[The kingdom into which believers are brought, is but the commencement of that which is perfected in heaven. The peace and holiness which are enjoyed here, are the blossom which will be brought to maturity in a better world. Grace is glory begun ; and glory is grace consummated. Besides, the subjects of the Redeemer's kingdom will each have a crown and kingdom of his own : " the glory which his Father has given him, he has bestowed on them :" they all without ex- ception are " kings and priests unto God ;" and " they shall reign for ever and ever." Who must not rejoice in such a prospect as this ? Truly if, with such a view of the happiness laid up for us in the eternal world, we did not rejoice, we should be more stupid than beasts, more insensible than stones. But no one can be " begotten again to a lively hope of this inheritance," without feeling in his soul a heaven begun, and " rejoicing in Christ with a joy unspeakable and glorifiedd."]
Application —
1. Who then amongst us desires this joy?
[Behold how the Samaritans obtained it : they " with one accord gave heed unto the things which Philip spake :" and the same attention to the Gospel now will be productive of the same effects. The Gospel which we preach is the same as was preached by him : we " preach Christ unto you :" we preach him as " the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last," the " All in all" in the salvation of man. O " give earnest heed to what the Scripture declares" concerning hime; trea- sure it up in your minds, and live upon it in your hearts f; and it shall operate, as it did in them, to your present and eternal welfare.]
2. Are there any amongst us who experience this
joy?
[Then endeavour to " walk worthy of Him who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory g." To this we would exhort you with paternal authority and loveh. Do you ask, Hoiu you are to walk worthy of him? we answer, By uniting closely with each other in faith and love1, and being increas- ingly fruitful in every good workk. Let it be remembered, that this is the very end for which " God has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light," that you should " shew forth his praise," and glorify his name.]
a 1 Pet. i. 3—5, S, 9. e Hob. ii. 1 . f Heb. iv. 2.
e 1 Thess. ii. 12. h 1 Thess. ii. 11. ' Phil. i. 27.
k Col. i. 10.