false prophets to false professors, frora unsoand teachers to unsound hearers. Here is a word for all. May we have grace to apply it to our own hearts !
The first lesson here is the uselessness of a mere outivard
-profession of Christianity. Not every one that saith
"Lord, Lord/' shall enter the kingdom of heaven. Not all
that profess and call themselves Christians shall be saved.
Let us take notice of this. It requires far more than most people seem to think necessary, to save a soul. We may be baptized in the name of Christ, and boast con- fidently of our ecclesiastical privileges. We may possess head-knowledge, and be quite satisfied with our own state. We may even be preachers, and teachers of others, and do " many wonderful works" in connection with our church. But all this time are we practically doing the will of our Father in heaven ? Do we truly repent, truly believe on Christ, and live holy and humble lives ? If not, in spite of all our privileges and profession, we shall miss heaven at last, and be for ever cast away. We shall hear those awful words, ^^ I never knew you : depart from me."
The day of judgment will reveal strange things. The hoj)es of many, who were thought great Christians while they lived, will be utterly confounded. The rottenness of their religion will be exposed and put to shame before the whole world. It will then be proved, that to be saved means something more than " making a profession." We must make a " practice" of our Christianity as well as a " profession." Let us often think of that great day. Let us often "judge ourselves, that we be not judged," and condemned by the Lord. Whatever else we are, let us aim at being real, true, and sincere.