service : and therefore, while he stimulated them by a dread of his displeasure, he encouraged them also by the expectation of a rich reward.
The tree of life which was in the midst of Paradise was to our First Parents a pledge of eternal happiness, provided they continued to maintain their innocence during the season al- lotted for their probation : but, when they had sinned, they were driven from it; and Cherubims, with a flaming sword, 5\ere placed at the entrance of the garden, to prevent their future access to it. But a new way to it has been opened by our blessed Lord- What was lost in Adam is restored in him: and he, as the supreme Governor of the universe, be- stows on whomsoever he will its delicious fruits- The tree indeed to which he introduces us is that which the former Qjily typified ; or rather, it is the felicity itself, of which that was only a pledge and emblem- It is no other than the glory and happiness of heaven : and thh our adorable Saviour pro- mises to all his victorious followers- It is not sufficient for a person to enlist under his banners, and gird on his armour, and fight manfully for a season : he must " overcome,"- iu order to obtain the reward of victory : he must " endure unto the end, in order to be saved." But can any one contem- plate the promised blessing, and not labour to obtain it? Can any one that has ever tasted " how gracious the Lord is," recede from the combat, and forego, through weariness or timidity, the certain prospect of dwelling with him for ever ? Let those who have experienced any declension in their love to God survey the prize; and they M'ill not hesitate to re- turn to him with their whole hearts, and to maintain their conflicts even unto death. Whatever difliculties may be to be encountered, or whatever trials to be endured, one taste of that heavenly fruit will recompense them all. Let the delightful prospect then animate us in our warfare ; and let us " be faithful unto death, in order to obtain the crown of life."]
Application —
[Many have " ears, but hear not :" but *' if any man have ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches," and to himself in particular. It is indeed no more than a human voice that speaks ; but the words are the words of the living God.
Have you then an evidence that the commendation belongs to you? Rejoice: and be thankful to him who has enabled you thus to move, and thus to shine. Yet be not high- minded, as though there were nothing in you deserving of re- proof. It may be, that the heart-searching God discerns in you some secret faults, some inward declension, for which he
is