114 THE WORLD TO COME. ful saying, and worthy' of all acceptation, that Christ'Tesüs carne into the world to save sinners ; of whom I am chief. Howbeit, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might strew forth all long - suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting, verses 15, 16. Turn to another text ye feeble believers ; 2 Cor. xii. 9, 111. there you shall find the same apostle a convert and a chris- tiao, but too weak to conflict with the messenger of Satan that buffeted him, nor able to release himself from that sore tern- tation that lay heavy upon him ; but having received a word from Christ, that his grace was sufficient, and that his strength was to shine perfect in glory, in the midst of our weakness, the apostle encourages himself to a joyful hopes Now says he, I can even glory in my infirmities, so far as they are without sin; that the power of Christ may rest upon me ; when I am weak in myself, I am strong in the Lord. Are not the most diseased patients the chief honours of the physician that hath healed them ? And must not these appear eminently in that day, when he displays to the sight of the world the noblest monuments of his healing power? When cripples and invalids gain the victory over mighty enemies, is not the skill and conduct of their leader most admired ? You are the persons then in whom Christ will be glorified, be of good chear, receive his offered grace, and wait for his salvation. III. The next use I shall make of this discourse is to draw a word of advice from it. " Learn to despise those honours and ornaments in this world, in which Christ shall have no share in the world to come." I do not say cast them all away, for many things are needful in this life, that can have no immediate regard to the other ; but learn to despise them, and set light by them, because they reach no further than time, and shall be forgotten in eternity. Never put the higher esteem on yourselves, or your neighbours, because of the gay glitterings of silk or silver; nor let these employ your eyes and your thoughts in the time of wor- ship, when the things of the future world should fill up all your attention ; nor let them entertain your tongues in your friendly visits, so as to exclude the discourse of divine ornaments, and the glorious appearance of our Lord Jesus. When I am to put on my best attire, let me consider if 1 am hung round with jewels and gold, these must perish before that solemn day, or melt in the last great burning, they can add no beauty to me in that assembly. It' I put on love and faith, and humility, I shall shine in these hereafter, and Christ shall have some rays of glory from them. O may your souls and mine be dressed in those graces which are ornaments of great price in the sight. of God! '1 Pet. iii. 3, 4. Such as may command
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