SERMON XXIII.

THE SUBSTANCE OF A FUNERAL DISCOURSE FOR MR. THOMAS HETHERINGTON.

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for an helmet the hope of salvation.-1 THESS. V. 8.

THERE is not a duty recommended in the word of God, but, viewed in its connexion, appears both reasonable in its nature, and beneficial in its tendency. The services in which we are to engage naturally arise out of the relations we sustain, the privileges we enjoy, or the attendant circumstances; these things appear floating on the surface of the text; for the children of light or of the day should walk as the children of the day; those who are privileged with the advantages of the day, should engage in the work of the day; and such as are in a post of danger should be solicitous for armour that is proof, as their defence. In attempting to assist your meditations, I shall do little more than analyze the passage, by reducing it to its principles, explain the figurative language, drop some hints suited to the occasion, and close with an address ;

depending upon the Holy Spirit to make it impressive, abiding, and truly profitable.

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Those who are addressed are "of the day." The term in this connexion signifies the season of light. Light and day are terms of equal import, and used as synonymous expressions in verse 5, " Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day." And this stands opposed to the night, or time of darkness. The day of which our text speaks, broke forth when the great Sun of Righteousness arose upon our benighted world. He came not only as a light into the world, but says, "I am the light of the world." The intellectual and spiritual world as much depends upon the Lord Jesus for light, as the solar system upon the natural sun; and while that continues to enlighten, day is protracted; so while the Gospel dispensation remains, the day abides. Those who are favoured with the Gospel are favoured with day time, in opposition to the night of paganism, the darkness of the patriarchal period, and the shadows of the Mosaic economy. Were we to touch upon the nature and multitude of heathen deities, the sacrifices which were offered, the customs and general manners which prevailed, and the absurd things asserted respecting futurity; it would fully appear that gross darkness covered the people, and every effort, unassisted by divine revelation, was found inefficient to dispel the gloom. See the nations sitting in this darkness at length visited with the Gospel; then they are addressed in the sublime language of Isaiah, "Arise, shine, for thy light is

come," and the darkness is past away: ye are favoured with day.

The patriarchs and those under the law had some rays of light, but much obscurity. Abraham saw the day of Christ, but it was distant: it was through the medium of faith, it was by anticipation rather than enjoyment. As the Christian now beholds the day of glory, and the later saints saw it in the predictions, types, and promises of the dispensation delivered by Moses. They waited, they longed for his coming who was to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of Israel. About the time of his appearance a general expectation was entertained of his rising; therefore when John, the harbinger of Christ, appeared, with the brilliancy of the morning star, he found it necessary to direct them still to wait: "he was not that light" they were taught to expect, but was to shine till he should be lost in the luminous display of the Saviour's perfect conduct, wonderful doctrines, miracles, institutions, and discoveries. This blessed day continues. Think what a day it is! It might have been a season of extreme bitterness and misery; it would have been a day of vengeance, had God marked our transgressions. Instead of which it is a day of information, of mercy, of salvation; the day of visitation from the God of grace and redemption.

Oh to enjoy this day! to be children of the day! The great luminary of heaven pours day on these lower regions, but the man destitute of sight enjoys it not. The variegated colours which light

forms are lost to the blind; there must be a faculty adapted to the object. Thus, only more awfully, is it in religion: a thick film has spread itself over the mental eye. God alone can remove this.

He not only reveals the object, but he shines into the heart. 2 Cor. iv. 6. This is "opening the eyes of the understanding," not to see any thing unrevealed as to the object, but "to understand the scriptures." This is faith-the conviction of things not otherwise to be seen. Here let me remind you that study and prayer should go together, for prayer without meditation is presumption, and study without prayer is practical atheism, it is affecting independency of God. Take David as a pattern when you sit down to

read, or come to hear Open thou mine eyes, that I

the word of God. 66 may behold wondrous things out of thy law." If you are of, that is, under the influence of, the day, your governing principles will correspond with the properties of the gospel, or accord with the qualities of light. Children of light, so termed by way of resemblance, as believers under the present dispensation, are called children of Abraham, in that they resemble him in faith, in good works, in privileges, and in expectations.

The text further, suggests, that it is a day of conflict; else, what need of armour? The present enjoyments of a Christian are embittered by opposition from his enemies. Within us-how much to endanger! from strong and sinful propensities, from unbelieving fears, from carnal reason