* 1 John iii. 1. ' Job xix. 25—27. k 2 Cor. iii. 18.
' John xvii. 2 1. ;11 1 Cor. xv. 49. Col. iii. 4.
n John viii. 38, 44. " John i. 12.
2. How bright the prospects of the true Christian !
[The Christian's warfare will soon be over : then will come a blessedness which he cannot now conceive ; another day may bring him to the full possession of it. Let these prospects animate every pious soul. Let none suffer their minds to be drawn away by the things of time. Let every one stand ready to take his flight p. Let the beloved Apostle be our example q.]
p 2 Pet. in. 12. a Rev. xxii. 20.
1 John iii. 3. Every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
THE people of God are but little known to an ungodly world : instead of being considered accord- ing to their true character, they are regarded as hypocrites, enthusiasts, and disturbers of their bre- thren's peace. But this is easily accounted for : the world know not God ; and therefore it is no wonder that they know not his people. But the saints them- selves have a very inadequate conception of the honour that is put on them, or of the glory that is reserved for them. They know indeed that they are sons of God ; but they have very little idea of what is comprehended in that relation : and as to their eternal state, they can form no precise judgment re- specting it ; they only know, in the general, that they shall be like God, and be with him for ever. Yet though so little known to the world, and to them- selves, they have marks whereby they may be clearly distinguished ; they may be known by their uniform endeavours after holiness. To this effect the Apostle speaks in the words before us ; from which we shall take occasion to consider,
L The Christian's hope —
Christ is the fountain and foundation of a sinner's hope : without Christ, all must have perished : nor has the most eminent saint any more hope than a fallen angel, except as he is interested in the merits of