the testimony of true witnesses, and of our own conscience. Ours therefore, if we believe, is the blessing of those "who have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20. 29.) Ours is a conviction firm as though we could now behold, an assurance lively as though we now were to possess. Ours, in one word, is faith. This is that willing trust in God and in his word, by which the elders, as St. Paul calls them in this passage, "obtained a good report," (ver. 2;) by which Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain; by which Enoch pleased God; by which Noah feared God's warnings; by which Abraham looked for a better country; by which Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; by which prophets, and apostles, and saints, and martyrs, out of weakness were made strong, strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Setting then ever before us the light of these examples, let us renounce the wisdom of the world, which bids us enjoy the present whilst we have it, regardless of

the future which doth not yet appear. Let us feel that this future is no less sure, death no less than life, heaven and hell no less than earth. The senses we now enjoy must fail, the heavens we now behold must vanish away. But there shall be new heavens and a new earth; and in ourselves new senses to perceive them. Then shall all the things we read of in God's word be found to be the very truth itself, the very truth which it is most profitable for man to know. That truth then let us now lay more seriously to heart, the truth as it is in Jesus. (See Ephes. 4. 21.) Him let us in all things now regard as "the author and finisher of our faith." (Heb. 12. 2.) Him let us in all things now take as the ruler and guide of our life. Him let us ever look for, and that most sure coming of his, " when he shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Heb. 9. 28.)

SERMON III.

FAITH OF ABRAHAM.

HEB. 11. 17, 18, 19.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

THIS is one of the many instances, recounted by the apostle in this chapter, to shew how "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." That is to say, it is a firm conviction in the mind relating to things which are not obvious to the senses, a persuasion that should be as conducive to our practice as though we could see and hear and touch them, as effectual to our peace and joy as though we possessed the very things we

hope for. Having lately endeavoured to explain this doctrine as laid down in the first verse of the chapter, I would now shew how it applies to our own practice, by reference to the conduct of those elders of our race," who through faith" such as this" obtained a good report." And among the many instances here given, I would confine your attention to what is said in the text, of him who is called in Scripture, by way of distinction, "faithful Abraham." (Gal. 3. 9.)

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By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac." Here first we see how God, who made us men for his own glory and for our good, thinks fit to try us, to prove us, to discipline us. And this He does by means of the several events of life; which, according to our use of them, and of his grace attending them, turn either to our profit, or to our condemnation. is what is meant when it is said in Genesis, (22. 1.) "God did tempt Abraham;" that is, did try him. And this method of trial cannot be for the information of Him who knoweth all things. No; it is taken in

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order to our improvement; to the renewal of our hearts, and the preparing of our souls for heaven. And thus Moses says to the Israelites, speaking to them of their trials, that God ordered these things, that He might "humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at the latter end." (Deut. 8. 16.) And especially do the trials of those holy men, whose faith is recorded in Scripture, serve further to the edification of the rest of mankind. Thus the obedience of Abraham, besides the blessing it drew down upon himself, is furnishing at this hour, to this distant generation, the means of instruction in righteousness.

"Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac." At the command of Jehovah he resigned the son whom he most dearly loved. He was ready to sacrifice to the Lord his God, not that which cost him nothing, (see 2 Sam. 24. 24.) but the most valued of all blessings, the most fond of all hopes, which he enjoyed in the evening of his life. And now to apply this example to ourselves. Are we willing to make such a sacrifice as this, to offer unto