SERMON XXVII.

THE RESURRECTION OF THE HUMAN BODY, AND WONDERFULLY GLORIOUS CHANGE.

1 CORINTHIANS XV. 53.

This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

THE discussion of the preceding subject, suggests several interesting remarks.

1st. Objections advanced against the doctrine of the resurrection, must be groundless.

God is a being of almighty power, consequently can do whatsoever pleaseth him. He has created, or given positive existence; produced something, of which there was nothing. And surely, he who created the world, and formed human bodies out of the dust of the ground, is able to raise the same, when they become inanimate, and inspirit them with superiour life and vigour. It is not a difficult work for Omnipotence to form lifeless, scattered particles of matter, into an organized body, endued with all the glorious attributes of immortality. Is any thing too hard for the Almighty? No: though we may greatly err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Although we cannot determine what particular particles are necessary to constitute the same body, yet we may rest assured the Lord can, and that he will raise those which are essential. We do not hesitate to say we have now the same bodies which we inhabited in childhood, although they may have but few of those numerical particles. And though our bodies die and mingle with the dust, yet the omniscient and omnipotent God can determine with

absolute certainty what particles and peculiarities constitute the basis and essence of identity, and from their inherent qualities will form a regular, glorified body.

We are not capable of distinguishing bodies by the particles of which they are composed, but by figure, size, and features; and when our bodies shall be raised at the last day, we shall undoubtedly be conscious that they are the same bodies we inhabited while here on earth. And though this doctrine be mysterious, far above our comprehension, still this is no objection against its being a divine truth. The philosophy of the vegetation and growth of plants and trees, is as really incomprehensible to us, as the doctrine of the resurrection. When grain is committed to the earth, we cannot comprehend how the stalk shoots up and produces grain; but we are confident that seeds thus committed, die, vegetate, and bring forth their own kind in abundance. Now, who is the man that can tell whether all, or a part, or whether any of the essential particles of the grain sown, compose that which is reaped!

All objections against the doctrine of the resurrection are unreasonable. Its denial is an article of infidelity. The Saducees denied and opposed it; though the Apostles were its strenuous advocates. At this day, some deny it; while others are earnestly contending and proving from the scriptures, that there will be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust. Some affirm that it is not necessary for the bodies of the dead to be raised, as the soul is the prime agent both of the righteous and wicked. Hence, they imagine other bodies or forms, may as well be prepared for the everlasting dwelling of the soul. But such a supposition is contrary to both reason and divine revelation.

2dly. Christianity unfolds the most consistent system of religion.

The doctrine of the resurrection exhibits an important specimen of the consistency of divine reve

lation, in view of the different parts of this great system. The gospel every where discloses to us illustrious things concerning the future happiness and glory of the mind; and at the same time, teaches us that it will be re-united to the body in the future world. The least reflection, however, will convince us that such bodies as we now possess, must be very unsuitable mansions for minds destined to be thus glorious and happy. The mind is prepared for an elegant mansion. Such a body as our mortal frame, could only become its prison. The resurrection that divine light discovers to us, that the body shall be fitted to become the habitation of a sanctified and immortal mind, and prove to it a most useful and delightful companion throughout eternity. Here we learn, that the body will be suited to all the perceptions, employments, and glories of the mind; and that the soul in the possession of this residence, will become more exalted and blessed. Thus this part of the Christian system is exactly proportioned to the rest, and strongly illustrative of the wisdom and goodness of its Author.

3dly. The doctrine of the resurrection is a doctrine of revelation only.

To the standard of divine truth we must bring our sentiments in relation to this subject, to determine whether they be correct or not. Of this doctrine, not a trace can be found in all the investigations of philosophy. It must, indeed, be acknowledged to lie beyond the reach of reason; and in its very rature, to be hidden from the most scrutinizing inquiry. The resurrection itself is an event depending absolutely on the will, as well as on the power, of God; and what he will choose to do with respect to this subject, no being but himself can determine.

Yet no doctrine devised by philosophy concerning man, is so sublime, so delightful, or so fitted to furnish consolation and hope to beings whose life in this world is but a moment, and whose end is the grave. All who have gone before him, have pointed

their feet to its silent chambers; and not one of them returned, to announce that an opening has been discovered from their dreary residence, to some other more lightsome and more desirable region. No lamp illumines the midnight within. In absolute despair, he calls upon philosophy to cheer his drooping mind; but he calls in vain. She has no consolations for herself; and can therefore administer none to him. Here, she coldly and sullenly cries, is the end of man! From nothing he sprang; to nothing All that remains of him is dust, which here is mingled for ever with its native earth.

he returns.

At this sullen moment of despair, Revelation approaches, and with a command at once awful and delightful, exclaims-Lazarus, come forth! We shall not all sleep; but we shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Divine revelation alone avers, that at the end of time, immediately preceding the general judgment, all that shall then be on the earth or in their graves, shall come forth; and every soul and body of the whole human family be summoned before the judgment-seat of Christ.

4thly. Wisdom admonishes to a preparation for the future well-being of the body.

The human frame, in view of the distinction to which it is entitled beyond the grave, is of incalculable value; then let none of its members serve as instruments of unrighteousness unto iniquity, but of righteousness unto holiness. Let not our concern be to make provision for the lusts of the flesh; but for the wonderful attributes of a glorified body. Let not the temporal, but the eternal welfare of these frail tabernacles be motives to direct our ways. Let them not be degraded by any base deed; but let us so love, nourish, and cherish them, that we

shall, with the most effectual care, secure their revival to all that distinction and enjoyment which a blessed resurrection gloriously proffers.

5thly. We are encouraged to entertain the highest apprehensions concerning the future glory of the mind.

If the resurrection will produce such great and delightful things for the inferiour nature, what must we suppose will be the future allotments of the mind, in its nature imperishable and eternal? The utmost efforts of human imagination cannot equal the future glory of the body, as revealed in the word of God. How exceedingly abundant, then, above all that we are able to ask or think, will the mind be exalted, adorned, and enraptured, by Him whose glory and delight is to bless, and who has already enstamped it with his own glorious image! In the world of glory, the mind, united to a spiritual body, will perceive more clearly, enjoy more exquisitely, and act more gloriously, than it would do if disembodied. This subject may not only be improved by way of inference, to show that the souls of the righteous will be hereafter completely blessed, but incomparably, inconceivably glorious.* 6thly. This subject is no ground of comfort, but of alarm to the ungodly and impenitent.

Terrible thought to all unrighteous, unbelieving sinners, that at the resurrection, the bodies of all the unjust will come forth from their graves, like guilty prisoners and condemned criminals, to be a source of additional woes to the soul for ever and ever! Has the Lord given some of you, my hearers, healthful and active frames ? and do you dote upon their vigour and beauty? Does the framer of your bodies call upon you to employ them in his service? and have you never bowed the knee, nor turned your eyes, nor extended your hands towards heaven in prayer? Do you say your tongues are your own?

*The chief part of this discourse is selected from Dr. Dwight's Sermons.