in the blood of the Lamb: They had applied to their own ſouls, the merits and atonement of the crucified Jeſus. By this means, they were preſented without ſpot and blameleſs. On this account, they were admitted to ſee the king of heaven in his beauty, Iſa. xxxii, 17. and to be ever, ever, with the Lord.
Since then the croſs of Chriſt, was demonſtrative of ſuch ſtupenduous love: ſince it is productive of benefits, Innumerable, invaluable, and eternal; was there not a cauſe, for the apoſtle to glory on this behalf? -Nay, might not the very ſtones have cried out, to reproach him with inſenſibility and ingratitude, if he had neglected to glory in the croſs of Chriſt?--And since this love was ſhewed: theſe benefits were procured; not for him only, but for us, and for all generations: does not this afford me an opportunity, of applying the doctrine to each particular hearer?
I. Let me addreſs, or rather let me congratulate, my brethren in the miniſtry. Though you cannot controul the laws of nature: though you cannot ſee into the ſecrets of futurity: you have the ſame cauſe of glorying, with the very chiefeſt of the apoſtles. A cauſe of glorying, which that holy man of God eſteemed, for above all ſuch miraculous abilities. You have the croſs of Chriſt,
For your ſtudy, as men:
For your hope, as Chriſtians:
For your preaching, as miniſters.
For your ſtudy, as men. Here the reaſoning faculties may exert themſelves, with everlaſting improvement, and everlaſting delight. -Here, we contemplate the wonders, the unparalleled wonders of a God made man: dying, as a pattern of patience: as a martyr for truth; as an all-perfect ſacrifice for ſin. -Here the Lord Jehovah hath fully granted, what his ſervant Moſes ſo earneſtly requeſted, Exod.
