Holy Spirit, that every vain thought may be subdued; and that, at least, you may have a desire to partake of this blissful scene.

Having fixed his eye heavenwards, the Apostle informs us, "Lo! a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion." This was the first object which attracted him; and well it might; for what does the Lamb represent? It is an emblem descriptive of the Lord Jesus Christ, in that character in which he is so much endeared to a penitent sinnernamely, as that great High Priest, who, “by his one offering, hath obtained eternal redemptionn for us." Such is the delight which the Holy Spirit appears to take in this emblem, that it is again and again mentioned in this sublime Book ;-as if it was "the slain Lamb" that perfumed heaven,-the sacrifice whose sweet savour filled its courts with such a fragrance, that even Mary's box of precious ointment, and all the spices which were ever compounded, were not worthy to be mentioned; "His name alone being as ointment poured forth."

This great offering was typified by the lamb presented by Abel-by the Paschal lamb-by the lambs which, morning and evening, were offered upon the altar of the temple; but this is the true sacrifice, "The Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world."

In the fifth chapter, St. John mentions, "I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth." In that vision the continued efficacy of our blessed Saviour's precious blood, united to his kingly office, is set forth, "A Lamb, as it was slain," newly offered, with all the merits of his atoning sacrifice still fresh; "a Lamb also, having seven horns and seven eyes.'

It refreshes the heart to take this animating view of our Lord; that, whilst all creatures stand around the throne, the more readily to do him homage, He is in the midst, "the King of Saints." We serve no

mean person, we bow to no base idol, to no departed saint or angel:-JESUS, the slain Lamb, the Lamb in the midst of the throne, the Lamb crowned with seven crowns, and having the seven Spirits of God, is our Redeemer, "His we are, and him we desire to serve."

This was the view St. John had of the Lamb in that vision; but you observe my text mentions, "Lo, a Lamb STOOD on the Mount Zion." To see the force of this expression, it will be necessary to refer to the two preceding chapters. In one it is mentioned, "There was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought againt the dragon; and the dragon fought, and his angels, and prevailed not: neither was their place found any more in heaven. In the other an emblematical beast is said to rise up from the sea, who, for a season, prevailed over the saints; and "all went after the beast, and received his mark upon their foreheads and their hands." It is in contrast to this warfare, and to these abominations of the

false worshippers, that the Lamb is seen on Mount Zion. As if to convey this blessed assurance to the mind; that, although Satan may disturb the church of Christ; and, although there may be many who, for a sea"have the mark of the beast," or may become the worshippers of any pageant that Satan may set up, the atoning Lamb abides, firm as the rock of ages; or his glory, as the King and Priest of his church, endures for evermore.

son,

Revert, my beloved brethren, for a moment to the many attempts which have been made. "to cast Him down from his excellency :" the many persecutions which have taken place; the multitude of heresies which have appeared; and the various errors which have been propagated; still the church of Christ has remained immoveably fixed: "The mountain of the Lord's house is established upon the top of the mountains, and is exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow to it."

We, my beloved brethren, are on the Conqueror's side:

"Wisdom and strength are His alone;
Stupendous, rich, and sov'reign grace :
Honour has raised his loftly throne;
And glory brightens in his face."

After this glorious object, which first met his eye, the Lamb standing on the Mount Zion, St. John notices HIS ASSOCIATES: "I saw, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Zion, and with him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads." These persons are afterwards more particularly described, as "they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes." These were redeemed from among men, being "the first fruits unto God and the Lamb; and in their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God."

It would occupy too much time to enter at large into this description; suffice it to say, they are the choristers of heaven, or that blessed company upon whom this high honour is bestowed, that of" singing a new song, that no one can learn but themselves."