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III. Let us now return to the two disciples who had arrived at Emmaus. We are informed that Jesus made as though he would have gone further, but they constrained him, saying, Abide with us. Will you not copy their example! At the close of your day, when flesh and heart fail, who, or what can afford you adequate consolotion, support, and joy, but the sensible spiritual presence of your kind and gracious Lord? Those two disciples constrained Jesus, used entreaties and strong arguments, supposing him to have been a mere traveller, and in danger of being overtaken by the darkness and danger of the night. What they knew not then concerning his real person, they knew afterwards, at his breaking of bread; but you are no stranger to his person. It is Jesus the Son of God, crucified, risen, ascended, exalted in glory and honour for you. The very Saviour who has granted you mercy, conducted your feet into the way of peace, preserved and continued you thus far on your journey, and that blessed one who alone can refresh you in your evening state. And do you not feel an ardent desire, by fervent prayer, to constrain this heavenly Friend to make his abode with you in your last stage of life? If those disciples addressed Jesus as a supposed stranger, certainly he is now no stranger to you; he has expressed his kindness and favours to you at times, and in ways so abundant, which gives strength to your importunity to make his abode with you the short time you have yet to dwell in your earthly tabernacle. If the word constrained had not been found in the text, I should

have hesitated in naming it, for the Lord delighteth to dwell with those who love him. But as it is expressive of their anxiety for his company, having made their heart burn within them, while he talked with them by the way, surely you may recollect some such charming seasons on the journey of your life, while walking with your Lord. From this impression, with your increasing infirmities of body, unavoidable failure of mind, close of the day, the evening shade, the near approach of the night of death, do you not feel, do you not fervently pray, do you not even constrain the blessed Saviour with all the strength of faith and fervour of desire, that he may abide with you? If he does not, who, or what can supply his absence? Therefore,

IV. Let us mark the condescending conduct of Jesus to the disciples at Emmaus. He went in to tarry with them, and so he will with you. It cannot possibly be uninteresting to observe the peculiar conduct of Christ, while tarrying in the house; and possibly from thence you also may derive a few lessons of instruction. The sun set, the family in order, and the supper prepared, Jesus and the company sat down to meat. Unexpectedly, the supposed stranger took the master's seat. According to his usual custom, and particulary when at the last passover, he took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them. The attitude, the voice, the benediction, with the attending circumstances, made a very forcible impression upon the mind of the two disciples. It is said, Their eyes were opened,

and they knew him: and he vanished out of their sight; having now answered all the design of his entering into the house, and giving them testimony that he was their risen Lord. From this memorable occurrence, I said, you who are his disciples indeed, may learn some useful lessons on the close of your day. Do you entreat the beloved Son of God to be your present companion, consolation, and joy? Then he will abide with you, open your understanding, feed you with the bread of life, nourish, strengthen, and animate your spirits, so that, like those two disciples, you will not only say to others, Did not our heart burn within us while he talked with us by the way; but likewise that the Lord is risen indeed, and he is our joy in the evening of life, in the darkness of death, and hope for the bright morning of the resurrection to a glorious immortality? In seeking and pleading for such sacred visits, be not discouraged, for the Saviour hath said, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John xiv. 23. Further to encourage and assure you of his free and gracious disposition to abide with you in the evening of life, he even demands your attention: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation iii. 20.

One thing, however, I must add, which will form a contrast to the case of the two disciples at Em

maus.

Jesus vanished out of their sight; he left those two men after dark, to travel nearly eight miles back to Jerusalem to meet their companions, for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews xiii. 5.

AN HYMN.

No farther go to-night, but stay,
Dear Saviour, 'till the break of day;
Turn in my Lord with me,

And in the morning, when I wake,
Then in thy arms, dear Jesus, take,
And I will go with thee.

Now Lord, be with us on our way;
Unveil thy face, thine arm display,
Thy glory let us prove:

Do thou, blest Saviour, with us walk,
That while with thee we sweetly talk
Our hearts may burn with love.

May we in faith still journey on,
'Till we arrive where thou art. gone,

And see thy face in heav'n;
Then, when in glory we shall meet,
In what sweet concert shall we sit,
And sing of sins forgiven.

Cennick

A MORNING'S VISIT
From Dr. Stennett to John James, Esq.

MR. JAMES was a pious gentleman, who had, by industry, accumulated considerable property in his active days; but finding the infirmities of age advancing, he resigned his worldly employment, in expectation of spending his last days in peaceful retirement at a country village. To this gentleman the Reverend Dr. Stennett made a morning's visit; and as the subjects of their conversation may afford a few instructive lessons to the reader, they are here introduced.

"Good morning, Sir," said the Doctor to Mr. James. "The air being so salubrious, and having an anxious desire to know of your welfare, I have made you a visit. Do I find you, Sir, in agreeable health?"

"I have many years esteemed your visits," replied Mr. James; "but, Sir, you never were more

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