SERMONXLVIII. 72 berit the kingdom of God, nor can corruption inherit incor- ruption;" and therefore the bodies of the saints, at the resur rection must be all changed into spiritual and incorruptible, that is, such as are fit for the services of a glorified spirit, and for an immortal life. Such a change passed upon the flesh and bones of our blessed Lord, when the bright cloud received hun out of the sight of his disciples, andconveyed him upward to the mansions of light and immortality ; Acts i. 8. II. I might also take notice in the next place. That it is part of the exaltation of Christ to be delivered from all possible sorrows and pains and temptations, to which he was exposed in our world ; tobe placed above the reach ofthe malice of earth and hell, as well as to be delivered from all mortal infirmities, and to be filled with inward satisfaction and joy unspeakable. He is exalted to "the right-hand of God, where there are pleasures for evermore ;" Ps. xvi. 11. Hisholy soul, which onceendured such terrible conflicts and agonies, now sits triumphant in eternal peace never to be ruffled and disquieted again. He now enjoys those sweet and sacred satisfactions of heart which arise from the review of his own finished labours and sufferings; tire- some labours indeed, and tremendous sufferings, but never more to be repeated ! IIe is now for ever drinking in fuller plea: cures from the indwelling 'godhead, from the smiles of his Fa- ther's face, and shall never more complain, " My God, why hastthou forsaken me ?" Mat: xxvii. 36. He, " for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, and despised the shame ;" Hob. xii. 2. and these are the joys which he is now possessed of as a justand divine recompence. III. IIehas authority given him by tile Father to govern the world as long as itstands, and to judge it at the last day. " He is exalted to beboth a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to men and forgiveness of sins;" Acts v. 31. He calls those who are given himout ofthe world, and makes them parts of his church : He changes their sinful natures, he makes them the children of God, and pardons all their iniquities. Nor doth his kingdom reach only to his own church, who are his willing and joyful subjects, but it extends over the whole world ; the rebel- lious and infidel nations are under his reign and controul. His lordship not only includes all mankind, but it reaches over angels and devils, over all the regions and the inhabitants of heaven, earthand hell : All things are put into his hands and placed under his dominion; he is Lord of all; Mat. xxviii. 19. Acts x. 36. He doth not reign only in Sion as heretofore, and as King of the Jewish nation, but the heathens are nowmade his inheritance, and the utmost tnds ofthe world his possession; Ps. ii. 8, 9. Not only his own followers and friends are under his government, but
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