duced, as saying, Behold I and the children whom the Lord hath given me. †

Here let us pause, and as one ascending an high hill of observation, look back and survey the ground over which we have trodden, before we look around to the delightful view, which is opening before us, on every side, in the pleasing prospect of contemplation it affords.

How infinitely important, must have been that glorious purpose of redemption, which for so many ages, occupied the divine mind; and for the keeping alive the expectation of it, in the Church of God, such a multitude of years before its proposed accomplishment, so wonderful an apparatus was made use of!

What a world of preparation, do we find ministring to this one event, from the very dawn of revelation, in the various representations by which it was shadowed!

In the instance of our text, we behold a spirit of prophecy, delivered near two thousand years; before the Shiloh came, as expressly pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ, as if written on the spot, in the very moment of his appearing. And now

+ Isaiah 8. 18.

near

near two thousand more, have run out, since the Shiloh actually came, we find in this hour, the other part of the prophecy, in the gathering his people unto him, (which of course was to have a gradual accomplishment) still fulfilling with as much faithfulness, and precision, as if the prediction had been but of yesterday. Well might He of whom these things were al spoken, and to whom they all ministered, be called Wonderful Counsellor! And well may every beholder, in correspondence to the same language, exclaim with the Apostle, Oh the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever; Amen.

The result of all that hath been said, will be to recommend my several hearers, from the outward testimony, of the doctrine itself, to search diligently, for the inward evidence in their own hearts, by way of ascertaining the personal interest every one hath in it.

Upon the presumption the Shiloh be come, (which I venture to hope I have fully proved ;) and the great object of his mission be, the gathering of his people unto him; (which is his well known office and character;) there cannot be a question, of equal importance in the breast of every individual, than whether that blessed effect be accomplished in his own instance? Q

I know that while with the multitude of thoughtless, and inconsiderate persons, an enquiry of this nature is lightly made, and as lightly answered by their vain minds; with many precious souls it becomes an anxious question indeed. They are exercised with continual fears, and apprehensions upon it; and like the disciples at the Sepulchre of Jesus, they are doubting, the reality of their own senses, in the very moment of receiving the most absolute proof.

In the province of my duty, there is nothing in which I hold myself so much a debtor, as to endeavour the relieving under God's grace, the apprehensions of the timid believer, and especially upon a point of so much consequence. For this is what scripture calls, lifting up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and saying to them that are of a fearful heart be strong.

Perhaps, I may be speaking before one of this description. And if so, I cannot more profitably follow up the subject itself, than by offering an observation, or two, which through the blessed Spirit's teaching, may enable such a mourner in Zion, to discover his interest more clearly; and lead him home in a happier frame of mind, than when he came here. And in accomplishing this purpose, I

shall

shall not be going out of the way, in furnishing the outlines of examination also, for any others present, who feel a rising inclination, to ascertain a point of so much consequence, as a personal knowledge of their being gathered unto our Almighty Shiloh.

Now there is a sweet promise of God on this subject, which I could wish every humble soul, always if possible, to keep in view. Therefore (saith God) my people shall know my name therefere they shall know in that day that I am hé that doth speak behold it is I.* Here then, the Lord himself engages, that his people shall know his name; that they shall distinguish his voice and discern his speaking from all others.

And in allusion to the express doctrine of the Covenant, one of the principal features of it was to be thus distinguished. I will be their God and they shall be my people. Neither shall they teach any more every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying know the Lord for they shall all know me from the least of them unto the greatest of them.

Hence therefore, from such positive assurances, we may very safely conclude, that the same God, that thus freely promiseth, will adopt

02

*Isaiah 52. 6.

adopt suitable means, for the certain accomplishment of his promise: and not suffer, his gracious intentions to be frustrated, by any intervening causes. And if you, my Brother, are among the number of God's people, and will only open the word of God, and carefully examine the marks, and characters, by which his people are to be known; and then take a comparative view of them, with your own heart; you will find, such an happy correspondence, between both, as will tend to confirm the assurance of God's promises, and bring the fullest satisfaction to the heart, that you are interested in them..

In the words of our text, they are only distinguished by the general expression of the people : but in other parts of scripture, there names, and the feature of their character, are marked, with a more striking particularity. They are said (as hath been before noticed) to be the sheep of Christ; the children of God: His people, which he hath formed for himself; and which he hath. chosen to be a special people, above all people, that are upon the face of the earth: the seed also of the Redeemer, with whom the covenant blessings are deposited. But though sheep, yet strayed sheep: all we like sheep (saith the Prophet) have gone astray. Though children: yet rebellious children. Ye have been rebellious (saith Moses) against the Lord unto this day. Though the people of God and the seed of Christ,

yet