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If we have repented of all that is past, and have taken Christ for our Lord and Master, and are serving God faithfully through him, an eternity of happiness is before us-if not, an eternity of misery.

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Many walk," says the apostle St. Paul, " of whom I have told you often and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things." St. Paul goes on to say of himself, "Our conversation is in heaven." And may your hearts and conversation be where his were even in that heaven, "from whence we look for the Saviour Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

And now to God, &c.

LECTURE LXXXIV.

ST. MATTHEW Xxviii. 16-20.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain were Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

OUR Lord, after his resurrection, reminded his disciples of the promise he had made to them, of shewing himself openly to

them in Galilee. Accordingly some time after he rose from the dead, he performed his promise. We have reason to suppose from another part of scripture, that besides the disciples there were more than five hundred persons, who saw him on this occasion. Some of them could scarcely believe, that such a thing had happened, as his rising from the dead. And when they saw him at a distance, they perhaps thought it an apparition. But as soon as he came near to them, their

doubts must

At this time,

have been put an end to. Jesus declared to his eleven disciples in particular, the great power which was given to him. He assured them, that all power was given to him, not on earth only, but in heaven also. He commanded them to set about the task of making all people to believe in him. He directed them to baptize all nations in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. He desired them to go about, teaching all persons to observe and do whatsoever he

had said to them. And he promised to be with them, and with all good Christians, to the end of the world.

Let us now endeavour to understand what is said in this part of scripture. Attend to it, my brethren, for these words of your Saviour are among the last words which he spake on earth. His voice has been heard no more in this world; nor will it be heard again till it be heard calling on all that are in the graves to come forth to judgment.

Let us think, first, of the power and authority that have been given to our blessed Lord. He says, "all power is given to me in heaven and in earth." You think very highly of kings. You would, perhaps, tremble to be placed before the throne of an earthly king. But your Saviour is king of heaven as well as earth. He has been exalted to the highest authority. Angels are subject to Him. He can

do whatsoever pleaseth him in heaven and in earth. How then ought you to feel towards Him? Ought you not to feel the highest respect, love, and adoration towards Him? Can you think too highly of Him, love Him too dearly, or serve him too faithfully?

We are told in the Bible, that he is to reign or govern, till he puts all things under his feet. The greatest enemy he has to contend with is sin. Wicked men, whenever they do wickedness, are his enemies. Unless they submit to him in their hearts, repent, and own him for their Lord, he will destroy them in hell fire. Every sin is rebellion against Him. And every one, who commits sin, is a rebel to Him. Now, as sure as God is true, these persons will be subdued to Him. If they are not subdued by his grace, they will be subdued by his justice. If they do not repent and turn to Him, they will meet with everlasting destruction.

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