SERMON XX$Vit. 520 . 15, for ever, thing is sanctified by the word of God rind prayer; 1 Titn. iv. 5. The exercise of piety among the saints puts a sort of consecration upon all creatures, so far as they use or enjoy them, Thus, it is made sufficiently evident, that the treasureof a saint vastly exceeds all the richest possessions of a sinner. cannot enter now upon the thirdbranch of my design, which was to shew, how a christian comes to be made heir and possesser of all things. Let us therefore shut up the present discourse with this one reflection Reflection: " How unreasonableis itfor a christian to for- sake his profession, or his practice, for any thing which this world can tempt himwith ? For his treasures and enjoyments already are greater than anything he can hope for in the ways of sin. " What a powerful motive May be drawn hence, to perse- vere in faith and holiness ? Christians, all things are yours every thing you converse with shall turn to your benefit; this world, and the other, things "present and things to come, life and death are yours. " What valuable pretences can the world make, to tempt you to lose this inheritance, to quit these hopes, and to part with these pòssessions ? Can you, by complying with any temptation, provide yourself with such riches as these ; or with any thing that shall answer the loss of them ? Sin and the world can promise you but a little, narrow share of good things : The gospel of Christ gives you a most extensive treasure, for it bestows all things upon you. The world can make nothing secure, but the treasures of christianity are everlasting; they reach beyond the grave, into unknown worlds and ages: All the wealth and plea- sures, and enjoymentsof this life perish with the using ; but your inheritance is ever upon the increase :" As fast as time and pro- vidence bring forth days, and seasons, and new scenes, so fast this treasure grows.; and you may receive the daily profit of it. What can sin and.the world give you but what hails a secretcurse in it ? These your treasures are sanctified blessings, and the foretastes of them aredesigned to assist you onward in the ways of holiness andpeace, till youarrive at the brightest and sweetest part of them, the full' enjoyment of God and happiness in the upper world. " Go on then, christians, with zeal and courage inthe pro- fession of your faith : Go on with constancy in the practice of duty : Feed daily upon that portion of your inheritance, which your heavenly Father appointsto sustain you in your travels homeward ; and expect the rest in your Father's house. When the world.would tempt you to forego your sacred - interest in the NI In 2
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