SERMON XXXVIII. The Christian's Treasure. 1 Con. Hi: 21. --All things are yours. THERE is nothing that.a wise man can wish for in order to make him happy, but the gospel proposes it to .encourage the faith and practice of christians. What honour is thereto_be en- joyed among the sons of men, that is wont to gratify our ambi. iion, 'but the gospel assures usof higher honours than this, when it makes us the sons of God ? What pleasures are there to be tasted in the satisfaction of animal nature, but the gospel invites us to morerefined, and more lasting pleasures, which are to be derived from the love of God, and the company of our Saviour with all his saints ? What riches can be possessed or desired by themost covetous mind, but the gospel proposes a far more ex- tensive, a more durable, and more useful treasure, when it tells is in the words of my text, all things areyours? The former discourse has made it appear in whatsense these words are to be understood : Not that we have a present posses- sion of all things, a power over them, or a civil right to seize and enjoy them ; but the meaning is this, that so far as a christiancan have any thing to .do with the things of this world, pr of another, things present or to come, they shall all be made to work together for'his real good. It has been alsoproved in the second place, that this inheritance of the saints isincomparably richer, and more valuable than any thing, which sinners can possess. I proceed now to the Third general proposition, and that is, to enquire how ehristians come to be partakers of so fair and rich a treasure. I. It is the kind and eternal purpose of God their Father, that it should be so. Christians, God has created all things in the world pl' nature with this design, that you should derive some benefit from them, as far as they can come within your reachor notice, your service or use: Hcappointed all things in the coun- sels of his providence, to hear some blessing for you. Ile has ordained all things in hiskingdom ofgrace for your advantage': and there are unknown regions of light and glory which he has provided for you. His elect were ever nearest to his heart, next to the manChrist Jesus, next to his only begotten Son; for the
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