also of the Holy Spirit, in applying to us the salvation which the Lord Jesus has wrought out for us. We have the further advantage of seeing many prophecies fulfilled, in the destruction of the Jewish state and polity ; the dispersion of that nation over the face of the globe, whilst yet they continue a distinct people in every place ; and the establishment of the Redeemer's kingdom throughout the Gentile world. I say, then, that the congratulations given to the Disciples are due in a very superior degree to us ; since, whilst we are partakers of their privileges in all that they saw and heard, we are freed from many disadvantages under which they laboured, and enjoy many advantages which they were not privileged to possess.]
Now let me commend this subject to the more par- ticular attention of those who, like our Lord's Disciples, are capable of estimating their high privilege —
1. What a debt of gratitude do you owe to Almighty God, for the mercies you enjoy !
[You would think, perhaps, that kings and prophets are objects worthy to be envied. But I declare to you, that not kings, with all their grandeur, nor prophets, with all their inspiration, are blessed in comparison of you. I will even go further still, and say, that not even the immediate attendants on our Lord are to be compared with you, in respect of the privileges you enjoy. A view of the Gospel salvation, and of the glory of God as revealed in it, is the highest privilege of man on earth, a privilege which even the angels in heaven covet to enjoy. Alas! how little is a preached Gospel valued amongst you as it ought to be, and how unconscious are most of you of the distinguished mercies you possess ! Do, my dear brethren, learn to estimate your blessings aright ; and let the daily language of your hearts and lips be, " thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift ! "]
2. What care should you take to improve these mercies !
[You must not be satisfied with hearing the Gospel : no: you must embrace it with your whole hearts: it should be your life, your joy, your all. Do but consider how glorious it is in itself, and what blessings it brings into the soul : consider the pardon of unnumbered sins, the mortification of deep-rooted lusts, the peace it gives you with your offended God, and the very earnest of heaven which it pours into your soul : I say, consider these things, and lay hold on them, and glory in them, and let them be " all your salvation and all your desire."]