of the past, and uncertain as to the continuance of the future; not knowing whether your minister may be spared to preach, or you to hear at his

* Preached January 3, 1819. It was the last new year's address Mr. H. delivered.

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