as soon as ever a sinner repents and becomes an " heir of salvation, angels are sent forth to minister unto him." " They encamp round about him" for the purpose. If they behold him turning out of the path of duty, as Balaam ; or lingering in a place of danger, as Lot ; or in any respect likely to " dash his foot against a stone ;" they will lend him their friendly aid in such a way as shall tend most to his eternal welfare. How they act upon us, we are not told : but of their agency there can be no doubt. It is highly probable that they are busily employed in counteracting the devices of those wicked spirits, who are ever seeking to destroy us. In a dying hour, we are sure they encompass the bed of a true penitent, and watch for the dismission of his spirit from its house of clay, in order that they may bear it in triumph to the realms of bliss. Nor are their labours of love then terminated : for in the day of judg- ment they will gather together the saints wheresoever they were scattered, in order to present them before the throne of their Judge, and expedite the final completion of their happi- ness. These offices being so congenial with their own feelings, they rejoice in every thing that affords them an opportunity to perform them.]
3. Because it brings the highest glory to God —
[The contemplation of the Divine glory is doubtless the highest source of their felicity. Now in the return of a peni- tent sinner they behold all the persons of the Godhead shining forth in the brightest splendour. They behold all the wisdom and power and grace of the Father glorified, whenever his eternal counsels respecting the salvation of a soul are accom- plished. They behold the infinite virtue of the Sons atone- ment, whenever the iniquities of a repenting prodigal are blotted out. They behold the wonderful " love of the Holy Spirit, and the invincible efficacy of his operations, when a creature, once bearing the impress of Satan himself, is transformed into the image of his God. When they had first a clear prospect of these things at the incarnation of our Lord, they sang, " Glory to God in the highest;" and every fresh manifestation of this mercy has filled them with additional and increasing joy.]
Address —
1. To the impenitent —
[Think what painful reflections your state suggests to those benevolent spirits; 'There are those infatuated people, laden with sins ; on the brink of eternity ; followed with over- tures of mercy ; assured that if they die in their present state they must perish for ever; and yet continuing impenitent! What a miracle of mercy it is that God does not instantly cut them down, and assign them the portion they deserve !' Think