for us, as for them. For us was God's co-equal and co- eternal Son sent into the world, as well as for them. For us He lived, and died, and rose again, as well as for them. To us is salvation oftered, as freely as ever it was for them ; and for us it shall be alike effectual too, if only we embrace it as they did. The only difterence between them and us is, that they are put into possession of that which is kept in reserve for us, against the time ordained of the Father for us to possess it. We have the same aid afforded to us that was effectual for them ; and the very instant the work of grace is perfected in us, we shall be summoned to the very place that is now occupied by them, and to all eternity shall unite with them in the same blessed employment of singing praises to God and to the Lamb.
We can conceive somewhat of theh- obligations : let us then in theirs y'lew and acknowledge our own also.]
2. Our duties —
[The robes of the Redeemed are emblematic of their purity, as the palms in their hands are of the victories which they gained. But how did they attain their purity? By con- tinued applications of the blood and Spirit of Christ to their souls. And how did they gain their victories, but by fighting manfully in the strength of Christ? Behold then how we must be occupied whilst sojourning here below. We must day and night wash in the fovmtain that was once opened for sin and for uncleanness : our very holiest services, no less than our grossest abominations, must be purged from guilt by the blood of Christ. At the same time we must mortify the whole body of sin by the influence of the Spirit of Christ : the one labour of our life must be to grow up into the Savi- our's image, and to " purify ourselves, even as he is pure." But whilst striving after these things we shall have many con- flicts to maintain : we have enemies to encounter both without and within : and we must fight manfully against them all ; nor ever for a moment relax our efforts, till Satan and all his hosts are for ever " bruised under our feet." It was not by mere inactive wishes that any of the saints in glory triumphed, but by warring a good warfare. And in like manner must we also " fight a good fight, and finish our course, and keep the faith" even to the end, if ever we would attain " the crown of righ- teousness that fadeth not away."]
3. Our encouragements —
[Which among the heavenly hosts did not once feel tlie same discouragements that we experience ? But God in his tender mercy carried on and perfected his work in their souls : »nd he is equally willing to accomplish in us also all the good
pleasure