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I. THE CHRISTIAN'S FUTURE INHERITANCE.

1. By contrast. It is designated "substance," as opposed to shadow. All the pleasures and enjoyments of the world are a shadow; there is nothing solid or substantial in them. Afflictions are but a shadow (2 Corinthians 1 2 Corinthians 5:17). Our present existence is but a shadow (James 4:14). It is like an eagle in the air, like a ship in the sea, a flower on the earth; as a tale that is told, a watch in the night, a hireling accomplishing his day: man fleeth also as a shadow. Death is a shadow; there is no substantial evil in it to the Christian. But religion is a substance; the gospel is a substantial reality. There is a most delightful promise in the book of Proverbs, where Christ is represented as speaking under the character of wisdom, "I will cause them that love Me to inherit substance; I will fill their treasures." Heaven is all substance: its pleasures and enjoyments, its worship and devotions.

2. By comparison. It is called "a better substance." It is better in comparison with the present state of our existence, because there is some good in this world. We must not despise God's providential mercies, nor undervalue our temporal supplies. We should thank Him for the atmosphere that vivifies, but most of all for the air of holiness and the breath of devotion. We should thank Him for the bread which perisheth, but most of all for the bread of life, the hidden manna. We should thank Him for the water that quenches the thirst, refreshes, and purifies, and revives, but most of all for the streams of salvation, the water of which if a man drink he shall never die. We should thank Him for the use of our bodily limbs, but most of all if we have been taught to walk at liberty in God's laws, and run in the way of His commandments. We should thank Him for the faculty of reason, but most of all if, by a spiritual perception, our senses are exercised to discern both good and evil. How much better will the enjoyments of heaven be than the highest degree of happiness realised by believers in a state of grace!

3. By continuation. It is an enduring substance. It is a city which hath foundations — a kingdom which cannot be moved — an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away — a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens — a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. When the angel of death shall spread his cloud over everything terrestrial, the celestial abodes shall shine forth with a grandeur which nothing can demolish, and which eternity itself will but increase.

II. THE CHRISTIAN'S PRESENT ASSURANCE.

1. Believers have a present title to this inheritance. They have the promise of it. The gospel is God in a promise; and the saints in glory are said to be inheriting the promises. They have the hope of it, which is no more nor less than the prospect of future good grounded on present evidence. They have preparation for it, being "made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light." They have a title to it, and this by virtue of their adoption.

2. They shall have the future possession. There must be the trial of faith, the exercise of patience, the sifting of your motives, the test of principles, and the examination and pondering of the heart.

3. They have inward assurance. "Knowing in yourselves," &c. Assurance is a pearl that most want, a crown that few wear. It may be ascertained by the testimony of the Spirit, accompanied with the witness of personal experience.

(Essex Remembrancer.)

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KJV: But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

WEB: But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings;