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also, that the body was yet under the influence of natural wants; that it actually needed food; that it hungered. For you will observe that he ate with them, after they knew him.

This argument may be strengthened, from the fact that the scriptures intimate that bodies in a spiritual and glorified state, "Shall neither hunger nor thirst any more." This will be, not merely because they are in heaven, but because of the essential change in their adaptations and nature, from natural to spiritual, from mortal to immortal, from earthly to heavenly. This is one among the many consolations afforded to the suffering saint. He shall want no more.

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A third argument is drawn from the difference between. his appearance, subsequent to his ascension, as described by St. John, the divine." In his previous manifestations to his disciples, there are no intimations of any remarkable and unusual appearance of splendor, either of person or features, else I think it would have been mentioned. I know that it is said they were affrighted, and thought he was a spirit. So they were before he was crucified. But this was not because of an unusual form, but from the circumstances under which he appeared to them.

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But when John saw him in the vision of Patmos, his body wore the appearance of a glorified and spiritual body; at least, the description answers to the idea we entertain of such a body. "He was girded about with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire. And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace, and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."

Such, also, are the intimations of scripture concern

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ing the appearance of the glorified saints. "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun, in the kingdom of their Father.” 'And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever." But if Christ was glorified before his ascension, why did not that glory manifest itself to the disciples?* It may be replied, that they could not have endured the vision. Be it so; this is a very good argument in favor

of my position.

Here let me call attention to another passage of scripture, which, I think, may effectually settle the question, if it be not already so in our minds. "But this spake he of the spirit, which they that believed on him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." John vii., 39. The facts referred to here are apparent. There is evident allusion to the day of Pentecost. This was not till after the ascension of Christ. The Holy Ghost was to be given after Christ was glorified, not before. But the Holy Ghost was not given until after his ascension. Therefore, his body was not yet in its spiritual and glorified state.

Farther argument in the discussion of this question, I deem unnecessary. Let me present, therefore, a few practical thoughts, that suggest themselves from the theme before us.

How encouraging to the Christian is it, that such a change as the one referred to shall yet take place in his own body! Corruption shall be forever laid off, and that which is incorruptible put on in its stead. All his deformity shall be changed for everlasting beauty. No

*As on the mount of transfiguration, and to John, afterward, on the Isle of Patmos.

more shall sickness blast, nor grief consume, nor anxious

care.

"Death shall be banished, his sceptre be gone,
Joyfully then shall he witness his doom,

Joyfully, joyfully, then shall he rest in his home."

O, how the anticipation of this change inspires him with courage and joy in his weary pilgrimage below. Does he suffer? With this hope before him, he can triumphantly sing.

"My suffering time shall soon be o'er,

Then shall I sigh and weep no more."

Is he afflicted? He shall be recompensed by the "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

Do death and the grave spread their awful shadows around him? His confidence that this mighty change shall be wrought in him, gives him strength to exclaim, with all the composure and serenity of a conqueror, "O death, where is thy sting! O grave, where is thy victory!"

It is a thought, also, of great practical importance, that the wonderful scheme of redemption embraces the body, as well as the soul.

The soul was debased, and polluted, and ruined, by sin; and such was the tenacity of its connection with the body, that it dragged the body with it down to death. Nor is its connection dissevered then; but both are held in awful abeyance to his terrific sceptre. Think we, then, that if a scheme of deliverance is effected, that it will be but partial in its provisions, and sever that which neither death nor sin could divide? Nay, verily! But the uttermost Savior, is also an uttermost Redeemer. There is a "redemption of our body!" Its first fruits have been offered before God. "Christ has risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that

slept." Yea, in triumphant hope the dying saint can sing:

"God, my Redeemer, lives,

And ever from the skies

Looks down, and watches all my dust

'Till he shall bid it rise."

The soul, in its pristine state, stood forth in the glorious image of its great Original. To this glory it may be restored. And as the body, when in union with the soul, uncontaminated by sin, was immortal, so, when reunited to the redeemed and purified spirit, it shall be glorified. Its vileness shall forever disappear, and it shall wear the glory of heaven's own light. No longer encumbered with its present appetencies, nor subject to decay, but

"Forever happy, and forever young,"

it shall be a fit habitation for the soul, amid the unending joys, and increasing felicities of heaven.

THE YOUNG SUPERANNUATE.*

BY REV. WILLIAM FORD.

He started while a youth: the rosy light

Of twice ten summers scarce on him had shone,
When, like an angel from the Empyrean bright,
Impelled by one divine impulse alone,

He ventured forth, in grateful haste to own
And glorify that sweet, celestial grace

Which changed to flesh his own proud heart of stone,
To show the contrite Jesus' smiling face,

And preach the gospel tidings to our sinful race.

*This subject was selected by special request.

-S. P.

He sought the fallen; and each holy day

Poured forth his message o'er the listening throng: A light from heaven illumed his humble way;

His days were crowned with peace, his nights with song; And 'midst the cares which to his work belong

The burdens, toils, the trials, hopes and fears

Which none with him can share,-his soul is strong;
His Master's promise echoes in his ears,

And faith and burning love atone for lack of years.

The Lord was with him, giving to his speech
Of heavenly mould an eloquence divine;-
A power the conscience most debased to reach,—
A light around the darkest soul to shine.
His was the skill distinctly to define*

With logical precision what he taught;—
To read the spirit in each outward sign;

With heavenly wisdom all his themes were fraught,
And hence to Jesus' cross a multitude was brought.

Some heard delighted what he said or sung

(For Truth finds favor with each upright mind), But some, who heard, with conscious guilt were stung; So eyes diseased e'en sunlight painful find.

As when the skillful surgeon gives the blind

The power again to view the landscape bright, Rejoices, grateful thus to bless his kind,

So he, exultant in the Spirit's might,

Rejoiced to spread the glorious beams of Gospel light..

Just as the morn, which kisses first the East,

Progresses till full-orbed we have the day;

So through his labors God his church increased-
E'en those who heard to scoff were taught to pray.
'Mong the souls thus turned from error's way,
Right early some the ministry had sought:
These, like the star which led where Jesus lay
The pilgrim Magi who Messiah sought,

Full many a sinful wanderer to the Savior brought.

Through grace he counted worldly good but dross;
And 'midst these scenes of honor and success,

Hung all his laurels on the bleeding cross;

No toil his buoyant spirits could depress.

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