same.

We know what appellation the Apostle bestowed on those, who, cavilling at his doctrine, inquired "how are the dead raised? and with what bodies do they come?" Questions about identity, and difficulties started about the possibility of a resurrection, may answer the purposes of a proud sceptical philosophy: but the humble disciple, sitting as a little child at the Saviour's feet will allow," that such knowledge is too high for him, he cannot attain unto it ;" and perceive that it is meet to answer all such objections by saying, "hath God spoken, and shall he not do it ;" "Can any thing be too hard for the Lord?" We are sure that our bodies will be so far raised the same, that we shall know ourselves to be the same persons, who did such and such things on earth: but "as we must all be changed," our bodies will not be in every respect the "There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body;" the "image of the first, and of the second Adam;"" and as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly:" "that which is sown in corruption, dishonour, and weakness, shall be raised in incorruption, glory, and power." "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God;" but he will give every one his own body, even as he gives to every seed an increase of the same kind that was sown. (1 Cor. xv.) When we reflect on the resplendent appearance of Christ on the mount of transfiguration; and further recollect, that the beloved disciple, who leaned on his breast at table, fell at his feet as dead when he appeared to him in glory; we shall find our views enlarged, and expect to receive a body at the resurrec tion beyond expression glorious and beautiful, and as much superior to these bodies of our humiliation as the heavens are above the earth. They will be liable to none of the wants, decays, disorders, or grossness, of our present animal frame: no longer will they retard our motions, or impede us in contemplation and devotion: but they will be suited to assist and increase the most sublime and rapturous joys of our immortal souls to all eternity.

none will eventually stand in judgment, except the true believer, who hath shown his faith by his works. Yet the doom of benighted heathens, however vile their conduct hath been, will be far less dreadful than that of wicked Christians; and hypocritical professors of the gospel will not only be more severely punished than the inhabitants of Tyre and Sidon, but it will even be more tolerable for Sodom than for them.

Let it be here carefully observed, that very dangerous conclusions have been drawn from our Lord's words respecting the day of judgment: (Matt. xxv. 35-40.) as if humane and beneficent actions of any kind would ensure a man's acceptance at that solemn season. But every reflecting person on deliberately examining the passage must perceive, that nothing will then be favourably noticed, which has been done by impenitent despisers of the gospel, from ostentation, or pharisaical pride, or a mere instinctive propensity; for this supposition contradicts and disannuls the whole system of Christianity.In fact, kindness to believers, the brethren of Christ, from love to his name, truth, cause, and image, as the genuine effect of living faith, is exclusively mentioned in this description. No doubt, however, but love to our fellowsinners and enemies, from evangelical motives, will be graciously accepted: but active, liberal love to true Christians, whom we are naturally disposed to scorn and hate, is selected, as the most unequivocal proof of our love to Christ; nor can this ever be separated from other instances of humble obedience, in the habitual tenour of our conduct.

It may easily be conceived what discoveries will be made," when the books shall be opened," in respect of the different descriptions of unbelievers; which will suffice to "stop every mouth," to bring in "the whole world as guilty before God;" and to illustrate the divine justice in the condemnation of all those, who shall then "go away into everlasting punishment." Every one, who seriously reflects on his own conduct, during the en

tire course of his past life; and compares his thoughts, words, and works, with the holy commandments of God, will gradually more and more find his own heart condemn him and if this be the case with the most moral of the human race, where will the blasphemous, the profligate, the fraudulent, the oppressor, and the murderer appear? Whatever may now be objected, or whatever excused, the discovery of the divine glory of the holy and perfect law, of man's obligations, and of the whole behaviour of every individual, towards God and man, will then leave the most specious unbelievers speechless, and make them feel the justice of their own condemnation.

But what words can express the consequence of this definitive sentence? Or who does not see that the language of Scripture is selected to mark out the most tremendous effects of almighty indignation? "These shall go away into everlasting," (or eternal,) "punishment." But how can this be, if the persons thus condemned do not exist for ever in a state of punishment? Or what .proof have we of the eternity of happiness intended for the righteous, if the same word in the same verse in one place do not mean eternal ?- -We need not enlarge.- -If the ideas" of a never dying worm, an inextinguishable fire," "the blackness of darkness for ever," and "the company of the devil and his angels," do not "warn men to flee from the wrath to come," none else can, for these only fail, because they are not believed."

On the other hand, "a kingdom that cannot be moved," an incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading inheritance," "an exceeding and eternal weight of glory," "pleasures at God's right hand for evermore," are expressions so energetic, that did we truly believe and attend to them, we could not but be influenced by them in all our conduct. Here then we pause" Beloved, we know not what we shall be; but this we know, that when Jesus shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is ;" and the countless ages of eternity will only

serve to enhance our unutterable joys. With what words, then, can we more properly close this Essay, and the present compendious publication, than those of the Apostle? "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."

THE END.