persons on the evening of that day, when they were " eating their bread with gladness and singleness of heart, blessing and praising God :" methinks, heaven and hell scarcely present a greater contrast, than those very persons within that short period. Yet such is the change which the Gospel will pro- duce, wherever it is received in deed and in truth. Hear how the Prophet Isaiah describes it : " Ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace : the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree ; and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle- tree : and it shall be to the Lord for a name, and for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off k." O, beloved, see that this change take place in you : for to effect it is the glory of the Gospel ; and no further than this change is wrought in you, have you any evidence that you belong to Christ.]
2. How vain are the expectations of carnal pro- fessors !
[Frequently does the Apostle characterize as " carnal," those who are yet under the power of unholy tempers and affections. Look, thou professor of godliness, and see what thy conduct is, in the family, the Church, the state. Art thou a favourer of feuds, of heresies, of seditions ? Take off thy mask, and proclaim thyself an hypocrite. Thou hast no part nor lot in the salvation of God. Yet rest not here : but go on to examine how far all holy tempers and heavenly affections abound in thee : see whether thou livest in the habitual exer- cise of love, joy, peace ; and whether thy whole walk be marked by long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, fidelity, meek- ness, temperance? See whether in these things thou re- semblest Him whose property thou professest thyself to be, even that blessed Jesus who requires thee to walk as he walked? Know of a certainty, that, " if thou walkest after the flesh, thou shalt die; but if through the Spirit thou mortifiest the deeds of the body, then, and then only, shalt thou live1."]
3. How desirable is it to obtain an interest in Christ !
[All this will he do for those who truly believe in him. Came he, think you, to save you from hell only? No; he came to " save you from your sins." He came to make you new creatures ; and to transform you into the Divine image, in righteousness and true holiness. Seek then an interest in him. Give up yourselves to him, to be washed in his blood,
k Isai. lv. 12, 13. ' Rom. viii. 13.