your ear, and come unto me:" not only believe that these blessings of salvation are adapted to your state, and ready for your reception, but apply to him who has them to bestow. He is "the Author of eternal salvation;" to whom? "to all them that obey him*,' that obey him in the way of compliance with his gracious requirements.

. He says, and, when you hear the Gospel, know that he says to you, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you restt." The kind of burthen is not described: and this is a wise and merciful circumstance; for it matters not of what sort it is in whatever way you are oppressed, whether by sin, or sorrow, or both, come to the Lord Jesus, and he will give you rest. This is hearing to good purpose; not only in taking home the word to yourselves, but in such a way as to apply to that Almighty and compassionate Saviour who hath said, "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out +."

5. Hear with humble prayer.—But is it proper to pray while you are hearing? Yes, strictly proper, and highly necessary; not that you be on your knees, but that your souls be lifted up to God. Hear his word, with a constant regard to the teaching of his Spirit, and with a prevailing desire that this Spirit may clothe the word with power, and cause it to penetrate the heart. Many a fervent petition is silently offered up to God in the time of attending to his truth; and much more good would be done in his house, and by the preaching of the Gospel, if petitions were more numerous and more fervent. And is this your practice? As you sit and listen to these glad tidings of life and peace, do your souls ascend to God? Is the * Heb. v. 9. + Matt. xi. 28. ↑ John vi. 37.

desire of your heart to him for his blessing, for the energy of his power, and the saving efficacy of his grace? Hear the word of the Gospel with humble prayer. This, more than any thing, will quicken your attention to it, increase your affection, strengthen your believing application, and encourage your obedient compliance.

We proceed to notice,

III. The ADVANTAGE promised in the text: "Your soul shall live."-Several things are here observable.

1. It is a personal advantage; one in which you yourselves, as individuals, are closely concerned: "Your soul shall live."-Many advantages are relative and distant. Persons may attend to various means with a view to the good of others: they may give up their time, and sacrifice their ease; they may engage in self-denying duties, and submit to real privations, in hope of promoting the benefit of those about them. But this advantage is personally your own. It gives you pleasure that others are profited under the word: you rejoice to hear of the conversion and salvation of your fellow-men: but their salvation is not yours; their happiness does not necessarily involve your own. Hear the Gospel in the manner and in the spirit which we have just stated, and "your soul shall live." Yes: and whether others are benefited or not; suppose a whole congregation to remain impenitent and unimpressed; thus hearing, you form a happy exception; you secure an advantage of the highest importance. He who is thus wise, is, in the best sense, wise for himself.

2. It is a spiritual advantage.-While it regards yourself, remember, it is " your soul." To benefit

the body is something; to preserve its life, to maintain and to improve its health, are objects of real moment; but they sink into nothing compared with what relates to the soul. The body must die, and, dying, it returns to its original dust: but the soul never dies. This vital principle within is immortal : its existence shall be perpetuated to the countless ages of eternity. Besides, what is really an advantage to the soul, must be suited to its nature, lasting as its being, and exactly adapted to its condition and wants. And this is not earthly good; not what our eyes see, our hands handle, or any of our senses enjoy: it must be spiritual good; the blessings which the glorious Gospel exhibits and recommends; that "living bread which cometh down from heaven;" that "water of life which proceeds from the throne of God," and which flows to sinful man through the mediation and sacrifice of his beloved Son. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things, in Christ*."

But

3. It is a great advantage: "Your soul shall live."-We all have some idea what life is, and we know how highly it is valued. What will not a man do, or even endure, for the sake of natural life? here is the life of the soul: " Hear, and your soul shall live!" This advantage must be of peculiar magnitude, as the soul is unspeakably more excellent than the body, and as eternity is of infinitely higher moment than the fleeting shadow of time.-The life of the soul! What does it denote? What does it include? Doubtless its pardon and acceptance in the sight of God; its union with Christ by a new and living faith; and, especially, its acquaintance experi⚫ Eph. i. 3.

mentally with the regenerating influence of the Holy Spirit. A man whose soul lives is" a new creature:" he is "born again from above:" he is "begotten again, with the word of truth, unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," Once he was blind, now he sees; once he was lost, now he is found; once he was dead in sins, now he is alive, and lives to God: and this life is evinced, and ought to be much more so, by walking "in newness of life," by maintaining holiness "in all manner of conversation."

The commencement of the life of the soul is in regeneration, in its first conversion to God: and its progress is in its spiritual improvement; its growth in grace; the increasing strength and vigour of its faith, hope, and love; its more settled peace and abounding consolation. "Blessed are the people that know the joyful sound! They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all. the day; and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted*." And the completion of this life is in heaven: "Hear, and your soul shall live," after this frail body is dead and mouldered in the dust; after this earth, and all that is in it, are burnt up ;-" your soul shall live," when death itself is dead; in that blessed state where "there is no more sorrow, nor crying, neither is there any more pain; for the former things aressed awayt;"-" your soul shall live," among the spirits of the just made perfect; in the soçiety of holy angels; in the immediate presence of God himself;-" shall live," in a state of perpetual nearness to the Fountain of life and happiness; in a state of intimate communion with him, of entire conformity to him, of full and eternal enjoyment of him!

• Psalm lxxxix. 15, 16. ↑ Rev. xxi. 4.

But finally,

This deserves to be

4. It is a sure advantage. distinctly noticed. Here is no peradventure in the case; no perhaps it may be so. The fact is clear and certain as the truth of God can make it. "Hear, and your soul shall live!" Who is he that hath made this declaration, that hath " given to us this exceeding great and precious promise?" It is "God, that cannot lie :" it is "Jehovah, that changeth not." To change, or to deceive, is as impossible as that he should cease to exist: "he cannot deny himself." Rest assured, therefore, that what he hath spoken he will accomplish; what he hath promised, he will bring to pass. The saints have enemies, who oppose their happiness, who would gladly destroy their peace, and even extinguish their better life. All their efforts, however, are fruitless, and their dark designs shall prove abortive: "Because I live," says the Saviour to his disciples," ye shall live also *." Again; "My sheep hear my voice; and I know them, and they follow me and I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them me, is greater than all, and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one †." Is not this security sufficient? Does it not fully confirm the declaration before us, "Hear, and your soul shall live?"

By way of application, observe,

1. The message of the Gospel is brought to you. "Men and brethren, unto you is the word of this salvation sent."-Adore that grace which sends a good inestimably great! The Author of the Gospel gives + John x. 27-30.

John xiv. 19.