soul. What then shall the public manifestation of this honour in the presence of the whole assembled universe be, when his " redeemed body " shall possess all the purity and perfection of his soul, and not only partake of all the joys of his soul, but aid the soul in its everlasting possession of them? I wonder not that " St. Paul groaned in this body, being burthened ; yea, that he groaned, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with his heavenly house, namely, with his body in its reno- vated and perfect state k. This ought to be the state of every true believer ; and it will be in proportion as he lives nigh to God, and has " his conversation in heaven."
By some the period referred to in my text is supposed to commence at the Millennium, of which time St. Peter speaks when he says, " We look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness1." And, if any find comfort in that view of the subject, I would not move a finger to rob them of it. I have no objection to persons following their own views of Scripture truth : every man has the same right to do it as I myself have. But, when these uncertain matters are made the subject of disputation in the Church of God, to the creating of dissensions and divisions, and to the turning of the minds of pious persons from the more clear and fundamental truths of the Gospel, then I bitterly regret it, and am ready to weep over it as " a device of Satan to turn men from the simplicity that is in Christ." If any choose to apply this passage to the Millennium, and to look for its accomplishment then, let them : but let them bear with those who cannot see with their eyes, or feel that there is any advantage in their views. Let all agree in this, to look and groan inwardly for the time of their consummate felicity, whether it occur at a little earlier or a little later period : for this is the point in which all are to agree ; and in this consists the highest attain- ment of the Christian life : " We come behind in no gift, whilst we are waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"1" to perfect our felicity; and we are sure, that "to those who so look for him, he will appear a second time unto their everlasting salvation"." My prayer therefore for all of you, my brethren, is, " The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into a patient waiting for Christ0."]
That I may bring this subject home more power- fully to men's business and bosoms, I would add, 1. Let us not take up our rest in this world —
[This world is but a passage to a better, a wilderness which we must pass through in our way to the heavenly
k 2 Cor. v. 2—5. > 2 Pet. iii. 13. m 1 Cor. i. 7.
n Heb. ix. 28. ° 2 Thess. iii. 5.
1874.] THE STATE OF GOD's CHILDREN. 299
Canaan. As to our present accommodations, we need not be much concerned, whether they be a little more or less suited to our present convenience. We are but " pilgrims and sojourners here," hoping in due season to attain our rest here- after. Let us then look forward to " that rest which remaineth for us," and under all existing difficulties derive our consola- tions from the prospect of the happiness that awaits us. This is, not the duty merely, but the high privilege, of the Christian. This it is which raises the Christian above all the world besides. What are crowns and kingdoms, if a man have no prospect beyond the grave ? On the other hand, What is martyrdom itself to one who sees it as the very door of heaven, and knows that the body which agonized for a few moments, shall reign in glory for evermore ? I say then to every one amongst you, " Set not your affection on things below, but on things above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God," and where " all who suffer with him now, shall be glorified together with him " to all eternity.]