3. Survey the glory that is reserved for you in heaven —
[What does it matter to a traveller, if his accommoda- tions, where he stops but a few minutes, be not exactly such as he could wish ? Can they carry me forward to my destined home ? will be his main inquiry : and if he find that he can attain his wishes in this respect, he will not lay to heart the little inconveniences which he is to sustain for so short a time. The comforts which he shall enjoy at home occupy his mind ; and the very discomforts of the way endear to him the end, and make him look forward to it with augmented zest. Let it then be thus with you, my brethren: ye are only pilgrims and sojourners here : and, if you dwell with blessed anticipa- tions on your eternal rest, you will become indifferent to the accommodations of the way; and, according to the grace given to you, will be enabled to say, " I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."]
Phil. iv. 13. I can do all tilings through Christ which strength- ened me.
THERE are in the sacred writings many various, and apparently opposite, representations of the Chris- tian's state : he is mournful, yet happy ; sinful, yet holy ; weak, yet possessed of a derived omnipotence. These paradoxes are incomprehensible to the world at large : but the solution of them is easy to those who know what man is by nature, and what he is by grace, and what are the effects which flow from the contrary and contending principles of flesh and spirit. Nothing can be more incredible, at first sight, than the assertion in the former part of our text : but, when qualified and explained by the latter part, it is both credible and certain : yea, it presents to our minds a most encouraging and consoling truth.
In elucidating this passage, we shall shew, I. The extent of a Christian's power —
Using only such a latitude of expression as is com- mon in the Holy Scriptures, we may say concerning every true Christian, that he can,