every time of need ; and rejoice in the bright prospect of being for ever with the Lord.

Now, to him who sitteth on the throne, and maketh all things new; to him who loved you, and gave

himself for you, to wash you from your

sins in his own blood; to him who can keep you from falling, and can present you spotless before the throne, with exceeding great joy, be ascribed blessing and honour, dominion and glory in the highest, in all the churches, and through all ages, and world without end. Amen and

SERMON XXI.

ASCENSION OF CHRIST.

JOHN xx. 17.

Go unto my brethren, and say unto them, I

ascend to my Father and your Father; and to my God and

God and your God.

i

THESE

HESE words spake Jesus, to comfort his feeble and depressed disciples, when they were grieved in their minds, and went forth weeping, bearing precious seed. He bids them dry up their tears, and leads them to confide in the Almighty Sovereign of heaven and earth, as their Father and their God. These animating words are strikingly expressive of the honour and dignity to which his disciples shall be advanced ; and this honour have all the saints. It is not confinod 2

ed Hence says

ed to the apostles and first followers of the Lord, but extends to every believer, in every age.

the evangelist John, “ As many as received Christ, to them

gave

he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name *.” To the same purpose speaks the inspired apostle, when writing to the Romans: “ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. And not only so, but we also joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement p."

This is a part of the great salvation which belongs to all who sincerely seek Jesus, and who have taken shelter under the shadow of his wings. No sooner are dying mortals effectually awakened to a sincere conviction of their sinfulness, and of their perishing condition ; no sooner are they turned from lying vanities, to seek their highest happiness in God, and are brought to a believing reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ, as their Redeemer and Sanctifier, than they are delivered from condemnation, and restored to the favour of an offended God.

This happy change of state is so unspeakably important, that though no greater benefits were promised to believers, yet their being both pardoned and accepted, demand their warmest gratitude, and their most constant admiration.

But this reconciliation with God is introductory to far higher honours, even in this world, In our text, the Saviour himself assures them, that this pardoning God is a Father to them, and beholds them with infinite complacency, as the children of his family. Your Father and your God! these are astonishing words, expressive of the noblest blessings.

As a Father, the everlasting Jehovah provides for his children on earth; so that they shall not want what is essential to their safety, their happiness, and their preparation for future glory. As a Father, he wisely corrects their follies, and mercifully chas, tens their faults; but after the necessary correction produces its intended amendment, he affectionately restores them to his paternal

a

embrace. As a Father, he teaches them to profit by the dispensations of his providence, and by the ordinances of his grace;

he

prepares them for the heavenly inheritance, which they will soon possess ; he admits them to happy intercourse with himself in their secret retirements; he manages their concerns with unerring wisdom, encourages them to acknowledge him in all their ways, and

proves their sure and all-sufficient help when human refuge fails.

How happy are the heaven-born men, who are made the children of God through faith in Christ, and are enjoying the instruction, the protection, the presence, and fellowship of this Almighty Father!

To give us a still higher idea of the happiness of the faithful, our text testifies, that he who pardons and accepts them, is not only a reconciled Father to them, but is also their God for ever and ever. Heaven alone can unfold the meaning of this expression. But in as far as it relates to his people's present circumstances, it implies the guidance of his wisdom, the guardianship of his power, the accomplishment of his promises, and the satisfying consolations of his love.

The