important to us, as Abram's was to him : and we have more encouragement to ask the question, because God has provided us with such ample means of solving it. As for any thing to confirm the veracity of God, nothing can be added to what he has already done : he has sent his only dear Son into the world to die for us ; he has given his Holy Spirit to instruct us ; he has already brought myriads, of Gentiles as well as Jews, to the possession of the inheritance ; so that nothing remains but to inquire into the marks whereby he has taught us to judge of our own character. Am I "poor in spirit?" Then is the kingdom mine, and I shall surely inherit it3. Am I living daily upon Christ, as the Israelites did upon the manna ? Then I have, and shall have, everlasting life*. Am I "keeping his commandments diligently and without reserve ?" Then I may know from hence my interest in his favour". We are not to expect visions, such as were vouchsafed to Abram : " we have a more sure word of prophecy ; and to that it behoves us to take heedV Let us then " examine ourselves whether we be in the faith:" let us "prove our own selves5':" thus shall we "make our calling and election sure2," and be enabled to say with confidence, " I know that when the earthly house of this tabernacle shall be dissolved, I have an house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens V]
2. To look forward to the full possession of our inheritance without regarding any difficulties that we may have to encounter in our way to it —
[Abram was not discouraged either with the difficulties or delays which he was instructed to expect. He never once regretted the losses he had sustained in leaving his native country ; nor was he wearied with the inconveniences of a pilgrim's life. He steadily pursued the path of duty in expec- tation of the promised blessings b. Let us then " walk in the steps of our father Abraham." Let our prospect of the inhe- ritance reconcile us to the hardships of our pilgrimage ; and our view of the prize animate us throughout the whole of our course. If enemies oppose us, and troubles come upon us, and our possession of the inheritance be delayed, it is no more than what God has taught us to expect. But God has said, " He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." Let us therefore confide in that promise, and expect its accom- plishment to our souls. Let us not be weary in well-doing ; " for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."]
s Matt. v. 3. '* John vi. 53 — 58.
" 1 John hi. 24. with 1 Thess. i. 3, 4. s2 Pet. i. 19.
y 2 Cor. xiii. 5. '■ 2 Pet. i. 10. * 2 Cor. v. 1.
h Heb. vi. 15.