Now should not each of us maintain a holy jealousy within ourselves, and say, “Which of us shall be missing?” May not every one of us so far suspect ourselves, as to say, ‘_Lord is it I?_’ Shall I be wanting there, when all the rest of this little assembly shall be worshipping with the saints in heaven? Shall I be separated from them with whom I have so often appeared before God, and bowed the knee together on earth? O dreadful thought of overwhelming sorrow! Which of us all has so much stupidity, or such impious courage, as to bear the terrible apprehension? To be divided for ever from the family of God, and shut out of his upper sanctuary! O may these words make a proper impression on every heart, to keep our jealousy awake, and spur us onward in our christian course of duty and devotion! May such thoughts as these excite us to _give all diligence, to make our calling and election sure_, and in every act of worship here in this world, to get some clearer evidence of an interest in the favour of God, some further meetness for glory; that when the great assembly shall join together in that heavenly worship, we may assist with our praises, and mingle our joy with theirs. _Amen._ HYMN FOR SERMONS XIII. and XIV. _Appearance before God here and hereafter._ While I am banish’d from thy house, I mourn in secret, Lord: “When shall I come, and pay my vows, And hear thy holy word?” So while I dwell in bonds of clay, Methinks my soul shall groan, “When shall I wing my heavenly way, And stand before thy throne?” I love to see my Lord below, His church displays his grace; But upper worlds his glory know, And view him face to face. I love to worship at his feet, Though sin attack me there; But saints exalted near his seat, Have no assaults to fear. I’m pleas’d to meet him in his court, And taste his heavenly love; But still I think his visits short, Or I too soon remove. He shines, and I am all delight, He hides, and all is pain: When will he fix me in his sight, And ne’er depart again? SERMON XV. _A Rational Defence of the Gospel: Or, Courage in professing Christianity._ ROM. i. 16.——I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. THE FIRST PART.