any good thing come out of Galilee?"-the answer must be made in the words of Philip-COME, AND

SEE.

Joseph and Mary, whose understandings, we may suppose, were gradually opened to the wonders about to be unfolded and accomplished, "marvelled at "those things which were spoken" by Simeon, who "blessed them, and," in the ardour of the prophetical spirit," said unto Mary, Behold this child is set "for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and "for a sign which shall be spoken against, that the "thoughts of many hearts may be revealed; yea, "a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also." I recite these words last, that the sense may appear clearer; as, in the place where they stand, they are evidently parenthetic.

This is a short description of what passed at the time, and has been passing in the world ever since. 'It is not, as many seem to imagine, a matter of indifference, when Christ is preached, whether he be received or rejected. It is necessarily productive of great effects; the fall of some, to whom he becomes a stone of stumbling and offence; the rising of others, who find in him a fortress and rock of salvation. Every one, therefore, should most diligently, from time to time, examine the state of his own mind, respecting the doctrines and the precepts of our Lord, whether he gives them a kind and hearty reception, or secretly slights, and contemns, and is ashamed of them. For the Gospel is a touchstone, by which the grand trial is made of the spirits of

men; the thoughts of whose hearts are soon revealed by their words and actions; since, where it comes, they cannot long refrain from discovering their sentiments and inclinations, one way or other. Deep were to be the sorrows occasioned in the heart of her who bare the holy child, by the opposition raised against him, and the sufferings sustained by him. "A sword shall pierce through thine own "soul also." The piercings of this sword must now be felt by those who love him, when he is again become "a sign" by so many "spoken against." But as it was with the sufferings of his person, so will it be with those of his name-" Weeping may endure "for a night; but joy cometh in the morning."

While this curious and interesting scene was exhibited in the temple, "one Anna, a prophetess, a "widow of about fourscore and four years, who "served God with fastings and prayers night and

day, coming in at that instant, gave thanks like"wise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them "that looked for redemption in Jerusalem."

On her story we may observe, that a life regularly and uniformly conducted according to the discipline of religion and the ordinances of the church, attracts the notice of Heaven, and is thought worthy of being recorded by the Spirit of truth: that the returns of prayer and the blessings of piety, though not bestowed, perhaps, at the seasons when we fondly expect them, yet at the last they will come, and crown all our wishes with a sight of the Redeemer, and a participation of his joy: that we are

always most likely to receive spiritual comforts in the temple. There it was, that this devout person had for so many years poured forth her heart unto God; and there it was, that it pleased him to reward her, by causing her to come in, at the instant when Jesus was to be seen there. In holy places the Holy One doth chiefly manifest himself: he goeth in the sanctuary, and blessing goeth with him. The man who absents himself from the house of God, may miss the very sermon that would have brought him to consideration, to repentance, to faith, to pardon, and to peace; he may miss an opportunity of finding his Saviour, which may not be offered to him again.

To conclude-We are taught, by this example of Anna, what returns we should make to Heaven for the knowledge of salvation communicated to us. We should glorify God, and edify our neighbour. For she first " gave thanks unto the Lord;" and then "spake of Christ to all them that looked "for redemption in Jerusalem." Some such there are at all times; and they should converse together, to improve and to comfort one another; hoping, at the end of their days, to behold the Lord's Christ, the consolation of Israel, the light and the glory of the church universal, in the true temple, in the heavenly Jerusalem: where, let us beseech God, that "as his blessed Son was pre"sented in the earthly temple, in the substance of our flesh, so we may all be presented unto him, "with pure and clean hearts, by the same Jesus

Christ, our Lord;" to whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be ascribed, as is most due, all blessing, and honour, might, majesty, and dominion, for ever and ever. Amen.

166

DISCOURSE XII.

THE NECESSITY OF BELIEVING.

MARK, XVI. 15, 16.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

IT has been matter of wonder and offence to many, that in the great concern of man's salvation so much stress should be laid upon faith. "He that believ

"eth shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall "be condemned." Innumerable are the passages in

different parts of the Scriptures, which evidently speak the same thing. They are well known, and need not be now cited. The point is one of great importance, and I shall endeavour to clear it to your apprehensions by,

I. Removing out of the way those objections which have been made, and perhaps have already arisen in your own minds; and then,

II. Stating the grounds and reasons on which this divine determination is founded.

I. Of the objections, some respect the persons