Vol. 2

CHAPTER XVI. 265man has no reason to fear any manner of adversity,when charity has gained the ascendant in him overconcupiscence." 19. % So then, after the Lord had spoken untothem, he was received up into heaven, and sat on theright hand of God."The whole gospel, and all the grandeur of theChristian religion, is reducible to this, namely, " Thatwe have such an High Priest, who is not enteredinto the holy places made with hands, which are thefigures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appearin the presence of God for us ;" that he " isthere set on the right hand of the throne of the Majestyin the heavens, being the Minister of the sanctuary,and of the true tabernacle, which the Lordpitched, and not man." Heb. viii. 1, 2. ix. 24." 20. And they went forth, and preached everywhere,the Lord working with them, and confirmingthe word with signs following. Amen."Could the gospel possibly end after a mannermore comfortable, thanwith the promise of the cooperationof Christ with the ministers of his word ?A co-operation both external and internal : the oneby miracles and the other assistances of his providence;the other, by the operation of his grace inthe heart. Our whole confidence, O my Saviour,depends upon our knowledge of thy almighty powerin opening our hearts to thy word. This is the onlyhope of thy church.Vouchsafe, Lord, to grant hersuch ministers of thy word, as may deserve to haveit accompanied in their mouth with the co-operationof thy grace. It is this which does all, both withVol. IJ. M 57