Observe then, beloved,
1. How happy are the saints, the sons of God —
[If we consider only the " hope," " the lively hope," to which they are begotten, methinks they are by far the happiest of all mankind. But, if we take a view of the inheritance itself,
s Rev. xxi. 27. l Jer. xxxii. 40.
u Markxi. 22. John xiv. 1. * Matt. xvii. 20.
y Luke xxii. 31,32. z Rom. xvi. 20. a John xiv. 19.
b This is the precise import of the word (jipovpuvpevoc.
the wonderful inheritance to which they are begotten — and, above all, the security which they possess for the ultimate en- joyment of it — what shall I say ? Are they not happy ? Or can they be placed in any circumstances whatever (sin only excepted) wherein they are not proper objects of envy to the whole creation ? Be it granted, that they are as much op- pressed as ever saints were, and as destitute of all earthly comfort; still will I congratulate them from my inmost soul, and bid them exclaim with joy and gratitude, " Blessed be God, who hath begotten us again !" ]
2. How pitiable is the condition of the unrege- nerate —
[You, alas ! have no part or lot in the felicity of God's children. Never having been begotten of him, you have no relation to him, nor any title to his inheritance. Ah ! think, then, whose children ye arec, and with whom you must take your everlasting portion d ! I tremble to announce such awful tidings. But I thank God that yet ye may become new creatures : for, as all the saints once were what ye now are, so may ye become what they aree. Yes, the word, which is God's great instrument, yet sounds in your ears: and it is as powerful as ever, to convert souls to himf. Only receive it into your hearts by faith; and it shall "turn you," as it has unnumbered millions of your fellow-creatures, " from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto Godg." Only believe in Christ, and you shall instantly become sons of God'1, and be enabled to look up to heaven as your everlasting inheritance. My dear brethren, "make not light of" this great salvation. Do but think how " ready it is to be re- vealed," and how certainly it shall be attained by all who believe in Christ. May God now pour out his Holy Spirit upon you all, that not one of you may " receive this grace of God in vain ! "]
c John viii. 44. d Matt. xxv. 41. e Gal. iv. 12.
f Heb. iv. 12. s Acts xxvi. 18.
h John i. 12. before cited, with Gal. hi. 26.