such was the state of the Hebrews, when this epistle was written to them : and the Apostle, studious to fortify them against the impending danger, exhorts them to remember their deceased pastors, following their faith, and considering the blessed way in which they had terminated their career. Moreover, as the most effectual means of preserving them from being " carried about with any strange doctrines," different from what had been delivered to them, he suggests to them this thought. That Jesus Christ, who had been ever preached among them, and who was the one foundation of all their hopes, was still the same ; the same infinitely gracious, almighty, and ever-blessed Saviour. " Remember," says he, " them which have had the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God : whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation : Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever."
These last words were chosen by your late worthy minister, as his subject on the first day of this year, and, as I am informed, were particularly recom- mended to you as your motto for the year ninety- seven. On this, as well as other accounts, they seem to claim peculiar attention from us: and, O that the good Spirit of God may accompany them with his blessing, while we endeavour to improve them, and to offer from them such considerations as may appear suited to you, under your present most afflic- tive circumstances !
Your late faithful, loving, and much beloved pastor is no more : he that was, not in profession merely, but in truth, '* a guide to the blind, a light of them which were in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, and a teacher of babes ;" he that for so many years spent all his time, and found all his delight, in im- parting the knowledge of salvation both to old and young ; he, I say, is taken from you ; and your loss is unspeakably severe. But is all gone ? No. He that formed him by his grace, raised him up to be a witness, and sent him to preach the Gospel to you for a season, remains the same ; he has still " the