first to those whose attention is exclusively given to earthly things.

We would not detract from the value which they really possess; but how mean are such objects of pursuit, if contrasted with those which are in heaven! The fashion of this world passeth away,* and all things which it can give us must perish in the using. They may please for a time; but at the period when we stand most in need of consolation, they awfully fail us.

How different is the condition of the child of God! As a citizen of heaven, he possesses a dignity of character which places him at once above all the greatness of this world his society is more noble, his pursuits more elevated, his prospects more animating, and he has an everlasting habitation. It is the peculiar excellence of his lot, that as all earthly consolations are vanishing, his hope is becoming more ardent, and his views more enlarged. He considers himself not as leaving all which was pleasant and attractive, but as now advancing to his home. He looks for happiness which instead of deceiving and disappointing him, shall satisfy his utmost desires: in thy presence is fulness of

* 1 Cor. vii. 31.

joy he looks for happiness which shall have no end at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.*

Where is the man who would not gladly have the Christian's lot? Where is the man who does not in his conscience acknowledge the folly of all other pursuits, which lead to the abandonment of this? Let, then, your affections be set on things above, not on things on the earth. Seek for that grace of God, in Christ Jesus, which can alone effectually open your eyes, and change your hearts; that your transgressions may be forgiven; that the love of sin may be eradicated, and that you may be habitually led and guided by the Spirit of God. If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live; for as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Secondly, to those who have reason to believe themselves to be true members of the church of Christ.

The apostle exhorts you to be followers together of him; and we have seen, in some measure, the meaning of this exhortation, as it Rom. viii. 13, 14.

* Ps. xvi. 11. † Col. iii. 1.

respects both christian duties and christian privileges. Now who among us is endeavouring to obey the exhortation? What anxiety do we shew to accredit our profession; and what evidence do we give that our conversation is in heaven? When St. Paul urged the Philippians to walk as they had him for an example, there must have been something notable both in his character and conduct, which presented an object for imitation; something plainly to be read and known of all men; and we can be at no loss to discover it. With his associates in the ministry he loved the brethren; he was zealous in the work of the Lord: he kept himself unspotted from the world; he mortified the deeds of the body; he led a life of practical holiness, and of faith in the Son of God. wherefore should not you, so far as you have attained, walk by the same rule? A man may doubtless be a sincere disciple of Christ without arriving at that eminence of christian character which distinguished St. Paul; but how dangerous is it to rest in any profession of religion, without adorning our profession to the full extent of our opportunities, and improving in the true knowledge of the gospel! We have the same ordinary influence of the Spirit to assist

And

us which he had; the same Saviour as the Author and Finisher of our faith; the same great and precious promises; the same privileges of religion. Therefore, my brethren, to take up the apostle's words, so stand fast in the Lord;* be sensible of your high vocation; live in this transitory world like the citizens of the world above, till called to join in their society and to walk in the city of their habitation.

* Phil. iv. 1.

SERMON VI.

THE PENITENT THIEF.

ST. LUKE Xxiii. 42, 43.

"And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom; and Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, to-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise."

It is mentioned by St. Matthew, as one of the aggravations of that scene of suffering which took place at the crucifixion of our blessed Saviour, that the very malefactors who were crucified with Him, united with the multitude to insult and deride Him. Whether the evangelist, in his brief narrative, is to be understood as speaking of the thieves only in general and popular terms; in which case it is not necessary to suppose that his statement applies to both of them; or whether, between the time when Christ was first raised upon the cross, and the