that God is almost banished from this lower world ; and that the Saviour, who came down from heaven to redeem it, is scarcely known, or known only to be dishonoured and blas- phemed? Verily, it is a wonder that a world so lost in wickedness is not burnt up, as Sodom and Gomorrah. Indeed it would be so, but for the elect's sake. God in tender mercy spares it, because he has ordained that one day this barren fig-tree shall yield him fruit; and unnumbered millions, who shall spring from the loins of his inveterate foes, shall rise " a new creation," and " be to him for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory, to all eternity."
And how blessed will this change be to our fallen race ! At present, men are but miserable creatures, full of evil passions, "hateful in themselves, and hating all around themr;" yea, filled also with terrible forebodings in relation to their eternal state. But then, freed from the bonds of sin and the appre- hensions of death, and living in the enjoyment of God's pre- sence and in the prospect of his glory, they will go on their way rejoicing. Every day will bring them an augmentation of bliss, and be, as it were, a prelude of eternal felicity. Not that this blessedness shall then commence on earth : no ; it is already experienced by thousands, who can bear their testimony, that, both in respect of holiness and happiness, they have known a transition, great as from the wintry aspect of a desolate wil- derness to the vernal beauty of a highly-cultivated garden.
Such is the change which is now fast approaching ; and such is " the work of God's hands, wherein he will ere long be glorified" throughout the earth s.]
See then, Beloved,
1. What you should seek for yourselves — [Look for such a change to be wrought in your hearts. This is conversion: this is salvation begun in the soul: this is the indispensable requisite for the enjoyment of heaven. Cast your eyes around you, and see the face of nature now, as con- trasted with its appearance during the winter months : you see it ; you admire it ; you enjoy it. O ! let the great Husbandman behold this blessed change in you ! Let not the showers of grace, which he pours forth around you, and the rays of the Sun of Righteousness, which he causes to shine upon you, be received in vain : for then will you only bring down the heavier curse upon your souls, as the Apostle Paul has warned you : " The earth that drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God : but that which beareth briers and thorns is rejected, and is nigh unto
>• Tit. iii. 3. s Isai. lx. 21.